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Ryan Adams And The Cardinals, Fox Theatre, 10/15/07

by Allison Carter
10/15/2007

The Fox Theatre is an outstanding place to see a concert. The ceiling, really a sky inside, is filled with stars and images of castles line the walls. Add to that a behemoth disco ball, mesmerizing starry background and a Ryan Adams and the Cardinals show, then you've got a smashing evening on your hands.

Driving to Atlanta from Athens, the nothingness of 316 only built anticipation. After abstaining from his music for a day or two (which is the best thing to do before a concert) I was ready for his voice again. But I still had a little bit of waiting to do.

While I was waiting for the show to begin I met a fellow named Alan, who was nice enough, and then a couple who had known Adams since he was 16. They told me how passionate Adams is about his music and that it surfaces in his concerts.

How could I wait any longer? As soon as that thought entered my head, Adams and the Cardinals took the stage. The Fox Theatre was filled to capacity, and every voice cheered with the first sounds of "Goodnight Rose." Before this song was complete parts of the audience were standing up in approval.

"Peaceful Valley" was nearly my favorite performance of the evening. The song is about struggle, something to which anyone who strives to do the right thing can relate. Adams and the Cardinals gave it an old time Gospel feel, each adding a layer of harmony as the song came to fruition. First Adams was lit up in the spot light, then the three singers of the Cardinals were separately lit, giving the moment a visual and auditory aesthetic that I will not forget.

My second visit to the Fox, just like my first, brought me to the verge of tears. "Dear John" was the most beautiful song of the night. The fact that Adams sang it without Norah Jones did not detract from the moment. Before tonight I never realized how lonely a concert could make you feel. The trick is to fill the audience with emotion, and it doesn't always have to be joy.

The notable upbeat song of the night was "Shakedown on 9th Street." Red lights and a finally energetic crowd created the rockin' atmosphere so many audience members wanted. I even felt comfortable doing the special dance I have invented for the song, mostly because I was sure no one was watching.

Adams seemed in a particularly good mood during the show, cracking more than a few jokes. After he played a song requiring the piano he noted that another band member had graciously left an obviously cabbage-induced fart at the piano. Then he took a stab at Maroon 5. In case anyone wants to break into Maroon 5's house Adams assured us that the valuables will be in the closet. And there will be a lot of vests.

My neighbor at the concert pointed out that Adams was wearing some hot leopard print platforms. Not to mention his garbled up speaking. Based on the noises he was making I think he has spent too long on his own website.

As far as the playlist is concerned, I could not have asked for more. Well, maybe there could have been a harmonica song stuck in there. The harmonica is a Ryan Adams signature.

Though it was a full show for me, they left the crowd wanting. After lulling us into relaxation with "Easy Plateau," they sprung the end of the show on us! More than half the building wanted more because they cheered for at least 10 minutes, to no avail. Ryan and the Cardinals had packed up and gone home.

When the crowd realized their cheers weren't being heeded, they suddenly began to boo. This is a strange crowd affectation, become more and more common. Audiences have come to expect the common dance: end of show, begging, reward with a few more songs. It is almost as if it doesn't matter how long or well the band played during their set - if they don't play an extra song at the end, the crowd feels cheated.

But Ryan Adams and the Cardinals were not running a confidence game. The audience wasn't short-changed, robbed, swindled, duped, or anything else. They just wanted more of a precious commodity, the joy of hearing performers share part of themselves. And the performers have to save a little for tomorrow.

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