Concert Review + Fresh Song Picks (Ryan Adams, Blü Eyes, Zilch & More!)

🎤 Concert Spotlight: Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker 25th Anniversary Tour (Akron, June 2025)

Back in March, my buddy Clayton texted asking if I was a Ryan Adams fan. I was instantly a yes. My journey started in 2001 with Gold, and I quickly dove into his debut, Heartbreaker. From there, albums like Demolition, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Love Is Hell marked the start of a 25-year ebb and flow with his catalog.

Fast forward to June 2025: we headed to Akron’s beautifully restored Goodyear Theater—a 1,600-seat venue that felt like a living room. The vibe was intimate, with scattered lamps and no overhead lights (Ryan’s light sensitivities). Phones were stowed away too—a refreshing break from the usual distractions.

The show started about 30 minutes late—a minor delay for a major payoff. Set one was a stripped-down, reimagined Heartbreaker, sans the band. Only “Come Pick Me Up” was held for later, and darker twists like “Bartering Lines” were the only blips in an otherwise engaging set. Set two laid into fan favorites—“Two,” “Answering Bell,” and “When Stars Go Blue,” the latter allowing flashlight ambience and recording.

A standout detail? Adam’s decision to mic his guitars instead of using acoustic–electric pickups brought incredible warmth and natural reverb—an audible luxury.

During the break, I copped a T‑shirt—and discovered his visual art on sale. I snagged a stunning stage portrait, a one-of-a-kind piece now displayed in the Songs That Don’t Suck studio.

👂 Newsletter fans: the full show is archived in the live music section—go listen! Not subscribed? Head to songsthatdontsuck.net and join us.

🎶 This Week’s Song Round‑Up

1. “Two People at Once” – Blü Eyes

A rare pop debut with real emotion—courtesy of singer-songwriter Katie Stump (aka Blü Eyes). Contradiction-filled lyrics paired with crisp harmonies and minimal effects make this slick yet heartfelt.
🔑 Why it rocks: Pop structure with authentic vocals—emotion over production polish.

2. “Identity Crisis” – Zilch

Post-grunge reborn. Think Foo Fighters meets Cornell/Cobain—melodic hooks, gritty vocals, and grunge DNA. Named on TikTok, but this track deserves mainstream ears.
🔊 Dig this if: You crave post-’90s grit with contemporary edge.

3. “In the Margin” – The Lemonheads

Evan Dando is back! Since forming in 1986, the Lemonheads have had a sprawling lineup—now rebranded, and releasing new music. This second single from their upcoming album channels nostalgic alt‑rock energy.
🌟 Why it shines: Dando’s signature blend of melody and indie charm lives on.

4. “Crush, TX” – Red Rum Club

A genre-jumping, alt-country-punk blast. Horn sections meet rip-roaring guitars and infectiously rebellious energy—think a Tarantino soundtrack meets festival fire.
🤘 For fans of: Genres mashed into something boldly unexpected.

5. “Dash Out” – Ando San

Sparse on the podcast? Yes—this one’s special. Imagine slap bass meeting prog-rock guitar in a hip-hop drum loop. Lyrics are crystal clear; guitar solos rip.
🎧 Standout moment: Funk meets rap meets rock—all in a tight package.

🔗 Explore More on songsthatdontsuck.net

• Season 1–3 Spotify playlists
• Concert photos
• Monthly polls
• 15 % discount on LOOP earplugs (protect your ears 🎧)
• Stream links, merch shop, newsletter sign-up

✅ Before You Go…

• 👍 Like, review & subscribe wherever you listen
• 🗣️ Tell your friends about Songs That Don’t Suck
• 🎟️ Go out and support the artists!

Thanks for tuning in—I’m Mark, your host. Keep listening, keep discovering, and as always—support these amazing artists 🎵