The Stranger vs. Seattle Weekly

Nuff said.

So the Stranger wins hands down then.

But seriously, the Stranger has a better news staff (or they have that one lady whose name escapes me now who is always getting the big stories), but The Seattle Weekly has better writers.

Even though I mostly disagreed with it I also used to enjoy NY Press much more than the Voice (before NY Press lost some of its music writers....their film writers are still better)

From what I've read online, SW bores me but I really like the Stranger.

stranger bad: music, movie, and cultural coverage in general (which with an altweakly is 80% of the deal), corny indie fuxxdom galore on the music front esp. combined with the knobslobbery scenedom boosterism that's really pathetic in a city the size of seattle (hell it's pathetic in athens), the seeming acknowledgement that most altweaklies cultural coverage suxx so why should we bother either, not really interested or strong on the whole 'reporting' thing (that's fine - noone really looks to altweaklies to break stories anymore anyways), the gulf in quality between the good parts and the bad

p.s. was this thread purposefully started after matos "retired" from ilx or what? bad form.

Shouldn't a city's weekly at least employ some writers from that city? All Seattle Weekly peeps are Village Voice refugees. No wonder it is VVNW. Weekles are supposed to be fun and 'pop'. SW is a bit dry in that respect.

* may not apply if you live outside of seattle

kw's obvious agenda here being patently obvious, for example. (Are you trying to champion the paper to get your job back or something?)

http://www.athenshigh.com/1963/info/blountjames.html

This whole argument is pointless. At this point, the music coverages between the two papers have two different visions which are pretty parallel and non-intersecting. Kathleen, why are you wasting your time here? And I'm not asking that to be a dick. Honestly... why?

xpost: Gear!, if she didn't drop the gauntlet, she certainly ran with it

I'll point out that alt weekly paper rivalry is common in many cities. Same shit happens between the Mercury and the Willamette Weekly in Portland, too... It's really sad and stupid when papers "compete" because at the end, it comes down to a lot of unnecessary emotional energy spent on putting out just a lot of wasted trees being used to advertise sex and help line bird cages.

(needling, you're saying the Weekly pieces are not "informative".. have you actually read any of the articles, are you just a pawn as well?)

* Black Celebration (a tribute to Depeche Mode)
* Ants Invasion (a tribute to Adam & The Ants)
* Love Vigilantes (a tribute to New Order)
(NOT SHITTING YOU)

They are all playing the Catwalk in downtown Seattle tonight... $10. 21+. Look for fred durst in glasses. that's me! (oops, everybody in town looks like that.. never mind!)

(Kathleen please. don't dig further. It's not as if we're all going to bother going all Mike Maker on you or anything to make your life more exciting.)

(Mmmmmmmm, thank you, I love coconut berry truffles... now I hope the poor darling here is getting the help she needs.)

I couldn't stomach that fucking Modest Mouse cover story you wrote. It was so sycophantic. Sorry, Kathleen, but since you're here asking for honest opinions, I'm giving you one. That was the most "groupie"-esque article that could ever be written about a band. I actually like Modest Mouse, by the way, but the article did not inform me one bit, being a casual Modest Mouse fan. It was uninteresting and just gave me the impression that you were saying "Hey, look at me, being on the road with a band with nationwide notoriety that all of you love. And they love us, too. MWWWAH!"

Wasn't it The Stranger that first broke the whole rumor about Isaac Brock being a rapist? I never understood how that could all be mysteriously forgotten under the guise of that cover story.

Fwiw, I wrote a USE feature in The Stranger about a year before SW deigned to give them ink.

Dave, while that certainly may be true, I'm curious why you had to use the term "deigned to give them ink" there. Are you implying that the Seattle Weekly had a chance to write about them but decided not to because "they were above it"? The paper changed editors last year. Editors cover different things. Then U.S.E. got covered. That's what happened.

I'm kinda baffled by the total disingenuous tone in the latter part of your comment, and this whole competition complex in the tones of almost everyone involved in both papers, not just music related.

I saw you at the Kinski/A-Frames/Climax Golden Twins show about to interview Jeffrey, btw (Jeffrey being a friend of mine as well), and I was going to introduce myself to you and give you props for that really good Decibel Festival article that you wrote several weeks ago. I just hope you don't think that I didn't bother "deigning your presence at that show" when we finally do meet. (Because this is Seattle after all, and we are going to meet one day.)

Pug, no disrespect meant by the use of "deigned." I think all the SW worship on this list finally reached critical mass [rimshot], and Ned's comment triggered some irritation in me. But, yes, SW *did* have a chance to write about USE; but nobody did for a long time. They play out in Seattle tons, so, you know, a little leg work might have led to more timely coverage.

