David Segal and the Washington Post.

Segal's a big X fan isn't he? Surely he knows something about left of the dial bands.

As I stated, the Post is in the business of reporting news, not making news.

We leave the job of MAKING news to our colleagues at the New York Times (e.g. Jayson Blair).

Originally posted by brennser:

Tho' I hope that Mr. Segal's insinuation that record sales is indicative of import was unintended?

unfortunately I think not - he didn't do much to answer the complaint that the Posts music coverage is lacking and generally focused on mainstream music

and as others have pointed out the NY Times seems to be able to cover these bands - in particular I remembr an excellent and interesting article on Idlewild, one of those bands who 23 year old music journalists get excited about who sell 20,000 copies

with its huge audience the Post has a real chance to let people know of good stuff thats out there thats not what Clear Channel wants you to listen to but instead they choose the safer route

I'm not arguing they shouldn't cover major artists, they have to of course, but there should be more of a focus on up and coming or out of the mainstream acts

Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:Of course, New York sees a lot more of these up and coming acts, which may explain why they have done a great job recently in covering more of the off-the-beaten-path stuff.
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Except for New York bands, I believe we get virtually everything they do in NY (I peruse pollstar a lot, as I'll go to NY for a show now and then). Our shows don't sell out as often, but that's the difference between 12 million people and…however many live around here. :p

I know I was mentioned in the first post on this subject, cause I like to complain and all. To be fair, the Post has done some more obscure stuff - they reviewed Xiu Xiu from last week. And The Carlsonics profile a few months ago was interesting. But it would be worthwhile to do some sort of monthly profile of a local band, for instance.

I complained for a couple of reasons. I haven't liked his reviews for various reasons. About half of the Blur review consisted of complaining that a spotlight kept getting in his face. I find stuff like that offputting, even though the 'concert experience' is worth discussing. And while I do read and sometimes enjoy the chats, answers like this (from last week's chat) are why it can be frustrating:

"Detroit, Mich.: David,
You publish about a story every other week or once a month in the Post. What do you do with the rest of your time?

David Segal: I sleep."

Maybe the question came off as snarky, but although I really doubt Segal has a lot of free time at work I would also be curious to know what some other responsibilities are. Is he the head in charge of who sees what? Editing the other reporters' work? etc. ok i'll stop now.

Originally posted by David Segal:
As I stated, the Post is in the business of reporting news, not making news.

We leave the job of MAKING news to our colleagues at the New York Times (e.g. Jayson Blair).

One would really hope this isn't actually David Segal… he's hardly being respectable.

Anyway, you're not working at the NEWS desk are you? I mean, Tom Seitsema reports on all restaurants– from hole-in-the-wall BBQ joints to Galileo. Why can't music critics cover the same spectrum?

If this is David Segal, maybe it's time to go work for Billboard instead. Clearly your attitude is selling short your ability to actually see the whole spectrum of what makes music great.

As I stated, the Post is in the business of reporting news, not making news.

We leave the job of MAKING news to our colleagues at the New York Times (e.g. Jayson Blair).

not only is that smart alecky, but its trying to change the subject and continuing to avoid what a bunch of people here think is a legitimate question regarding the Posts coverage of non-mainstream acts

Well, it's been nice chatting with y'all, but that's all the time I have. Time to go sip on a glass of Merlot at Tryst whilst working on my latest Janet Jackson feature article.

Certainly, though, there should be more than one guy at the Post covering music? Eric Brace worked hard at highlighting what was noteworthy around town (of course, he's gone, and likely had a different editorial mission).

It is true, though, that I watch the NY Times for coverage.

Alas, I was going to defend Mr. Segal to a degree, than he added the snipe about Jayson Blair and lost all credibility with me. Which is too bad, as this is a site full of bona fide music fans and concert goers. ;)

Seriously, hearing bunnyman's discussion of Chicago coverage saddened me a little. It highlights that the Post may be less than it can be, rather than the NY Times being an anomolous example of particularly good coverage of arts & leisure issues.

Hahaha.. it was an April Fools joke

rhett you prick!!!

well done - we fell for it hook, line and fucking sinker

:o :D :roll:

Originally posted by David Segal:
We leave the job of MAKING news to our colleagues at the New York Times (e.g. Jayson Blair).

That's true. I mean Jayson Blair is no Janet Cook is he?

Originally posted by brennser:
not only is that smart alecky, but its trying to change the subject and continuing to avoid what a bunch of people here think is a legitimate question

Hence, Rhett's "tell"….

<img src="http://www.maxis.musik-sampler.de/images/covers/1991-03.jpg" alt=" - " />

Weeee! Still, sort of a fun discussion…esp since a couple of days ago it had been dead in the water.

<img src="http://www.leffa-arviot.com/arvostelut/m/mel_brookss_history_of_the_world_part_1/01.jpg" alt=" - " />

you know. . maybe mankie's right. . no one here has a sense of humour. april fools used to be such a fun day.

Woohoo!@ Gotta give my lovely wife, Mrs. Balls, credit. I can't remember who she first mentioned I should impersonate for April Fools on the board, but it planted the seed for me!

Originally posted by brennser:
rhett you prick!!!

well done - we fell for it hook, line and fucking sinker

:o :D :roll:

you know. . maybe mankie's right. . no one here has a sense of humour. april fools used to be such a fun day.

not sure what you mean? was a great gag by rhett and from what I can tell people are fine with it

The first post was really good. You slipped a little after that.

But you shoulda done it not on Aprils fools day if you really wanted to get people going.

Still it made me laugh.

Suckers…