Nuclear (Ryan Adams song)

"Nuclear" is a song by singer-songwriter Ryan Adams from his 2002 album Demolition, the only single from the album.^[1]

The song was recorded during Adams' July 2001 sessions with the Pinkhearts in Nashville.^[2]

In 2002, Adams spoke with CNN about the song: "I guess it's Britpop for Americans. I don't know what it is, really, but the lyrics are funny. There's actually a really funny line in it that says, 'I saw her and the Yankees lost to the Braves.' If you're from Atlanta, that's not a very nice thing to say. It's sort of referring to the fact that the Braves never win."^[3] (The Atlanta Braves lost both the 1996 and 1999 World Series to the New York Yankees.^[4])

Among the b-sides included on the various "Nuclear" singles are the non-album tracks "Blue" and "Song For Keith".^[5] Adams co-wrote "Blue" with Julianna Raye, and the song comes from the 48 Hours sessions.^[6] "Song For Keith" is a tribute to Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and was recorded during The Pinkhearts Sessions.^[7]

European CD Single (released 16 September 2002)

1. "Nuclear" (LP version)
2. "Blue" (non-album track)

UK 7" Single (released 16 September 2002)

1. "Nuclear" (LP version)
2. "Song For Keith" (non-album track)

CD1 Single (released 4 March 2003)

1. "Nuclear" (LP version)
2. "Blue" (non-album track)
3. "Song For Keith" (non-album track)

CD2 Single (released 4 March 2003)

1. "Nuclear" (LP version)
2. "New York, New York" (Live in Amsterdam)
3. "To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)" (Live in Amsterdam)

• Ryan Adams — electric guitar, vocals
• Bucky Baxter — steel guitar
• Billy Mercer — bass
• Brad Pemberton — drums
• Brad Rice — electric guitar
• Produced by Dave Domanich
• Engineered by Warren Peterson and Chad Brown
• Recorded at Javelina Recording Studios (Nashville, Tennessee)

"Blue"

• Ryan Adams — lead vocal and guitar
• Greg Leisz — pedal steel
• Chris Stills — rhythm guitar
• Ethan Johns — drums
• Julianna Raye — background vocals
• Produced by Ethan Johns

"Song For Keith"

• Ryan Adams — lead vocal, guitar and drums
• Billy Mercer — bass: Billy Mercer
• David Rawlings — guitar
• Brad Rice — guitar and background vocals
• Tony Scalzo — piano
• Produced by Dave Domanich