I'm going to attempt to post on a semi-regular basis from now on. I will mostly be concentrating on music and letting everyone know what is currently occupying my ipod, cd player, itunes, turntable, etc. The first installment of the series is Chuck Ragan's debut album "Los Feliz" which was released in May of last year. Ragan is best known as singer/guitarist of Hot Water Music (HWM). I never really got into HWM so this release flew under my radar until recently. Last month I saw one of my favorite singers, Ben Nichols of Lucero (more Lucero in a later post), open a show for Chuck. The plan was to leave after Ben to avoid getting home too late. The decision was made to stay and watch some of Chuck's set. I wish I could have stayed for the whole thing because I immediately fell in love with his music.
I picked up Chuck's debut release, not realizing it is a live album. I have also heard his debut studio album, "Feast or Famine" and must say that although he sounds great in the studio, the live setting is where he truly shines. Ragan constructs tails of the blue collar struggle of making it from day to day, using his gravelly delivery. He does it all with such emotion that you can't help but identify. The lyrics are reminiscent of bands like the Dropkick Murphys, documenting the hardships of the working class and at the same time creating hope. Chuck's voice is similar to the above mentioned Ben Nichols and may take some time to grow on people (it was one of the reasons I never got into HWM). The music is just Chuck on an acoustic guitar with a harmonica. It's obvious how much fun Chuck is having throughout the recording and it makes for a great listening experience. I highly recommend giving Chuck and/or Hot Water Music a listen.
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