longfade

Quick question.... The 1982 DCI recordings sound markedly different from the 1981 recordings, although they were both recorded in Montreal. In '81 the mics were right near the staff box and, although it's exciting to hear the staff yelling and cheering during the show, it's kind of a top-heavy and unbalanced mix. The '82 mix is completely different and, in my opinion, much more balanced and full. I actually love the natural reverberation of the dome, although I know it was a nightmare performing there. Anyway, my question is, how are the mixes on the DVD? Are the audio portions of the DVD the same as the original DCI releases? Or is it a different set of mics? Just curious!

I have a recording of that one somewhere, too. I recorded every show that I could back then, and I really loved 2-7! If that, or any other, tape surface, I'll post it and let you know. I loved Allentown, too!

Hello everyone, I just joined this Forum about 20 minutes ago, and I have to say that I am blown away by how civil and respectful everyone is, especially given the potentially incendiery subject matter here! I marched in the mid-80's (85-86), after seeing my first DCI Finals on PBS in 83. We had the tape in the band room and me and my drum line friends watched it EVERY day. Same thing with the 84 tape that we got the next year. There was so much excitement, energy, and raw power! I always get chills when I think about Garfield ending "Rocky Point Holiday" and Rondo yelling out "LOOK AT THAT FIELD COVERAGE!!". Not to mention the Devs, Spirit, 27, etc. Marching in 1985 in a non-top 12 corps, I had the benefit of running to the stands to hear SCV, Madison, Devs, etc every night. Even at that time, it seemed tamer and less urgent. I knew everyone was doing great stuff and believe me, I was yelling my head off every night but something felt just a little different. It was interesting hearing all the older corps members talking about the fact that people were singing on the field now, and Garfield was starting their show OFF the field, and Star of Indiana was corporate-sponsored (that was a bid deal), while talking about their 76, 77, 78 stints with SCV and Blue Devils. I was then and still am fascinated by the raw ###### TOUGHNESS that seemed to be a requirement back then! I started getting depressed and uninterested by the empty and insipid Broadway esthetic that started creeping into the activity right around 85. Progress is progress and personal taste is just that. So as much as I hate the ridiculous drum tuning today, for example, I recognize it as a necessary and inevitable by product of progress and evolution. The same with 3-valve horns and tunings. I am unequivocably impressed with the unbelievable proficiency that corps demonstrate now. Totally mindblowing.......but then I find myself totally unmoved at the end. I can't help but think, "To what end is all this pomp and overblown virtuosity if it leaves me cold?" I have started getting excited about corps again and checking things out. I really want to love what's happening as much as I did in 83-86. If not, at least I can start buying the legacy DVDs!!