Americana Roots.com
January 2008
by John Walker   
To reach 30 years in the music business is quite an accomplishment. In order to celebrate this feat properly, Ringenberg decided to take a reflective look back at his material and release this compilation CD. Unlike most compilations, however, Ringenberg has re-worked his songs. The results may surprise some.
Over the 30-year period, Ringenberg has had many ventures, including different band and solo releases. Each is covered quite well here in this 2-CD set. With so much material to choose from, Ringenberg states it was tough to narrow down to these songs, but he has provided enough variety to please everyone.

Ringenberg is perhaps best known for his days with the trail-blazing cowpunk band Jason and the Scorchers. The material during this time was raucous, loud, and jumping. To kick off the CD, Ringenberg includes the classic Scorcher song “Shop It Around,” but tones it down a bit, allowing the lyrics, not the guitar, to drive the song. It was a bold move that pays off well. Other Scorcher songs re-worked here include “Lost and Found” and “Broken Whiskey Glass.”

Ringenberg also includes more humorous children material from his days as Farmer Jason, including “Punk Rock Skunk,” and “Moose on the Loose” on the Side Tracks disc 2, featuring help from Todd Snider.
Other highlights include a great version of “Bible and a Gun” with Steve Earle, “The Price of Progress,” which was originally released in 2000 on his “A Pocketful of Soul” album, and “Prosperity Train” written by Stace England. Ringenberg’s vocals shine on this one. There is also a very rare 1980 recording of his pre-Scorcher band Shakespeare’s Riot, ripping through “Help There’s a Fire.”