Ryan Adams Ain't No Dylan

I’m too old for this shit, or that’s what I was thinking tonight watching Ryan Adams play at the Hampton Casino. It’s not that 99% of the crowd was younger than me, although they were, but it was the artist himself. Adams is a very talented man, and his band, The Cardinals, can really cook. But he’s stuck in a time warp. His best stuff appears to be behind him. And, I’d like to say, not for lack of trying. But that’s exactly the point. It is. He’s not trying to advance his craft. He’s enjoying his abilities and just having fun. But what’s wrong with that? I can’t answer that now, but I know if I could, it would be life-transforming. Meanwhile, he did do a great job on “Come Pick Me Up” and “Oh My Sweet Carolina.” Even without Emmylou on the latter.