I'm with Todd and I dont want anybody runnin' down UT. But I dont really
think that was what Cheryl was up to. As she said during Neal's
Eradication Game a few weeks ago, she doesnt really have the kill instinct
for anyone but rock critics.
I think the problem is the overhype and the fans who get caught in the
middle of it, NOT the supposed snobbishness or dustiness of some of the
more learned traditionalists. Most of the problem is with the dimwit rock
press. But there have also been many times since I've been on this list
(about three and a half years) folks have jumped into debates and, with
all of the politeness and finesse of Matt Cook, insisted things like
"Uncle Tupelo started alt-country!" or "Uncle Tupelo was the first to mix
punk and country!" or "Uncle Tupelo was more true to *real* country than
mainstream country music!" All of which are flat-out wrong.
(If this seems exaggerated, look at the quote about Hank Williams on the
bank of the second Bloodshot alt-country sampler, which is nothing short
of obnoxious and absurd, particularly given what's on the disc.)
I dont think that correcting misinformation like that implies any
disrespect for either Uncle Tupelo or the people who like them. (Which
would be the camp I'm in.) I dont think having someone admit that they
dont much like Uncle Tupelo -- and I think most of those people have been
pretty respectful in the way they've said so -- implies such disrespect
either. Personally, I dont know why anyone would give a rat's ass if
someone else didnt like your favorite band. If they're your favorite,
that's all you need to know, isnt it?
Going on in this vein Jim wrote:
> Also, Terry, you were on record as saying that (I am paraphrasing) all UT
> started was a bunch of former rock/punkers starting to twang-it-up which
> has made it harder for you to seperate the wheat from the chaff, etc.
> And this statement could easily be construed as aggresiveness towards the
> UT fan, which flies in the face of your statements above.
And I wonder why Jim thinks this says anything about a UT fan at all.
When I first joined this list there was often a lot of hype about this or
that new record in the UT/Son Volt/Wilco vein and most of them were
disappointing. They didnt have that country feel that I heard in UT (and
which other people, like Jon W., dont hear). It was more like
alternative rock with a banjo thrown in.
It's sorta like the Damnations TX, who I also like a lot. Their record
is a very country *sounding* record, but in terms of the songs, the
lyrics, the sensibility, it isnt very country at all. If you come from a
rock background and you like countryish rock, that's probably
sufficient. But if you come from a more country orientation, you might
well get through track 13 wondering where the country was. And of course
that tends to provoke protests that "This isnt country!" And off we go.
I'm not suggesting that what people should do now is go sit in their
corners and play nice. I think this is just the nature of the beast of
having people from such different backgrounds at the table.
Will Miner
Denver, CO
