antiMusic.com: Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - Follow the Lights EP Review

Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - Follow the Lights EP Review
by Gary Schwind

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This EP begins with the title track, which features an airy, dreamy quality with mellow vocals and strong harmonies. In this tune, Adams almost seems to be lamenting when he sings "There was never anywhere to go but home."

"I couldn't see the future. I like the past too much" Adams sings in "Blue Hotel." With the lonely sound of the pedal steel, this song is a pretty powerful homage to the Bakersfield sound.

The pained feel of this EP continues as they put their spin to "Down in a Hole." I personally think this song sounds better than the original. Adams's understated delivery really brings out the emotion of the lyrics.

The EP closes with a song co-written by Ryan Adams and Norah Jones. Jones actually doesn't appear on this version of the song, but it's easy to hear how the piano might have been influenced by her.

This is a solid EP that is more powerful because of the subtle delivery of both the melodies and the vocals. It seems that the band is going for a "less is more" philosophy in these seven songs, and I'd have to say they pull it off pretty well. I sure wouldn't mind if the band gave us more, but all seven songs are very well done.

CD Info and Links

Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - Follow the Lights EP
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