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The first edition of Ryan Adams‘s new book, Brenda, is about to selling out in days following its release. The news came from a weirdly eccentric video from the artist, along with a freestyle treat explaining an entirely different kind of love: one for horses. It’s almost a sell-out situation due to the great demand Adams’s latest creative foray has created.
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At dawn, Ryan Adams rants on social media about the bad news and the good one. The main announcement: almost every first edition of Brenda was sold out. In Adams’s usual style, he described Brenda as about a “crazy alcoholic political newscaster who loses her mind.” He then stated that the subsequent editions would have different spines and stamps; thus, this makes it a separate collectible to anyone who managed to get a copy.
As with the entire chaotic and charmingly revealing slice into the world of the artist, the camera glided around his house before focusing on Adams along with his cats, Gracie Bull and a snoozing Agnes. He cleared his throat a few times and granted himself pardon for being an “egoist narcissist,” then proceeded to a particularly strange repetition of a folk tune entitled, “I Dig Horses.” The song, which he almost whispered was a secret he had to share, extolled hooves for their “floppy tail,” “floppy ears,” and basically baited horse meat consumption, all the while reminding everyone the book was “almost sold out.”
The floodgates of enthusiastic but humorous reactions opened upon the statement being made. Most responses applauded how delightfully absurd the announcement was. One user exclaimed: “Stoppppp…My coworkers are like what are you laughing at. Waking up like that is definitely a win,” perfectly capturing the unpredictable fun spirit of the video. Another simple comment, “Aye Ryan ya nuts but a genius,” paid homage to the extraordinary creative mind at work.
The cat duo grabbed a share of the spotlight as many users responded about the pets’ seeming lack of concern for such major news. “The cats are never impressed,” remarked one user, while another practically concluded, “Cat life is the best life.” That goes to show how Adams intersperses bits of his personal life with such announcements to forge an endearing personal connection with his audience.
The post in another way also fostered suggestions and comments about the book itself. One fan proposed, “You potentially are too pretentious for this, but do an audiobook. Big fan. Tour Cold Roses – masterpiece.” This praises his musical past accomplishments while expressing interest in an audio cast of his book read by Adams himself. Another user shared a more common reader concern: “Considering it. Haven’t gotten through the first one yet tho. Damn Brend’er,” echoes the dilemma common to most who want to get through Adams’ work but rarely can find the time.
Other comments keep shedding light on the commercial embrace of Brenda. The purchaser said, “I bought a copy! I have a Little Free Library so maybe someday I’ll share it there. On second thought—I probably have to buy another copy cuz I’ll want to keep mine.” This statement marks the first edition as a collector’s item, with fans willing to share the book with others but also desirous to keep one for themselves as a collector’s item. Another excited fan commented, “I bought mine… hoping to get it signed one day!”
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For the better part of his career, he has stood astride the traditional lines separating music and the rest of the arts. He mentioned his collectible records, Farting with Jesus and I Dig Horses, linking this newest literary success with his historical pasts in music. The near-immediate sell-out of Brenda bodes well for the successful translation of his distinct voice and narrative style that has found a ready-made and willing audience from the songwriting layer down into prose. The chaotic, heart-filled, and utterly unique announcement was more than a mere sales update; it was a performance of the relationship he has with his following. Even if the first edition of Brenda is practically gone, the discourse and anticipation for Ryan Adams’s next works have just nowadays begun. Bryan Adams recently announced a new album, while another musician teased fans with a mysterious song clip. Signed copies of his album were also announced ahead of release. Additionally, Melanie C and Bryan Adams reunited for an iconic performance.