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American Music Series
Ryan Adams: Losering, a Story of Whiskeytown
Before he achieved his dream of being an internationally known rock personality, Ryan Adams had a band in Raleigh, North Carolina. Whiskeytown led the wave of insurgent-country bands that came of age with No Depression magazine in the mid-1990s, and for many people it defined the era. Adams was an irrepressible character, one of the signature personalities of his generation, and as a singer-songwriter he blew people away with a mature talent that belied his youth. David Menconi witnessed most of Whiskeytown’s rocket ride to fame as the music critic for the Raleigh News & Observer , and in Ryan Adams , he tells the inside story of the singer’s remarkable rise from hardscrabble origins to success with Whiskeytown, as well as Adams’s post-Whiskeytown self-reinvention as a solo act. Menconi draws on early interviews with Adams, conversations with people close to him, and Adams’s extensive online postings to capture the creative ferment that produced some of Adams’s best music, including the albums Strangers Almanac and Heartbreaker . He reveals that, from the start, Ryan Adams had an absolutely determined sense of purpose and unshakable confidence in his own worth. At the same time, his inability to hold anything back, whether emotions or torrents of songs, often made Adams his own worst enemy, and Menconi recalls the excesses that almost, but never quite, derailed his career. Ryan Adams is a fascinating, multifaceted portrait of the artist as a young man, almost famous and still inventing himself, writing songs in a blaze of passion.
222 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 31, 2012
This book succeeds wonderfully on a number of levels. First, for music fans it does what the best books of rock criticism do. It makes you want to get out the albums you're already familiar with and listen to them again, and makes you want to track down the ones you don't know about so you can get to know them as well. Second, as a mini-biography it sketches the outlines of Ryan Adams' life enough to give an idea of what went into shaping his psyche as well as providing inspiration for his songwriting. Finally, for those of us among the cult of alt-country devotees in the 1990s (especially those in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area) this book brings back memories of a thrilling time in music, as the possibilities for the genre seemed limitless and the amount of great music being produced seemed like it would go on forever. This is an outstanding, well-written book that benefits from the author's close proximity to Ryan Adams during the Whiskeytown years. Included is a limited Ryan Adams discography, with brief evaluations by David Menconi.
January 9, 2013
For fans of Whiskeytown, especially those who know at least a little bit about the Raleigh area, this is an entertaining and informative look at the history of the band and the alt-country music movement of the mid-to-late 90s as well as a portrait of Ryan Adams as an unstoppable songwriting juggernaut and his love-hate relationship with his idea of what being a rock star is.
January 21, 2019
A fantastically written and deeply detailed look at the early parts of Ryan Adams career. Menconi does a great job of pulling you into young Ryan’s life and his descriptive language is nearly as prosaic as Adams’ own songwriting. A superb biography by a very talented journalist, I very much recommend this book if you are a fan of DRA.
September 8, 2022
If it's all true a very good read.
January 9, 2013
as a lifelong NC resident (and Rabid Ryan Adams fan), I've been waiting for a book like this a very long time. Mr. Menconi's writing style is easy to digest, and his knowledge of Ryan's career(and various missteps, emotional baggage, flashes of brilliance) makes this book a *must read* for any fan. He does an excellent job of documenting Ryan's career, as well as painting a vivid picture of the various events and fables that feed into the Ryan Adams "mythology". Thank you Mr. Menconi.. My Whiskeytown/Ryan Adams collection has taken on a new life.
January 16, 2017
Man, this guy really loves Whiskeytown. Was slightly irked by the author's jabs at Ryan's solo work, but to each their own.
Some great stories in here, but like the author says in the opening chapter, it's impossible to tell the entire Whiskeytown story without Ryan's input.
I hope that Ryan gets around to a memoir someday.
Some great stories in here, but like the author says in the opening chapter, it's impossible to tell the entire Whiskeytown story without Ryan's input.
I hope that Ryan gets around to a memoir someday.
February 9, 2017
Meh. Guy is obviously nostalgic of Whiskeytown and thinks most of Ryan's post-Heartbreaker output is subpar. I don't get it. He trashes what I feel is some of Ryan's best work (Love Is Hell, JCN, etc.).
June 15, 2017
This book... I had a complicated time reading this.
There are parts I really appreciated. He traced the history of Adams and his complex relationship with music and musicians. There are the very Ryan-Adam-esque stories about his on-stage banter and attitude, that are amusing now but seems painful to watch when Adams was 20. It's a great illustration of the importance of local music communities. Menconi has a strong voice and an elegance when describing music that you don't see all the time.
However, Menconi's personal opinions of albums and songs fill this book. I don't mind some, however, treating Whiskeytown like the "Ryan Adams Gold Standard" and expecting everything Adams' releases to have that same "alt-country" sheen is aggravating. Menconi was introduced to Adams during this time, so of course that music define his impression of Adams. I was introduced to Adams through Cardinology, and that is the holiest of DRA records to me. That doesn't mean I expect any new release to mirror my first listen of Cardinology when I was 18. (also to note, he called Cardinology a "forgettable album" which kind of offended me and belittles other DRA fans taste).
