I'm not sure if there's any musician who I genuinely hate, but, if there is, it's entirely possible that it's Ryan Adams. He piqued my interest with his debut album, Heartbreaker, and has disappointed ever since, with his pretentious affectations and lazy songwriting and stupid gimmicks, not to mention the worst, most infuriating concert I've ever attended.

So it almost pains me to say this, but his new album, called Cardinology, is actually good. Quite good, in fact. Better than an album called Cardinology deserves to be, and a heck of a lot better than anything he's done since Heartbreaker. For the first time, it doesn't sound like he's trying to ape a particular sound; country-rock, arena rock, heartland roots rock, and mopey Deadhead rock coexist in perfect harmony, and it actually sounds like Adams is synthesizing his influences rather than just copying them. And his songwriting is markedly improved-- these songs are short, to the point, big on melody and emotion, heartfelt and, sometimes, cheerfully humorous.

I'm very surprised, but pleasantly so. This one's a keeper. If all of his albums were this good, I wouldn't mind him releasing three per year.

There's Jon Graboff in the band. I think he played on some previous Ryan Adams albums, too (?). I really enjoyed his guitar and mandolin parts on the records of Laura Cantrell and Amy Rigby.

But I won't buy Cardinology for that matter, since Ryan Adams and Neal Casal don't do much to me.

I'm actually a pretty big fan, and I've followed him for a while. I love both Heartbreaker and Gold, and I've enjoyed most of the albums that I have dutifully bought since (even the much reviled Rock N Roll has a soft spot in my heart), with a few exceptions.

So I'm pretty happy that Cardinology is good, even from a non-fanboy standpoint.

I'm always torn with this guy. On one hand, I totally agree with Josh that Ryan Adams the Massively Overrated Dude is a massive pain in the ass-- the kind pompous poseur I'd have no qualms about throttling with a good short, sharp, shock. His albums too, even the oft-revered Heartbreaker, are mostly spotty affairs in my estimation. That said, he always delivers at least three or four really good songs per album and his last one, Easy Tiger, was his first album in years I actually connected with. I think i'll avoid reading any interviews with The Dude between now and the time i hear the new one. My guess is, if i can follow this thru, i might actually enjoy the album.

Apparently, he's clean and sober now, so maybe the interviews (and concert appearances) will be less erratic and jerky?

Josh, How'd you get it already? Just got an email today saying that promos still aren't out yet.

Are you talking to Lost Highway or Nasty Little Man?

Stereogum evaluates prematurely, and I mostly agree with them.

Stereogum said there's nothing "mindblowing" about these tunes and I would have to agree. But does anyone ever listen to Ryan Adams expecting to have their mind blown? I mean, c'mon, on his best days he's just a semi-compelling singer/ songwriter with meandering alt-country vibe... He is what he is. Kinda like spaghetti on Wednesday nights.

With that out of the way, let me say I like this album better than Easy Tiger which I solidly enjoyed. I need some more time with it, but my first impression is that it's one of his best works.

It's streaming here if anyone wants to take a whiff. Oh yeah, Watch out for Bono-lite on Cobwebs!

Thanks for the link! Three tracks in and I'm fairly impressed. I've never been a huge Adams fan, just liking a few tracks off of scattered albums. This is solid so far, though!

My review.

The weekend is always a great time for hanging low and listening to music.

So with a scotch in hand, what has compelled me to hit "play" over and over since Friday? The new Deerhoof? TV on the Radio? No sir.

Ryan Adams all weekend. And for that reason alone, it is one of my favorite releases this year. I'm actually very surprised.

Another near-rave review.

No Depression is fair and balanced.

Pitchfork's inevitable beat-down.