Chuck Ragan

There is nothing bad to be said about Los Feliz. The rawness of the live recording brings the songs to life and it’s easy to feel the crowd’s response, as well as Ragan’s gratitude towards his audience. This record is very much in tune with the other projects of Ragan’s career, including Hot Water Music and Rumbleseat (both bands are covered here, with HWM’s "God Deciding” and Rumbleseat’s "California Burritos”). Ragan’s whiskey-soaked voice is at its best on "Open Up and Wail” and "It’s What You Will,” and the addition of mandolin and fiddle on tracks like "Do You Pray” add a new, more folk-y element to Los Feliz’s front porch sing-alongs. Los Feliz is the perfect record to play on your headphones during late night walks or when sitting in the backyard with an acoustic guitar, all your closest friends singing along. This album stands as a testament to a seemingly genuine man with an impressive back catalogue and even more impressive prospects. It wouldn’t be overly surprising if Ragan were to be remembered more for his solo recordings than his time with HWM. This record is that good.