ImissButchandGeorge

HERE YOU GO. MY BLAST OF THE FINALS IN 05. - great program! Could you make the type smaller and more blurry for me in 2006? looks like you really put a lot of time and effort into this one, DCA. Crowd members over the age of 50 were seen all night handing over their programs to the grandkids. Did you type that stuff out on a manual typewriter or use a dot-matrix printer??? Goodness, join the printing revolution. - Brigs: did I just sleep through that whole performance? My, How the mighty have fallen. Hope you can pick it up next year boys. No pizzazz, boring music, horns, which are normally awesome, failed to impress. Drums, as usual, faded into the background. Still the best looking uniform out there. - Cabs: what a disaster. Looks like you really thinned out in ’05. can’t believe you could have slipped this far back. Like Brigs, your horns usually carry you. This could be the worst horn line I’ve seen out of you in years. guard was non-existant after many strong years. - Renegades: took the “best corps to look like a religious cult” award for 2005. look for an Am Legion member to give out that trophy in ’06. the only corps to actually get me to the edge of my seat and capture me. Love you dudes. Dramatic, tension-building stuff. Too bad you’re not on the east coast more. You know it – you’ve gotta march a little more. - Bucs: clean, cleaner and cleanest. GREAT drums, crisp horns, nice marching and best (by far) down-tempo piece of the contest with “Adagio.” Beautiful and haunting. Congrats after waiting 25 years for your return to glory. Parksie is happy somewhere. - Min Brass: typical east-coast bias. Loved your unis better when they were worn by……………..the Blue Devils. and your drill better when it was done by …………….the Blue Devils. Just kidding. Always a breath of fresh air from the Midwest and hot, screaming soloists. Nice color from the guard and loved the way you expanded the field. - Empire: pretty nice show. Normally, I hate the Empire gimmicks – big props, snare drummers on kits, tap dancers, the big tank in the mid-eighties, whatever – but this year the Carmen chase thing worked. Clean horns, a little boring in drums, wouldn’t be the Statesmen if Dave didn’t have the spats on. - Bush: I think it needs a little more cowbell. Seriously,. if you clang that liberty bell again, I might wind up in an insane asylum. Please stop! Happy you keep your uni the same, with a little variation. Very original and distinct look. OK show. You didn’t do anything that I particularly remember. (excepting the bells. the darn bells) - “La Festa:” I’ll miss the mullet and Sopranos crowd. Great food, terrible eye-candy, lousy Sinatra impersonators. Downtown Scranton has come a long way. Some of the buildings are really historic and beautiful. Seasoned shrimp ke-babs rock! “walking” penne ala vodka rocks! - Lack Cty Stadium: prob best acoustics of any venue in my recent memory. That will be sorely missed. Not a bad seat from the 30 to the 30, low or high. Weather was ridiculously perfect. Predictably, stadium restaurant shut down early. Way to capitalize on the crowds of hungry people! Did something go haywire in the left field corner? Weren’t they working on that monstrosity in 2003 and 2004??? We’ll miss you Scranton. - DCA seems to be the same thing every year – Cabs will do a latin show, Empire will have a big prop on the field, someone will drop off terribly from the previous year, many corps will do repeated park-and-blows, and generally, drills will be sloppy and un-inspiring. This is why DCI is more exciting guys. Yes, they have more money and more practice time, but the product is like from another planet. When Cadets did that signing drum part in finals, my jaw literally dropped. That’s the kind of innovation and creativity that DCA lacks but could capture. Many kudos for originality like Renegades and spot-on, clean performances like Bucs. They were the true class of 2005.

Obviously, based on my screen name, Butch Anderson and George Parks. But actually, I kinda missed ace photog Moe Knox at this year's DCA finals. I always joked with my wife that his bell-bottom slacks (which he wore at EVERY friggin' show - musta been the good photo takin' pants) could stand on their own in the corner! Ha ha ha. (Moe, love ya if you're reading) Oh yeah, Mike DiMeo from Brigs - one of the best soloists ever - dude never missed!

this probably doesn't count, but does anyone remember a DCA corps in the late 70's doing a "domino" thing where members fell on each other? my Dad always talks about it when he recounts days gone by and I wonder if anyone can speak to it and tell me what it looked or felt like.

you haven't read any of my posts then! I get blasted all the time and have really stirred up a ruckus with my brutally honest reviews of shows, especially the 2004 DCI/DCA Hershey show and the 2005 DCA finals. I'll see if I can dig 'em up and give you a dose of "this is how I really see it and I don't care what the board thinks."

ok. but dude, you finished in SEVENTH! not only that, but you were almost 4 POINTS behind the sixth-place corps. CABS are always very, very strong with an outstanding horn line. I love the Cabs. sorry, but it wasn't there this year. I was shocked to see you drop so far. do you know the last time you finished in 7th??? try 1969. this is where I get frustrated with drum corps types. reality doesn't even deter your self congratulatory views of your performance - good or bad. the 7th place finish speaks for itself and supports my statements.

good for you. honest emotion and criticism. very rare here. hey, I call it like I see it. some of the corps sucked this year, some didn't. sorry If I hurt anyone's feelings. that's why it's a "forum." everyone gets to post and comment. sometimes music geniuses and those playing on the field and in the corps get a jaded view of what their performances look and sound like. I didn't see a whole lot that was great in 05. just my opinion. (ok, go ahead and post your snarky comments about how opinions are like <removed-word filter circumventing-BDL> here. I'm ready for ya) I choose to be frank, Frank. got the vector, Victor? over, Unger.

thank you. yes, I do think everone is a little too nice with the reviews. I liked you guys and you have come a long way, of which I'm very impressed. however, the product is just a bit bland, like most of the corps this year. I know you have to keep it clean to win over the judges, but that kills a lot of the entertainment and showmanship that make drum corps exciting and watchable over many performances

guys, that is so cool. I'm glad he's still around and sorry he's not still majoring. when I was a young boy going to my first shows in the early 80's, there were few things more cool than George Parks with the mace, and Butch Anderson with the histrionics - and you can see that I honor them with my tag name. drum majoring in DCA (and in general) took a big step backwards when they hung it up

nah, I don't hate DCA - just a bit frustrated and airing my feelings in a frank and honest manner. I'll keep coming. haven't missed since late early 90's. (unless they go to Carolina!)

A few random thoughts from DCA finals. In no particular order - great program! Could you make the type smaller and more blurry for me in 2006? looks like you really put a lot of time and effort into this one, DCA. Crowd members over the age of 50 were seen all night handing over their programs to the grandkids. Did you type that stuff out on a manual typewriter or use a dot-matrix printer??? Goodness, join the printing revolution. - Brigs: did I just sleep through that whole performance? My, How the mighty have fallen. Hope you can pick it up next year boys. No pizzazz, boring music, horns, which are normally awesome, failed to impress. Drums, as usual, faded into the background. Still the best looking uniform out there. - Cabs: what a disaster. Looks like you really thinned out in ’05. can’t believe you could have slipped this far back. Like Brigs, your horns usually carry you. This could be the worst horn line I’ve seen out of you in years. guard was non-existant after many strong years. - Renegades: took the “best corps to look like a religious cult” award for 2005. look for an Am Legion member to give out that trophy in ’06. the only corps to actually get me to the edge of my seat and capture me. Love you dudes. Dramatic, tension-building stuff. Too bad you’re not on the east coast more. You know it – you’ve gotta march a little more. - Bucs: clean, cleaner and cleanest. GREAT drums, crisp horns, nice marching and best (by far) down-tempo piece of the contest with “Adagio.” Beautiful and haunting. Congrats after waiting 25 years for your return to glory. Parksie is happy somewhere. - Min Brass: typical east-coast bias. Loved your unis better when they were worn by……………..the Blue Devils. and your drill better when it was done by …………….the Blue Devils. Just kidding. Always a breath of fresh air from the Midwest and hot, screaming soloists. Nice color from the guard and loved the way you expanded the field. - Empire: pretty nice show. Normally, I hate the Empire gimmicks – big props, snare drummers on kits, tap dancers, the big tank in the mid-eighties, whatever – but this year the Carmen chase thing worked. Clean horns, a little boring in drums, wouldn’t be the Statesmen if Dave didn’t have the spats on. - Bush: I think it needs a little more cowbell. Seriously,. if you clang that liberty bell again, I might wind up in an insane asylum. Please stop! Happy you keep your uni the same, with a little variation. Very original and distinct look. OK show. You didn’t do anything that I particularly remember. (excepting the bells. the darn bells) - “La Festa:” I’ll miss the mullet and Sopranos crowd. Great food, terrible eye-candy, lousy Sinatra impersonators. Downtown Scranton has come a long way. Some of the buildings are really historic and beautiful. Seasoned shrimp ke-babs rock! “walking” penne ala vodka rocks! - Lack Cty Stadium: prob best acoustics of any venue in my recent memory. That will be sorely missed. Not a bad seat from the 30 to the 30, low or high. Weather was ridiculously perfect. Predictably, stadium restaurant shut down early. Way to capitalize on the crowds of hungry people! Did something go haywire in the left field corner? Weren’t they working on that monstrosity in 2003 and 2004??? We’ll miss you Scranton. - DCA seems to be the same thing every year – Cabs will do a latin show, Empire will have a big prop on the field, someone will drop off terribly from the previous year, many corps will do repeated park-and-blows, and generally, drills will be sloppy and un-inspiring. This is why DCI is more exciting guys. Yes, they have more money and more practice time, but the product is like from another planet. When Cadets did that signing drum part in finals, my jaw literally dropped. That’s the kind of innovation and creativity that DCA lacks but could capture. Many kudos for originality like Renegades and spot-on, clean performances like Bucs. They were the true class of 2005.

I love it. you all get so upset with a "non-marcher." sometimes you marchers can be so arrogant and think that the only people that matter are you. how about the money I spent to come see you? how about the time I took out of my schedule to be in Scranton? you should be ashamed to be criticizing fans. try having a show without us. and again I say to you - pick up the pace. I'm sick of seeing your slow funeral march as you cleverly try to be the last person in line, all at the expense of the paying customer waiting anxiously to get the scores and get home. your selfishness slows to a grinding halt what was a very well paced show. that's soooo 1990. it was funny the first 15 times I saw it. if Mickey was still around, (God bless his drum-corps heart), I'd call him first thing tomorrow and let him know that a few boa-wearing horns needed their 10.5 minutes of fame because it had been a "long-season" and that they really didn't care about the fans. as for the dragged out awards for every conceivable drum-corps activity (does Dave Bruni or Jimmy Russo need ANOTHER drum major award??), I couldn't agree more. having said that, they sponsor these things and deserve a few minutes of your time.

man, these guys killed you. guess they must have been a bit embarrassed when you actually replied. (and they're all perfect, by the way) forget about all that anyway - how were Drew Barrymore's um, "friends?" LOL

it was nice to get out early this year! about 11pm, which is just right. in years past, we didn't get out until midnight - even later if you stay for the encore. a major bone of contention comes in the Olympic-style review. contra players, despite all their tradition and whatever as the "mavericks" of their corps, need to step it up and do away with the feet dragging that goes on. not only does it look stupid, but it really holds things up. DCA should look into fining or penalizing for this behavior.

that's your EXACT comment. you said nothing about "going to the souvie area while they're on." just shooting for a little accuracy here. maybe your INTENTION was such, but you didn't make it clear, and I took it as a comment that you wanted them to beat me up while I was down there.

and if you dont like the Marines, go down to the souvie area. i'm sure they'd love to see you

ok. cool. now we're getting somewhere. yes, I LOVE drum corps!!!!!!! I missed the humor in the joke. so much is lost in this format. no offense taken. (at least now!)

you're right, I did stretch my legs, beacuse I've seen them before. everyone here is convincing themselves that I hate the Marines. do I have to keep beating this drum? THEY'RE GREAT, TALENTED PEOPLE, as I've said in previous posts. drum corps is an extremely difficult activity performed by talented, dedicated individuals and I love the activity, but if I can't express my opinion on their show in a funny, sarcastic way, then this website is pointless and debate is generally pointless. if you all want to disagree with me, fine, but don't make it personal or try to tell me that I don't count because I'm not one of you or I don't post my name. that's juvenile stuff. and remember that I will come back just as strong as you have come forward so that I can defend my position.

fair point. I have apologized for those statements already in a previous post. however, this 'site cannot be all vanilla and happy-happy-joy-joy. you have to take everyone's "take" on something. maybe my description was a bit crass or sarcastic. I was simply trying to be funny and critical at the same time. I guess no one wants humor and criticism to mix in here.

thank the lord! a voice of reason! man, I was waiting for someone to throw me a lifeline. thanks for that. yes, my comment about the Marines was snarky and perhaps crude. I apologize for that one, but I thought that would get taken as somewhat humorous. boy, was I wrong. it's unfortunate that the corps community can't seem to look at itself objectively enough and casts aside those that don't play/teach/march. I thought the goal of this 'site was to critique and cajol, (sometimes with humor and bite), bust chops and present differing opinions - regardless of accomplishment. guess not.

this is getting exhausting. let's recall that you attacked me by saying my opinions were not valid because I chose not to leave my name. where's the equity in that? can you not accept the stuffiness of your argument? I fully accept any challenges to my opinions, but I will not stand for your attacks because of my lack of drum corps experience. and again, with the "no guts" comment. thanks for the assassination - again. you're superior because you march - there, happy?. congratulations. feel better? your opinion is better than mine. you were right all along. drum corps people really are smarter because they participate. regards, D

I knew something was fishy! she talk purty! LOL

because it just doesn't matter! I would not disrespect any of their opinions if they did not tell me who they were. I don't look at any of your references. it absolutely doesn't matter to me. in fact, I find it rather vain that you (and others) have to quantify yourselves. I'm reading your words, not your resume. what you say is not based in relation to anything you have done. Al Chez or Geo Hopkins could still come off as a dummies if they say dumb things. you and dvldawg and others have disrespected me because I choose not to tell you who I am. as I argued with her, would it really make a difference? would you go: "oh my god, that's Arturo Sandoval! now I really agree with what he's saying!" no! not if he called you names or dissed your corps. apparently, words are not enough for you guys. you need proclamation and name recognition to be convinced, and that is why I am claiming unfairness. ALL of our opinions matter, references and marching experience aside. sorry about the typo thing. it's a pet peeve. feel free to look for any in my posts and tell me about them. as you may figure out, I am kidding about this and simply look to gently tweak the poster. it's a way to endear yourself to him or her. you don't see that. fine. as for being a "petulant child," and being a "nuisance," you sir, said you'd like to beat me up. I don't find that exaggerated or joking around. Marines don't talk like that. I took you for your word. and please tell me whom I've insulted. I have used respect, spoken clearly, decisively and with great thought on the words I am about to use. I do not look for your love or endearment, just a little critical discussion and fun back-and-forth. I do have a cynical and smart-aleck style, and that rubs you the wrong way. sorry about that, but I haven't insulted anyone. deal with the blue letters. I think they're quite fetching and very easy to read. I find the standard font very boring and attempt to make my posts easy to read for those who don't wish to strain their eyes on size 10 font.

again with the hostility! dvldawg thinks I should bow down to the fact that the Marines made us a free country, Jeffjetta wants to send me to the souvie area to meet up with the Marines, and a retired Marine wants to "beat my opinion out of me." amazing. you guys are a little defensive aren't you? maybe a little aggressive and hateful? can I not speak my mind in a critical way? apparently not here. I have not used any profanity, I have not slammed anyone, I have not named names. but you all want to jump on me. if I've learned anything thus far, it's that this little closed community is not open for critique or analysis - and god forbid it should be from someone outside the ranks. I'll keep posting. and I'll keep challenging. deal with me. respect someone else's views for a change without resorting to threats and implied injury. I love you all. you make my summers better.

everyone is so darned hostile when I challenge their ideas and beliefs! to wit: "go down to the souvie area, I'm sure they'd love to see you." I can't do anything but laugh. what? are we in 4th grade? is someone going to beat me up because I don't like their gig? is this Stalinist Russia and I didn't notice? (I thought we were in America) settle down Jeff. it's all good. as I have mentioned, TIME AND TIME AGAIN, what the Marines do is magnificent, but it has gotten boring to me after repeated viewings and I feel ("I Feel" means "my opinion") that they are on for too long. I'm not on trial here, for goodness sakes. there hasn't been any presentation of "cold, hard facts," and I'm certainly not ranting. correct me if I'm wrong, but this is a website for ideas, opinions and debate. I did not realize that they perform for more fans than the top 12 combined. thank you, but I'd like to see the "cold, hard facts" on that one. In the meantime, I'll trust your wisdom and respect your statement. p.s. what does "rebuttla" mean?

yes, they were the best. drum corps died a little bit when they left. losing Jimmy Russo from the Cabs closed that door for good as well. we may never see drum majors like that again and I was lucky enough to have seen all 3. thanks for acknowledging my nickname and their brilliance! cheers