Still Standing, Jason And The Scorchers (Capitol/EMI):

Greg Quill; The Toronto Star
December 5, 1986

Copyright 1986-2004 Toronto Star Newspapers, Ltd.

Young Jason Ringenberg is fast becoming one of the most astute chroniclers of contemporary American life. Wrapped in The Scorchers’ sweaty, jangling, countrified guitar rock, Ringenberg’s words have a fatalistic ring to them and evoke an America not unlike the one perceived by playwright Sam Shepard - an eerie yet familiar wasteland peopled by heroic ghosts and bound by the rusting barbs of lost ideals.
There’s no false pride or jingoistic melodrama in Ringenberg’s songs, although there’s an obvious fascination with traditional country and blues music. This is tough, realistic stuff, a strong and eloquent addition to The Scorchers’ fine recorded repertoire. New songs of the faith hinted at in the title are “My Heart Still Stands With You,” “Crashin’ Down” and “Take Me To Your Promised Land.” The Stones’ venerable “19th Nervous Breakdown” also gets a decent workout and “Shotgun Blues” will likely benefit from wide radio exposure.

© 1986-2004 — Toronto Star Newspapers, Ltd. — All Rights Reserved