Acoustic at the Ryman represents all four Band of Horses albums. In 2006 Band of Horses released their debut album Everything all the Time containing songs such as The Funeral and Wicked Gil, but recently recorded at the Ryman in Nashville, Tennessee, where ten songs were chosen from the band's two-night concert band. The Ryman's country background greatly influenced the band who decided to put aside the electric guitars to record Acoustic at the Ryman. Ben Bridwell, the band's lead singer, seemed relaxed and his voice was phenomenal, but the acoustic versions of some songs previously recorded by the band seemed a bit lackluster. Throughout the performance Band of Horses have a very traditional folk feel and especially during the song Marry Song. Which seems to retain most of its integrity from the original version. Band of Horses do a great job of being more than just a studio band – they find a way to make it sound like you're still wearing earphones or straight into the show through the Acoustic at the Ryman album. This is definitely a band that sounds the same if not better in acoustic form. The slow, cruel hands of time and Delft Schrempf have these sweet, mellow rhythms that just make the crowd sway from side to side. The guitar in Slow Cruel Hands of Time and the simple note played on the piano in Delft Schrempf are very soothing but still feel connected, unsure if this is due to the message or the rhythm chosen for both songs. Despite this you can hear the audience cheering at the end, followed by Bridwell letting out a slightly country "thank you all". It seemed a little tantalizing considering the concert would be held in Nashville, Tennessee. The Factory really gives off Bridwell's...... middle of paper ...... effect and defiantly can't play beautiful instruments thanks to Ryan Monroe and Tyler Ramsey. Ultimately Acoustic at the Ryman will be successful despite my opposition to certain songs. This album has the potential to excel thanks to things like loyal fans who will stick with this band and vocal harmonies that make you take notice, the songwriting seems to connect with people no matter what beat and instruments they seem to be performed on. These are things that make an album thrive or flop. These are the things that make this band different from others like Iron and Wine, The Shins and My Morning Jacket. I felt that Acoustic at the Ryman was a very bold move because the band basically put together a greatest hits list and re-recorded them live in front of a couple of hundred fans with unrivaled vocal syncs..