Matos definitely deserves props for improving SW's music section. It was dire before he arrived. I will say that Seattle's rich electronic music scene is largely going unacknowledged in SW, a good Jeff Samuel feature notwithstanding.

Please introduce yourself next time you see me at a gig. Murcof Aug 21, perhaps?

sorry, i went and ate a big steak and drank some sort of fruity drink (and then about eight more) and now i forget what i was going to rant about earlier.

Well, i read both papers, and it seems to be going mostly unacknowledged in both papers, notwithstanding your articles and the ones in the Weekly. (although SW has also done pieces, if I'm not mistaken, on Codebase, Randy Jones, and Siamese... I clearly remember more since Matos has taken over, in any case... and while it's not local, there certainly has been a lot of general electronic music coverage and reviews. This all might be a case of budget, section space, and focus... I won't speak for Matos on these issues, though)

Sadly, I'll be in Vancouver on the 21st, so I won't be able to meet up... so I'll be missing Murcof (who sound really interesting.) But, yeah, I'm totally down with meeting up with you at some point. I'll contact you via a "real" e-mail address soon. :)

But anyway, I'm going to repent and do something nice. I'm going to post a long message on how anyone here on ILM (or ILX for that matter) can help a family that recently underwent a horrible tragedy that they did not deserve. Both messages are from both ex-brief-ilxor and friend Mike McGonigal (this is in two parts). I already made my donation of $50. Hopefully, a whole heck of a lot of you, especially in the Seattle or Chicago area, will help out too:

*******************************************************

IN SEATTLE, TWO OF the best people I know in the world and their kid were victims of this asshole motherfucking arsonist that's been hitting Seattle this past week -- Ali and Scott and their son Max -- I've known Scott like for ten years, he was a publicist for Touch & Go, and Ali books dozens of great bands, and their kid is awesome.

They made it out of the house alive but they lost two cats and all of their possessions. I am totally sick to my stomach thinking about this. These are seriouslyt some of the raddest people on Earth, here, so please help.

I am trying to get a benefit together quickly in Portland so any help would be appreciated -- bookers, clubs, bands!, etc. -- seeing as I jsut moved here this week.

From KERRI HARROP who's immediately stepped in to help out God bless her:

GIAMPINO FUND ESTABLISHED

As most of you know, Scott and Ali Giampino were victims of an arson fire at their Lake Forest Park home last night. Shortly before 1 am, Ali awoke to sounds of broken glass and fire engulfing their home. Blessedly, they and their son Max escaped unharmed in what must have been an absolutely terrifying couple of minutes. Their two cats, their possessions, and their home did not fare as well – they have lost virtually everything.

They are fully insured and will eventually be able to replace their lost possessions. In the meantime, an account has been set up at U.S. Bank and donations are currently being accepted. The account is called “The Giampino Fund” and you may make donations at any local branch. Please reference account #(account number withheld due to reasons that will be explained below) when doing so. And, for added reference, the account was established by Denise Maupin – you may need to give that information to the teller, but the account name should suffice.

Temporary housing accommodations have been arranged and the Capitol Hill branch of Sonic Boom Records is also currently accepting donations. Since they are without a home, the most useful donations are monetary, gift certificates, and good thoughts. Max could sure use some clothing – he wears a size 4T or 5T (like his daddy, he’s big for his age). Toys and books would be useful, as well. The little guy is down with Clifford The Big Red Dog, Tonka trucks, and stuff that is cool. Seeing that little bug on the news was enough to
make me want to buy him Disneyland if he wants it.

There are multiple benefits in the works so keep an eye out for details. Since moving here from Chicago two years ago, the Giampinos have quickly become beloved members of this community. I know I speak for everyone when I say we are all damn lucky they are still with us today. It’s not gonna be good times replacing Scott’s records or Ali’s beautiful perfume decanter collection but we’re all sure thankful they are alive.

----------------------------------(part 2)------

this from the esteemed kerri harrop:

On behalf of Scott and Ali Giampino, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks and love to all of you who have helped see them through the past few days. They are overwhelmed and humbled by the abundance of concern, love, and generous donations made on their behalf. You all done good, my friends. Nice work.

They are in the process of dealing with insurance agents and all sorts of other red tape. They have a place to stay and are busy getting things back on track. Max is as feisty as ever, Ali is optimistic and hanging tuff, and Scott looks fantastic in Queirolo shirts and Vandy jeans. Good thing you tall guys all know each other.

