Smog clears the air
I am writing in regard to the issue of No Depression containing the excellent article on Golden Smog [ND #18, Nov.-Dec. ’98]. After reading some comments concerning the Jay Farrar interview in the previous issue [ND #17, Sept.-Oct. ’98], I must say I felt similar with those who were not completely satisfied with the article. I thought we might be seeing the beginning of the next Great Depression. But leave it up to the crew at No Depression to come through with probably the best issue I have purchased yet. From cover to cover, the Golden Smog issue satisfies the alternative country music fiend. I never have fully understood the evolution of Golden Smog, but with the well-written article and timeline, it seems quite a bit clearer now. Readers like me are curious about the events that took place to form groups like Golden Smog, Wilco, Son Volt, etc. This may be one of the reasons why so many readers took offense to the article on Jay Farrar, because little was revealed and too much was still unanswered. The depression is over, so keep jam-packing the bimonthly with high-grade articles.
–Douglas Harrison
Denver, CO
Volunteers’ revenge
I would just like to say I have no problem with Grant Alden misspelling my name in the Nov.-Dec. ’98 issue of No Depression [V-Roys article, ND #18]. Mistakes happen and it was good of him to write about us to begin with. I must take umbrage, however, with his opinion on the University of Tennessee football coach Phil Fulmer. As he and the nation found out Jan. 4, Coach Fulmer does have what it takes to bring home the hardware. Please Grant, restrict your opinions to something you know about.
–Jeff Bills
Knoxville, TN
