Alabama – Cross Canadian Ragweed

CCR or CCR? Most folks are only familiar with one, without giving any credence to the other. (HA!) Cross Canadian Ragweed, one of the most influential (and best) alternative country/rock outfits of all time. I first came across these guys either my senior year of high school, or my freshman year of college, and was hooked by how easy and fun the group is to listen to. Furthermore, anyone that puts out live covers of Jerry Reed (Amos Moses in particular) has my eternal respect.

As I mentioned, Cross Canadian are an easy listen, case in point their song “Alabama” from a great album, Soul Gravy. (I’d like to mention that the Soul Gravy version actually isn’t their original recording of the song, which is on their sophomore album, Highway 377.) I love the simplicity of this one, nice riff, nice solo, with some pretty standard but still really nice country-esque lyrics about missing someone and wishing they’d give you a call. A great song to welcome the weekend, maybe on the way home from work on a Friday.

Cross Canadian is a group that I wish I could see live, but unfortunately they broke up about 14 years ago. Recently, lead singer Cody Canada gave a hard “fuck no” when someone from Rolling Stone asked if we’d ever get a reunion. At least we’ve got some good live albums?

Link to song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkFtl50kqYE

Link to live performance – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh3TYYQFkSE