Ryan Adams and The Cardinals, Cold Roses - CD

2 CD set

Ryan Adams and The Cardinals – Cold Roses

Artist: Ryan Adams and The Cardinals

Title: Cold Roses

Format: 2-CD Set (Original Pressing)

Original Release Date: May 3, 2005

Label: Lost Highway (Catalog: B0004457-02)

Genre: Alt-Country / Americana / Roots Rock

Background & Production Cold Roses is the first of three albums Ryan Adams released in 2005 and marks the debut of his backing band, The Cardinals (featuring JP Bowersock, Catherine Popper, Cindy Cashdollar, and Brad Pemberton). Recorded at Loho Studios in New York City and produced by Tom Schick, the album represents a shift toward a collaborative band dynamic. The sessions were heavily influenced by the Grateful Dead and classic 70s country-rock, moving away from the more polished pop-rock sound of his previous solo effort, Rock N Roll.

Musical Composition & Style The album is a sprawling, double-disc journey through melancholy ballads and sun-drenched jam-band aesthetics.

• The Standouts: Includes the fan favorites "Let It Ride" and "Magnolia Mountain," which highlight the band’s tight interplay and Cindy Cashdollar’s soulful pedal steel work.

• The Cardinals' Sound: This record introduced the "Cardinal" sound—a hazy, reverb-heavy blend of folk, rock, and psychedelic country.

• Vocal Harmony: The backing vocals from bassist Catherine Popper added a new dimension to Adams’ songwriting, particularly on tracks like "Meadowlake Street." * Atmosphere: From the upbeat rock of "Beautiful Sorta" to the quiet intimacy of "Elizabeth, You Were Born to Play That Part," the album captures a relaxed, "live-in-studio" feel.

Original CD & Collector Notes As a 2-CD set released during the peak of the Lost Highway label’s influence, the packaging is distinct.

• The Packaging: The original release (B0004457-02) is a 6-panel Digipak. It features a matte finish and a specialized tray for both discs.

• The Booklet: Includes a multi-page booklet with lyrics and photography that mirrors the "rustic-cool" aesthetic of the mid-2000s Americana scene.

• The "Lost Highway" Logo: Collectors often look for the iconic Lost Highway "road sign" logo on the spine and discs. Early pressings were manufactured by UMG (Universal Music Group).

• Disc Details: Both discs feature a clean, minimalist design with the "Cold Roses" flower motif. Note that Disc 1 and Disc 2 have distinct tracklists that are balanced to create two unique "listening moods."

• Keywords: Ryan Adams, The Cardinals, Cold Roses, Original CD, 2005, Lost Highway, Alt-Country, Americana, Let It Ride, Magnolia Mountain, 2-CD Set.

  • Collection Ideas: 2000s Americana Essentials, The Cardinals Discography, Ryan Adams Best Works, Modern Country-Rock.

  • Related Artists: Whiskeytown, The Grateful Dead, Gram Parsons, Jason Isbell, Wilco.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve