Jason & the Scorchers: EMI Years

Cow punk? Maybe so in the mid-'80s, before the alt-country scene blossomed and gave the genre a new name. Here, Jason & The Scorchers' live version of Bob Dylan's "Absolutely Sweet Marie" is even faster than the original studio recording. Their cover of Hank Williams' "Honky Tonk Blues" is far more anarchic than their take on "Lost Highway" (which was already beyond the speed limit). They took The Rolling Stones' "19th Nervous Breakdown" and turned up the amps. However, the group also had a long line of impressive originals that showed its aggressive and sensitive sides. Jason Ringenberg could evoke the ache of Gram Parsons on the high lonesome "Far Behind." "Harvest Moon" and "Broken Whiskey Glass" made good use of the acoustic/electric dynamic. "Hot Nights in Georgia," "Last Time Around," "White Lies," and "If Money Talks" are powerful performances that feature the stinging lead guitar lines of Warner Hodges and a rhythm section that gallops with authority and finesse. This collection features the group's EP Fervor, their albums Lost and Found and Still Standing, live tracks, and b-sides. Excellent.