Why I’m Learning 31 Ryan Adams Songs in 31 Days
Last January (if you were around then) you might remember I made 31 cover videos in 31 days with Joe McMahon from Smoke or Fire.
It started (like many things) with a conversation at a bar.
I was thinking about New Years Resolutions (if you know me you know I like this kind of thing) and talking about what I wanted to achieve in 2012. One of the things that came to mind was that I wanted to be a better musician. It always bothered me that I never learned many of other people’s songs (even “the classics” haha) and any time I was at a party or around a group or musicians I could rarely join in and “jam” because I didn’t know many of the popular cover songs that most people who pick up instruments learn at some point. I attributed it to thinking myself more of a writer, who always liked making up stuff instead of learning other people’s stuff. It occurred to me that it would be a great exercise in focus and music making to learn a new song every single day.
2013 was approaching and I was trying to decide what my resolutions would be. Last year I didn’t eat a french fry for a whole year. A whole year!!! I quit coffee, drinking and dark chocolate. Just kidding. I will never quit dark chocolate. Ever.
Once again I was thinking about music, and what it meant to me, and how I could get better at it. I thought of doing another 31 covers and the idea really excited me. This time, I would be picking all the songs, and I wanted to pick songs that meant a great deal to me and that I respected from the point of songwriting and composition. Almost all the early choices were Ryan Adams songs. Then I thought…why don’t I see if I can learn 31 Ryan Adams songs in 31 days? Aside from him thinking I am a total lunatic, what do I have to lose? As far as writing and performing goes you could say there’s no other that tops Ryan in my books. I still don’t really know why but the guy can do no wrong in my eyes. As a fan I feel like I’m pretty much ruining these pretty much perfect songs but, it has been a great exercise in discipline and concentration to just do my best, go to bed, wake up and learn a new song. I am grateful these songs exist and I am looking forward to sharing my favourites with you whether you are already familiar with Ryan’s catalog or this is your first introduction. If you have any questions or requests please do not hesitate.
Happy New Year,
bil.
Week One of the Videos:
Week Two: http://billythekidonline.com/site/2013/01/week-two-of-31-ryan-adams-covers-in-31-days/
Week Three: http://billythekidonline.com/site/2013/01/it-is-whiskeytown-week-here-at-31-ryan-adams-covers-in-31-days/
Week Four: http://billythekidonline.com/site/2013/01/week-for-of-31-ryan-adams-covers-in-31-days/
Dirty Rain and Winding Wheel would be great.
Wow, some awesome covers so far :), cant wait to hear the rest!
My requests are cover versions of “Cherry Lane” and “She Wants To Play Hearts”.
Looking forward for the rest!
nice covers.
really like the “ghost” cover.
a request for ya, if you could…i’d most like to hear your take on the Whiskeytown tune:
Faithless Street…i think you could nail it 😉
thanks.
Wild Flowers!
I dig your project! Nice version of Cobwebs, and you have a sweetness to your voice that really suits Ghost. My requests would be:
Karina
Just Like a Whore
Snow Angel
Only To Lose
Pretenders (f/k/a Pretending’s Fun) and
Goodbye, Sunshine
Look forward to hearing the rest.
hi thebalvenie…nice to see you on here…been awhile! 🙂
there may be a “whiskeytown week” coming up. this is top secret information that only you can know about.
@Rainer those are some deep cuts yo!!!! dig. <3
True dat. There’s a tune called Witch Hunt, with a really high note in the chorus, that I reckon you could do a lovely version of. It’s dark as hell.
hey billy 😉
that’d be great!
looking forward to the top secret week. keep up the good work. dig your covers adn voice. well done!
Your version of If I Am A Stranger is my favourite. And Cobwebs. And Ghost.
Hey Billy, great stuff so far! You’re doing a fabulous job!
Some of my requests would be:
– Memory Lane
– Everything’s All Right
– Do I Wait or Come Home
Have fun!
Tom
Call me on your way back home
or
Now that you’re gone
If Whiskeytown week were to take place, I’d vote:
Jacksonville Skyline
Here’s To The Rest of The World
Lo-Fi Tennessee Mountain Angel
Wither I’m a Flower
Avenues
Bonus Points:
Mega Superior Gold
The Last Dance
Very interesting project, you sound great! Keep it up.
Billy,
Outstanding job! Beautiful voice and great guitar work!
Hmmm requests… how about Avalanche or Memories of You. 🙂
Excited to hear more.
billy! 😉 thanks for doing as we all ask and keeping up the good work!
my request still stands for WT week:
Faithless Street por favor.
also, really dig your original stuff as well. thanks again
balv
hi!
i watched ryan adams play ‘so alive’ on david letterman. i didn’t know who the artist was at all; and this is the song that led me to him. it’s pretty easy; if your back’s against the wall, this will save the day! 🙂
These are beautiful. Nice work and please keep them coming !