Tonight figures to be a special night at Off Broadway as Nashville singer-songwriter Matthew Ryan makes a stop in St. Louis to perform songs off his latest and wonderful album, Matthew Ryan Vs. The Silver State (MRVSS). If I made up a list of the most important living American musicians still writing and making meaningful music today, Ryan would sit near the top of that list. And yet, it’s probably fair to say that he’s still unknown by way too many; perhaps it’s his scratchy vocals that shy people away, or maybe it’s the ultimate attention that his music commands from each listener, I’m not sure. What I’m sure of is the fact that he’s written some fabulous songs over the years. Let’s look at some of his best…and see you at the show tonight.
“American Dirt,” off MRVSS, 2008
With a bass line that gives a nod to early U2, this track off MRVSS sets the tone for a serious album that deals with loss, anger, and ultimate hope. “I’ve been spittin’ out American Dirt,” Ryan sings. Haven’t we all?
“It Could’ve Been Worse,” off MRVSS, 2008
“Her blond hair was the setting sun/ Her mascara was born to run/ You got scared when she started to show/ One more thing you’d have to let go.” One of my favorite songs of 2008.
“Jane, I Still Feel the Same,” off MRVSS, 2008
This solo-acoustic gem has all the makings of a classic Matthew Ryan song with its smart lyrics and raw vocals. “You were a good thing in a world gone wrong,” Ryan sings on this somber track.
“Babybird,” off From a Late Night High Rise, 2007
Ryan sort of rambles off everything that is important to him, confuses him, and liberates him in a few verses. “I’m declaring war on arrogance,” he sings.
“Misundercould,” off From a Late Night High Rise, 2007
Thundering guitars set the tone here, and it works beautifully. Just when you think he is too quiet, Ryan blasts off with a feedback-laden masterpiece.
“Gone for Good,” off From a Late Night High Rise, 2007
“It’s criminal, you’ll be my enemy/ And I’ll do what I must/ To kill your memory.” Ryan’s singing about a lost friend for whom he dedicated one of his best albums, which happened to be my favorite record of 2007.
“Return to Me,” off Regret Over the Wires, 2003
If you’ve never heard of Matthew Ryan and are thinking about going to the show tonight, start here. “I can’t return to you/ You must return to me/ That’s the deal.”
“The Little Things,” off Regret Over the Wires, 2003
I’m not sure what I love about it most – its simplicity or catchiness – but it stands out.
“Sweetie,” off Regret Over the Wires, 2003
I think of so many of my friends, or people who I’ve only met once or twice, whenever I hear this. “You know if I wanted to believe in something, I’d believe in you,” Ryan sings.
“Devastation,” off Concussion, 2001
It doesn’t get much sadder than this, and he’s even got Lucinda Williams to sing with him. Magic.
“Me & My Lover,” off East Autumn Grin, 2000
“Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be,” Ryan sings. Sort of a ballad about a modern day Romeo and his Juliet.
“Guilty,” off May Day, 1997
Jumpstarted his first album and career. Another one to start with if you’ve never heard his stuff.
“Irrelevant,” off May Day, 1997
A friend of mine called this his best song, hands down. Could be…there’s just so many.
Matthew Ryan tonight at Off Broadway
With Rough Shop and One Lone Car
$12/Doors 7pm, Show 9pm