< BACK

Empire Builders Classic Rock (4 out of 5 stars) November 2004 The cover boasts a Day-Glo family, clad in garish holiday attire of the most tastless American variety. Yet the backdrop is a scene of devastation, with US helicopters flying in. It sets out ex-Scorcher Jason Ringenberg's stall as social commentator on his forth solo album; a fine selection of country rock. It's a bold step, backed up by songs like 'American Question' and 'New Fashioned Imperialist' which qusetion America's role in the world. 'I say "I am Canadian" with averted eyes,' he sings in the self-explanatory 'Rebel Flag In Germany'. In Bush's America, much like the similarly appalled John Mellencamp and Steve Earle, he'l be ripe for a kicking. Like those two, Ringenberg is also a man who loves his country but isn't very proud of it's actions of late. To this end the excellent 'Tuskegee Pride' and 'Chief Joseph's Last Dream' stand tall. Elsewhere, 'Link Wray' pays homage to the man of the title while a cover of Merle Haggard's 'Rainbow Stew' is a country rock stomper as you'd expect from a man who grew up on a chicken farm in Illinois. Jerry Ewing