This week Matthew Ryan previewed an early single off his forthcoming LP (no release date yet). The track is called "An Anthem for the Broken" and it comes out this Feb. 26th with the proceeds benefitting his good friend John Anderson who is in the last stages of a long battle with ALS.
Watch and listen below and visit Matthewryanonline for more info on the single or to read about Jon's story.
Showing posts with label Matthew Ryan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matthew Ryan. Show all posts
Friday, February 21, 2014
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Matthew Ryan- "And So it Goes"
Gve it a try below and stream the new work over on his bandcamp page HERE.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Matthew Ryan-"She's a Sparrow"
Ryan just released a brand new single titled, "She's a Sparrow" off his forthcoming album In The Dusk of Everything and it doesn't disappoint. The new album is self released & it comes out October 30th. Find out how to get it here, and be sure to listen & read along below.
She's A Sparrow
I'm leaving here
different then when i came
things can't be
what they were once they've changed
but let's go down to the mercy
let's play all the songs we loved
let's relive all that was beautiful
as if beauty was enough
i can still hear the laughter
over late nights in the flood
of a roar that broke a bright and brilliant heart
is it just too late or can't we even start.. again?
we settled down
time and disappointments took their toll
until we both stopped trying
and the summer turned to snow
now the sky is full of airplanes
no you can't make a wish
but you could throw your arms around me
like you did before all this
I'm sorry that i hurt you
i was lost and turning cruel
but i swear none of that darkness my love
was meant for you
she's a sparrow
and i'm a street
she's a sparrow
and i'm a street
she's a sparrow
and i'm a street
and i'll watch her float away
from me
Produced by David Ricketts & Matthew Ryan
http://www.matthewryanonline.com
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Burn The Bowery's: 'Favorite Albums of 2011'
So it's that time of year again, LISTS! Where we get to look back and reflect on the music that excited us over the last 12 months.So I'm going about things a little different this year, I had a clear cut favorite album, the one I definitely listened to the most, but the rest I'm going to just list in alphabetical order. Maybe it's a cop out, but to me there really isn't much of a difference between let's say my number 4 and number 15, or number 7 and number 19, it all depends on mood, place and time really, right? At least that's what I'm sticking to. So without further rambling here's my favorite 20 albums of 2011.
Thanks always for stopping by and Happy New Year to everyone!!
1) We Are Augustines- 'Rise Ye Sunken Ships'
Far and away my most played album of the year. For as heavy and gut wrenching as the subject matter (mental illness & the death of singer Billy McCarthys brother James) the album has an undeniable uplifting spirit and sense of hope. I look at it as a love letter of sorts to those we've lost. Favorite tracks include, "Headlong Into The Abyss" "New Drink for the Old Drunk" and the albums centerpiece, "Book of James."
Headlong Into The Abyss by We Are Augustines
Heres the best of the rest in alphabetical order:
One of my favorite finds this year. A magnificent folk/acoustic album, simple and intimate. Almost everyone I played this album for has fallen in love with it. Some of my favorites include, "Harlem" "Nassau" and the highlight of the LP for me, "Blue Buildings." Also stay tuned for a future 'Field Recordings' session we shot with Tim from the band to be posted real soon.
Aunt Martha- Blue Buildings by burnthebowery
Might not be a better straight up Rock n Roll band around right now. With a simple formula of whaling guitars, drums, and old fashioned catchy hooks, nobody's been as consistently good as these guys the last few years, and El Camino didn't disappoint. Favorites for me included, "Gold on the Ceiling" "Mind Eraser" and "Lonely Boy," which also might have nailed the best video of the year honors for me.
For their stunning track "New York" alone this Portland band deserves to be on this years list. The song was by far one of my favorite tracks of the year, and the bands second LP saw them not only expand band members but broaden their repertoire.
Favorites included, "Half Moon" "Keep You Right" and the aforementioned, "New York."
Bon Iver- Bon Iver
Hard to believe believe Justin Vernon lived up to the hype machine following his debut, For Emma, Forever Ago. Not only did he live up to the hype, he surpassed it with a phenomenal more intricate sophomore effort. Favorite tracks include, "Calgary" "Michicant" and "Holocene."
