I could have chosen a few of his albums but 'Love Is Hell' has always stuck as my favourite. The strongest memory I have of listening to this album was on a train journey from London to Birmingham mid-afternoon. It was typically dreary and the train was fairly scarce. I remember being midway through this record and watching a trainspotter eat his pack lunch alone on the platform somewhere remote. It made me so sad. I think I was in the middle of 'The Shadowlands' and I grabbed my journal and starting furiously writing down some thoughts. I don't know if it was the music or the man but the two together had an extreme impact on me. My mind was transfixed on this character. He belonged in a film.
I first listened to Ryan years ago when my friend played me 'Gold'. I think I loved every track. I then went about owning all of his other records and became attached to each. 'Heartbreaker' and 'Cold Roses' also stand out, along with the rockier 'Rock N Roll'.
Seeing him live at the old Carling Academy in Birmingham was probably the best gig I've ever been to He played for hours. He played with such passion and determination. At that moment I thought that if I could be any musician ever, it would have to be him (this is somewhat up for debate, but he is still a strong contender). A true working musician who has put out 11 albums in 10 years, plus EPs...I can't wait for more.
This album contains his well known rendition of Wonderwall which has been heavily praised by its writer Noel Gallagher (see http://www.nme.com/news/oasis/12909)
Outrageously good album where every track carries such emotion. If you want to be blown away in under 4 minutes listen to 'I See Monsters' (and do it alone and loud).
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