Customer Reviews

Mission California [Vinyl]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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 !!!!

I am reaallly glad I bought this one. Not just a great picture on the cover, which is why I chose this one, but great driving home from work music.

What is there not to like about Cody Canada and Cross Canadian Ragweed?? They're amazing!!!

The hardest rocking band ever to wear an "alt country" label, CCR has taken some flack for shining up their sound on their latest release. True fans realize they've lost none of their edge and are pleased that the band is able to make inroads in a country music industry overloaded with tight jeans and expensive haircuts. Nobody comes close to keeping as real as Cody Canada who's equally able to rock your socks off and move you to the point of tears. Honest to goodness flesh and blood real life American music served up sincerely and without pretension. Outside of their blood brothers in Reckless Kelly, there's really nobody else out there who can make that claim.

Mission California is their seventh album. I have them all and although I enjoy them more live, this latest album is near perfection. These Okies can sure entertain..They played the Stagecoach Festival in Indio recently, I recomend that if they come to your town, don't miss them..

I recently had a Cross Canadian Ragweed craving, and so had to order Mission California.
In barely a week, it was satiated and then some, beginning from the great Tragically Hip flavoured opener, Record Exec. The Cd has not left my CD player since I got it, thanks to catchy Tom Petty flavoured guitar riffs, outstanding songwriting and impressive rootsy harmonica playing.
While I am not a fan of slower songs in general, Dead Man, Deal, Soul Agent and Jenny even grew on me, but the rockers like Smoke Another, Walls To Climb, In Oklahoma and the Todd Snider penned I Believe, are infinitely rewindable and are worth the price alone. If you like catchy, country-rock tinged guitar, thought provoking lyrics and outstanding songs, then you will want to check this out.

Youth, genius, dedication and hard work are such a rare and wonderful combination. What a great CD!

Ragweed continues their growing history of awesome songwriting and incredible Red Dirt music in this album. If they keep this up, along with the Randy Rogers Band and Stoney LaRue, and every other Texas band, we should be taking over Nashville in no time.