Ryan Adams, July 14, Paramount Theater. I must.
I have no problem doing most things alone--going to movies, out for dinner, moving to strange towns, etc.--but I find that solo concert attendance is a toughy for me. Kind of the last frontier. I've been to two: Pete Yorn and Ryan Adams. (Pete Yorn's first record--I feel the need to specify that.) You might think that going to a show alone would be easier than the rest, because music is essentially a personal thing, and it's not like you can talk to someone the whole time anyway. But music is also a shared experience, and that's the whole point of going to a concert (and also why I hate serenades, but that's a story for another day): turning to someone between songs and saying "I can't believe he played this one live!" and speculating what might song might be next. Because I mostly think, if you can't share it (et voila: this blog), it isn't real.
Ryan Adams's music makes me feel like there is always someone lonelier than me. There is strange comfort in that. His music makes me want to get in a bar fight and then make out with a stranger. It makes me want to be a farmer that has lost everything. It makes me want to move to New York and sit on a rooftop and think about my regrets. It makes me want to dance on a dance floor with lighting just like that one barn dance scene in Hope Floats. You know the one; don't pretend.
And I defy you to name a better song than "Come Pick Me Up." And he did play it the last time I saw him. And it was outstanding.
Somehow this is turning into a thesis on why Ryan Adams is worth going to alone. Eh, let's go with it. He is, I think, even though he can be a bit precious and somewhat diva-esque. I don't want to go by myself, really, but I don't know anyone who even kinda likes him, let alone Loves (with a capital L) him like I do (shamelessly, but not fanatically). Who wouldn't laugh if I teared up. Who would feel the same way I would if he played "Dance All Night" or "Sweet Carolina." But I won't not go for that reason, either.
The key is to look like you're just waiting for someone else to show. Maybe they are late. Maybe they can't find parking. Don't worry; they'll be there.
Any minute now.
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2 comments:
i think for me the key is to look like i don't care and that i'm not expecting anyone to show. i went to the freaking toadies show alone and that was a tough one. i just steeled myself and decided on openly and unapologetically people-watching. and i'm glad i did.
ryan adams is one of those people that i really intend to listen to one day, but just haven't gotten around to. someday.
Dude seriously, how can you do this online diary thing? and how can anyone love ryan adams that much? he's blase` (that's blah-zay but i can't speel french in this app).
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