MATTHEW RYAN VS. THE SILVER STATE

Matthew Ryan Vs. The Silver State

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-Roots

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 04/2011

    NEIL DIAMOND
    The Bang Years 1966-1968

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Imogen Heap
    Speak For Yourself

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Richard X. Heyman
    Actual Sighs

  • reviewed 02/2005

    Josh Rouse
    Nashville

  • reviewed 05/2009

    N.A.S.A.
    The Spirit of Apollo

  • reviewed 07/2011

    WASHED OUT
    Within and Without

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

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.