by Oliver on May 10, 2024 in Single
We continue with Ryan Adam’s quantitatively ambitious, weekly cover single series from the inexhaustible archives. This time it’s the classics Runaway Train and When Doves Cry as solo performances.
Both songs are from, as already Achin‘ to Be and Black Sheets of Rain last week, from the performance in Minneapolis two years ago, and both numbers are therefore once again limited to Adams’ voice and an acoustic guitar along with a sparingly captured audience mood.
The Soul Asylum-Original is slowed down by Ryan and the melody continues to be played in an introspective intimacy, replacing the upbeat mood of the number with a nostalgic, musing sadness that looks forward less bittersweetly than looks back with a heavy heart. A subtle variation that Runaway Train but stands excellent.
The situation is similar with this Prince-Hit that receives a kind of Dylan treatment, complete with harmonica accompaniment added later, with a lot of stamina beyond bright rhythms and any 80s aesthetics, in a timeless serenity that glides past Pattie Smith, at best vaguely.
As well as Runaway Train as well as When Doves Cry In these versions, they claim a pleasantly reserved raison d’être, are atmospheric and emotional – but in doubt are probably essential for the loyal core of Adam’s fan base.
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