Heave Media

Cardinals: No Jive Turkeys Here, These Birds Can Fly

Ryan Adams Returns; Revived

Ryan Adams

Cardinology

Released on Oct 28, 2008

The new album from Ryan Adams and crew is a purely unique vision. Cardinology is an abstract concept dreamt up by a young boy and drawn out by an old man, carefully transformed into a tangible recording. Adams' blog (now the cyberhome of the Cardinals: http://www.cave.cardinalology.com) maps this out well. Following his entries, it is obvious that Adams has made a complete turnaround; going from the reckless, drug/alcohol induced rocker he once was, to the docile, blog-fiend/musician/author. Perhaps the typical rehab rocker story, but somehow Adams has managed to come out on top, fresher than ever.

The album’s sound borrows from nearly every previous Adams solo effort as well as the Cardinals collective work, while maintaining autonomy. "Cobwebs" sticks out as an example of a song with the characteristics of both “Love is Hell” and “Easy Tiger,” while carrying the distinct beat of an arena rock band. The album feels like a thrift store gem you'd pay five times as much for at the Gap. Cardinology is rock and roll to the core with hints of country, folk, melodrama, and even some pop. One disappointment is that, much like sans Cardinals work, the album loses its touch towards the end with tracks like "Evergreen" and "Stop," that fail to entertain at first, requiring some digestion.

To categorize this album or the Cardinals themselves, is nearly impossible. Fresher than a dozen cold roses, Cardinology is a look into the eyes of a newly sober, seasoned artist, with his emotions in-tune with his audience. Adams turns raw thought into musical spectacle within these twelve tracks. He directs his band well and they compliment him equally so.

Prior to release, the album was setup as a "Cardinals" recording, in which each member shared an equal part in production. While every bandmate has his part, Cardinology is a Ryan Adams record through and through. There is something special about a man who has been to hell and back and can still put out work like this. With remnants of Dylan, Nelson, and the addition of four extremely talented artists, Adams and the Cardinals have discovered a sub-genre previously uncharted.

Cardinology is the much-anticipated album we thought we might never see out of Adams again. We'll have to wait and see if Infinity Blues, Adams' book of poetry, can impress us early next year. Until then, look for the Cardinals to return to the states, touring with Oasis in early December.

Posted by Ryan Brokamp on Oct 28, 2008 @ 4:00 pm