Rich Ragany – “You Can Get Dark With Me”

We always feel we should declare an interest when reviewing the material of Rich Ragany. Partly because we have been long admirers of his work in various bands and groups. But also because he is about the only rock n roller we know who lives in the home base of The Soul Of A Clown (the very un-rock n roll Royal Leamington Spa!). Thankfully, we never need to worry about any ‘conflict of interest’ because his music is always so damn good!

There’s no denying that there is a greater ‘maturity’ to the songs on this album. Some may see that as a ‘dirty’ word in the rock n roll world, but what it means is just another step up in the songwriting ability shown on this album. Songs like “Empty & Free” and “Shine Around Me” see Rich Ragany just giving greater exposure to inevitable influences like Petty and Costello. For those who have followed his work this shouldn’t come as a surprise as those influences have also been clear on his last few releases.

What might come as more of a surprise is the hint of eighties rock that appears on tracks like “A Pleasant Fiction” and “Sierra Bonita”. We love it and we are sure his fans will do too. These tracks have a retro feel but still feel bright and fresh. It’s also showing a boldness to deliver the music you want to produce rather than trying to jump on bandwagons. One thing that Rich Ragany always delivers is a real sense of authenticity. It may not have brought him the commercial success he deserves though. When you hear a song like “We’re Alive Anyway” you can’t help feeling that at a different time these would have been huge hits.

One thing which did surprise us is how much we enjoyed the ‘ballads’ “You Can Get Dark With Me” and “Reach Out”. We expect this is the real opportunity afforded by releasing this as a solo album. Without the ‘need’ to consider from a band perspective it seems like it has given the freedom to be even more open. That doesn’t mean there aren’t also plenty of great power pop feel songs like “Tragic Celebration” and the rocking “The Great Nothing”.

Whether solo or in a band, what Rich Ragany never fails to deliver is a really well produced album with carefully crafted songs. Given the phenomenal level of his output it’s amazing that  the quality just never dips. But that’s probably goes back to the fact that the music he produces always comes from the heart. He loves what he does and we all benefit from that with every release he makes.