Calgary by boniver
Super talented young songwriter out of Belgium, lyrically and musically wise beyond his years. Fell in love with his debut in 2009 and his sophomore disc, Eleonore sees him expanding on his folk sounds. Already big in his homeland, I'm waiting for him to break overseas. For now a hidden treasure, favorite tracks include "Sleeping Miners" "Going Home" and "Some are Fearful."
The Bony King of Nowhere - Going Home by Rockoco
A solid a debut as any this year. This local NY band sounds like they have been playing together for years, as the album flows effortlessly from one song into the next. Irresistible hooks, versatile sounds, a must listen if you haven't heard it yet. Some of my favorites include, "Old Friends" "My Time" and the chilled out track, "Thankful."
Caveman - Thankful (2011) by EmergencyBroadcastSongs
Dan Mangan- Oh Fortune
An earnest and powerful voice out of Canada. This is Mangan's third album, but the first I really became familiar with. The discs opening track, "About as Helpful as You Can Be..." is a perfect intro to the LP with it's grand orchestration and slow building beat leading up to Mangan's raspy growl. Other favorites are "Post War Blues" "Oh Fortune" and "Rows of Houses"
Dan Mangan - Rows Of Houses by artsandcraftsmx
If I was forced to pick a number two album this year, on most days this debut from Irish singer/songwriter James Vincent McMorrow might have been it. The disc contains about half a dozen of my favorite songs of the year, including, "If I Had A Boat" '"This Old Dark Machine" "Down The Burning Ropes" and the simply beautiful, 'We Don't Eat."
05 We Don't Eat by jamesvmcmorrow
An underlooked sophomore effort, which sees the young 22 year old growing as a writer and singer. Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys produced both LP's, and this one sees a bit more in slickness and production. If you love folk & Americana type stuff Mayfields voice is one of the best around. Favorite tracks for me were, "Somewhere in Your Heart" "Tell Me" and "Our Hearts Were Wrong."
Our Hearts Are Wrong by Jessica Lea Mayfield
Is it possible to get better with each album if this is album number 13?? I've been a fan since way back and his lyrics, insight and sincerity never cease to amaze me. There might not be a better songwriter around that connects with the struggles of the everyman. Some of the discs favorites for me are, "The Sea" "All of that Means Nothing Now" and "The Spinning Room."
Other Lives- Tamer AnimalsFantastic debut from this Oklahoma 5 piece, that even caught the ear of Radiohead's Thom York, helping the band secure an opening slot on some tour dates. You can call it cinematic, orchestral, grand, with great harmonies, some favorite tracks include, "Landforms" "For 12" and the epic title track, "Tamer Animals."
Tamer Animals by Other Lives
Speaking of Radiohead, KOL is an album that consistently grew on me throughout the year. Was a little underwhelmed at first but with each listen I found more and more to like, and little intricacies to discover. Some of my favorites include, "Codex", "Lotus Flower" and "Morning Mr. Magpie"
Radiohead - Codex by mariocon
An impressive sophomore effort from this NJ band. Fun and jangly guitars, great melodies, takes you back to an endless Summer type mindset. Some of the best tracks for me include, "Green Aisles" "Younger Than Yesterday" and the super catchy single,"It's Real."
Real Estate - It's Real by DominoRecordCo
A real breakout album for the Canadian band. I loved '09's Hometowns and this one seems to serve as a perfect companion piece. The band plays with a passion and an energy, that bleeds through to their music. Some of my favorites were, "Under The Knife" "Tornado '87" and the manic and intense, "Stamp"
The Rural Alberta Advantage - Stamp by Mvidito
Another favorite out of Canada, the band recorded in a small town of 350 people, and the LP's mood takes on the desolate locale. An intimate disc, filled with quiet, gentle arrangements. Favorites included, "Where Does That Leave Me" "Fiery Death" and the great slow building anthem, "Twigs and Stones."
