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Ryan Adams — La Cienega Just Smiled
Album: Gold
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 402









Released: 2001
Length: 4:48
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Oh the night, here it comes again
It's on with the jeans, the jacket and the shirt
How'd I end up feeling so bad
For such a little girl
And I hold you close in the back of my mind
Feels so good but damn it makes me hurt
And I'm too scared to know how I feel about you now

La Cienega just smiled
See ya around

And I hold you close in the back of my mind
Raise my glass 'cause either way I'm dead
Neither of you really help me to sleep anymore
One breaks my body and the other breaks my soul

La Cienega just smiles
As it waves goodbye

Oh the night, here it comes again
It's off with the jeans, the jacket, and the shirt
How'd I end up feeling so bad
For such a little girl
And I hold you close in the back of my mind
Feels so good but damn it makes me hurt
And I'm too scared to know how I feel about you now
How I feel about you now

La Cienega just smiles
And says "I'll see you around"
Comments (96)add comment
It's funny how some songs, you just have to hear a few chords a bit of warbling for Ho-Hum to leap out at you. This is one such {#Sleep}. Mind you, all the Ryan Adams songs I've heard on here are an almost automatic Ho-Hum. I wonder if you can set up a batch prog for ratings? ;). A nailed-on 3 from the somnolent Nottingham jury.
Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
this is probably one of his top five songs. absolutely amazing
Posted 15 years ago by felix9    [ Reply ]
Married to Mandy Moore??
Posted 15 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Unfortunately he's (in)famous for this Diva behavior, at least at his live shows. That said, this is a great song.
 
It really does depend on the night.  I've seen him several times and when he's drunk or in a bad mood the concerts can be spotty affairs.  When he's on, you will not see a better concert —- absolute magic.

And yeah, this is a great tune.

Posted 15 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
Ryan Adams, love 'im or hate 'im, there doesn't seem to be a large middle ground. 

I love him (his music).
Posted 15 years ago by annersjen    [ Reply ]
 lah1975 wrote:
Saw him in concert a few months a go...the egomaniac left the stage after 45 minutes. I like his music but hate the way he treats his fans. He's a punk.
 
Unfortunately he's (in)famous for this Diva behavior, at least at his live shows. That said, this is a great song.


Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I was about to switch my internet radio connection from RP to the baseball game. Then this song came on. I can't bring myself to turn off RP when this is playing. I've heard it 1,000 times, and I can pop the CD in any time I want to hear it, but I still have to listen to it all the way through.
Posted 15 years ago by Smoove_D    [ Reply ]
A real snooze fest, this.
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 zaknafein wrote:
This is really damn good.
 

Yup, damn good.
Posted 15 years ago by coffee-eyes    [ Reply ]
 elbeatnik wrote:
Not even the upside down flag saves it.
 
Easy Tiger, you gave Nena a 9  {#Confused}
Posted 15 years ago by von_Hayek    [ Reply ]
Classic Ryan... Some of the best music of the decade!
Posted 15 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
 EssexTex wrote:
Ah...La Cienega..not so nice at night when all the rent boys come out!
  And why?

Ryan Adams - La Cienega Just Smiled
Mano Negra - Out of Time Man
Thievery Corporation - Forgotten People


Posted 15 years ago by sharkey    [ Reply ]
Nice segue Bill. Thanks for the great music you put together.

Ryan Adams - La Cienega Just Smiled
Mano Negra - Out of Time Man
Thievery Corporation - Forgotten People
Posted 15 years ago by sharkey    [ Reply ]
 pedrock77 wrote:
Argh, this just sounds like Backstreet Boys to me...
 
I wouldn't recognize a Backstreet Boys song if I heard one. I hear they are a kiddie pop singing and dancing group. I'm surprised any RP listener would listen to that.

Posted 16 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
Ryan Adam's "Gold" is one of my favorite albums of all time. Unfortunately it also reminds me of the attacks of September 11, 2001. A "Ten" on an album with many.
Posted 16 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
There is a subdued groove here. I like it.