Lastly, his tracing of Adams' dating history is rather disgusting. I understand the intention -- to explain the context of music. However, tons of songwriters personify their problems into a person. It just seems like meddlesome gossip to bring up in such detail.
There are parts I really appreciated. He traced the history of Adams and his complex relationship with music and musicians. There are the very Ryan-Adam-esque stories about his on-stage banter and attitude, that are amusing now but seems painful to watch when Adams was 20. It's a great illustration of the importance of local music communities. Menconi has a strong voice and an elegance when describing music that you don't see all the time.
However, Menconi's personal opinions of albums and songs fill this book. I don't mind some, however, treating Whiskeytown like the "Ryan Adams Gold Standard" and expecting everything Adams' releases to have that same "alt-country" sheen is aggravating. Menconi was introduced to Adams during this time, so of course that music define his impression of Adams. I was introduced to Adams through Cardinology, and that is the holiest of DRA records to me. That doesn't mean I expect any new release to mirror my first listen of Cardinology when I was 18. (also to note, he called Cardinology a "forgettable album" which kind of offended me and belittles other DRA fans taste).
Lastly, his tracing of Adams' dating history is rather disgusting. I understand the intention -- to explain the context of music. However, tons of songwriters personify their problems into a person. It just seems like meddlesome gossip to bring up in such detail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2017
What a portrait, and what a magnificent contradiction of a person portrayed. I don't know how true anything is, and I'm kind of bummed out to know that DRA didn't particularly want this book written, and asked people not to cooperate with interviews. That loses it some points for credibility, I guess.
That said, this is a really compelling read from an author who's, at heart, just a fan who happened to be in the right place at the right time. That comes across in the tone. The book is at times straight-up biography, though the contradictions Ryan has put out there about his own past at times obfuscates what thing is true. But it's also a series of concert reviews, first person or recounted from the press (or both). And at times, it's sprawling track-by-track album review. Menconi is pretty critical of Ryan's later work (and tbh anything after Heartbreaker) but his descriptions of Whiskeytown-era events and art borders on poetic fanaticism. I sort of wish this book had come out more recently, so I could read the reviews of the more recent records.
After reading, I'm not any more clued in as to whether DRA's Whiskeytown-era persona is a real thing or a cultivated myth...which is not necessarily to the book's detriment.
I'll just add for context that I don't read non-fiction for leisure, as a rule. And, I am a huge and unabashed Adams fan, so my opinion is not unbiased at all.
That said, this is a really compelling read from an author who's, at heart, just a fan who happened to be in the right place at the right time. That comes across in the tone. The book is at times straight-up biography, though the contradictions Ryan has put out there about his own past at times obfuscates what thing is true. But it's also a series of concert reviews, first person or recounted from the press (or both). And at times, it's sprawling track-by-track album review. Menconi is pretty critical of Ryan's later work (and tbh anything after Heartbreaker) but his descriptions of Whiskeytown-era events and art borders on poetic fanaticism. I sort of wish this book had come out more recently, so I could read the reviews of the more recent records.
After reading, I'm not any more clued in as to whether DRA's Whiskeytown-era persona is a real thing or a cultivated myth...which is not necessarily to the book's detriment.
I'll just add for context that I don't read non-fiction for leisure, as a rule. And, I am a huge and unabashed Adams fan, so my opinion is not unbiased at all.
May 6, 2020
I read this book a few years ago and absolutely loved it. It was before the whole "issues" with Ryan Adams came to light. Let's be honest, he was always a troubled person, but his music and musical persona was so heartbreakingly compelling. His music has been a huge part of my life since 2000 and I'll be honest, I struggled with the allegations against him, but I have since slowly started listening to his music again and I'm able to separate the art from the person.
That said, David Menconi does a great job telling the story of Ryan, especially during his Whiskeytown period. He makes me feel as if I truly missed out on that period because I had no idea who whiskeytown was. During their time, I would have been in high school and was making my way through bob dylan and gansta rap. This book is highly entertaining and it really makes me wish I could have been a part of that whole scene. If you are a fan of americana/alt country music or a fan of Ryan Adams and you haven't read this book, it's a must read.
That said, David Menconi does a great job telling the story of Ryan, especially during his Whiskeytown period. He makes me feel as if I truly missed out on that period because I had no idea who whiskeytown was. During their time, I would have been in high school and was making my way through bob dylan and gansta rap. This book is highly entertaining and it really makes me wish I could have been a part of that whole scene. If you are a fan of americana/alt country music or a fan of Ryan Adams and you haven't read this book, it's a must read.
