Tapping on the Line

Album: Edge of the Sun (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Calexico band members have known Neko Case since the early 2000s and they have made several contributions to her records, but this was the first time she's sung on one of their tracks. It was regular touring member Sergio Mendoza who encouraged frontman Joey Burns to request the folk-rocker's participation. He told Spin: "I've never asked her to be on a Calexico record till Edge of the Sun, so Sergio again was like, 'C'mon, she's coming through town with these photographers, she'll have time to come by.' I was like, 'You're joking, man. She's busy. She's probably exhausted from being on tour like all of us.'"

    "But she came in and she put some beautiful vocals on the bridge to the song called 'Tapping on the Line,' which is one of the more unlikely Calexico-sounding songs," he added. "She just cruised in and gave some great vocals, and then she just kind of gave us a hug and went off to play a show."
  • Joey Burns commented to The Tucson Weekly regarding the lyrical content: "Hearing so much about wire tapping in the news, it was only a matter of time before a song like this showed evidence of their influence."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

The Evolution of "Ophelia"

The Evolution of "Ophelia"Song Writing

How five songs portray Shakespeare's character Ophelia.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys

Mike Scott of The WaterboysSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Whole Of The Moon" and "Red Army Blues," and why rock music has "outlived its era of innovation."

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.