Posted 16 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
 elbeatnik wrote:


Not even the upside down flag saves it.



 

Actually, the flag is rightside up. It is the photo that is upside down (Ryan was hanging upside down when the photo was taken.).


Posted 16 years ago by drjimmy    [ Reply ]
Not even the upside down flag saves it.
Posted 16 years ago by elbeatnik    [ Reply ]
Argh, this just sounds like Backstreet Boys to me...
Posted 16 years ago by pedrock77    [ Reply ]
Gribnif wrote:
Personally, I can't get past the fact that Bill misspelled "La Cienega"
Always nice to see someone spell "misspell" correctly
Posted 16 years ago by annersjen    [ Reply ]
Ah...La Cienega..not so nice at night when all the rent boys come out!
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
This is really damn good.
Posted 16 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
Smoove_D wrote:
What's curious is that Ryan is his middle name. His full name is David Ryan Adams. So he could have easily called himself David Adams or Dave Adams. He chose to go by Ryan Adams. Then he gets upset when people ask him to play Summer of '69. Oh well. Still a 10 in my book. I'm a big fan of all of his albums. Saw him live once, and he wasn't very good.
This trick is seeing a show when he is sober. Much, much better. And he doesn't fall of the stage or stumble into his drummer. Saw him at a show in DC several years ago and then saw him a bit later that evening stumbling around Adams Morgan. Pretty funny.
Posted 16 years ago by mwstennis    [ Reply ]
Darlington wrote:
Of course that is his "real" name, so you can't fault him for wanting to use it...
Perhaps. Though, the actor Michael Keaton's real name is Michael Douglas, soooo, you can see behind his ultimate decision there....
Posted 16 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
borin
Posted 16 years ago by StickerSticker    [ Reply ]
redeyespy wrote:
When you choose to use a name that sounds so much like an earlier pop act, well, you have to expect this sort of thing, sorry. Having a sense of humor about it may help, Ryan.
What's curious is that Ryan is his middle name. His full name is David Ryan Adams. So he could have easily called himself David Adams or Dave Adams. He chose to go by Ryan Adams. Then he gets upset when people ask him to play Summer of '69. Oh well. Still a 10 in my book. I'm a big fan of all of his albums. Saw him live once, and he wasn't very good.
Posted 16 years ago by Smoove_D    [ Reply ]
Gribnif wrote:
Personally, I can't get past the fact that Bill misspelled "La Cienega"
No kidding. That guy just can't get ANYTHING right! xoxox, c.
Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
mefrombrazil wrote:
thank you very much.my name is fabio,from Brazil.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Cienega_Boulevard
Posted 16 years ago by earthbased    [ Reply ]
redeyespy wrote:
When you choose to use a name that sounds so much like an earlier pop act, well, you have to expect this sort of thing, sorry. Having a sense of humor about it may help, Ryan.
Of course that is his "real" name, so you can't fault him for wanting to use it...
Posted 16 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
lah1975 wrote:
Saw him in concert a few months a go...the egomaniac left the stage after 45 minutes. I like his music but hate the way he treats his fans. He's a punk.
Sometimes artists are like that. Enjoy the art at home not in a concert hall.
Posted 16 years ago by earthbased    [ Reply ]
Imkirok wrote:
Rumor has it that he walked off stage at a show in Minneapolis when someone yelled that from the audience. Goes along with the posting below regarding his obnoxious personality. Still, a pleasant song nonetheless.
When you choose to use a name that sounds so much like an earlier pop act, well, you have to expect this sort of thing, sorry. Having a sense of humor about it may help, Ryan.
Posted 16 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
Saw him in concert a few months a go...the egomaniac left the stage after 45 minutes. I like his music but hate the way he treats his fans. He's a punk.
Posted 16 years ago by lah1975    [ Reply ]
Krow_Pie wrote:
LA CIENEGA means swamp or wetlands I think. However, I'd say this song is about La Cienega Blvd in LA...
thank you very much.my name is fabio,from Brazil.
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
mefrombrazil wrote:
what's the meaning of "la cienega"? thanks.
