Ryan Adams @ Hiro Ballroom

Ryan played Hiro Ballroom on Tuesday night. I lucked out getting tickets as soon as they went on sale, and as word spread, they went quick.
I am very glad I got there early, as the seats were limited, and very tight. The place was packed to the maximum capacity. As I got to my seat they were playing DJ Reggie over the PA.
Ryan, still unable to play guitar, sounded amazing. I think that of all of the times I've seen him, this is the best I have ever heard his voice sound. I've seen him about a dozen times with Whiskeytown, and solo acoustic and with various incarnations of his band many times over the years. I think that perhaps the lack of guitar allowed him to really focus on his voice.
The setlist was a mellow one, probably meant to suit the small intimate environment of the ballroom, but it did not disappoint. He dove into 29 and "Love is Hell" quite a bit, and covered much of the new album. I really think the live arrangements of many of these songs are even better that they are on the album.
For the past few years, seeing Ryan live was a risky proposition. You never knew what you were going to get. Tonight, he totally reaffirmed my opinion that he is the best singer songrwriter in the biz right now.
You can check out my photos from the show over on my flickr page here.

Setlist:
The Sun Also Sets
Please Do Not Let Me Go
Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.
Let It Ride
Dear John
Nightbirds
Two
Rip Off
Carolina Rain
Elizabeth
I See Monsters
Blue Hotel
Halloweenhead
Starlite Diner
How Do You Keep Love Alive
Winding Wheel
Blue Sky Blues
Goodnight Hollywood Boulevard
Down In A Hole(Alice in Chains cover)