A Treatise on Music
First off I'd like to start by thanking whoever made the "Boerma play the Blues Brothers" sign yesterday, and to everyone else who knew and did the hockey dance to Can't Turn You Loose, I'm glad I wasn't the only one.
However, this isn't really about that. For the second week now we've had piped-in music to the Big House, and as angry as I was at first, I can see the potential, especially with the band becoming even harder to hear this year than in years past it seems. But, the way the music is currently being managed is beyond asinine. Despite that, the music is a good way to keep the less than dedicated fans (which, less be honest, the Big House is full of) attention held for more than a 15 second play. Here's a few suggestions I have to improve the music system to allow it to keep the crowd pumped while not angering traditionalists too much (don't take this the wrong way, I consider myself one of these):
1. For the love of god, have some respect for the other portions of game day. Too many times yesterday and during the WMU game did I notice the piped-in music being played over the band, or over the cheerleaders trying to organize a stadium-wide cheer. This is unacceptable and beyond disrespectful to the band and cheerleaders. If you're going to pipe in music, only do it when there isn't something else currently going on.
2. Know when to use the music. This is another big one, there were quite a few occasions yesterday where the music was played on short breaks, and ND would time their snap to right after the music stopped. This gave them a little window of quiet between when fans were singing along with the music before they began their general Michigan is on D raucousness. Also, there were a few times where a song which took time to build up into the energetic section (namely the Eminem song) was used in a time span where it didn't have time to reach the climax, leaving it just some ineffective piano riffs.
Finally
3. Get a larger/better selection of music! I fully appreciate attempting to make a Michigan/Detroit tie in with the music, but we need more than the same four songs repeated ad infinitum all game. The AD could easily stick with the Michigan theme and get some much better pump-up music. What about some Nugent (I would love to hear Stranglehold pumped in), KISS, or even work from some former UM students (Iggy Pop and Andrew W K, I don't think Madonna fits the niche of stadium pump up music)? Aside from Michigan-related artists, it would also be alright to break the theme a few times, as they already have done with AC/DC and Guns and Roses, to get some more variety in the music.
So as much as some of us hate it, the music is here, and is unlikely to go anywhere. However, the AD could be much smarter about how it's handled, and I feel like these suggestions would be good directions to go in to provide a much better experience for everyone.
What do you fellow mgobloggers think?
However, this isn't really about that. For the second week now we've had piped-in music to the Big House, and as angry as I was at first, I can see the potential, especially with the band becoming even harder to hear this year than in years past it seems. But, the way the music is currently being managed is beyond asinine. Despite that, the music is a good way to keep the less than dedicated fans (which, less be honest, the Big House is full of) attention held for more than a 15 second play. Here's a few suggestions I have to improve the music system to allow it to keep the crowd pumped while not angering traditionalists too much (don't take this the wrong way, I consider myself one of these):
1. For the love of god, have some respect for the other portions of game day. Too many times yesterday and during the WMU game did I notice the piped-in music being played over the band, or over the cheerleaders trying to organize a stadium-wide cheer. This is unacceptable and beyond disrespectful to the band and cheerleaders. If you're going to pipe in music, only do it when there isn't something else currently going on.
2. Know when to use the music. This is another big one, there were quite a few occasions yesterday where the music was played on short breaks, and ND would time their snap to right after the music stopped. This gave them a little window of quiet between when fans were singing along with the music before they began their general Michigan is on D raucousness. Also, there were a few times where a song which took time to build up into the energetic section (namely the Eminem song) was used in a time span where it didn't have time to reach the climax, leaving it just some ineffective piano riffs.
Finally
3. Get a larger/better selection of music! I fully appreciate attempting to make a Michigan/Detroit tie in with the music, but we need more than the same four songs repeated ad infinitum all game. The AD could easily stick with the Michigan theme and get some much better pump-up music. What about some Nugent (I would love to hear Stranglehold pumped in), KISS, or even work from some former UM students (Iggy Pop and Andrew W K, I don't think Madonna fits the niche of stadium pump up music)? Aside from Michigan-related artists, it would also be alright to break the theme a few times, as they already have done with AC/DC and Guns and Roses, to get some more variety in the music.