As previously mentioned, they are insured and will be eventually be able to replace their possessions. For those of you still wanting to
help out, please take note: the original account number at US Bank has been closed and a new account number has been assigned. Turns out that the bank isn’t so psyched when you give out an account number and they really don’t like it when it gets published in the newspaper. Apparently, it’s pretty easy to counterfeit checks. You’d
think they would have that sort of thing under control by now but I guess not.

So, please help spread the word. The account is called THE GIAMPINO FUND and donations can be made at any U.S. BANK. You only need to give the teller the name of the fund. There is also a Paypal account up and running, all funds deposited there will go directly into the US Bank account. Instructions can be found at the bottom of this email.

Many clubs and bars will be holding benefits in the near future so keep an eye out. Scott and Ali insist they do not need anything and that insurance will be enough. To which I believe we all say, “too bad.” When stuff goes sideways, you do what you can to help straighten it out. I am proud to live within such a caring community. We take care of our own. We’re lucky people.

If you have any further questions about how to donate, please contact Denise Maupin at dennymaupin_at_hotmail_dot_com. She’s been dealing with the bank and is fully versed on what you can do. I am out of town and unreachable until August 18, so please forgive me if I didn’t get back to you in a timely fashion.

Again, thanks for all your help. Feel free to forward this information to any interested parties.

Kerri

+ Credit Card donations can be made through the following PayPal account. Funds will be directly transferred to the US Bank account.

PayPal | The Giampino Fund
Go to www.paypal.com
Select "Make Payments"
The email that will pull up the Giampino Fund is:
[email protected]

+ Any branch of U.S. Bank will accept donations in
person. Please reference “The Giampino Fund.”

+ Donations may also be mailed to:

US Bank
The Giampino Fund
c/o Misty Budworth/Giampino Fund

Pike Place Market Office
1525 First Avenue-Suite 4
Seattle, WA 98101

Further questions regarding the account can be
directed to:
Misty Budworth

********************************************************

If you like electronic music, check out these people:
Bruno Pronsato
Jeff Samuel
Lusine
Caro
Bookmobile
Jacob London
Obelus

Electronic pop
IQU
USE

Experimental
Entropic Advance
Climax Golden Twins

Sun City Girls
Sun City Girls

Experimental
Bill Horist
John Schuller
Master Musicians Of Bukkake

Rock
Kinski
A Frames
Blood Brothers

Dub/Electronic
Library Science

Report on guilty verdict

anyways, from what i remember from the times the two papers were available up here, stranger was funnier and had better writing overall, and their music section had everett true (which is good) but was way too obsessed with shitty seattle bands (which is bad, since i would tell friends to see them based on stranger hype, and then they would be mad at me). also, seattle weekly's logo sucked. i've been reading the weekly on the internet lately and its music writing is great (ilxors are geniuses etc etc) so sw has a better music section but the rest is worse.

"I'll point out that alt weekly paper rivalry is common in many cities. Same shit happens between the Mercury and the Willamette Weekly in Portland, too... It's really sad and stupid when papers "compete" because at the end, it comes down to a lot of unnecessary emotional energy spent on putting out just a lot of wasted trees being used to advertise sex and help line bird cages."

But doesn't beef ever revitalize both papers a la Jay-Z vs. Nas? The little Vancouver weekly's hate of the big weekly has been pretty entertaining, since Vancouver is generally far too peaceful.

heads up to my pal Christopher DeLaurenti's classical coverage in the Stranger: http://www.thestranger.com/archive/score.html

All I can say is neither fuck up in their concert calendars.

Charles Mudude seems alright. He had a cool piece about South Seattle which was non music related and something no one really talks about around here. There might be some insight and inspiration there.

I have never finished a Kathleen Wilson article though if the reason she left the Stranger is what I think it is, she has my complete respect. She'll put her money where her mouth is. I would enjoy talking to her. She's probably better in person.

The Weekly published an article about Yes that had something about answering Econ questions via bass solo's which was genius. It was probably from some freelancer. Bonzanelli (sp?) has some humorous stuff.

So not many highlights to think of, but they must mean well. I hope.

Does anyone know if the Tablet survived? They had a conpiracy thoery column which was entertaining.

Just found out by accident this weekend there is a ska scene in Seattle! Never hear about that.

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWRRRR! GIMME SOME OF THAT SEATTLE SKANK MAN LOVIN'.... ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRR!

seattle stole all of victoria's ska bands, then? they can have them. especially if washington audiences throw bottles at us like last time.

YOU'RE.... FUCKED!

good thread