Jason & the Scorchers:
Pioneers of the sons
It was a great pleasure to see Jason & the Scorchers on your November/December cover. In my opinion, they are one of the most influential and underrated bands in modern post punk American music, and their new disc, Clear Impetuous Morning, shows them to still be a valid pioneering force. Thank you for giving them the credit and exposure that they deserve.
–Jonathan Haskins
Lexington, KY
Great story on Jason & the Scorchers. It’s a good world that has Scorchers in it still. Long may they stand tall as a testament to a few concepts: rock ‘n’ roll, entertainment, a show that takes your head off and a damn good night on the town wherever they are. God bless ‘em. And thanks for spelling my name right. I always appreciate that.
–Tommy Womack
Nashville, TN
[Ed. note: Sure thing, Timmy.]
Gold stars:
Our writers rock
My compliments to writer Kevin Hawkins for his piece on Neal Casal (ND Vol. 2, No. 1). I have a copy of Fade Away Diamond Time that I will always hold on to. It’s a really good record. Indeed it is a shame that it may never reach as many ears as would probably have loved it. I was touched by the sincerity of Hawkins’ story; I enjoy every issue of No Depression because of good writing like this.
–Mimi Crocker
Seattle, WA
Andy McLenon’s writeup on Bill Monroe’s funeral [ND #6} was worthy of a writing prize. It not only conveyed the feeling of what it was like to be there, it brought home again how fortunate we are to have been around during this man’s lifetime.
–Dick Estel
Fresno, CA
Love us or hate us:
We’ll still give a Hoot
Your magazine is great. You write about music that is close to my soul. It’s wonderful to feel involved in a scene that has no real title, competition or boundaries. Just great American music.
–Mark Bryan
Columbia, S.C.
P.S. — Jolene’s Hell’s Half Acre is arguably the best album of 1996.
I HATE your magazine!!!
Thanks to you, I’ll probably end up in the poorhouse. You see, I am a big fan of alternative country and of the major-label bands Wilco, the Jayhawks, Son Volt, etc. — but thanks to you guys I am now finding about about indie-label bands making the same kind of music. So each time I pick up one of your magazines, it costs me more than the newsstand price of $3.95. I always read an article or review on a few bands that sound interesting, and there is usually information or an ad on how to purchase CDs of these bands. This is how I’m going to end up broke; I always end up ordering at least two of the CDs.
Hopefully I’ll be able to take my portable CD player to the poorhouse. At least I’ ll have a lot of great music to listen to while I’m there …
–Michael Polkabla
Pittsburgh, PA
The last word:
Unlike a Rolling Stone
I will not be renewing my subscription to Rolling Stone, as No Depression gives me all the music news I need. So, thanks, and keep up the good work!
–Mark Steigerwald
Eden Prairie, MN
