Jason and the Scorchers
Wildfires + Misfires
Yep Roc
Too rock for CMT, too country for MTV, Jason and the Scorchers have had to exist for 20 years just being a great fucking band. But the world is littered with the bones of the greats, and it’s to the everlasting credit of Jason Ringenberg, Warner Hodges, Perry Baggs, and Jeff Johnson that while they might have stumbled a few times along the way, they never said “dead.” The band just finished a brief tour, and is readying a new album for release. But until then, this “Two Decades of Outtakes and Rarities” will hold over even the most fevered fan. Made up of demos, live cuts and other previously unreleased moments, this is a great intro to the band (since much of their earlier material is out of print) for those poor listeners who haven’t experienced the passion and the fire of the original “country punks.” Long time fans will groove on the unheard stuff, such as their take on Mel Tillis’ “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” featuring blistering slide guitar from Georgia Satellite Rick Richards, or a live in Denmark “Tear It Up” featuring Link Wray on guitar.
The Scorchers have been playing furious rock and roll in an imaginary bar where Hank Williams is the bartender, Keith Richards busses tables, and AC/DC are the parking lot valets. No finer joint exists. With original material such as “If Money Talks” and “Shop It Around” or new spins on classics such as “Long Black Veil,” the Scorchers define a musical genre that isn’t quite rock, not quite country. No “alt-“ mumbo jumbo, either. The Scorchers planted their flag proudly two decades ago, and won’t give it up without a fight. They probably won’t ever get rich doing it- but anyone who listens will.
Jason and the Scorchers: http://www.jasonandthescorchers.com
