Chuck Ragan returns with new, folksy sound

The first time I heard Chuck Ragan play a song acoustically was on Hot Water Music's 2002 split with Alkaline Trio. He sang an Alkaline Trio song - a slow, heart-wrenching song about a lonely alcoholic called "Bleeder" - and at the time I knew his hoarse rasp was shockingly beautiful over the simple chords and captivating enough to make me want to hear more acoustic songs. I just never thought it would redefine his career.

After the Gainesville-based punk band Hot Water Music disbanded in 2006, the former vocalist and guitarist decided to go solo, while his former bandmates Chris Wollard, Jason Black and George Rebelo formed a new band called The Draft. Ragan could have had his pick of musicians to get a new project going, but he instead traded virtually guaranteed success with a new band (considering his reputation) and gambled all his chips on acoustic folk music.

Luckily for Ragan, who will play at Common Grounds on Monday night, folk music was at least on the radar for punk fans because of the popularity of bands like Against Me!, The Weakerthans, Flogging Molly and The Dropkick Murphys. But that also doesn't mean that any joker with an acoustic guitar and a harmonica is an artist. I've seen plenty of pretenders at open-mic nights, parties and street corners. Ragan though has the know-it-all to mix it up completely and not give fans a rehashed, stripped down version of Hot Water Music.

"I love that the record ("Feast Or Famine") is such a ride," he said of his 2007 release on chuckraganmusic.com. "It goes from bluesy to kicking-up-dust king of porch music to slower, more intimate love songs."

There's a depth and maturity to the songs that only comes from a person who's been on the other side of the musical fence, the blood, sweat and tears world of punk that pins energy against intimacy and sound against substance. For Ragan, the new direction is an artistic choice that allows him to be free from the constructs of image and noise.

"I love the freedom. I'm more in control of things with just an acoustic guitar that is not blasting all the time," he said in an online interview. "I've gotten a little older, and while I had a blast with all the yelling and sweating and falling off stage, this is who I am right now."

If you want to see a rock 'n' roll transformation with the sensibility of a "Nebraska"-era Bruce Springsteen, then head to Common Grounds on Monday. Chances are you'll be able to hear the words coming out of Ragan's mouth this time because it's his music now and there's nowhere to hide.

For other notable shows this week you can head to the Atlantic on Saturday night for The Deadsongwriters (formerly the Pseudo Kids) who will be joined by Turn Thieves for a great post-rock show. Reggae fans can head to Market Street Pub on Saturday night as well to catch Gainesville's Boss Lady and The Company and Jacksonville's Hours Eastly.

And head to 1982 Bar on Wednesday night to catch one of my favorite pop-rock bands in town, The Epicureans. They have great melodic songwriting and catchy, McCartney-esque hooks and changes. You'll be sure to enjoy the music and the whacky spirit of the band.

Contact Dante Lima at lima.dante@gmail.com.