Recording of Special Merit

Jason and the Nashville Scorchers: Fervor. Jason and the Nashville Scorchers (vocals and instrumentals). Hot Nights in Georgia; Pray for Me, Mama (I’m a Gypsy Now); I Can’t Help Myself; and three others.
Praxis PR 6654 $5.98 (Praxis Records).
Performance: Compelling
Recording: Good

S. S.; Stereo Review Magazine
March 1984

Copyright 1984-2004 Stereo Review

A very interesting little record. The band is slightly raw sounding, and I suppose some will hail them as punk-country, but what they’re doing is actually in a direct line from Gram Parsons’ Flying Burrito Brothers-they’re a raggedy, emotionally compelling country-rock outfit fronted by a singer (Jason Ringenberg) whose vocal chops are not extraordinary but who sings every note as if his life depended on it.
Michael Stipe of R.E.M. shows up on background harmonics, which should give you some idea of the band’s approach: this is spooky, guilt-ridden stuff, and despite the Seventies guitar licks, the music seems timeless in a peculiarly
backwoods way. These guys also know how to rock out (check Both Sides of the Line). Highly recommended, especially to people who’ve worn out their copies of “The Gilded Palace of Sin.”

© 1984-2004 — Stereo Review — All Rights Reserved