Convoluted reviews?! Not in this post! Abridged reviews, part deux. We’ll start it off with one of the best albums of the year so far.  

Chuck Ragan – Feast Or Famine (Side One Dummy)
I’ve listened to this album at least once a day since it’s release. Former Hot Water Music frontman Chuck Ragan’s first solo full-length is filled with ample amounts of grit and heart. From his Desire-era-Dylan influenced take on Rumbleseat’s “California Burritos” to the folky “Do You Pray,” the styles switch gracefully. Seriously people, this is some inspiring stuff. Tell me you don’t get goose bumps after listening to “The Grove,” and I’ll be convinced you have no blood pumping through your jaded veins.

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Photo Credit: Chrissy Piper

Side One Dummy has posted a video for Chuck Ragan’s “Do You Pray.” The video was shot during his recent California tour with Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba. Read more to see the video. Chuck’s live album Los Feliz is out now!

Chuck Ragan’s Myspace

For years now, Hot Water Music has been an immensely inspirational part of my life. They were more than just another great band; they were a way of thinking. Even though they are gone, they still continue to motivate me daily. Since the break-up of the band, both sides have gone separate ways, but the passion and ethic they put in place still carries on.

Former co-frontman Chuck Ragan has taken a somewhat different route than his former bandmates. Hitting the road as a solo artist, he is going back to his roots, playing stripped- down, whiskey-soaked country ballads. Late Night Wallflower recently had a chance to talk briefly with Chuck about his prolific past and burgeoning future.

What is the main difference with touring as a solo artist compared to playing in a band? Is it harder or easier to get out on the road by yourself?
It’s so much easier. Obviously there isn’t as much to worry about with less mouths to feed and less attitudes to deal with. People get cranky in close quarters as we all know or at least all who’ve lived a bit of that lifestyle. When I travel now it’s just my wife and I and it’s a completely different story. It isn’t the “touring” that I knew or the sequences of the day that I had gotten so tired of. It’s pleasant, low maintenance, and just wonderful to see things with your partner and play shows along the way. Good times all around. There’s still some stresses with travel as anytime just on a much lower scale.

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Along with the usual list of blog-favorites and heavyweights playing SWSW this year, something struck my eye while eying over the lineup. On Friday, March 16th, the No Idea/Volcom showcase will go down, featuring many excellent bands (Billy Reese Peters, Grabass Charlestons, J Church, etc.) and a “special guest” (I’m thinking Radon?). Perhaps the most interesting thing about the show, however, is that Chuck Ragan and The Draft will be playing together for the first time (I believe?) since the official break up of Hot Water Music. Will the two bands share the stage together at some point during the night? Regardless, it should be an awesome night.

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