321: The Best of No Depression: Writing about American Music edited by Grant Alden and Peter Blackstock

The Best of No Depression: Writing about American Music edited by Grant Alden and Peter Blackstock

The magazine No Depression probably did the most of any publication to shape and champion the alternative country music movement of the 1990s. As mentioned in yesterday's post, musical genres aren't in and of themselves progressive, but Americana (aka alt.country, American roots music) is embraced by many hipster, progressive types who wouldn't be caught dead listening to commercial country music. Wilco, which grew out of the alt.country band Uncle Tupelo, is a good example of the DIY punk ethos, experimental music, and fondness for early American country music. If you need an introduction to this type of music, this is the place to start.


Why this is progressive/liberal: Because it is the music of choice for many progressives.



A worthy companion volume: United States of Americana: Backyard Chickens, Burlesque Beauties, and Handmade Bitters: A Field Guide to the New American Roots Movement