Do I really need to tell you that this is one of the best records of 2008? Seriously, for what it’s worth, you can’t get much more for your money than a record like Bristle Ridge. A record that features both Chuck Ragan and Austin Lucas doing what they both seemingly (now) do best. And especially after seeing both performers at the recent Chicago stop of The Revival Tour the collaboration just seems natural. Bristle Ridge contains three new Chuck Ragan songs, three new Austin Lucas songs, three Ragan/Lucas tunes, a song written by Austin’s dad Bob Lucas, and two standards. You’ve got banjos, fiddles and acoustic guitars used in varying degrees on each song as you might expect but there is something more here. Something really heartfelt and honest about a group of guys just playing folk and bluegrass songs.
Sure, some songs basically sound like Chuck songs and some like Austin songs, but when their vocals collide (Chuck’s gravelly bellow and Austin’s country wail) it is pure magic. Whether on raucous group Jams like “Darling Corey” or slower ones like “Sun Or Snow” or even songs that sounds like they could have been from Feast Or Famine, there isn’t an ounce of filler here. If you like roots music with a modern slant, you should certainly give Bristle Ridge a listen or just pick up a copy here (preferably on vinyl).
MP3 | Chuck Ragan & Austin Lucas – Bloody Shells Bristle Ridge
MP3 | Chuck Ragan & Austin Lucas – Bells Bristle Ridge
How shit, Chuck Ragan? I put up blinds in that guys house! I new he was a musician, and I have his first two CDs (gave me them as a tip, sort of egotistical), but I had no idea anybody had actually HEARD of him!