The Boneman

True, Ryan Adams pretty much shit and stepped in it last year - shooting his mouth off like a ass - and making quite the fool of himself. Still it has to be admitted that he is among the top 5 songwriters working today, and it can be argued that his recent release Cold Roses is the best damn record he's ever put out. Therefore I must inquire of Sir Slack - have you not heard this fine offering , did you overlook it, or did you leave it off your list - thereby rendering the whole thing moot?

Jeff Hubbard

Can I ask, what's the point? I like a lot of your choices, but the fact that the new Sufjan Stevens isn't on your list just goes to show that you probably haven't heard it yet, and that it's too early for this sort of thing. Keep in mind that before the year is out, there are going to be new records by the New Pornographers, TV on the Radio, and Kanye West, just to name three that are likely contenders.

Anonymous Coward

What does god say when slack puts Bright eyes #1? The next Bob Dylan, give me a break.

Ryan Slack

First of all, this list is only my opinion, which means about as much as the shit that Ryan Adams stepped in. But I'm fully ready for the heap of cheap shots that this list might produce.

Boneman:

I'm a Heartbreaker Adams fan, and nothing until his latest has intrigued me as much. However, it might have been even stronger had he whittled it down to one disc. Cold Roses won't be found anywhere near my top 50 at the end of the year. Hopefully he'll win the rest of us over with his two other releases due this year, the tentatively titled Jacksonville and 29.

J-Hub:

I fully agree, lists are lame and are a chance for so-called "critics" to brag about what they've heard of and what you haven't. However, in my bordom and lack of time to review anything recently I threw up the list hoping that maybe someone might be turned on to something new. And you're right, I did post this before Sufjan Stevens' Illinois was released. And you're also right that there will be quite a few releases to knock off some on this list (as I mentioned before the list). In fact, to-date I would say Sufjan Stevens would be graciously placed at the #6 spot. This list will see many changes, but this is what was represented as of June 30th.

And finally, No-Name (I'll call you Andrew Weaver on a hunch):

No one will EVER come close to being the "next" Bob Dylan, certainly not the little prick Conor. But as much as we all dislike him, he has still put out an amazing piece of work that should be noticed.

The Boneman

Ryan you ignorant slut - It can be scientifically proven that Heartbreaker is Adam's worst album (this of, is to automatcially discount the phenomenally awful, yet critically beloved "Rock and Roll." ) Cold Roses - while an obvious effort to exhume the Grateful Dead - is the tastiest musical treat of the year . Granted Bright Eyes would be in my number two spot - but to discount Adams loving tribute to the tie dyed masses - is a grave oversight.

No Name

You had a good hunch. I didn't even have to mention Oasis. (Keep your Oasis coments to yourself)