As intrinsic to the Manhattan soul as the rumble of the subway, the grime of the Lower East Side or the ornate baroque glamour of the midtown blocks housing Ghostbusters' ghouls, Adam Green's music is as timeless as New York itself.

His 2005 solo album Gemstones, a sort of musical reply to Bright Lights, Big City, is firmly rooted in the Big Apple, its rockabilly rhythms rattle with the L- Train, its melodies hit like a fresh cross street gust, but whether you've visited New York or not its brisk, affecting songs will resonate with anyone who knows what it is like to be alone amongst the crowd.

Yes, Gemstones can be heady and intoxicating, careering with an apparent free abandonment, yet it is also a warm, reassuring and ultimately nourishing record. Now, as Gemstones marks its 20th anniversary with a new vinyl release, it is time for all of us to step back and truly appreciate this musical diamond.

Label
Rough Trade
Genre
Alternative LP
Gemstones
Down on the Street
He's the Brat
Over the Sunrise
Crackhouse Blues
Before My Bedtime
Carolina
Emily
Who's Your Boyfriend
Country Road
Choke on a Cock
Bible Club
Chubby Princess
Losing on a Tuesday
Teddy Boys

RHYTHM