Last week brought the news that Sleater-Kinney was going on indefinite hiatus. It was with sadness, but not surprise, that I heard the news last Tuesday. There was time when I would have been devastated when a favorite band broke up. The first time I recall feeling so sad and disappointed at a break up was for Husker Du. At the time, it was very difficult to accept that I'd never hear any new music from them. However, over the years I've come to accept that all bands will eventually break up, and when they do, it is either at the right time or too late, but rarely too early. In retrospect, Husker Du broke up while they were on top and before Bob and Grant's animosity could tarnish their legacy. In comparison, Jason and I attended the final Replacements show at Taste of Chicago in 1991. It was an embarrassment and I felt sorry for them. If they would have gone out after Pleased To Meet Me, their legend would not have been sullied and my memories would only be of them at their greatest.
Living in Portland brings an embarrassment of riches when it comes to bands and I feel fortunate to witness them. Carrie, Corin, and Janet have always been incredibly friendly, unnassuming, and humble. Sleater-Kinney will be terribly missed, but I am happy to see them go out on top and I expect that we will be hearing from them again, either together or individually. I'll leave you with two of my favorite S-K songs.
Scott