Jason Ringenberg

Jason and the Scorchers were arguably the best ever cow punk band of the ’80s. Their contribution remains a little undervalued, but irrepressible main man Ringenberg has stayed musically active. This double CD celebrates his 30 years in the biz, and it’ll definitely entertain faithful fans. It features revamped versions of tunes from his Scorchers and solo albums alongside out-takes and unreleased tracks. Why no mainstream Nashville singers have covered songs like "Bible And A Gun” (here a great duet with co-writer Steve Earle), "Broken Whiskey Glass” and "The Life Of The Party” is mystifying, though they could never replicate the big-hearted honesty of Jason’s delivery. "Lovely Christmas,” a duet with Kristi Rose, is a funny look at the ups and downs of that season, "Moose On the Loose” and "Punk Rock Skunk” are equally zany, and "Buckminster Fuller We Need You Now” shows the brain lurking under the straw-chewing persona. Other notable guests include Webb Wilder, cool Brits the Wildhearts and Los Straitjackets on rockin’ tribute "Link Wray.” This disc shows us the full range of Ringenberg’s engaging talents