Net Rythmns (UK)
April 2007
Michael Mee

Children are just like any other listener, serve them up patronising rubbish and they'll smell it a mile away. But, as Rockin' In The Forest shows, the reverse is also true.

It helps that Farmer Jason is the alter ego of one Jason Ringenberg, the Jason of Jason and the Scorchers, the inspiration behind the fusion of punk rock and country that became known as 'cowpunk'.

Rockin In The Forest may be primarily aimed at children, the idea coming from Ringenberg's own two children, but it goes way beyond the archetypal simplistic children's album, it's a thrilling, funny, optimistic ride. Farmer Jason hasn't quite cast off his energetic, slightly rebellious former self, Punk Rock Skunk does not come from any Disney film I've seen But back to the children, what kid wouldn't want to be a part of Opossum In A Pocket and He's A Moose Loose on the Loose, on which Todd Snider lends a (farm) hand.

But it's the manner in which Ringenberg goes about being Farmer Jason as much as anything. He hasn't treated this as some amusing side project. If all he did was this, he'd still be a lot better than most.

There's a slightly anarchic engagement about the album, Farmer Jason slips easily into the role of naughty older brother.

And while the kids are sure to be delighted by tales of woodland animals set to rock n roll. The older 'children' can sit back and enjoy the intelligent wit that Ringenberg has poured into the album plus that their kids are being 'exposed' to the very best music, has to offer. Not only is Rockin' In The Forest hugely entertaining, it's the best musical start in life you can offer . What parent wouldn't want to do that.