A great record. Surprised? Of course not.
DanD | 10/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the music world's best-kept secrets (though they're gaining notoriety; Dierks Bentley mentions them in his latest single, and CMT is picking up their videos), Cross Canadian Ragweed is one hell of a band. For those of you who have yet to be initiated, the band is comprised of guitarist/vocalist Cody Canada, rhythm guitarist Grady Cross, drummer Randy Ragsdale, and bassist Jeremy Plato. They combine rock, folk, country, and blues into a sound that is not quite unique, but is entirely unforgettable.
Ok. There's the brief intro. Now, to those of you who know CCR (which you probably already do): MISSION CALIFORNIA is kick-a**. That sums it up right there, but okay...highlights include the scathing "Dead Man" ("if there's a dead man in my closet, show me the bones"); the historical "In Oklahoma"; Todd Snider's "I Believe You"; the hooky "NYCG"; the raucous "Smoke Another"; Plato's wonderful cover of "Soul Agent"; the acoustic hidden track (there's one on every CCR record, isn't there?); and every other song.
Okay...so you're probably already gonna buy this record, since odds are you're already a Ragweed fan. That's cool--thanks for taking the time to read this review, which in your case was probably rather pointless. If you AREN'T already familiar with the band, then, for God's sake, hop on board the frickin' bandwagon. Cross Canadian Ragweed are one of the few country bands left out there with genuine grit, talent, and a mission. MISSION CALIFORNIA is the perfect place to start familiarizing yourself with their music."
Good music in 2007
Dwight Ternes | Houston, TX | 11/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan of CCR for 10 years now, and this CD reflects them growing up some, expanding their "scope", making a more well rounded album. If you need some good music that is hard (silly) to label, but resides somewhere between country, southern rock, traditional rock (known here in TX as Y'allternative) - this is the CD you NEED to own."
Great CD ; From a Wellrounded Southern Rock Band !
David D. Baker | Chicago, Il, USA | 10/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"1st they started as a raw country band that rocked; this CD proves that they are a well rounded band that can ROCK and still tell a Great story ! After you purchase this CD buy the others; so you can explore the true talent of each member of the band ! See them live at one of 300 or so 4 hour shows ! Growing up in the 60's and 70's in Chicago. I heard many of bands when they were raw from Deep Purple, Bob Segar, 38 Special, Lynard Skynard and Led Zep; i think Cross Canadian Ragweed will be remembered for a long time to come as the Grow into a legendary band .... Mission California Rocks with a true story teller in Cody Canada ..... Mission accomplished !!!!"