So as much as some of us hate it, the music is here, and is unlikely to go anywhere. However, the AD could be much smarter about how it's handled, and I feel like these suggestions would be good directions to go in to provide a much better experience for everyone.
What do you fellow mgobloggers think?
September 13th, 2009 at 2:50 PM ^
Yes, let's blast some Madonna through the speakers!
September 13th, 2009 at 3:00 PM ^
"you just keep on pushin' my love, over the borderline..."
although it fits how the press feels about Rich Rod, it doesnt work in general...
September 13th, 2009 at 10:31 PM ^
After we go 3 and out, maybe a little "justify my love" to send a message to the team of our expectations? After a favorable call from the zebras, maybe "lucky star"?
September 13th, 2009 at 3:01 PM ^
....one of the benefits of winning the game ought to be that you are not subjected to any Neil Diamond.
I am w/Brian on the piped-in-music front but the WORST feature of it is when we play the same ol scheiss that you could hear at any other stadium in the country. Sweet Caroline? Really? You want people to think we're in Happy Valley or something?
September 13th, 2009 at 4:11 PM ^
Isn't this a staple at Red Wings games, especially when a game is pretty much over? I guess they are trying to use something that works from another regional team. Not very original. But, assuming we are going to pipe in music, I don't think Sweet Caroling is so bad. (I recognize I am in the distict miniority on that point and that Sweet Caroline will probably have to go.)
Since we are going this route - I agree w/ the OP that Uncle Ted's "Strangle Hold" has promise as grade AA stadium RAWK music. I guess wouldn't mind some Seager either. Oh sweet heaven - I just realized that we are going to end up with Kid Rock blaring over the speakers at Michigan Stadium! I am not at all sure how I feel about that.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:29 PM ^
why not "Ass Scratch Fever"? Seriously, Ted Nugent? Even if you like his music how is a crowd going to get into that? At least Kid Rock has some singable lines. I can't believe we are all arguing about songs that get shoved down our throats on the laughable Detroit 'rock' stations.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:57 PM ^
My post was semi-sarcastic. Since we are blarring kinda-cheesy semi-classic RAWK music, why not Uncle Ted? If you want Kid Rock, so be it. I really don't have a problem with who we play. I personally just think it is all kinda cheesy. But if people have fun with it, great. I'm not that bothered.
EDIT - I didn't negbang you, FWIW.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:58 PM ^
yeah, and my post was "semi offended". it would be great if they could come up with something totally off the wall and awesome, but instead it will be the same "classics" or Rawk. Definitely not worth fighting about IMO. They really need to stop playing music by the time the teams are on the line though--that drove me nuts. Can there be a flag for that? There must be a rule to discourage blatant 'Homerism" by guys in the booth when it affects the game.
September 13th, 2009 at 3:14 PM ^
Most of them are from Michigan and have alot of great rock songs.
September 13th, 2009 at 4:25 PM ^
Jewel is from Michigan. Let's not speak of that. And Ken Burns the documentarian went to AA Pioneer. Maybe they can play Ashokan Farewell. Or Sufjan Stevens?
but... seriously, I would love some Iggy Pop. Anything that shows that Michigan has some real culture, and is not full of yuppie posers.
You're sort of preaching to the choir here. I think we're all with you about it. Perhaps send an email to the AD?
September 13th, 2009 at 9:04 PM ^
Jewel is from Homer, Alaska. I do agree that they could get much more creative with the selection, although they might have to clear licensing issues with certain songs. Butt Rawk for the sake of having something to play is dumb. I don't want to hear the same songs they play at other venues, re: Journey and Seven Nation Army.
September 13th, 2009 at 4:43 PM ^
In other words, F You, we dont care what our alumni think. Its just like the halo. This will undoubtedly backfire on them. So we are stuck with Neil Diamond for now.
