“Essential Volume 1”

DAN HERBECK; The Buffalo News
February 19, 1993

Copyright 1993 - 2004 The Buffalo News

Never in my life having heard one punk rock song that I really enjoyed, I was already wearing a scowl when I slipped Jason & the Scorchers’ new best-of collection, “Essential Volume 1,” into my CD player. The idea of a “punk country” band sounded like a bad idea to me. Well, it’s not something I’d listen to while nursing a headache, but this band’s distinctive, take-no-prisoners sound has won me over.
Jason Ringenberg and his band — they’re friends and cohorts of R.E.M., by the way — are wild men with a purpose. Despite their punk leanings, they clearly love and respect country music. Somehow on this 22-song disc, they manage to meld two very diverse musical styles.
This set of headbanger tunes begins with an explosive version of Dylan’s classic from the “Blonde on Blonde” album, “Absolutely Sweet Marie,” and runs through the Scorchers’ best material from 1982 to 1985. Don’t look for any soothing ballads, but if you feel like putting a rocket in your pocket, crank up “Hot Nights in Georgia” or their unique version of Hank Williams’ “Honky-Tonk Blues.” Rating: ****.

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