Concerned Collectors [excerpt]

By Greg Kot
Chicago Tribune
June 7, 1990, Thursday

Copyright 1990 Chicago Tribune Company

- Breaking up isn't so hard to do: Two of America's top alternative bands, Camper Van Beethoven, and Jason and the Scorchers, recently called it quits.

The Campers' tart, clever brand of folk-punk, epitomized by early hits such as "Take the Skinheads Bowling," found a big college audience, but their smugger-than-thou attitude won't be missed. Band members didn't get along with leader David Lowery.

The breakup of the Scorchers is a mighty blow to fans of their four-on-the-floor concerts. Jason Ringenberg sang poignant lyrics in a hillbilly voice that contrasted perfectly with Warner Hodges' Clash-like guitar style. Last year's "Thunder and Fire" (A&M) was their best album, but it never found its niche on radio or the charts.

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