------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your feedback on the game day experience at Michigan Stadium. We work hard to create an environment that can be appreciated by all participants - players, students, alumni and fans. With more than 100,000 people, it is difficult to craft an experience that satisfies everyone's unique interests and as such we do our best and realize that we will never hit the mark for all 100,000 plus in the stadium.
We'll continue to work on all elements that contribute to a Michigan football game. We appreciate your time and consideration in offering your thoughts.
All the Best and Go Blue!
-----Original Message-----
From: Riordan, Mark
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 10:10 AM
To: Bodnar, Martin
Subject: FW: Piped in music at Michigan Stadium
-----Original Message-----
From: Michigan Athletics Media Relations
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 10:07 AM
To: Riordan, Mark
Subject: FW: Piped in music at Michigan Stadium
________________________________________
Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2009 7:11 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Piped in music at Michigan Stadium
Please stop this. As someone who attends every home game, as well as a Michigan Band alumni, I am ashamed and embarrassed of this. We have the nation's best marching band....LET THEM PLAY!!! This is what makes our football experience unique. This is why I drive from Chicago every game, to experience the best college atmosphere in the country. Not to hear Neil Diamond on the loud speakers.
Thank you for your understanding.
September 13th, 2009 at 5:08 PM ^
Please just give the pipped in music a chance. I and the majority of students love the new pipped in music outside of the Neil Diamond. The selection of music for the Notre Dame game was near perfection. Secondly, I doubt Neil Diamond will be heard again this entire season. The MMB Neil Diamond show was planned months in advance. The AD also got the message to not blast Sweet Caroline ever again. The selection of Seven Nation Army and Lose Yourself was perfect. We may have the best band in the land with the MMB, but sometimes the selections they play kill all of the energy in the student section, such as Thriller. Thriller is awesome on the field for halftime, but it is god awful as a stand tune. I have been following marching bands for as long as I can remember to as I used to compete in BOA, I follow DCI.
September 13th, 2009 at 5:12 PM ^
Isn't that what Penn St. has done for like 4 years? I also don't like it because I think Man U does it. I know the white stripes are from Michigan but I still feel like we're Johnny-Come-Latelys with this song.
September 13th, 2009 at 6:54 PM ^
I remember hearing Seven Nation Army last November in the Horseshoe. Yes, I was one of those crazy/dumb fan who went there to see what amounted to a OSU peprally. Anyway, I, for one, don't want to copy something that is done in the 'shoe. 'Nuff said.
September 13th, 2009 at 5:15 PM ^
I hate the piped in music. It is just completely annoying and unnecessary. I will also compose an email, and while I expect to receive the same response, enough of this kind of response will compel the Athletic Dept. to pull the plug on this terrible idea. The Halo is a good comparison
September 13th, 2009 at 7:50 PM ^
With all due respect, did you ever stop and think this is not about what you like/prefer. Next time the music starts to play over the speakers and the crowd goes wild, instead of getting mad and wanting to write someone a letter, just relax and enjoy it. Watch the teams reaction to the song. After all it is really about them. GO BLUE!!!
September 13th, 2009 at 10:24 PM ^
what exactly says "F You" in the email response? Did you actually expect Mary Sue to sit in her bed at night and type you a response? And what is it about YOU that makes your opinion the one that speaks for all alumni, all band alumni, or all fans? What you are saying is "Michigan told me to f'k off because they STILL piped in music for the ND game when I clearly told them that wasn't what I wanted."
I wouldn't assume they are not tracking the number of negatives and positives regarding all responses about M Stadium.
But I have to side with you--I hate it. But it looks like I will have to endure it. Some parameters as offered in this post would be nice. (I did like the "halo"; probably the only person to admit it.)
September 13th, 2009 at 5:14 PM ^
Part of me is definitely uncomfortable with the piped in music, but I also think that there is no harm in giving it a season to see if they can get it worked out. Hopefully they will survey fan opinions at the end of the year as they did when considering the renovations to the stadium. We obviously don't want to model our music after any other stadium, so it may take them some time to develop the Michigan music traditions. Overall, patience is key here IMHO.
