In a minor shock to many, it appears that Ryan Adams might have wandered back - finally - to what he does best. No eighties rock pastiches, just a simple, lilting country-ish ballad, with thanks to his new(ish) supporting band The Cardinals.

True, much of the fun of Adams is seeing what he's up to next, but there's a sigh of relief to hear him slide into the musical slippers in which he's most comfortable. Perhaps though, it's because this writer's favourite Ryan records were always Whiskeytown ones, and this touches more on them ('Strangers Almanac' era ) than anything else.

Regardless, 'Let It Ride' is a wistful traveller's tale, taking in Tennessee, Carolina, the Cumberland River and the moon, and it's great. It's also download only and is a forerunner for his 'Cold Roses' double-LP out next week.

Welcome back Ryan.