9.

Ryan Adams
Heartbreaker
(Bloodshot, 2000)

For some reason, at the very least when set amongst the album in my top 20, this album feels the most out of place. It is definitely the most emo album to make the list for sure and, in addition, it’s pretty straight forward country/Americana. Nope, no experimentation here. But there is just something about the emotional heft inhabiting the songs on Heartbreaker that accomplish exactly what the title suggests. The saddest album I’ve probably ever heard and an unfortunate fuel to my adolescent high school depressions. Now that I think of it, I probably wouldn't have been depressed at all if it wasn't for this album. Still, the album is perfect from front to back and one of the most beautiful records that I have ever heard.

-Thistle

This Weeks Shows!

I am going to be brief but there are some really good shows this week if you are able to catch them.

For those who aren't put off by him yet, Ryan Adams is sure to bring his swagger to his show Tuesday, July 31st at Red Butte. Don't really know where you can get information on this one but it may be worth searching out.

Blitzen Trapper is bringing their brand of schizo-americana to Kilby Court on either Wednesday, August 1st (on Pollstar and the band's Myspace) or Friday, August 3rd (on 24tix and Kilby Court's website). Try both nights, it will be worth your efforts.
As for free shows, Peter, Bjorn and John along with Apostle of Hustle will be part of the Twilight Concert Series at Gallivan Center on Thusday, August 2nd.

Lastly, local alt-country band Atherton are having a CD release show along side Paul Jacobsen at the U of U on Friday, August 3rd.

(sorry for the formatting, working from Safari today...[Firefox to the rescue])