2008-05-05
Matthew Ryan gets rockier with a bunch of musical compatriots in this set of anthems, sounding like he's fronting a band rather than a solo act accompanied by background musicians. The result, some reviewers say, is a Tom Petty sound-alike. I find MRVSS much closer to Bono and U2 because of the decidedly more emotional delivery -- and, in some cases, larger themes. The opener, "Dulce Et Decorum Est" brings in a fiddle early on that sets that Irish-sounding tone and then the second number, "American Dirt," seals the deal -- Bono, not Petty. "It Could've Been Worse" and "Closing In" are also standouts. Ryan makes a smart move forming this group; he's like Springsteen finding his E Street Band. MJVD 05/08 R-RootsAlana Davis
Surrender Dorothy
JASON LYTLE
Yours Truly, The Commander
RHETT MILLER
Rhett Miller
WAR CHILD-16 Of Todays Biggest Artists
HEROS
The Broken West
I Can't Go On, I'll Go On
Yo La Tengo
I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.