On Sideonedummy and Released 31 August 2009

It’s always a pleasure for me to discover an alt country singer/songwriter who can sit happily alongside some of the true greats. Chuck Ragan is one such artist and one I’ve not heard before, despite the fact that he has several albums already under his gunbelt.

GOLD COUNTRY is Ragan’s fourth album as a solo artist and after listening to this I’m sorely tempted to go out and buy the rest. ‘For Goodness Sake’ is a fine and exciting introduction. Hammered guitar notes, gritty vocal,
stonking melody and memorable choruses, driving pace and great lyrics are what’s on offer here. Vocally, Ragan reminds me of Springsteen… ‘Glory’ repeats the performance albeit with added country fiddle and pop sensibility. ‘Rotterdam’ is a slower paced narrative with a simpler instrumental arrangement that includes flashes of lyrical fiddle and wonderful backing vocals. The traditional country vibe is stronger and another powerful melody drives it along.

‘Done And Done’ fairly rushes along with acoustic guitar chasing the vocal delivery as if participating in 100 metre dash. Hand claps join in during the powerful choruses, and it’s fabulous! ‘The Trench’ reeks of exhuberance, sincerity and the simple joy of performing. ‘Don’t Say A Word’ is an altogether darker song that crawls along with plucked banjo and bass guitar partnering an emotional and thoughtful vocal that compels one to listen. ‘10 West’ ups tempo with a driving guitar dominating proceedings. Ragan introduces various vocal noises to add spice and fervour. ‘Ole Diesel’ provides the most  beautiful, gentle respite with piano notes ringing out alongside wonderful, wandering, mournful fiddle passages and underpinned  by the song’s guitar rhythm and the most moving and expressive vocal on the album. Superb. ‘Cut Em Down’ is an epic polemical narrative delivered in pulverising country rock style. ‘Let It Rain’ fairly races along with a hefty dose of pop sensibility with catchy choruses and joyful fiddles.

‘Good Enough For Rock And Roll’ is a rollercoaster of a song with fabulous, exhuberant instrumental interludes and compelling choruses. Final track ‘Get Em All Home’ is a contemplative piece that relates the story of a soldier going to fight in a strange land. It’s a deeply moving song made even more dramatic with a stunning harmonica passage, wailing fiddles and Ragan’s pleading vocal. It’s a stunner and could soon become the anthem for those who want their loved ones back in the warmth and love of home. This one moved me to tears.

All I can end with is if you love country music (and even if you don’t), you NEED this record. Essential.

4.5/5