LA CIENEGA means swamp or wetlands I think. However, I'd say this song is about La Cienega Blvd in LA...
Posted 16 years ago by Krow_Pie    [ Reply ]
this always catches my ear for some reason :-)
Posted 16 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
what's the meaning of "la cienega"? thanks.
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
Tunes like this are why I think Ryan is gonna be a big star.
Posted 17 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
Oh yes, I needed to hear that now.
Posted 17 years ago by Verpeiler    [ Reply ]
meydele wrote:
I'll buy it off you if you'll mail it to me.
i'll give you $10
Posted 17 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
i think this album is underrated in allmusic.com
Posted 17 years ago by qosforever    [ Reply ]
most excellent IMO
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Cdog wrote:
As if anyone cares....I bought a T-shirt at Hot Topic (was there with my kids) that says "Ryan Adams Sucks". It was $4.99 and it made me laugh! It was black with purple letters in the shape of the text on Black Sabbath's Masters of Reality album. Real Funny! Only after I got it home did I realize that it said Ryan, not Brian. I don't even know who Ryan Adams is. But Brian Adams does suck. This song sounds pretty good though. Guess I won't be wearing that T-shirt soon...
I'll buy it off you if you'll mail it to me.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
palatin8 wrote:
Must be an all american thing. Means nothing to me.
Sorry for you, open up your mind
Posted 17 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
palatin8 wrote:
Must be an all american thing. Means nothing to me.
This makes me laugh. It reminds me of when my wife pokes fun of "European design" and other vague generalities invoking things European. She's "European" as well.
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Must be an all american thing. Means nothing to me.
Posted 17 years ago by palatin8    [ Reply ]
One of his best ...a 10! IMHO
Posted 17 years ago by go_ski_mully    [ Reply ]
Personally, I can't get past the fact that Bill misspelled "La Cienega"
Posted 17 years ago by Gribnif    [ Reply ]
These lyrics break my heart. Beautiful song.
Posted 17 years ago by MissAmy    [ Reply ]
This is playing at my wedding this October. Damn, what a good song.
Posted 17 years ago by Smoove_D    [ Reply ]
This tune just grows on me.
Posted 17 years ago by earthbased    [ Reply ]
Very tasteful acoustic solo, echoed later electrically...man, I miss Mexico.
Posted 17 years ago by NorthernLad    [ Reply ]
ElSupreme wrote:
Yeah and those tattered/faded/ribbon American flags on peoples cars are better? How about all those 7$ t-shirts that wont last a year with the American flag screened on them, is that better? I personally think that neglecting the flag, especially when displayed to look patriotic, is a lot worse than turning it upside down to make a statement, even if you don't agree with the statement. I mean at least it isn't on the ground, worse for wear, or on fire. Which seem to happen a lot to those flags promoting nationalism (save the fire part), and neglect worse than having it upside down.
I heard it is an international symbol for 'distress'. Army uses that. My Two Cents. Song itself is an 8.
Posted 18 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
ElSupreme wrote:
Wow I just looked at the cover, more than a glance. That is NOT an American flag (or at least a current one). Those stars are in columns, which last happened from 1912 till 1959, on the 48 star flag.
Hey, good call there (assuming you're correct). Although I actually don't give a toss about the cover, but then again I'm no flag waiver, not by a long shot. Nor do I really give a toss about Ryan Adams' eating and drinking habits. I don't know him so I have the luxury of not caring. For those of you who do (or would like to think you do) that's your place to judge him based on his character. I have a couple Whiskeytown albums and a couple by Ryan solo. I think there is a lot of really excellent music on them all. And La Cienega Just Smiled is quite possibly my favorite song ever by him.
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
karlaanne wrote:
R.A. = from Raleigh. we used to step over him drunk in doorways. as for his musical abilities... well, all i can say is no one around here ever heard of him having any sort of musical skills until he had a label deal. thats all i'm sayin'...
