Some Good Folk(s)

Last week was a week for good music. On Tuesday we saw The Head and the Heart play at Wow Hall and then just a couple days later we saw Ryan Adams at the Shedd. I've been listening to the former for only a few months, but I really fell in love with their self-titled album and so Michael had to hear it a lot. We invited our new friends, who also like folksy rock. As much as I loved the album, the show was just ok. And if you haven't listened to them at all, I would encourage you to do so even though I don't have great things to say about their live show... or their lead singer (who is kind of a weinus).

Thursday was Ryan Adams day. When Michael and I talked for the first time (EVER!) we were sitting next to each other at the Derby Bar discussing the Gold album. The music of Ryan Adams appeared on all the mixes we made for each other (I know, right). We danced to "When the Stars Go Blue" at our wedding. So, you see? We love Ryan Adams! But the show sold out fast and we didn't get tickets. He hasn't toured in a couple years and he's only playing a dozen or shows along the West Coast, so we were really feeling the loss. But! Craigslist is the shit! We found two balcony seat tickets being sold at a very decent price. I called and it was like the guy was looking for a good home for his puppy. He wanted someone enthusiastic about Adams and wasn't looking to swindle. We ARE enthusiastic and weren't looking to BE swindled! So that was that! We went to the concert for dirt cheap. Here are the faces we made most of that night:

And man o man, Ryan Adams does not disappoint. He played an acoustic show without a band and it was magical. He opened with "O My Sweet Carolina" and then moved into a lot of his new stuff from Ashes & Fire, which is a great album as far as I can tell. And Ryan Adams the dude is kind, weird, and really really funny. We took a not so great picture of him:

After the show Michael and I walked home with the happiest, silliest grins. We talked the entire way about how wonderful the show was. Three hours of Ryan playing song after wonderful song on guitar, harmonica, or piano. It was the best concert either of us have been to. And it was a stark juxtaposition to the show we saw earlier that week. What a songwriter. What a voice. For you fans, you must go see him. His voice is better live than on album. For reals.

Ok friends! Go listen to some good music and feel happy. It's fall!

Love from Eugene,
Katie and Michael