(Akashic)

www.akashicbooks.com

BY MATTHEW RECCHIA

When Ryan Adams announced earlier this year that he would leave his band, The Cardinals, in March to concentrate on his writing career, fans didn't know what to expect. For those who read Adams' collection of gloomy poetry and random short stories in Infinity Blues, his decision to leave music now may seem a bit impulsive.

As interesting and passionate a songwriter as Adams has demonstrated himself to be, going on hiatus to focus on writing prose that focuses on the evils and darkness of his life seems a bit preposterous. Although some pieces in this 288-page volume stick out with symbolic meaning and devilish imagery, others like "Life in a Taxi" seem to do nothing but provide a space for Adams to serve up random thoughts from, you guessed it, inside a taxi. Some fans probably believed Adams' prolific songwriting career would carry into Infinity Blues, but it seems that, instead, Adams took the opportunity to unleash an autobiographical-like fiasco of ideas to show off his inner demons. While some material hints that Adams may be dealing with the true realities of life, a large portion simply comes off as adolescent diary-scribblings.

Adams might want to consider sticking it out with the Cardinals instead of subjecting his nascent writing career to the candid "whatever" attitude distinguished in Infinity Blues. Yes, to be young is to be sad, but when you are thirty-four years old like Adams, isn't it time to start looking at the better moments in life instead of dwelling on the miserable ones?