That's not fair. True, Whiskeytown shows were very hit or miss - depending on how drunk he was. But their albums and the shows where he was sober were awesome. Most people realized he had a lot of talent - but figured he would waste it.
Posted 18 years ago by rd    [ Reply ]
Duluoz wrote:
Very disrespectful album cover. Too many liberals at the label company? Still gave it a 7 cause I liked the song.
Wow I just looked at the cover, more than a glance. That is NOT an American flag (or at least a current one). Those stars are in columns, which last happened from 1912 till 1959, on the 48 star flag.
Posted 18 years ago by ElSupreme    [ Reply ]
Very nice
Posted 18 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
rascal420 wrote:
Play Summer of '69
Rumor has it that he walked off stage at a show in Minneapolis when someone yelled that from the audience. Goes along with the posting below regarding his obnoxious personality. Still, a pleasant song nonetheless.
Posted 18 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
Lovely song, great album.
Posted 18 years ago by aristoteles    [ Reply ]
-relayer- wrote:
Sounds like it want's to be a Lyle Lovett song. But not nearly as good.
With time and a few more broken hearts he might just be.
Posted 18 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
I really love ryan adam's music..... and their best was without doubts on "R'n'r" and "love is hell"!
Posted 18 years ago by exciter76    [ Reply ]
This guy is a musical genius! Very good live!!
Posted 18 years ago by luin    [ Reply ]
hcaudill wrote:
One of my favorite Ryan Adams songs. I think you have to admit there's a genius lurking there behind the obnoxious personality.
Definitely!!
Posted 18 years ago by tesserakt    [ Reply ]
This guy really likes Wonderwall, doesn't he?
Posted 18 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite Ryan Adams songs. I think you have to admit there's a genius lurking there behind the obnoxious personality.
Posted 18 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
Sounds like it want's to be a Lyle Lovett song. But not nearly as good.
Posted 18 years ago by -relayer-    [ Reply ]
flyfree wrote:
I like this album...except for this song. The stuff he put out recently has been awesome though!
Right on! His recent stuff is great! Once you let it grow on you just a little bit, it just takes off.
Posted 18 years ago by jgeyer    [ Reply ]
I like this album...except for this song. The stuff he put out recently has been awesome though!
Posted 18 years ago by flyfree    [ Reply ]
Duluoz wrote:
Very disrespectful album cover. Too many liberals at the label company?
Leave it up to a Texan to make a comment like that. Ok instead of making an artistic statement using the American flag, how about we go invade another Middle-Eastern country so all your Texan oil-buddies can stay rich for another generation? That seems to be the more common method to disrespect the American flag these days.
Posted 18 years ago by ObsidianInfinity    [ Reply ]
Duluoz wrote:
Very disrespectful album cover. Too many liberals at the label company? Still gave it a 7 cause I liked the song.
Yeah and those tattered/faded/ribbon American flags on peoples cars are better? How about all those 7$ t-shirts that wont last a year with the American flag screened on them, is that better? I personally think that neglecting the flag, especially when displayed to look patriotic, is a lot worse than turning it upside down to make a statement, even if you don't agree with the statement. I mean at least it isn't on the ground, worse for wear, or on fire. Which seem to happen a lot to those flags promoting nationalism (save the fire part), and neglect worse than having it upside down.
Posted 18 years ago by ElSupreme    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by majomojo    [ Reply ]
Very disrespectful album cover. Too many liberals at the label company? Still gave it a 7 cause I liked the song.
Posted 18 years ago by Duluoz    [ Reply ]
Two opposable thumbs up!
Posted 18 years ago by fuh2    [ Reply ]
jgeyer wrote:
You're an idiot.
I'll second that.
Posted 18 years ago by Coppertop    [ Reply ]
Tux wrote:
He has done worse, but it won't get me over 4
Guess what. He grows. I raised it to 7. I surprise myself.
Posted 18 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
R.A. = from Raleigh. we used to step over him drunk in doorways. as for his musical abilities... well, all i can say is no one around here ever heard of him having any sort of musical skills until he had a label deal. thats all i'm sayin'...
