Chuck Ragan Serves up sincere folk on Feast or Famine

With the split of Hot Water Music, lead singer Chuck Ragan is on a quest for solo fame.His release, Feast or Famine, is a surprising left turn from the days of Hot Water Music. Ragan has traded in the screaming for an acoustic guitar and the occasional harmonica.

Feast or Famine is chock-full of the undying themes of most music such as love, the hardships of war and family, with a little fiddle, banjo and harmonica thrown into the mix. The lyrics are simple and straightforward but Ragan's passion pours out with each note.

Musically, the first song, "The Boat," is a decent song to listen to, but the gruff raspy quality of Ragan's voice didn't do it for me. I feel it takes away from the song, which is otherwise really good.

The introduction to the third song, "California Burritos" left me thinking, "What the hell?" It's an unorthodox introduction. This song left me feeling like I should be doing some sort of Irish jig. Needless to say I could do without this song. With a song title like "California Burritos," I had high hopes but I was just left disappointed.

Track four, "Geraldine," is a heartfelt song. Ragan's voice is actually tolerable here in that he doesn't sound like he's been smoking for 30 years. The female vocal accompaniment blends perfectly with Ragan. This is one of the more standout songs on the record.

The final track, "Do What You Do" finishes out the record on a strong note. "I'll break my legs to keep up with you/ Cause I don't like being alone, unless I feel alone." How charming. It's the quintessential song of love and the hard road it can lead one down.

The artwork for the album is really simple, the cover is black and white and pictures a lone leafless tree in a field. I like it: it's artistic and symbolic and I prefer albums that way.

Overall, Ragan might not be my cup of tea so to speak, but his album Feast or Famine isn't half bad. If you like folk music with a slight Celtic influence, then Ragan is your man.

While I probably wouldn't have gone out and bought this album on my own, it's one that I can see myself listening to from time to time. It's a well-put together collection of songs you can tell Ragan has poured his heart and soul into, and that alone is a quality that's hard to come by in mainstream music today.