Over the course of 13 years, country rockers Cross Canadian Ragweed has emerged as one of the hardest-working bands out of Stillwater, OK. The practice the group gets from playing at least 200 shows a year is evident on Mission California; CCR continues to display a sound grasp of traditional roadhouse rock melodies and the technical know-how to make them shine on wax.
Videos by American Songwriter
Label: Universal South
[Rating: 3 STARS]
Over the course of 13 years, country rockers Cross Canadian Ragweed has emerged as one of the hardest-working bands out of Stillwater, OK. The practice the group gets from playing at least 200 shows a year is evident on Mission California; CCR continues to display a sound grasp of traditional roadhouse rock melodies and the technical know-how to make them shine on wax. While the songwriting and instrumentals are stellar on this album, lyrics tend to be awkward or hackneyed; the explosive (but decidedly forgettable) opener “Record Exec” begins almost laughably with “Well, your eggshell walk and I’m talkin’ with you honestly.” But this is a minor offense, redeemed by the subtle ring of slide guitar on “Dead Man”, the crisp acoustic buildup of “Lawrence,” and neon-lit California soul of “NYCG.” It’s pure sugar, but CCR can really make pop rock.
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