Customer Reviews

Happiness and All The Other Things [15th Anniversary Deluxe Limited Edition]

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't think a better CD will be released this year. This is like a perfect album. Stephanie Briggs really adds something here. The four songs she co-writes, plays keys on, & does harmony are different & seem as a muse to Cody, who actually outdoes himself as a singer-songwriter. The rest of the band plays with a deep musical feel with her but she is low-profile, almost quietly adding soft keys & vocals to these loud country rockers.

There is not one weak song & I just heard it once through on the way to the release party here in Colorado last night & was blown away. Then to see them come out & play the "just out of the box" new release, everything front to back including the hidden track, "Carmelita".....was one of the freshest, best musical experiences one could have. They did a fiery second set too and seemed so appreciative of the crowd allowing them to do what they wanted to do the first part of the night - but that was the best part. This album will be one of my favorites & I'm sure I'll never see every song on it performed in one night or even several nights again. Stephanie was also with them, which was great. I think she will be playing w/ CCR for about 10 shows showcasing this new CD. If you can catch this act.....do it!

Of all the excellent new songs, my current fave is "Burn Like the Sun", written by Cody, Mike & Stephanie. It may be too soft for some of you hardcore fans, but this is just a damn beautiful song. This is the third song on the CD and marks when Steph makes her appearance, just like she did last night. It is wonderfully surprising to see someone like Stephanie Briggs, to effectively bring so much to such an established signature band that had no weaknesses or holes, soaring in their prime. "Tomorrow" & "Confident", both co-written by Cody & Steph are also superbly crafted songs which feature a new, so-interesting musical change when the band plays them. The rockers don't disappoint on H&ATOT either.

fyi....I think all H&ATOT CDs are the special deluxe limited edition. the hidden tracks are between the end of the traditional album & the bonus tracks. just let track 12 play thru.

Ragweed's previous album, MISSION CALIFORNIA, was pretty much hit-and-miss; more hit than miss, granted, but it did misfire in a couple places. HAPPINESS AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS stumbles only once, and even that can be forgiven: "Drag" is pretty much the "get out of my face or else" rock anthem that appears on every single Ragweed album. It's appearance here is acceptable because...well, tradition is tradition.

The rest of the album is Ragweed's best in a while. The boys are in fine form, and are accompanied the album over by singer/pianist/songwriter Stephanie Briggs, a welcome addition to the regular crew of Cody Canada (vocals, lead axe), Jeremy Plato (bass), Randy Ragsdale (drums), Grady Cross (rhythm axe), and producer Mike McClure. Canada's son Dierks (guess who he's named after) even makes an appearance at the beginning of "Blue Bonnets," one of the strongest songs in a collection of strong songs. It's a sparse, acoustically-arranged tune that's more folk than country, which is just fine. The album also ends with another sparse arrangement, the piano-fueled "My Chances." (This isn't counting the obligatory hidden track; this time around, it's an absolutely stunning full-band version of Warren Zevon's seminal "Carmalita".)

Elsewhere on the album, the boys (and gal) show why they are among the best musicians in the biz today. "51 Pieces" absolutely simmers, as does the interlude for "Overtable," and the album highlight "Pretty Lady." "Tomorrow" shifts time-signatures, something the guys haven't done in the past I don't believe; naturally, they pull it off without a hitch. "Kick in the Head" is a nice country shuffle with some rather dark lyrics, and the stellar "To Find My Love" was penned by Kris Kristofferson's longtime sideman Stephen Bruton, and is superbly sung by bassist Plato.

Fifteen years in, and Cross Canadian Ragweed is still as vital a presence as they were on day one. Their albums defy categorization; you find them in the country section of the record store, but they are just as much rock as they are anything else. HAPPINESS AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS is easily one of their strongest records, and is proof that these guys don't give a s**t about awards or chart positions. They care about two things: the music and the fans, and they will do everything possible to bring out the best in both. If that doesn't make you happy, then nothing will.

This is the latest album by one of the frontrunners of the new Southern Rock, Country Rock, Texas-Oklahoma sound and it's great. Cody Canada mixes hard rock with gentle ballads and even a couple of good cover tunes. Great album..

I loved CCR before, but this is above and beyond! The band just continues to grow and is not afraid to explore different avenues of expression. Stephanie Brigg's influence on this CD is obvious and just adds her smoke to their fire.

CCR was already a sexy, suductive band and honestly, the only better live concert I have ever seen was Stevie Ray Vaughn in Memphis on the banks of the Mississippi River, at sundown, during bluesfest. Please understand that CCR is NOT a country band. They are southern rock, as it should have advanced, if it had. Unfortunately, it did not.

Keep it up guys... and gal. I have been in radio limbo the last few years. Country is just too.. "I am so proud if my roots" boring, repetative rhetoric and rock is too depressinly negative, monotone and bordering pychotic right now. This CD is so different. Listen! It will move you!

This long awaited album was pleasantly suprising. Cody and the boys have obviously attempted to expand their horizons with this endeavor, and have succeded in putting together some new innovative sounds with the CCR backbone they are noted for. The influx of piano makes you cock your head, only to realize that this is completely fitting with their platform. I've bought two copies, one for myself and one for my son.

Vic

I pretty much love everything Ragweed does, so my loving this album was no big surprise to me. But the album itself was full of surprises. The addition of Stephanie Briggs on the piano and background is revolutionary.
The sound is more rocking than Mission California, and probably the best, imo since Soul Gravy. In short, I dig it.
Songs to check out: Burn Like the Sun, Drag, and Overtable Interlude, which struck me speechless. Also, one of the bonus tracks, Train to Birmingham is surprisingly tender.

Don't get me wrong, This isn't bad music. Singer/Songwriters know how to present their own music. Some of the guitar music is QUITE good. Just that the first half of CCRs album library seems soo much better. A review for another one of their recent albums called their recent releases "over produced." What made me fall in love with this band originally was the rawness of their music. Some of the earlier music might even be called "Bar Band" music. Either way, I think the older stuff is a lot more fun.

On a better note 51 Pieces, Drag & Confident all have driving guitar music & most of the others have catchy lyrics. For any other band this would be a 4 star album. However, I know that these guys can do better.

Cross Canadian Ragweed's new cd is lacking something, not sure what it is.There last few cd's seem to be lacking something.There last few cd's including the new one seem very generic.The songs seem to sound a lot alike, seems they were written really fast just to put out a record.I love these guy's, don't get me wrong, but it seems to me the fire has really faded lately in the cd's they have recently put out.Maybe time for a new direction in song writing and production.

There are 2 Ragweed Camps. Old School who really dont like the last 2 CDs because they want to hear Carney Man again. The Second is great music fans who realize a progression of music interest by 4 guys who love to jam with each other. I love Mission California and Happiness. Hearing Jeremy Plato sing is a great change. When you look at bands with real longevity... are the Chili Peppers the same as the started out? What CD did Metallica Sell out on? Keep the great music coming. If you are a new fan, buy this CD and all their others. They never disappoint

This is the best Ragweed album ever!!! the group returns, blurring the line between rock and country,
(they put some rock groups to shame).. stand out songs include 51 pieces, and drag. they keep doing
things their way, showing that country music needs to grow, and these guys are the real deal!!the
song writing is some of their best, and the cd showcases, their true talents. can't wait to hear
more great music from these guys!! if you like skynard, crossed with waylon jennings, then buy
this great cd!!