Twigs And Stones - SISKIYOU by Constellation Records
Former member of Seabear, this Icelandic singers innocent voice contrasted by her dark and intense lyrics create an undeniable mix. I love all the lo-tech arrangements throughout, the homemade clicks and clacks, the quirkiness and charm the record exudes. My favorites included, 'Smashed Birds" "The Sun is Going Down II" and "I'll Drown."
Sóley: I'll Drown by morrmusic
Greg Dulli is an all time favorite, from his days fronting the early 90's outfit the Afghan Whigs, to his latest. Everything he does is gold in my book, and his bands newest work doesn't disappoint. Dynamite Steps might have the closest resemblance to some of that old 'Whigs sound, with tracks, "On The Corner" and "Last Night In Town." Other favorites include, "Get Lucky" and the beautiful, "She Was Stolen."
She Was Stolen by Twilight Singers
I was a huge fan of their debut disc, 2008's Wagonwheel Blues, and the Philly band picks up right where they left off creating a killer wall of sound. Mixing elements of folk, rock and psychedelics frontman Adam Granduciel creates a sonic soundscape that would make Phil Spector proud. Some of my favorites from the disc include, "Brothers" "Come to the City" and the hyper track, "Baby Missiles."
The War On Drugs - Baby Missiles by The Line Of Best Fit
I'm always amazed when listening to this band that they are only a two piece. An album that can go from intimate, quiet and moody to loud and aggressive in a heartbeat. Some of the LP's favorites were,
"The Alter" "Hot as Day" and the explosive title track, "Civilian."
Wye Oak - Civilian by MergeRecords
LIKE Burn the Bowery on Facebook
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Matthew Ryan-'I Recall Standing As Though Nothing could Fall'
It's been a pleasure watching Matthew Ryan grow as an artist over the past 14 years. I've been on his bandwagon since back in '97 when his first LP, Mayday came out, and somewhere around 13 albums later I still find myself going back and listening to his work on a steady basis. If your into songwriting then he's your man, Ryan has always been adept at capturing a mood, a time, the heartache and struggles of the everyman.His new disc, I Recall Standing as Though Nothing Could Fall is out now via the DearFutureCollective, and shows Ryan take on a minimalist approach to the arrangements, letting his vocals, guitar, and splashes of electronics set the albums tone. It all suits it beautifully as you can hear from standout tracks like, "The Spinning Room" and "Summer in the South" which you can check out below.
Also if your in the NYC area this Nov. 16th & 17th Matthew will be taking part in a Replacements tribute at Bowery Electric which includes performers like Nicole Atkins, and Brian Fallon (Gaslight Anthem).
Visit matthewryanonline for all of his upcoming tour info and more.
Monday, March 8, 2010
new video:Matthew Ryan- "The World Is"
Ever since hearing the first chord on his first album back in 1997, I've been a huge fan of Matthew Ryan's music. As honest and inspiring a songwriter as there is out there, Ryan just released his latest CD, Dear Lover in stores last month, and also just put out a new video for the album track, "The World Is" directed by fine-art photographer Jack Spencer. Check him out on tour now (dates below).
Matthew Ryan on tour:
3/9 BOSTON, MA Club Passim
3/10 NEW YORK, NY The Living Room
3/11 PHILADELPHIA, PA The Tin Angel
3/12 ARLINGTON, VA The Iota Club & Café
3/13 RINGWOOD, NJ Drew's House Concerts
3/14 ASBURY PARK, NJ The Saint
3/16 ATLANTA, GA Eddie's Attic
4/12 ST LOUIS, MO Cicero's
4/14 DES MOINES, IA Vaudeville Mews
4/15 ROCHESTER, MN Rochester Civic Center
4/16 MINNEAPOLIS, MN Sauce
4/17 MADISON, WI The Project Lodge
4/18 CHICAGO, IL Schuba's
5/4 MEMPHIS, TN Memphis House Concerts
visit matthewryanonline.com/
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday in Words: Matthew Ryan-"The Wilderness"
If you haven't gotten familiar with longtime Nashville singer/songwriter Matthew Ryan over his first 11 albums, well frankly you've really missed out. But don't fret because Ryan just released his 12th studio album, Dear Lover, digitally last month, and he picks up right where he left off crafting intimate tunes that deftly capture the battles of love, loss and all that goes in between, just like he's been doing for the past 11 discs. The physical version of 'Dear Lover' will be available in-stores this Feb. 16, 2010 via CIMS/Junket Boy, or if you head on over to Blurt Online you can stream the album in it's entirety.
