Fervor

Jason and the Nashville Scorchers (Praxis)
*** 1/2

Allan Horing; Rolling Stone Magazine
September 29, 1983

Copyright 1983-2004 Rolling Stone Magazine

If the Ramones had grown up in Nashville instead of Queens, they might sound like this. Fervor, the second EP from Jason and the Nashville Scorchers, is an energetic blend of country and punk rock that ought to please fans of both genres.
Four years ago, at the age of nineteen, Jason Ringenberg grabbed his guitar and cowboy hat, left his parents’ Illinois hog farm and lit out for Hank Williams territory. His slightly off-key crooning on “Pray for Me Mama (I’m a Gypsy Now)” leaves little doubt as to why he never made it to the Grand Ole Opry. But his heartfelt delivery instills the ballad, which borders on parody, with some genuine country sincerity.
The Scorchers are a wild and wooly backup band that knows how to rock in the best Southern tradition. Warner Hodges’ lead guitar is sweet and reckless by turns, and straight out of the Keith Richards mold. The band really catches fire on “Hot Nights in Georgia” and “Harvest Moon.” (The latter song features some laid-back harmonies reminiscent of the Grateful Dead, while Michael Stipe of R.E.M. provides backup vocals on the former.) Despite their influences, Jason and the Nashville Scorchers are American originals who deserve attention.

© 1983-2004 — Rolling Stone Magazine — All Rights Reserved