Justin Avery reviews

When hes not breaking hearts, burning bridges, or hanging out with new mate Elton John, Ryan Adams still manages to be one of the most prolific, and sometimes most talented, songwriters going around.

The bakers dozen of tracks that make up this demo album were culled from what was originally planned to be a 4- cd boxed-set of unreleased stuff recorded over five sessions. It seems Adams does understand concepts like kindness and mercy. More pop than country, much of this material continues on the long road away from his stunning solo debut, Heartbreaker, into territory more akin to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp. Cry on Demand has just the right touch, while Tennessee Sucks should see Adams continue to get on the wrong side of at least one group of people.

This is an ‘unofficial’ album for die-hard fans. Watch this space for the ‘official’ one coming soon.

Justin Avery is from Readings Carlton