And definitely stay tuned in the next week or so for a new 'Field Recordings' session we shot with Matthew while he was recently in NYC.
Matthew Ryan- "The Wilderness"
Our hearts were broken
When we came here
There's really only one thing
That I want to dear
The wilderness
Comes creeping
& carves you a hollow
Are you ready for tomorrow?
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
I want the dream that we never had
I want the dream that we never had
Before the dark and the day go bad
I want the dream that we never had
Where all the fires
& cruel disease
& all that brings us to our knees
Dissolves, despairs, concludes, concedes
The future here now please
I want the dream that we never had
I want the dream that we never had
Before the dark and the day go bad
I want the dream that we never had
The wilderness
Comes creeping
& carves you a hollow
Are you ready for tomorrow?
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
I want the dream that we never had
I want the dream that we never had
Before the dark and the day go bad
I want the dream that we never had
Amazing grace is it too late?
Is it too late?
Is it too late?
Amazing grace is it too late?
Is it too late for me?
To save a wreck like me?
plus check out the new video for "City Life" below.
Official Matthew Ryan website.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
'Song of the Week': Matthew Ryan- "We Are Snowmen"
An old favorite of mine who never seems to disappoint me after all these years is Nashville artist, Matthew Ryan. Not to say that Ryan is old but he's been delivering great album after great album since back in '97, and I've been hooked on his music ever since. Today Ryan releases his 12th studio album, Dear Lover, which is available digitally, and it will be in-stores on Feb. 16, 2010 via CIMS/Junket Boy. The album features this standout, the passionate new track, "We Are Snowmen." Right now if you head on over to Blurt Online you can get an exclusive stream of Dear Lover. And stay tuned in the next week or so for a new 'Field Recordings' session we shot with Matthew while he was in NYC recently.
'We Are Snowmen'
.....The cathedrals and the banks
The stones we throw at tanks
The endless war of man vs himself
The traffic night and day
The things we try and say
The growing din of human wreckage....
For more info on Matthew Ryan
visit ormatthewryanonline.com
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
'Song of The Week' new Matthew Ryan- "The Wilderness"
One of the real underlooked and underappreciated singer/songwriters over the past 10 years or so, Matthew Ryan, has a new album coming out next month. The forthcoming album, Dear Lover, which I believe is his 12th LP in 12 years, will be available on October 27th, 2009 (digitally via iTunes, Amazon, Emusic, Limewire,etc) and physically on 2/16/10. Ryan just put out a sneak peek at 'Dear Lover', releasing a homemade video (with lyrics) for the new track, "The Wilderness." Here's some of what Matthew had to say about the new disc ... "I essentially made Dear Lover alone in my home studio. 90% of the music on this record was performed alone late at night onto my D16. This record is a bit like a mix between A Very Long Engagement, Cinema Paradiso and Raging Bull." ... "It just has something I don't think I've ever captured so purely before.
And really, that was my goal, to make the purest record I could... romantic and honest."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Matthew Ryan interview
One of the most prolific and often underlooked songwriters of his generation, Matthew Ryan, adeptly captures the heartbreak, struggles and triumphs of the everyman, like few can. With a catalogue of work that goes back to 1997, Ryan has put out 11 LP's in just under 12 years, ranging from some of his solo work, Mayday, From a Late Night Highrise, and his most current disc, Matthew Ryan vs. The Silver State, to the side project, Strays Don't Sleep. In between currently recording his next solo LP, Ryan unveiled an impromptu side project he's been working on The Dead Satellites, with Rami Jaffee and Greg Richling. The trio recently threw up a myspace page, where they have two new songs streaming, one of which is the protest song, "Shook Down." We had the opportunity recently to ask Matthew some questions about the new project and song, how his next solo album is shaping up, and his recent trip to Italy. Check it out below.
