I'm always skeptical when asked to listen to an album by a singer/songwriter. The title brings to mind granola-esque folks who are too attached to that ever-comfortable flannel shirt or fading foam-mesh-trucker-cap. So when I started listening to "For Goodness Sake", the first track off of Chuck Ragan's 2009 LP Gold Country, I was quickly nudged into a state of unexpected awe and quiet appreciation.

Ragan's gravel-laced voice and casual strum betrayed punk influences with a pop sensibility. The song was so engaging that I've been listening to it on a non-stop loop, sharing it with friends, and doing my best to sing-along to Ragan's indecipherable lyrics.

Gold Country is Ragan's finest work to date, reflecting maturity and an inherently introspective nature. The album's quality, and seemingly universal appeal, can largely be attributed to the singer/songwriter's effort to produce a piece he would be proud of. "All in all," says Ragan on his website, "I'm the most satisfied with this release than with anything I've ever done."

The LP has garnered praise from critics and fans alike, but Ragan's popularity has been ushered in by his unique live-act. Often playing in small venues throughout the country, Ragan has been rumored to have an amenable stage-presence, allowing him to readily identify with fans from all walks of life. Like so many before him, Ragan discusses the meanings of his songs openly, providing each piece with a rich and relatable context. When singing, the Californian native leaves his heart on the mic and exudes the energy of a punk-rock frontman.

It's been a long time since Ragan has released any new tunes, but that doesn't seem to matter. His sound is slowly catching on, and Ragan seems committed to winning an audience one show at a time. 

• Chuck Ragan is currently on tour with Social Distortion, but will be playing a solo show at The Bell House in Brooklyn, NY on Monday, May 16 @ 8 PM. Tickets are $10.00, and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE.
• Check back here on Friday, May 20 for my exclusive interview with Chuck Ragan

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHUCK RAGAN, VISIT HIS HOMEPAGE. 

READ ALL OF MATT THOMAS'S STORIES AND ARTICLES BY VISITING HIS BLOG.