Cross Canadian Ragweed,
Soul Gravy

Label: Universal South
Year: 2004

(2 out of 5)

As established through constant touring and 2002's Live and Loud at Billy Bob's Texas, Cross Canadian Ragweed is a good—sometimes bordering on great—live band. The concert DVD included with Soul Gravy confirms the band's live prowess. Unfortunately, the studio CD can't match the energy and spirit Ragweed brings to the stage.

Soul Gravy jumps all over the musical map, from guitar-crunching Southern rock to flowery ballad and back again. The problem with the CD isn't that kind of variety; instead, the problem is the surprisingly weak lyrics on a number of the tracks. Cody Canada has garnered a substantial reputation as one of today's better young songwriters, but that reptuation is undermined by such fluff as this ending to "Flowers": We're the best thing we've ever had / Yeah we're the best thing / Just ask your dad.

The album boasts four strong tracks: "Hammer Down," a cover of Ray Wylie Hubbard's "Wanna Rock & Roll," a new version of fan favorite "Alabama," and the long-play "Too Far Gone." The remaining nine tracks, including the too-slow "Sick and Tired" with Lee Ann Womack, are comparatively weak. Just making it through the first half of the album can be a chore.

Still, so long as the DVD is included in the package, Soul Gravy is a worthy purchase. Pop in the DVD, sit back, and enjoy the raucous performance from College Station, including a stream of guests on an extended version of "Boys from Oklahoma." Don't feel bad about leaving the CD in its case. As Canada sings on "Number": You're wasting time, why bother even coming ‘round / If you know I'm gonna let you down.

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon

August 30, 2004