Cross Canadian Ragweed (Universal South, 2002)

Cross Canadian Ragweed's latest studio release shows why the Oklahoma band has developed an enthusiastic following throughout Oklahoma and Texas.

There are traces of Steve Earle and Bob Dylan in the mix, but the predominant element in Ragweed's sound is the southern rock of the seventies, particularly in the lead guitar riffs of lead singer and primary songwriter Cody Canada.

The self-titled studio release begins with "Anywhere But Here," a scathing commentary on modern day Nashville ("I gotta book of matches and a bottle of kerosene/Toss 'em a Molotov cocktail/Maybe they'll change their scene").

"Walls of Huntsville" visits the familiar folk/country theme of the murdered unfaithful lover with a particularly unforgiving, violent tone ("If I had the chance I'd do it all again/Cause a woman can be evil/Twice as much as any man"). Canada does reveal his gentle side with the ballads "On A Cloud," and "Constantly," as well as the inspirational tunes "Carry You Home" and "Freedom" (co-written with Mike McClure of the Great Divide, who also co-produced the album with the band).