MAIN: LINE

So this mainline Jesus is on, right, what is it actually? I always thought it was about a train, especially with the world of gospel awash with songs about trains. Surely it must be God's preferred form of transport, such is the plethora of references, from the Staples Singers to the Carter Family, each espousing the sure-fire way to heaven is by locomotive. It's an odd idea, given how few were around in nothing A.D., but it seems a good idea. Plus it sort of fits that the journey in the other direction is more often by road, if only to please the optimist in me; more folk fit on a train than a car.

But then I got confused. Mainline is also a word associated with drugs and with addiction. Jesus doesn't have that mainline, does he? Scouring the literature, only a few are saying that. But it is interesting how the imagery continues, the tell-tale signs being also tracks. Few encapsulate it better than these guys. Even the rhythm sounds like a choo-choo. 

Pity we can't ask Lou how, or if, he got to Heaven, in the end, by train. Or did he take a car in the other direction. 

But it seems I got it all wrong. It seems Jesus was on the mainline as in telephone line. Or was, at least, available to take a call. With supportive evidence lobbied. Again it's a rum 'un, wondering how such discussions took place before Alexander Graham Bell. Written, I guess. 

Well, that cleared that up. Little else to say.

Trains or telephones. Or just plain Jesus.

Blog Names: No Depression

I’m proud to bring you a feature on the newest music blog on the scene – one that conveniently has 13 years of experience. No Depression Magazine ceased publication in April of this year and this week unveiled its re-vamped website – which by many standards can be considered a music blog.

No Depression was the foremost authority on all things alternative country since 1994, bringing you stories on artists from Son Volt to Buddy Miller and everyone in between. Although the magazine’s readership remained strong, the simple answer for their demise was falling revenue. With the growing popularity of music information on the web (with blogs like this one, and sites such as Pitchfork and Stereogum) and the more specialized genre of No Depression – as opposed to mags like Rolling Stone – the demand for printed music commentary just doesn't exist anymore. I only became a subscriber in the last couple years, but I cherish each and every issue I’ve received. And intuitively, I purchased a few bundles of back-issues just months before the news of their calling it quits. I’m sure the going-rate for those issues are much higher these days.

The good news for us alt-country fans is that the magazine’s contributors have decided to continue the legacy in an un-printed form. The new website features news, reviews, and columns, as well as archives from the magazine. I haven’t had the time to explore the site completely, but can’t be more exited that the entity still exists in some form.

No Depression was the title of a Carter Family tune penned some 80 years ago by those most affected in this country’s lowest of lows – so far. The song may see a rise is relevance in the coming months. But the song inspires hope and a spiritual longing for better times in the afterlife. Here’s to the digital afterlife of No Depression.

The Carter Family: No Depression

[purchase]

Uncle Tupelo paid homage to the first family of country music in the title of their 1990 debut album.

Uncle Tupelo: No Depression

[purchase]

Spring & Flowers: Wildwood Flower

The Carter Family: Wildwood Flower [purchase]
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: Wildwood Flower [purchase]
Joan Baez: Wildwood Flower [purchase]
Duane Eddy: Wildwood Flower [purchase]

Wildwood Flower is one of the classic American songs. Originally entitled "I'll Twine 'Mid the Ringlets," it was written by Maud Irving Joseph Philbrick Webster in 1860. The song has a very simple melody that will get stuck in your head.

The most popular recorded version is by The Carter Family. The version by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band from the essential album Will The Circle Be Unbroken features Mother Maybelle Carter on vocals.

I like Joan Baez's traditionally folky interpretation from her first album--recorded in 1960 while she was still a teenager. Duane Eddy's twangy guitar rendition is also pretty cool.