September 13th, 2009 at 5:17 PM ^
some classic rock could work
stones- champagne and reefer
under my thumb
get up, stand up
start me up
when the whip comes down
ann arbor's own bob seger- like a rock
rock and roll never forgets
nutbush city limits
springsteen- born to run
glory days- for when were beating the pis-
out of osu or nd
see the music doesn't have to be bad
but i do agree we can't supersede the world's greatest marching band
September 14th, 2009 at 7:06 AM ^
in a game environment, but can you imagine the reaction to Under My Thumb? It's... not so progressive.
relevant sections:
"Under my thumb
The squirmin' dog who's just had her day
Under my thumb
A girl who has just changed her ways
It's down to me, yes it is
The way she does just what she's told
Down to me, the change has come
She's under my thumb
Ah, ah, say it's alright
Under my thumb
A siamese cat of a girl
Under my thumb
She's the sweetest, hmmm, pet in the world
It's down to me
The way she talks when she's spoken to
Down to me, the change has come,
She's under my thumb
Ah, take it easy babe
Yeah
Under my thumb
Her eyes are just kept to herself
Under my thumb, well I
I can still look at someone else"
...
September 14th, 2009 at 7:19 PM ^
understand, but if you think of nd (opponent) as she i think it works well. i mean i'm not for slavery or "murdering (ala pryor)" either but you know we could enslave and kill our opponents (you know not literally, but...)
September 13th, 2009 at 5:21 PM ^
I noticed the Rawk Musak much more watching this game than the last. It sucked IME. I also agree that it is probably here to stay.
The fact that my dad, who has been to at least half of the games played since and including the 1969 season, didn't even mention it tells me that it isn't offending the old guard enough to oust it. He did mention that this was noticeably the loudest game he can remember at Michigan Stadium though. Maybe the piped music had something to do with that?
September 13th, 2009 at 5:45 PM ^
You don't think Madonna is fitting? Considering our QB situation, I think "Like A Virgin" after big plays sounds about perfect.
September 14th, 2009 at 1:53 AM ^
maybe not
September 13th, 2009 at 5:47 PM ^
All you who have noticed the RAWK music and called it an abonimation, have you taken the time to see the players reaction to it? Judging from what I seen from their body language on the field, they like it. You can tell from just being there. And, its their team, after all.
Not to mention, its pretty clear after two games how much it awakens our normally sleepy crowd. It was obvious yesterday, IMO.
Everybody wants a Big House with the fans more into it to have more of an impact on the game. Sometimes you have to rob Peter to pay Paul. And considering the MMB seems stuck in Pianissimo Gear, its a lot better than nothing.
But I do agree with a lot of the O.P.'s sentiment regarding timing, better selection and not playing RAWK music for the sake of RAWK music, but coming up with something that works and can become more unique to our own experience.
Not to mention, I also think the O.P. and a lot of others should be commended for not shutting down the issue in blantant black/white, yes/no terms in their minds. I've gone from eh, whatever to actually its not bad and has potential to wow, it helped keep the crowd going on an ardous roller coaster afternoon within the span of two weeks.
September 13th, 2009 at 6:10 PM ^
they need to move behind the goalposts near the student section. The entire half of the stadium behind the UM bench cant even hear them. At least this way, the only deadzone band area would be behind the goalposts there rather than an entire half of a stadium.
September 14th, 2009 at 1:44 PM ^
We're in the south endzone, and we couldn't hear them. They either need to mic them up, or they need to increase the size of the band.
September 13th, 2009 at 7:12 PM ^
I am not a fan of piped in music but you have succinctly hit the important points that the University needs to realize.
Since getting rid of it altogether is probably not going to happen, making it effective is the next best thing.
Used as you suggested, I would be in favor of it.
September 13th, 2009 at 7:58 PM ^
I think Andrew W.K. would be an AMAZING pick for music pumped in if it has to be. I actually listened to it before heading down before the game. It gets me pumped up sooo much and if people don't know who he is, aka the students mainly, tough. It's too good of a choice not to be played. On a side note, lose yourself takes a long time to build up but it was a cool effect when the entire student section started bouncing to it.
