Matthew Ryan
Nobody buys Matthew Ryan records. First, he has one of those nondescript names that nobody remembers (it would help not to have two first names. So go with a pseudonym, Matthew; I recommend Ryan Adams). Second, he looks like a plumber, not a rock star. Third, he has one of those raspy, gargle-with-Drano voices that sound offputting and corrosive to people weaned on Clay Aiken and Faith Hill.
But he can sure write some great songs. He’s released six albums in the last ten years, and he’s getting better and better. His latest, called From a Late Night High Rise, is haunted by the death of a close friend and the news of his brother’s sentence to thirty years in prison. It’s not exactly upbeat material, but then again, that’s not exactly upbeat news, and it’s easy to find some 3:00 a.m. moments of pensive instrospection there that will break your heart.
Ever since Monday I’ve been listening to one of his old songs from his debut album Mayday. It’s a scary, spooky song, and these are scary, spooky times. I listen to it and think about the ghosts that haunt the classrooms and hallways in Blacksburg, Virginia.