THE RAGBIRDS

Wanderlove

2007-07-17

Celtic-Afro-beat-Jam-band The Ragbirds’ new release is full of the eclectic melding of genre the band carouses in. The result is, at points, something genuinely original with a hint of Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland. Play ‘Good’ and ‘Roar, Claw, Bite’ (great title) for this eclectically rhythmic breath of fresh air. For more comfortably defined numbers listen to ‘How Can I say’ a bluegrass number steeply rooted in the genre, or the milonga tango ‘Brave New Beat.’ Looking for something that’s sung too honestly to be cynical about and find cheesy even though you kind of want to? Give ‘Moon Miss Me’ a listen. Just remember, I’m not promising anything. In fact, I’m still fighting it with my most positive thinking. Lastly, if you love Michigan and breakup songs with a twist then you’ll have to play ‘Ypsilanti Song.’ Derrick Mund