The main difference between this topic and the Mudcat, to state the obvious, is that here the conversation doesn't drown out the music , as we have the choice to listen to either,both, or neither. if there isnt enough music PLAY MORE, if you dont like the conversation or BS dont read/listen to them. but in pub sessions there is even more of a tendency to become "cliquey" and only "recognised" musicians/singers or friends of the organiser get to play, that , thank heavens doesnt apply here.Personally I LOVE IT HERE, I have a limited tolerence of long continuous Irish music sessions, so I only attend occasionally, I have limited knowledge of Irish Gaelic, so I read those threads rarely.
It is choice, and this place is unusual and special because it is easy to seperate what each individual regards as " wheat" and " chaff".