Cross Canadian Ragweed,
Garage



Label: Universal South

(4 out of 5)

Garage is a power-packed rock-and-roll album. Cross Canadian Ragweed always has been able to throw down riffs that would make Skynyrd proud, but what marks Garage as a significant leap forward is the pairing of meaningful lyrics with massive music. The tunes are great as always, and the songwriting is stronger than on any previous Ragweed studio album.

Much of that newfound strength comes from frontman Cody Canada's maturing viewpoint and evolving voice.

Canada draws heavily upon recent life experiences—like on "Breakdown," easily Ragweed's most personal and lyrically powerful song to date: I'd like to break down / But I can't find the time / You're all looking at me / To keep it in line / I hope I can keep it in line.

Similarly, "Dimebag" (listen) questions fundamental human goodness in the wake of Dimebag Darrell Abbott's on-stage murder in 2004. "When It All Goes Down" extends that questioning to faith and salvation—complete with a wailing electric sitar.

While Canada unquestionably has matured as a songwriter, that doesn't mean the band has softened or somehow lost its edge. Quite the contrary.

Driving guitar rock and pulsating rhythm are at the heart of Garage.

The first single, "Fightin' For," is a perfectly packaged rock song. And its layered vocal tracks signal a stronger, more confident Ragweed in the studio.

Other strong performances include the classic-rock homage "Sister" (listen) and the Randy Rogers co-write "This Time Around" (also featured on the Randy Rogers Band's Rollercoaster).

Ragweed also rocks on covers: a barrelhouse take on Todd Snider's "Late Last Night," a bluesy version of Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love," and the metaphysical "Lighthouse Keeper" from Scott Copeland.

Garage is poised to be Ragweed's breakthrough album. Unoriginal lyrics and uninspired performances kept 2004's Soul Gravy from propelling Ragweed out of its regional box. Garage offers a more complete and compelling package, promising to draw greater national attention to these boys from Oklahoma.

Buy Garage from Lone Star Music for only $14.99.

September 22, 2005