An Evening Under the Stars with Ryan Adams and The Cardinals

The stage brought forth a plethora of mixed emotions, seasons, time periods, and images: Christmas, Halloween, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, polka dotted platform boots and the 70s. Very little banter was present, but when time allowed Ryan let everyone know a guy named Robbie (the stage guy) ripped the most amazing fart in the middle of a song. Ryan said Robbie was gassy (yes, if you drop the g it spells assy) from cabbage and he knew it even before Rob shared that info. It was funny and if you aren’t laughing then I guess this is one of those moments where you had to be there. Rock and fucking roll kept the attention of the audience. A number of songs were given that twangy country feel while others boosted into high gear with additional distortion, jam sessions, guitar switches, and appealing intros.

Things have noticeably changed since last July when Ryan and The Cardinals played back to back shows at the Tabernacle. For starters, I was in a theater with restrictions which meant fewer evidently belligerent drunks and druggies, but more leg room…and arm rests. I didn't feel like I had to run to the stage because we had assigned seats and everyones ass had to be planted in their chair or they would be quickly ridiculed by blinded fans. The Fox is laced with gold moldings, stadium seating, and a ceiling painted to resemble a night under the stars. I will admit…I was skeptical of The Fox as a venue, but much to my dismay, I was comfortable, smoke free, and felt safer than ever.

There was no opener for Ryan and The Cardinals it would have been totally unnecessary if they had one...Ryan Adams and The Cardinals are "The Cardinals" because it didn't feel like Ryan was the main focus...it was all about the band, not just a single member. Ryan would step back into the darkness of the stage along with Brad Pemberton (drums), Neal Casal (guitar), Jon Graboff (lap steel guitar), and Chris Feinstein (bass) who would all do the same to signify that all the members of the band were integral components. If you hadn’t already noticed, I love harmony and “The Cardinals” show oozed with blistering rock goodness and of course five part harmonies. Some of the best songs would pause momentarily just so everyone in the band could come together as one to wow the crowd with its vocal synchronization. Dear John, Easy Plateau, Shakedown on 9th Street, I See Monsters, Off Broadway, Peaceful Valley, and Goodnite Rose (not excluding any of the others) were the best I've ever heard. I found myself with my jaw dropped. The set list had a very Cold Roses feel but songs spanned through various genres that compile the bands catalog. Demolition, Gold, Love is Hell, and others were hand picked and rearranged worthy of Cardinal goodness. The sound was on point and the mix was suburb. I loved the intimate setting and everything was quite splendid. Defiantly a memorable evening.

My only gripe of the show were the fans. Yes, The Cardinals didn't encore but who cares the show was great and totally undeserving of being booed (I don't care how short of a boo). The Cardinals had people sitting on the edge of their seats as they waited for the next jam, verse, or chorus. The booing was not cool. People were upset because the show was over. They played for over two hours and never hit a sour note. Not to mention, the Cardinals are on a three night run from SC to GA and tonight in AL.
photo credit

Set 1
Goodnite Rose
Please Do Not Let Me Go
Peaceful Valley
Dear Chicago
Dear John
Cold Roses
Bartering Lines
Rescue Blues
Wildflowers
Shakedown On 9th Street
Off Broadway
What Sin
I See Monsters (was played somewhere in the first set)

Set 2
Two (w/ Ryan on acoustic)
Everybody Knows
Let It Ride
Beautiful Sorta
Games->
Easy Plateau

..........................................................................................................................................................................
I don't know if this set list is right, but I have two links with different songs:
Ryan Adams Archive > Ryan Discussion & Archive Info > Live/Tour Info
Access Atlanta/AJC set list photo
..........................................................................................................................................................................

Beautiful Sorta



These Girls (repost)

I would have flipped a shit if they played this version.
One of the best rock performances of all time.


Wonderwall, 2006 @ The Tabernacle
..........................................................................................................................................................................

Quotes

Ryan: I had 19 chocolate doughnuts last night and I'm still wasted.

Jon from the "Joke of the Evening": My old man is so dumb he got fired from his job for stealing pens.

Neal and Chris (Commenting on Jon who took a bow after his joke): Holy Shit, look at Jon he never does that...he's the man, first time ever!

Big Thanks to Negin for the text and good luck with everything. I love you buddy! She was my date for the evening not to mention she wined and dined me. I'll remember this when I pick out your gift for your birthday. The night would not have been the same without her...she's my WINGWOMAN. Thank you Negs.

Look out for the new Follow The Lights EP that drops October 23.

EP Track Listing
1. Follow The Lights (new song)
2. My Love For You Is Real (new song)
3. Blue Hotel (first official release, recorded live in studio)
4. Dear John (live in studio)
5. This Is It (Cardinals version, live in studio)
6. Down In A Hole (Alice In Chains cover, live in studio)
7. If I Am A Stranger (live in studio)

Oh... I love me some RyRy.