A recent post on a listserve for Asheville-based mothers derided Mountain Xpress for only previewing jam bands, calling the paper’s music coverage “cluelessly safe” and going on to assure an apparently new-to-town mom that the city does offer edgy shows for the connoisseur of au courant rock. Now, we could argue this all day: Should I point out that we recently turned down an interview with Bob Weir in favor of one with Of Montreal’s Bryan Poole? We’re also running a Q&A with Molly Ringwald in the same issue…not that she’s in a band…but she is appearing in a local musical! … But I won’t venture into those salty waters this time. Instead, I’m just curious about the writer’s comments in this context. Shouldn’t a listserve started for moms be a sounding board for … well … topics concerning motherhood? I mean, you can have your music rant, but make it subject-appropriate. For instance, here’s a problem I recently encountered: My five-month-old baby boy gurgles excitedly while listening to mainstream-bluegrass standards, but appears indifferent to obscure old-time nuggets. His father and I are working to rectify this. …
Stick to the subject, baby
How is this news? It appears to be an excuse for you to post information about your child on a ‘news’ blog.
Hmm. It is an A&E blog, actually, Adele. And the problem with young WNC residents forming unhealthy attachments to bluegrass music is very real, no matter whose baby it is.
And, as for the jam band comment. Huh? Seems like this paper covers everything from the symphony to street folkies. Maybe the writer only reads the Christmas issue? (Warren Haynes and company, year after year.)
Uh-oh, I’m in trouble now. My five-year-old loves The Avett Brothers. You mean an unhealthy attachment to fusion bluegrass could damage him? Yowza.
I didn’t even know that there’s a listserve for Asheville Moms. Why don’t they just read my bloggie instead of nattering on about local media coverage?
Although I do like that a lot of these on-line chat groups aren’t closely administered and folks can discuss whatever moves them. Or is that a recipe for disaster?
So, moms are only allowed to talk about their kids? If I read the post correctly, it was in response to someone looking to move to Asheville and asking about quality of life for the whole family.
If moms can only be moms, and we aren’t allowed to talk about other things, then I guess you have no business being on such a list. After all, you obviously manage to have a life beyond motherhood.
I also have to raise the question of why you wouldn’t choose to defend yourself on the list, choosing instead to admonish the supposedly off-topic moms in your blog. Smacks a bit of grandstanding.
Let’s be a little evolved here. Moms are fully dimensional humans with interest other than their kids when all goes well. That’s a good thing for mom and kiddos alike, even if some MountainX toes get stepped on as a result.
I’m just wondering what moms get a chance to get out for a night on the town, never mind keeping up with au courant rock. I need the phone number of their babysitter.
Wow- what a row I have started with my criticism of the Mountain Xpress’ music coverage!
Just to clarify, I love bluegrass (not jam bands, though), but I just think both of these styles over represented and other music genres found in this city are under represented. But then, I know a lot about music- not just mainstream stuff.
The comment was a response to a new-to-Asheville mom who wanted to know where the rock and roll was in our town. She expressed how it seems like there is mostly bluegrass and jam bands.
Sorry if I’ve offended anyone. Melanie is a sweet, supportive friend of mine and I hope she can see this as criticism from a self-proclaimed music snob.
Erin, my twinfants are due any day. I will undoubtedly take a hiatus from my “wild” rock and roll lifestyle for a bit.
Oh man … so if you give birth you aren’t allowed to offer a critique of the music scene here? and also, to critique a paper’s mention or lack thereof of the total music scene?
For the most part I like the music offered here, but I also like the fact that folks can not like it and say something and want more diversity.
There is more to life than jam bands and bluegrass.
i know the mountainx mentons more genres, but seldom anything metal, punk, industrial, rap etc.
it is more geared for the americana or classical music scene.
And there is more to talk about on a list for local mothers than breastfeeding and diapers.
Just because someone has a kid doesn’t mean they just stay home with babe latched on their breast.
The Mountain Xpress offers more than just coverage of jam bands and roots music, take for example the article on sanctity written by Steve Shanafelt, as well as the Mastodon article written by yours truly.
The problem is, and always will be, that jam bands are profitable for local clubs. People go to see them, and drink a lot of beer, that is where the club makes money.
Here’s some advice, however, before you make blanket statements about the Xpress not covering certain genres of music, take into account the amount of that genre that appears in town compared to the amount of roots artists or jam band drek that appears in the friendly confines of our fair city on any given night.
I am not a mom, but I like to keep abreast : ) of what is going on. Actually, I am a new dad. We lived in Asheville for a short (too short) while, and ended up moving back to San Diego. Regarding parenting blogs, check out “The Poop” on the SFGate.com which is the online version of the San Francisco Chronicle. Compare their topics, their feedback, etc. I am entertained and very critical of far more important things needing criticism (like the poor selection of Mexican food in Asheville for one??) Erin, is that you?