I think both eras are steller, without a doubt. Everything they did during those years was done with precision and purpose. In my opinion anyway. I do like the steps they have taken forward in the brass section, tone quality especially. Some say that they have lost their "edge" with the rip your face off volume that everyone always talks about. Well, with that kind of sound my face does get ripped off, but its because I rip my own ears off so that I won't have to be subjected to that kind of sound. Wow, I digress! Anyways, I throughly enjoy the characteristic sound they employ now.
Go Green Machine