SoundSalvationArmy

You know how they talked about Neko Case when she first started getting attention? Remember? They called her “the Voice.” They said her voice wrote cheques her songwriting couldn’t cash (at the time), that the Voice overpowered the listener’s senses and destroyed their minds. That might be hyperbole…but what ISN’T hyperbole is that I have found her male equivalent.

In my endless pursuit of all things Chuck Ragan, I discovered a man named Austin Lucas. Austin and Chuck recorded a song together in the bathroom of a bar in Las Vegas in the dark and released it as a bonus track on the cd compiling Chuck’s 7” subscription series (and later on the b-side of a German 7” single). That song is provided below, a dangerously lo-fi recording that masks the power of their performance. The two also released a split 7” (again in Germany) and are working on a collaborative full-length – all good signs.

So a couple of months back the folks at the Vinyl Collective message board alerted me to a pre-order over at Lucas’ North American label, Magic Bullet, for his first solo full-length. After spending most of his life playing in punk bands, Lucas has been playing folk/country material and for this record he got together with his dad (also a life-long musician) and they recorded eight huge tracks. I say huge because they’re not necessarily choked with excessive instrumentation or wall-of-sound production. They’re huge in terms of their emotional weight and the ridiculous expanse of Lucas’ voice. It soars through the speakers and – while it does have a bit of country-style twang – it’s just mighty. I’m in awe of it.

 

 Austin Lucas - Man Alive [4:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Austin Lucas - There's Always Someone Tougher and Meaner [4:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Austin Lucas & Chuck Ragan - Hold My Bed [4:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Voice wants to speak to you:
iTunes: surprisingly, it’s here!
Magic Bullet mailorder: Pre-order the limited LP version or the cd
Hometown Caravan: His German label apparently has a few singles you can get — warning, they’re only taking orders through their myspace.

Pat entries acoustic, Austin Lucas, country, roots

Chuck Ragan was in one of my favourite bands ever, Hot Water Music. Like a lot of other people in the punk and indie worlds, he recently decided to start making acoustic music. Unlike a lot of other artists, it isn’t contrived country, ridiculous roots, or feeble folk. Chuck is doing what Chuck has always done: make incredibly honest and heartfelt music within the best of his abilities.

The trouble is punk rock barre chords don’t always translate that well. Some people criticized Chuck’s 7” single series (essentially demo recordings of songs for future release) for being nothing more than vocals and acoustic rhythm guitar. That problem has been rectified on his studio album, Feast or Famine, by adding plenty of extra instrumentation, guest players, and other vocalists.

The songs centre around family, passion, love, and Chuck’s never-wavering belief in a higher power (but don’t let that deter you). I’ve read interviews where he talks about his days in white supremacist groups and his road to reformation; songs like “God Deciding” from the HWM days, “Open Up and Wail,” and “the Grove” all reflect his sense of humanity and the preservation and preciousness of life. “For Broken Ears” is a treatise against the Iraq war, and “the Boat” is a sort of meditation on life through the eyes of a fisherman (or a boating enthusiast, I suppose). He also offers the definitive take on “California Burritos,” a standout track from the back-porch country act he created with a former HWM pal, Rumbleseat.

Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio) and Anti- recording artist Jolie Holland offer great harmonies and backing vocals to several songs, some included below. Check them out – and witness one of the most inspiring musicians working today.

 

 Chuck Ragan - Open Up & Wail [2:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Chuck Ragan - Do You Pray? [3:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Chuck Ragan - California Burritos [2:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mr. Ragan’s music is quite available:
iTunes: Carries the live and studio albums
Side One Dummy: has the cd versions.
No Idea Records: handles vinyl releases.

Pat entries acoustic, Chuck Ragan, Hot Water Music, punk rock, roots