1984 is an EP by American singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, released in August 2014 on PAX AM. Initially the second release in Adams' "PAX AM Single Series", the EP was released digitally on August 28, 2014.

1984
EP by
ReleasedAugust 2014
StudioPAX AM Studios, Los Angeles
GenreHardcore punk, punk rock
LabelPAX AM
ProducerRyan Adams
Ryan Adams chronology
Ashes & Fire
(2011)
1984
(2014)
Ryan Adams
(2014)

Recorded entirely by Adams, 1984 is described as "pay[ing] homage to the halcyon days of the earliest releases from [record labels] Dischord, SST, Touch & Go and their ilk."[1]

Background edit

The EP's sound was influenced by the various hardcore artists Ryan Adams grew up listening to. He noted, "The kind of music that I first started playing was that kind of music, but it's not really any different to my regular stuff."[2] Regarding its overall aesthetic, Adams stated: "It’s my Hüsker Dü kind of vibe."[3]

Recording edit

1984 was recorded at Adams' studio, with Adams performing each instrument. The EP was engineered by his current bandmate Charlie Stavish.

Release edit

The EP is the second of Adams' "PAX AM Single Series", with a new seven-inch release planned for each month. (The first was the Gimme Something Good single, with the B-Side of Aching For More.) Adams stated, "I'm going to release a single every month until I can't do it any more."[2] Regarding 1984 specifically, he noted, "People just have to hear it, the American vinyl is now sold out and we're going to make the digital available at some point, probably after my album comes out."[2]

The digital version of the album includes an additional track, entitled "Look in the Mirror".

Track listing edit

All tracks are written by Ryan Adams

Side one
No.TitleLength
1."When the Summer Ends"1:10
2."What If You Were Wrong"1:28
3."Over and Over"0:37
4."Change Your Mind"1:29
5."Broken Eyes"1:14
Side two
No.TitleLength
1."Why Did They Leave You Alone"1:12
2."Rats in the Wall"1:21
3."Bones and Ash"1:10
4."Wolves"1:43
5."Push It Away"1:18
Digital Bonus Track
No.TitleLength
11."Look in the Mirror"1:56

Personnel edit

Musicians edit

  • Ryan Adams – all instruments
  • Marshall Vore – "confused screaming"

Production edit

  • Ryan Adams – producer
  • Charlie Stavish – engineer, mixing

Artwork edit

  • Johnny T – cover photograph
  • Ryan Adams – back cover photograph
  • Alan Crawford – inside sleeve photograph
  • Andy West – design

References edit

  1. ^ Nelson, Michael. "Ryan Adams Announces Hardcore 10-Song 7″ 1984". stereogum.com. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Hogan, Matthew. "Divisive star keeps 'em coming". au.news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  3. ^ "Q&A: Ryan Adams On His New Self-Titled Album, The Other One He Shelved, And Everything Else". Stereogum. 2014-09-08. Retrieved 2015-10-13.