Gypsies Now - Reviews

Rock records ; Lyrics drive Jason and
the Scorchers' latest

CLEAR IMPETUOUS MORNING, by Jason and the Scorchers. Mammoth Records

By Jay N. Miller For The Patriot Ledger
October 18, 1996 Friday

This latest album from the originators of "blitzkrieg honky tonk" is their second comeback effort since they returned in 1995 from a three-year self-imposed exile brought about by personal problems. One of the dedications is to "Bill W," the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, which alludes to the problems spelled out in the first cut, "Self Sabotage."

For the uninitiated, the publicity notes contain a fine description of Jason and the Scorchers' singular brand of music -- Jerry Lee Rotten. That combination of country soul and punk passion has made them one of rock's most intriguing bands.

This album is better realized than 1995's "Blazing Grace," which kicked like a bronco but seemed a bit rushed. The new disc, 53 minutes long, has a wider variety of stylistic swerves and stronger songwriting.

The first tune folks will note is the cover of Graham Parsons' "Drugstore Truckdrivin' Man," here reborn as a pell-mell rocker. The obvious radio-friendly single is "Cappuccino Rosie," an edgy rocker about an encounter with a girl who "went from 'hello darling' to way the hell too far." Memorable, slightly skewed lyrics like that are a trademark of Scorchers leader Jason Ringenberg, and he's produced a fine batch here.

A duet with Emmylou Harris is an unexpected treat on the ballad "Everything Has a Cost," a sensitive litany about those who know the price of everything and value of nothing. There can be no more exuberant bust-out song than "Victory Road," and the haunting "To Feel No Love" is irresistable. The album ends with two acoustic ballads, a sad little Civil War vignette "Jeremy's Glory," and "I'm Sticking With You," which manages to be both sweet and thunderous at various stages.

Jason and The Scorchers play at Mama Kin in Boston tomorrow night, with
Norwood's Mark Cutler and Useful Things opening. Highly recommended.


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News Meet The Scorchers Learn Back to Reviews > Look		Rock records ; Lyrics drive Jason and the Scorchers' latest CLEAR IMPETUOUS MORNING, by Jason and the Scorchers. Mammoth Records By Jay N. Miller For The Patriot Ledger October 18, 1996 Friday Copyright 1996 The Patriot Ledger This latest album from the originators of "blitzkrieg honky tonk" is their second comeback effort since they returned in 1995 from a three-year self-imposed exile brought about by personal problems. One of the dedications is to "Bill W," the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, which alludes to the problems spelled out in the first cut, "Self Sabotage." For the uninitiated, the publicity notes contain a fine description of Jason and the Scorchers' singular brand of music -- Jerry Lee Rotten. That combination of country soul and punk passion has made them one of rock's most intriguing bands. This album is better realized than 1995's "Blazing Grace," which kicked like a bronco but seemed a bit rushed. The new disc, 53 minutes long, has a wider variety of stylistic swerves and stronger songwriting. The first tune folks will note is the cover of Graham Parsons' "Drugstore Truckdrivin' Man," here reborn as a pell-mell rocker. The obvious radio-friendly single is "Cappuccino Rosie," an edgy rocker about an encounter with a girl who "went from 'hello darling' to way the hell too far." Memorable, slightly skewed lyrics like that are a trademark of Scorchers leader Jason Ringenberg, and he's produced a fine batch here. A duet with Emmylou Harris is an unexpected treat on the ballad "Everything Has a Cost," a sensitive litany about those who know the price of everything and value of nothing. There can be no more exuberant bust-out song than "Victory Road," and the haunting "To Feel No Love" is irresistable. The album ends with two acoustic ballads, a sad little Civil War vignette "Jeremy's Glory," and "I'm Sticking With You," which manages to be both sweet and thunderous at various stages. Jason and The Scorchers play at Mama Kin in Boston tomorrow night, with Norwood's Mark Cutler and Useful Things opening. Highly recommended. © 1995-2001 — The Patriot Ledger — All Rights Reserved

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