I used to go to several weeks of summer camps and youth retreats across middle America which granted me loads of pen-pals from across the globe. Just in case you were wondering who the crap I was writing all those letters too.
But ever since electronic communication has taken over, I never receive a decent letter. As convenient and quick as e-mail and the like are, there was always something really special about opening the mail-box and finding something more than bills and magazines. A letter meant that the person cared enough to put pen to paper, dig out your address and buy a stamp. E-mails mean so much less.
It’s been an interesting experience going back to the old methods. I am finding it difficult to cover enough topics to fill a whole page. I’ve come accustomed to writing in small packets of information over multiple e-mails. And it’s tough finding information that is both interesting and won’t be covered in a similar e-mail or blog posting.
Juliana Hatfield always reminds me of one of my old pen-pals, Jennifer Woody. A great writer she was, and one cool chick. She’s also one of the few people I was ever able to talk into sending me a mix-tape. And you know they’re a good friend if they take the time to put 90 minutes of music on a tape.
I lost track of Woody many years ago, but I think of her often. I’d like to write her a letter and see what she’s up to. But alas, even with all this sophisticated communicating equipment, there isn’t anywhere to send the letter to.
Article comments
1 - Ken Kleiber
Hello- interesting and fun stories/recollections/anecdotes. Regarding the Dolly Parton story ("Cash on the Barrelhead"), if you look at the timeline of Dolly Parton's career, it's noted that Dolly Parton moved to Nashville the day after she graduated from high school, and toiled around Nashville for several years before she was hired to sing on Porter Wagoner's show. So, if the fellas rushed back home to tell Dolly of their own contract signing...they must have gone back via the North Pole...or gone sightseeing on the way...or something! But it is an interesting story nonetheless, and I hope your cousin continued to be a musician. There are some truly talented performers in that part of the country. Thanks! Ken
2 - Mat Brewster
Yes, I've seen some of Dolly's official history and it certainly doesn't match perfectly with my families version. Which is why I kind of poke fun at it in the post.
Many years have passed since the days my family played with Dolly and I'm sure the story has gotten embellished in many ways, but its still a great story to tell.
Thanks for the comment.
3 - Connie Phillips
Mat, I've really been enjoying this feature. Keep it up. The stories you relate to the music are awesome!
4 - Mat Brewster
Thanks very much. Sometimes I think I get a little too personal, and don't talk about the music enough. But then that's how I relate to the music, through my own experiences.
5 - Holly Hughes
That's how we all relate to the music, Mat -- let's not kid ourselves.
I think Willie Nelson's versatility has been seriously underrated. The great thing about Willie as a cover artist is that he actually gets inside the soul of a song and gets to know it, then makes it his own. He never just "Willie-izes" a tune, and never just replicates the original. Generally I discover new things even in a long-familiar song when I hear Willie's take on it.
6 - Mat Brewster
Thanks Holly. I know that's how we relate, but I'm not always sure thats now how critics are supposed to write.
I'm sure you've heard it, but everyone should have a copy of Stardust. Bloody brilliant is that. I love how he is able to take these old songs that have been covered by everybody and still make it fresh and new.
7 - Linda lee
I loved when Willie toured with the Dead, and they played his Fourth of July Picnic. My favorite two bands together! I enjoyed the Stella cover on Songbird, but I would love a Willie/Dead album. Maybe Bobbie and Phil, and those Rhythm Bandits Mickey and Bill could join him in the studio, too. I'd love to hear them do Friend of the Devil, and all the great Robert Hunter tunes.
Nice blog.
8 - El Bicho
"Could a Willie and the Dead collaboration be too much to ask?"
Forget the parking lot scene. I'd want to check out the tour buses.