BTB- What can you tell us about your newest project, The Dead Satellites?
MR- It's hard to explain, we have no real goal other than to create outside of our own designs. It's a good thing cause it opens you up. Sometimes we create invisible borders within our own definitions of who we are and what we do. Creativity doesn't have to be gravity. The Dead Satellites are letting me explore some other characters.
BTB- The first song you guys posted, “Shook Down” is a bit of a protest song? Can you talk about it? And is the protest song a lost art form?
MR- Sadly, it seems that protest songs are viewed as passe, or even worse useless. I disagree. But I can't really guess what other people feel about them as an art form. In recent years there has been major efforts by some government interests to make artists with opinions seem goofy, misguided or sappy. But artists are citizens as well, we're humans that maybe see the world a little differently from others. I believe those of us that are for real have something important to offer the social/political dialogue. With Shook Down I wanted to imagine a growing coup. I believe the institutions that keep us educated, employed, healthy, hopeful and safe are important. They need to be re-imagined and re-designed to ensure equality of opportunity and welfare in a changed world. I suspect there is a culture of privilege for some of us, a culture where things that are complex to most, are simply available to a handful in contrast. We have to resist the development of a caste system. We already having an exploding service class that has virtually no upward mobility or rights. It's unforgivable. And selfishly, sooner or later it will head to a great ugliness. None of us want that. Corporations have got to value their employees, from the bottom up. I believe that the concept of companies to big to fail is wrong-headed because as is true in so many things, as something grows beyond reasonable management, the employees become less human in the management's eyes. It often becomes simply obsessed with the bottom line rather than what's the "right" thing to do. We have to remember and reconnect and re-intimate ourselves with the human dignity in all of us. So much of what I see right now, the things done to people's savings, retirement, future... Well, so much of it is bottom line driven crusades with no real respect for human dignity and hope.
BTB- How did you get hooked up with Greg Richling and Rami Jaffee?
MR- Greg reached out to me late last year. Originally it was gonna be kind of an "all star" cast of various artists that Greg and Rami knew and liked. Some more famous, some more underground. But I did my work on Shook Down and Greg got excited. We started to think maybe Dead Satellites could be a more streamlined collaboration.
BTB- Are there any thoughts of releasing an album at some point? or is it just posting some songs right now and seeing where it goes? How much material have you guys worked on?
MR- We're on a Kerouac trip. We don't really have a destination in mind. I don't know if we'll release an album. I don't know if we'll ever play a live show. We really have no expectations or needs from these songs. We just want to offer something to the ether that hopefully has meaning in people's lives. We just started working on our 3rd song.
BTB- I hear a lot of older people say that our generation and the younger generation of today are apathetic, that we don't take up social causes like they did? Do you think that's true after what just happened in the last election?
MR- I believe many in the younger generations are perplexed by our ability to divide and instigate trouble through personal views imposed on all. I believe that generations behind us take equality of opportunity and the beauty in diversity as understood rights. I don't think they're apathetic, I think they're confused and probably worried about what kind of mess we're gonna leave for them. That being said, I do feel a sense of entitlement from many of them that is troubling. Part of that is our own fault. These generations have been bombed like Baghdad with such thorough marketing from the time their vision sharpened. It's unprecedented, and I don't know what the repercussions of that will be. We should be ashamed of ourselves as far as I'm concerned. We should know the difference between want and need.
BTB- Switching gears a bit. You've released 11 albums in 11 years, it seems like you must always be writing? Can you take us through your song writing process? How does that work for you?
MR- I write when I need to. I don't think much about the process. I'm just glad when it happens.
BTB- What would you say is the greatest thing you've learned between the first album up until now?
MR- Only listen to your gut.
BTB- Would you have done anything differently, looking back?
MR- I would've listened to my gut sooner.
BTB- Do musicians now have it easier or much harder, with the way the industry/business is now?
MR- It's what it is. You either do it because you have to or you don't do it. You always had to have an almost delusional sense of faith to be an artist. We're dependent on invisible houses. People still value it, we're gonna be alright.