Posted 18 years ago by karlaanne    [ Reply ]
black321 wrote:
This guys a hack. Every song he does reminds me of some song I've alredy heard. He's like the corporate rock/boy band version of the alt/folk singer.
You're an idiot.
Posted 18 years ago by jgeyer    [ Reply ]
Ryan Adams is AWESOME. Very talented. Gold is a great album. A friend introduced me to his music a few years ago and I am thankful he did. Thanks for playing. Keep it up
Posted 19 years ago by kimberlymiel    [ Reply ]
Can it be... Better double check... Yup... my worst fear come true. A Ryan Adams track I'm comfortable with letting play on There's no hope for me now, I think I'm ill
Posted 19 years ago by maLeFunKtion    [ Reply ]
I'm such a big fan of this guy. I agree totally with the post below regarding his public persona. It unacceptable and a complete turnoff;however, I think it could just be part of his eccentric songwriting genius. What he obviously lacks in some areas his makes up for on his records. Gold is such a great album and I encourage everyone to check his stuff out. I think he's far and away the best songwriter of our time.
Posted 19 years ago by Wisecrowe    [ Reply ]
Quite the multi-talented guy...
Posted 19 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
Sometimes songs feel so right...respect goes out for Ryan. Thanks for the lovely music. rah wrote:
funny. i'm looking at the traffic on la cienega right now, and it ain't smiling...
Posted 19 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
Adams is one of the few human beings I would really love to kick squ...wha? Ryan? oh.. er.. geeze, i guess its okay then...
Posted 19 years ago by amb599    [ Reply ]
funny. i'm looking at the traffic on la cienega right now, and it ain't smiling...
Posted 19 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
buck-arkansas wrote:
... anyone that gives it less than a "8" needs a serious reality check. no offense intended.
when I checked reality, I found less boring songs. If you rate it 8, you will need 11 + 12 for others. It's pretty good, that means 6
Posted 19 years ago by rolf    [ Reply ]
ryan adams. as much as his public persona irritates the !@#$%^& out of me, i have the humble ability to admit that this is a wonderful song. the melody, the words, the acoustic lead, the rhythym. it all comes together on this one. anyone that gives it less than a "8" needs a serious reality check. no offense intended.
Posted 19 years ago by buck-arkansas    [ Reply ]
Play Summer of '69
Posted 19 years ago by rascal420    [ Reply ]
you're my wonderwaaaaaaallllll
Posted 19 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
As if anyone cares....I bought a T-shirt at Hot Topic (was there with my kids) that says "Ryan Adams Sucks". It was $4.99 and it made me laugh! It was black with purple letters in the shape of the text on Black Sabbath's Masters of Reality album. Real Funny! Only after I got it home did I realize that it said Ryan, not Brian. I don't even know who Ryan Adams is. But Brian Adams does suck. This song sounds pretty good though. Guess I won't be wearing that T-shirt soon...
Posted 19 years ago by Cdog    [ Reply ]
He has done worse, but it won't get me over 4
Posted 19 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
I think this is a beautiful song. It really captures that period after you break up with someone but before you have really let it go.
Posted 19 years ago by Keiger    [ Reply ]
bschena wrote:
Hey look, a Ryan Adams song that doesn't suck! I've been consistently underwhelmed with his oeuvre, but i'll give him a 7.0 on this one....I don't hate it...hooray...nice work Ryan!
you have to listen to Heartbreaker if you like this song. it has slower songs with some great harmonies.
Posted 19 years ago by RPsavedme    [ Reply ]
Hey look, a Ryan Adams song that doesn't suck! I've been consistently underwhelmed with his oeuvre, but i'll give him a 7.0 on this one....I don't hate it...hooray...nice work Ryan!
Posted 19 years ago by bschena    [ Reply ]
This guys a hack. Every song he does reminds me of some song I've alredy heard. He's like the corporate rock/boy band version of the alt/folk singer.
Posted 19 years ago by black321    [ Reply ]
zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted 21 years ago by soulspin    [ Reply ]
Great song... More Ryan Adams stuff!
Posted 22 years ago by Atrail    [ Reply ]