Reclusive, enigmatic, talented are all words that can be used to describe Ryan Adams, an artist who seems to be forgedfromthe same mold as Neil Young. Ryan Adams bears an artistic integrity not found on many albums, his my way or the highway mentalitymaynotgarner him the adulation of the masses, but the albums are definite critical successes. Ashes and Fire is no different, this album is a solid understated singer songwriter outing that will be missed by many, but fully appreciated by those who are lucky enough to hear it. This is easily one of the best from 2011.