With the work ethic that is his own, singer / songwriter Ryan Adams delivers his third album with 29 in 2005, one of which (Cold Roses) was even a double album. Adams seems to take pride in playing as much music as possible, leaving the selection process to the listener. And that's the frustrating thing about his working method. Few people will be able to afford to purchase all of Adams' output,
… but where do you start? Maybe at 29 because with nine songs this CD is easy to handle. Instead of his regular band The Cardinals, this time he mainly worked with his producer and multi-instrumentalist Ethan Johns. The opening track, the title track recorded in the style of the first rockabilly records, is followed by eight melancholic, passionately sung songs with often only sparse accompaniment. 29 occasionally gives you an uncomfortable feeling, as if a stranger is whispering the most intimate outpourings in your ear. Those who are not put off by that will hear a talented singer / songwriter who is in excellent shape. (MS)more