December 6, 2018
FIRST LINE REVIEW: "One hot august night in 1995, I went to a downtown Raleigh nightspot called the Berkeley Cafe." So begins a fandom journey with highs and lows, but mostly lows. What a train wreck of a character Ryan Adams is, according to the author. A musician with legendary potential who's long run of self-destruction keeps blocking him from reaching what the author has been yearning for him. If you're a big Adams fan, then this is a great book. If you're not interested in self-destructive celebrities, then pass this one up.
October 25, 2017
A wonderful piece of music journalism, uncovering the early life and musical origins of Ryan Adams and the American scene in North Caroline in the 1990s. A bit scattered, but filled with funny anecdotes and great discography.
January 9, 2019
A good book for an RA fan or Raleigh resident.
January 3, 2020
Definitely a music reviewer's book. I enjoyed the track by track critiques especially, and want to go back through this book with the songs handy for listening along.
July 13, 2021
Not a great book but the author is right that Strangers Almanac is one of the finest records ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz4Av...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz4Av...
December 29, 2021
Great read….. Big fan of Ryan even though he is a trilogy led soul he is a gifted songwriter!!!!!!
September 3, 2019
Really fantastic read. spot on sentiments of everything Ryan. it felt like the author really tapped into all sides of Ryan effortlessly and knowingly. i thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and how the timeline weaved in perfectly with side stories. personally, i have a lot more love for many of the albums that the author didn't speak fondly of like '29' and 'Easy Tiger'. both releases i love immensely. But, to each his own of course.
August 6, 2016
David Menconi, writer for No Depression and The Raleigh North Carolina News & Observer among others,knows his subject and has written an extremely well-informed book on the topic of Ryan Adams and Whiskeytown. It's also balanced and fair, neither succoming to worship or partaking in critical drubbing but dishing out a bit of each. He also has a good sense of humour, which helps on a theme like this. I might quibble on his interpretation or judgment of an individual song but, on the whole, he's written what seems like an accurate and equitable account, appraising the position of both artist and band in the history of modern music. A thoroughly enjoyable read. - BH.
March 1, 2019
This is a book for only folks who love Ryan Adams’ music who might wonder about the bratty boy genius of the former band Whiskeytown. It’s well written by the author who actually interviewed and had a connection to Ryan Adams. I own lots of his music, but I’m sure happy he is not someone in my family. I fear for his mental health and woudn’t be surprised if one day we don’t read that he committed suicide. I hope not! (For folks who don’t know, he was married for 6 years to Mandy Moore from the popular series “This is Us”....) A lot of his music is really beautiful though. He’s just a deeply conflicted flawed character who can be a sweetheart at times and other times just a flaming asshole.
January 21, 2013
Finally, a book length look at Ryan Adams careers. It's focused most heavily on the Whiskeytown years, which was my favorite era. Wish it was twice as long so we could get a lot more detail on the solo years. Really awesome how many of the specific shows he talks about that I was at. If you're a DRA fan, you'll love this, if not read Off The Record, Menconi's novel about 90s rock, which is excellent.
August 31, 2015
Excellent book by an acquaintance of Mr. Adams who witnessed first hand many of the pivotal moments in said artist's storied career. You usually don't expect much from a book such as this, but David Menconi saw Whiskeytown perform many times over their brief career. He met Ryan numerous times and was active on the "scene." His detail rich accounts of Ryan's early days are a fun and informative read -- highly recommended, if you are interested in this kind of thing.
March 6, 2015
Can't wait...have the new album and a trip planned for a great show in November at an awesome venue. xoxo loves me some Ryan Adams and all musical collaborations. Could literally put on his catalogue and listen to the albums back to back and then over again. Not that many describe listening as such these days--he is worthy of way more than an MP3 file and tiny speakers. But that's just me :)
November 8, 2012
Huge Ryan fan. Huge Whiskeytown fan. Live in Chapel Hill and am personally familiar with the scene. This book is little more than a recitation of names and places of employment. A little bit disappointing due to the lack of depth and insight. But perhaps that's the best Menconi could do without it being an authorized bio.
July 8, 2016
Ryan Adams has written some of my favorite songs to cry to or just be melancholy with. Sadly beautiful, you know? I thought this book was an intelligent look into his early years in music with interesting stories that make you appreciate the guy even though we'll never understand him. (Thank you, brother Jon, for the borrow!)
January 20, 2013
I'm not a rabid Ryan fan, I don't own a single one of his albums, and I didn't live here during the Whiskeytown era, but this was a good read, and I'm not just saying that because the author is a pal of mine. It was sort of strange to read about people I now know and see on a regular basis, though.
July 31, 2013
I gave this a three, only because I like the subject matter. I am a fan of Ryan Adams and Whiskeytown, but did not like Menconi's writing style. The book had some interesting highlights, but was certainly more about the context of Ryan's songwriting than a story of Whiskeytown.
September 24, 2012
Must read, although if you've followed the DRA for any length of time, you already know most of the stories.
September 19, 2014
Read October 2012, September 2014
December 2, 2012
A few interesting nuggets, but mostly a bunch of name-dropping.
January 9, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews