georogers27

Ok - just my interpretation but I think it's clear. DCI started out as a kind of socialist experiment right? Every corps has a say and are equal. Along come the G7 - who say they are more equal - better - etc. Rules are made by the G7 to accept corps who place 8th or better three years in a row will be included - rules change to drop that once blue stars/boston crusaders actually achieve that. You can agree or disagree - it's commentary really, a warning if you will.

I think it's pretty clear BK did sound better but Boston's actual use of the entire field makes it impossible for the mikes to pick them up very well.

I don't quite understand how including the G7 set is inappropriate. Maybe if they had an FU G7 that would be over the line. I have no idea, but it seems to me a kind of joke, jab, and topic for discussion why it was included. I think most forget, but the G7 powerpoint presentation was never supposed to be leaked to the public, the rest of the corps were never supposed to have a say in what was going on. The idea was to simply fire dan acheson and take over as the permanent board of directors. I mean, if that is something that shouldn't be "aired" in public, and us fans have no say what goes on in our activity, seems a lot like the soviet union to me.

It's interesting hearing opinions of Colt's show. Like Boston, the Colts are exploring themes of corruption, ruthlessness, and envy? perhaps. But many of us in the older generations want to hear the Colts, Boston, etc. of the past. Maybe playing patriotic, or fan friendly shows. I'm sure they'll both do that again sometime in the future, but I think it's important to remember when and in what circumstances these kids grew up in. 9/11, the constant beat of terrorism, economic downturn. It's all pretty bleak and I think that is what's coming through. I expect more of these shows in the future as kids genuinely want to express themselves - I mean let's face it, they've been given a pretty messed up country by us, so here's their response.

So (thankfully) we haven't heard too much about the G7 this year. There is still the focus shows I believe, but they seem to have been successfully subsumed by DCI. I think more importantly, there is going to be a major shake up this year with the 5-10 placements. I enjoyed Cavaliers and Phantoms shows on the broadcast, but think they will be in the fight of their lives to stay in the upper echelon of that tiering. From some personal observations and talk (always suspect of course) Blue Knights, Blue Stars, Boston, perhaps Madison, have competitive shows. So what happens if potentially 3 corps take out 2 of the G7 this year. Does nothing change? Does this initiative completely die - move to the G4?

Wow, differing opinions I guess, I thought they were great - really accessible! Remember, they've been practicing for all of 2 weeks.

Uggh Cavies are so ridiculous standing over the 50 into Phantom's block - they were always such babies at Retreat in the 90s as well :p

Kamarag I agree - they should be just like Madison with the crowd reaction - but are definitely trying too hard to be like BD.

Great to see everyone standing in the crowd! Great moment.

Well, at least during BD's show we won't probably know if the stream is skipping or not - may look/sound like part of the show!!

I think I skipped to finals retreat - In a stunning upset Troopers slipped through a wormhole and has won!!

Yeah I'm watching a couple minutes behind and it still skips around - definite refund if this continues.

Wow - this is bad - really surprised - I thought they would have over compensated and gotten way more servers just to make sure this first year went off without a hitch - I guess I was mistaken.

Commercials working perfectly :(

Hmm the five voices in Cadets hornline, soprano, alto, baritone, bass, and thunderous goo!!

Yikes - that queen, not a good addition.

Boston's show has really become very emotional and powerful - those kids are selling it!

not really a decade - just the very american tradition of protesting - really just as americana as troopers show in my eyes. What were those yellow tarps supposed to represent in Blue Star's show?

I actually like Crossmen's theme - it's original, sets an important time period in America's history and is not completely pandering to the crowd. I love me some troopers - but let's face it, I would not want two troopers show - just my opinion. One is fabulous but two would be too much Americana!! I think a a lot of people view crossmen's show as some kind of political statement. I think it is more of a historical piece. Loved it!

Crossmen's brassline is really good!! Completely reminds me of a classic crossmen G bugle line

Wow - so great to see Troopers good in all captions - I hope they realize that finals don't matter and value the great summer they had!

Yes SCVC is very good - but! their arrangements seem to take the recognizable 8 measures of several popular pieces - string them together - and voila there's a show. I mean, Hut of Baba yaga, first circle, night on bald mountain etc. oh yeah adagio for strings for the heck of it?? promise of living :/

I actually like the synth intro to BDB - it's intriguing and quickly goes away when they start playing.

I'm not sure I agree with the boneheaded comment, more of a calculated risk based on the effectiveness of the mood they were going for. There was a time - specifically in the 80s - where Boston, and Madison for that matter - didn't really care about scores and went out to simply perform culminating in Boston's 1985 show where they took a penalty at every show for using a synthesizer. And to your ps. they must have a zipper or something on the arms of the uniform - during the ballad when half the hornline lies on their backs to support the other half of the hornline - on one of the recent fan network videos, you can see them uncuff the arms to show the bit of red. At the end of the ballad they cuff the arms again. Pretty awesome effect I think, I actually wish they could do some more of this throughout the show.