JASON & THE SCORCHERS – CLEAR IMPETUOUS MORNING (Mammoth/Attic) (1996)
Coming onto the scene in the mid 80s, Jason and the Scorchers offered a potent blend of country mixed with punk rock energy. A killer version of Bob Dylan’s Absolutely Sweet Marie got the band noticed quick, and a series of albums soon followed. Known for their wild live shows, the band was at the top of the short-lived cowpunk scene. Jason was equally well known for his excesses: in addition to a stage persona that brought to mind Carl Perkins-meets-Iggy Pop, a serious drinking problem grew. Over the years the band was overshadowed by younger acts, eventually losing it’s major label deal and reduced to playing increasingly smaller venues until the inevitable parting of the ways came near the end of the decade.
After an ill-fated solo outing and a messy divorce Ringenberg hit bottom. Upon sobering up Ringenberg returned to his Catholic roots, and regrouped all four original Scorchers for 1995s’ A Blazing Grace. Since the band’s reuniting drummer Perry Baggs, whose father was a gospel singer, has also returned to the church. Returning to the scene they helped create (now labeled alternative country), the ferocious edge remains, and the band is experiencing a second wind 15 years after they first hit.
If A Blazing Grace served notice that the Scorchers were back, Morning ups the stakes, with more solid writing and playing. Although there seems little chance of the act ever becoming popular on the CCM scene, a strong sense of biblical grace is apparent through most of the album. Self-Sabotage offers a cow punk read on Paul’s questioning (Rom 7:15) of why he does what he doesn’t want to do. Going Nowhere tells the story of a prodigal daughter. Victory Road offers a joyous picture of one reaching out in faith: I’ve been looking for a miracle/tell me brother have you seen one/I’m so tired of being cynical/I want to kick my way to freedom. Everything Has A Cost features a duet with Emmylou Harris.