Prolific Ryan

This isn't a new concept, but conversation seems to rise about it with every new album Ryan Adams releases (there's a cover story in Paste this month): How much freaking music can this guy put out? I guess the answer is "as much as he wants." The better question is: How much should this guy put out?

Sure, Creedence and the Beatles used to jam out two albums a year back in the 60s, but the discs were only 35 or so minutes long. Ryan Adams put out three albums (!) in 2005. And now he is following a full-length release with an EP of (mostly) covers of his old tunes.

I cannot figure out the economic model for this. And let's be honest: not all of these discs really had to see the light of day. As of this writing, for example, I have yet to spin "29" more than 1.5 times. I see no reason to load up "Rock N Roll" more than once in a blue moon. Now that the hype surrounding it has dissipated, "Gold" is a mixed bag.

On the other hand, he polishes up a gem once in a while. "Heartbreaker" has some great songs on it. "Cold Roses" is emiently listenable (and proves that there is still an audience for the Grateful Dead). And "Jacksonville City Nights" has more depth to it than one might think. I'm usually willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. As long as he understands it's going to be a long while before I get around to fully digesting "Love is Hell."