The press packet for Cross Canadian Ragweed reads like a how-to instruction manuel on how to get your band signed to a major record label--in this case, the Nashville based Universal South Records label.

It appears to be very simple: First, you need to start young, as young as possible. Second, you need to hook-up with your band early and have the temperament to get along with each other for the duration of your careers. Third, you need to be good, damn good; as good as any band playing in your genre. Fourth, be original! Write your own material and be able to work with each other, pooling your talents to make records that sparkle with life and originality. Fifth, be nice to everyone and your band will attract the attention of not only legions of fans, but also the ears of influential folks like producer Mike McClure (of the Great Divide), Lynyrd Skynyrd and Sammy Hagar. Well, this may sound easy in print, but I doubt that the reality was such a walk in the park for this stellar band of Southern rockers. Great songs, expertly executed by a cohesive and energetic band. Songs about love, songs about passion, songs about heartache and loss. Songs about home and songs about running away from home. It's all here in this self-titled CD.

Everyday at Southbound Beat Magazine, we correspond with dozens of bands. Some artists have already made their mark and are enjoying the fruits of their labors. Some have the talent and the ability, but the tumblers have yet to match up and unlock the prize of success. The characteristic ingrained in all of these bands is simple: be yourself. Learn from those you admire. Experiment with different things, but above all, make the music that comes from deep inside your heart. If you follow a true path, your audience will find you.

But let's put the lessons aside and let me say that this is a beautiful, heartfelt and emotional album from some good ole Oklahoma boys that really know how to rock up the country. I'd like to congratulate front man and guitarist Cody Canada, rhythm guitarist Grady Cross, drummer Randy Ragsdale and bassist Jeremy Plato on their latest achievement. Hopefully, signing with Universal South will mean years of great music from the four of you. I say hopefully because, as the purple color of the CD and the story of Mandi, Ragsdales's nine year old sister, who was killed in an auto accident after a show in 2001, reminds us that life is short, Time is relentless. Only the memories and the music last forever.

Find out more about this fantastic CD at: http://www.crosscanadianragweed.com.


--Ray Synkane