Jason & The Scorchers - EMI Years

Figureheads of Nashville’s own new wave

Pitching a tent somewhere between Gram Parsons and Dr Feelgood, Jason Ringenberg’s fiery country pub rock caught the ears of famous fans such as Michael Stipe and Elvis Costello, but found only a cult following among record buyers. This collection pulls together three 80s albums of high octane Americana, like CBGB’s transported to Tennessee.

Breakneck-speed versions of Bob Dylan’s Absolutely Sweet Marie and Hank Williams’ Lost Highway may have the taint of novelty about them, although The Scorchers’ deft playing is full of subtlety and surprises. Originals Pray For Me Mama (I’m A Gypsy Now) and Broken Whiskey Glass serve as a blueprint for what Ryan Adams or even Jack White are up to these days, re-positioning bygone musical styles for a more contemporary market.

Occasional live reunions suggest there’s still fire in their bellies, but any new recordings will need to go a long way to match the adrenaline charge of these formative sides. Long before Dwight Yoakam or Steve Earle entered the picture, The Scorchers were living proof that country could be cool.

Acadia | ACAD 8200 (2-CD)

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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