BTB- You wrapped up a tour across Italy recently, what was that like for you?
MR- It was absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to go back. Italians are wonderful people. Great lovers of music and amazing architects.
BTB- You've been known to be a bit of a movie critic on your myspace blogs, last movie you rented? And how was it?
MR- Nixon. I loved it. Much better than I expected. Really great. It's kind of like Britney Spears saved the world.
BTB- Lastly, your working on your next solo LP, what can you tell us about it so far? How far along in the process? And any tentative release date?
MR- I'm still writing. This record is the beginning of a new air for me. I can feel that kind of change coming. Like the difference between summer and autumn. The songs are pure. I've been recording at home, I'm getting better at engineering, so I may just keep doing it this way. I don't have a label right now (don't know if I need one), so, a release date is impossible to say. I don't even know how I'll release it. I may just drop it from a helicopter like candy for kids in a war zone.... In reality, I love the physical tradition of music. I don't like just being a tab on iTunes. I want to be held and considered beyond a moment of judgement. I don't know, I still want to reach people. That's the tough thing today, the flood is so massive, all the info, all the entertainment, all the "please love me" out there. You can't even see the rooftops some days. I want to be a rooftop.
Matthew Ryan on myspace.
The Dead Satellites on myspace.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Dead Satellites update (download free track)
Just the other day we were telling you about the new Matthew Ryan side project called the Dead Satellites, that sees him collaborating with producer and members of The Wallflowers, Greg Richling, and Rami Jaffee. Well, some more info on the new project is trickling in, including the band adding a second song over on their myspace page titled, "If I Wanted You I Could Have You." The trio is also offering a free download of the previous track we had spoke of, "Shook Down" if you go here "http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/31/widgetPlayerMicro.swf?emailPlaylist=artist_405799&backgroundcolor=1D1A1A&font_color=F61607&posted_by=artist_405799&shuffle=&autoPlay=false or by just downloading it over on their myspace. Ryan, who has never been one to shy away from tackling a social issue, says this of "Shook Down", ..."It's a song about the economic narcissism of the insiders that lead to our current financial crisis," ... "The song is essentially calling for a coup, or at the very least, accountability." He later goes on to add ... "On a personal note, I've watched my Dad go from a fairly comfortable retirement, to a stressed malaise, It pisses me off. He worked 35 years, saved every penny, invested what he earned, and is now feeling took."
In addition to the new project, Ryan is also currently working on his next solo LP, the follow up to 2008's Matthew Ryan vs The Silver State.
Dead Satellites myspace.
Matthew Ryan myspace.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
new Matthew Ryan side project? ..The Dead Satellites
An old favorite of mine and one I've been following closely since back in 1997, is singer/songwriter Matthew Ryan. Whether it was his first album Mayday from '97, side project Strays Don't Sleep, or his latest disc, Matthew Ryan vs The Silver State in '08, Ryan always seems to deliver. So i definitely took notice when Ryan recently posted a quick note over on his myspace, that there was a new project he has been working on called The Dead Satellites. Unfortunately there isn't too much other info available on the project, other than there being a new song up called "Shook Down" over on their myspace page, which sounds real promising for what's to come, whatever that may be? We'll keep you posted as more info comes in.You can get familiar with some of Matthew's body of work below.
The Dead Satellites on myspace.
