Ryan Adams' 'III/IV' is a potent double album

Ryan Adams is so prolific that entire albums - or, in this case, double albums - can get left behind. But just because Adams forgot about the 21 songs on "III/IV" (Pax Am) for a while doesn't mean they're forgettable.

"III" is the more contemplative half, with Adams & the Cardinals getting in touch with his jangler, Whiskeytown alt-country roots in "Stop Playing With My Heart" and "The Crystal Skull." "IV" is the peppier set, as Adams channels latter-day Paul Westerberg in "No" and gets all hepped-up in the alternately thrilling and touching "Numbers." "III/IV" is so potent it makes you wonder what else Adams has hiding in his vaults.

h4>Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

"III/IV"

GRADE B+

BOTTOM LINE An indie-rock twist on Ryan Adams' memories