Cold Roses: Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

When you're walking downtown, do you wish I was there?
Do you wish it was me?
With the windows clear and the mannequins eyes,
Do they all look like mine?

So sang Ryan Adams last night in Austin. If you happen to be a girl living in New Hampshire you might have even heard those lyrics on your voicemail this morning. It was the Tale of Two Cities: the first set being newer, more alternative country driven, and the second set a return to accoustic roots and wailing harmonica (during which I somehow ended up about 3 feet from the stage). Towards the end, Ryan explains a special guest will be joining the band on stage. Out walks PHIL LESH!!! I struggled to catch my breath as the legendary Grateful Dead bassist accompanied Ryan for two Dead songs. No encore. It wasn't needed.

There's been some musical discussion lately (which I usually leave up to Wheatspot) about who's good and who sucks. I really don't care what people listen to--the role of the critic is a role I will never understand.

The value of music is found in the pathos of the art; nothing else really matters when you hear that single note that explains everything you're feeling, and everything gently fades when a lyric wraps itself around you, tracing through every fiber of your body, holding you together.