Straight from the American Heartland. At least, I assume it. You say these words like you know, but I’ve spent precisely six days in America in my life. In Las Vegas. Where I was best man as my best mate got married 20 years ago.
Other than that, my knowledge of America comes from “Frasier” (the greatest TV show ever made — I’ll accept no debate), other films and TV shows, and music. The first single I bought with my own money was “Centerfold” by J. Geils Band (how my parents allowed that, I’ll never know!) and for close on 50 years I’ve lived my life through that prism.
So look, I know New England isn’t the heartland. “Cheers” and Aerosmith taught me that. But Nate Perry & Ragged Company damn well sound like they are.
The name too — Ragged Company. Immediately it evokes “Dead Flowers.” Maybe it’s meant to. Whatever, as soon as that guitar line hits for “Tonight,” you know you’re listening to a special band. A band, too, that means this. There’s something here that shows the scars are real. Plus, it’s just a brilliant rock ’n’ roll song.
The keys at the start of “Count On You” give it a kind of mid-period Springsteen feel. “I tried my best to understand but I don’t think I can,” he sings, and there’s a stoic quality that almost dares you to doubt him.
“Between The Lines” slows the pace, and Americana doesn’t get classier than the way it builds. Think Whiskeytown in the late 90s. In fact, don’t think at all — just listen. The hook line here, “everything that’s good and true is already part of you,” carries the belief and hope that permeates the record. A knowledge, almost, that it will get better.
There’s more of the same class on “Disappear.” Leaving home? Leaving the past behind? Whatever it’s escaping, it isn’t looking back with regret.
The key to this is surely the last one. “How Much It Matters” discusses authenticity and says without it “you won’t believe his song.” Believe this one. If Robert Jon & The Wreck had done it, it’d already be a hit.
“I ain’t gonna sit around waiting to die,” Perry sings at one point, and he’s ready. New Artist of the Year 2024 he might have been, but you can’t listen to “Till The Well Runs Dry” and think that’s enough — or that Nate Perry & Ragged Company will ever settle for it.
Rating: 9.5/10