Matthew Ryan on myspace.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Kate York- new album out now
Singer/songwriter Kate York first came to our attention back in '06 when she did a duet w/longtime BTB favorite Matthew Ryan on the track "Wished For Song" off of her debut disc, Sadlylove. Having recently re-located from the Nashville music scene to up north in Fairfield, Connecticut, the sweet voiced York has released her sophomore disc, For You which features more of her hushed acoustic melodies. The new LP is currently only available for purchase through her myspace page, with a digital release scheduled for sometime in December.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Matthew Ryan Live @ The Living Room, NYC
One of the best songwriters to come around over the past 10 years is Nashville's Matthew Ryan. Nobody may be more adept at capturing the struggles and feel of the everyman than Ryan, who has flexed his writing prowess with 11 releases in 11 years. We caught Matthew's show the other night at the Living Room in NYC, where he appeared for a stripped down acoustic set. The low key intimate setting of the small room combined with the fact that it was just Ryan on an acoustic guitar accompanied by Molly Thomas on violin and keys, made it easy to soak in the depth and emotion of Ryan's powerful lyrics.Drawing on his vast catalogue of songs, Ryan mixed the set with old favorites like "Beautiful Fool" from his first release Mayday back in 97', "Me And My Lover" from East Autumn Grin, and even "Cars And History" from his side project, Strays Don't Sleep. Heavier tracks like "American Dirt" off the new album took on new life in the acoustic environment, while current single "Some Streets Lead Nowhere"(to stream click here) which segued into "Caged Bird" seemed tailor made for the room. Other highlights included the standout track "Everybody Always Leaves" and the Pogues cover "Rainy Night in Soho". Sticking with the intimate vibe of the evening, Ryan closed out the set by wandering into the crowd and taking requests, which included a goose bump raising version of one of Ryan's finest new tracks "It Could've Been Worse" off the new album.
To get a taste of Ryan's songwriting you can check out the new album Matthew Ryan vs. The Silver State which is available on 2minutes59 in the US and One Little Indian in the UK, or visit his myspace below.
Matthew Ryan on myspace.
Story contributed by Jean-Paul Paraskevas
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Matthew Ryan- new single "Some Streets Lead Nowhere"
Matthew Ryan is a talented songwriter that has drawn comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits and Bob Dylan. We've been following the career of Ryan for what has been over 10 years now, since back when his first album Mayday came out back in 97'. In April Ryan released his 11th album in 11 years, the riveting Matthew Ryan VS. The Silver State . A song not included in those sessions is "Some Streets Lead Nowhere", which Ryan just released as a new single. "Some Streets Lead Nowhere", originally appeared on his myspace a few months back as an instrumental demo. Lyrics were later added and the track was chosen to be featured on a recent episode of One Tree Hill, which also saw Ryan scoring the entire episode. The track is available for purchase on iTunes, and you can preview it below.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Matthew Ryan- New album MRVSS
As singer/song writers go there may not be a better and more consistent guy out there over the last 11 years than Matthew Ryan. I first got turned onto Matthew's work back in 97' when i heard his song "Guilty" off of his (Mayday) album. Where some of Matthew's peers have let me down or veered off course over the years, Ryan it seems is getting better with age. It's not that Matthew hasn't taken his chances or evolved musically. His last album (From a Late Night Highrise)was probably his biggest leap away from his musical core. The album was much more ambient and electronic, but maybe his most personal, and in my opinion was his finest work to date.
Matthew is now out with his 11th album in as many years (Matthew Ryan vs. The Silver State). The album was recorded in Ryan's garage in the summer 06' and for the most part recorded live, giving it that raw edge. It's stated in the album notes that that they wanted to make a pure rock n roll record, and there's definitely more pure rock moments then on previous releases. "Killing the Ghost" & "Hold on Firefly" help set the heavier vibe, on "Killing the Ghost" Ryan sings "...I will carve you from my life. Couldn't care less, it feels alright".
Ryan is a pure storyteller, who wears his heart on his sleave and is at his best when capturing the mood & struggles of the everyman. It's the fragility of youth in "It Could've Been Worse", which is one of the standout tracks on the album, "... You promised her everything, not knowing what everything was" & "...Her blonde hair was the setting sun, her mascara was born to run". The angst & worry on "American Dirt" ... "I move through days like i were a knife, my eyes were blue, now they're bruises". As grim as Ryan might sound on the surface at times, there is usually an undertone of hope in his music. A perfect example is on the end track "Closing In" where he sings "... sometimes the weather can fall on you, and sometimes it breaks" then later "... maybe we'll never win, but were closing in".
In the uncertanties of today's world Matthew Ryan's MRVSS is a slice of life, capturing the climate of today's society, everything from the hopeless to the hopeful and all that's in between.
The album comes out on Tuesday April 1st on 2minutes59 in the US & on One Little Indian (UK), visit Matthew Ryan Online or check out his Myspace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)