Widely acknowledged as one of the main pioneers of alt- country, Ringenberg has received for both his albums with the band Jason and the Scorchers, and for his solo work. On this new disc, he's without The Scorchers, and has produced an album built on country, folk, and rock and roll, and it's all delivered with no small amount of swagger and style.
It's a striking album right from the start of track one, the improbably titled 'Honky Tonk Maniac from Mars', a song that sets the tempo and quality standard for the remaining 11 tracks; it's certainly an adventurous album with a huge variety of styles and instrumentation.
Each of the songs features a guest, who, in varying degrees accompany Ringenberg with vocals and backing - the list of guests reads like a who's who of alt-country/Americana, Steve Earle, Paul Burch, Lambchop, BR5-49, The Wildhearts, and Tommy Womack being just 6 of the collaborators.
This is not your standard, formulaic alt-country album, it's dynamic, individual and varied, from outrageous rockers to wonderful folk ballads, this disc has all the bases covered.
Absolutely guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and a spring in your step. A real gem.

£12.99