September 13th, 2009 at 8:46 PM ^
Yeah, I feel Andrew W.K. would be a good choice not only for the energy level, but the fact that he learned to play Piano at the UM School of Music. Also, it's not like he has complex, hard to learn lyrics for the fans to sing along (PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY).
September 13th, 2009 at 8:36 PM ^
I had to miss the WMU game for a wedding, so the ND game was the first time I heard it, and I've got to say I was a fan. I thought it got the crowd rockin' during a lull that was a commercial break or waiting for things to set up and I noticed it was usually piped in right about when ND was entering their huddle and it got the stadium rocking! It was great as it really elevated the noise earlier in their play calling, and the crowd noise certainly had an effect on the game. I'd say so far so good, but realize it's still a work in progress.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:02 PM ^
I agree, not a huge fan, but it isn't going anywhere, so they should just fine tune it. The Eminem song should have completely skipped the piano intro and gone right to where they start it on the radio. They had the perfect moment to play it in the fourth, and they never got to the good part. Get the timing down, stay away from the cliche stuff that an 8th grader would choose, pick the right moments, and I think we'll be fine.
September 14th, 2009 at 5:40 AM ^
The Concept
1. The Players like it, and have said that they want it
2. A large portion of the stadiun can't hear the MMB so at least we get to hear something. I'm in the Denard Section - probably the worst one in terms of hearing the MMB.
3. The music seems to have a positive effect on fan participation. Helps energy level.
4. Recruits like it.
The Selection
1. It is indeed difficult to meet all the musical taste of a 100k group.
2. Having a Michigan connection is a good thing.
3. Give all stakeholders some input in an eight song rotation
Current Players (Captains) select two songs
Former Players (Alumni Captains) select two songs
Victors Club selects two songs
Fans select two songs via text.
The Execution
1. Agree with you. Coordinate with MMB and the live cheering/entertainment
September 14th, 2009 at 9:08 AM ^
It looks like I'm in the minority here, but I like the piped in RAWK Music. The song selections need some fine tuning (NO NEIL DIAMOND!!) and the sound guy needs to learn that one can start a song at points other than the very beginning. But it works well and IMO enhances the gameday experience.
As for the song selection. There are two groups that need to be pleased first and foremost. The student section and the players. Everyone else comes second. Seeing the entire student section doing the "arm wave" or whatever that is called during "Lose Yourself" was awesome. Having the majority of the stadium start singing during "Seven Nation Army" was great. There needs to be more of this.
I can do without "Thunderstruck" and "Welcome to the Jungle" but they seem to work.
If it were up to me I would try to stick with Michigan or Detroit angles on most of the music. Eminem, White Stripes, Kid Rock, or going back Seger, KISS, etc.
If we are going to keep going down this route, I would love to see the athletic dept talk to someone like Chad Smith to see about having the Chili Peppers or others put together a RAWK version of "The Victors," which could be played at somepoint during the game. But this might be crossing the line.
September 14th, 2009 at 9:18 AM ^
my thoughts are that the piped in music works. It may not be pretty, but it works.
I was on the ~50 yard line, in the middle of the "old folks & random ND fans" section and the main time people cheered, sang along, went wild... was during piped in music. I don't understand or agree with this phenomenon, but it is true.
People kind of cheered when the band played, some sung the words to Hail, some clapped when our D players asked for crowd noise, but more people did all of this when some of the cheesier songs were on. If that's what it takes for a louder Big House, then stop complaining. It's not a big deal.
Go Blue.
September 14th, 2009 at 9:34 AM ^
Was at the game and thought they did the music just the right amount. Didn't supersede the band in my opinion as they were used 90% of the time to fire up the crowd. I have been going to games the last 20 years and it was a nice change of pace in my opinion. Re-watched the dvr'd game on Sunday and couldn't really hear the music from the point of watching the game on tv. Additionlly, this was my first game this season and thought it was much louder. Go Blue!
September 14th, 2009 at 11:12 AM ^
maybe they could have the "home improvement" or "martin" theme song, or you could stop whining about the music and enjoy a football game.
September 14th, 2009 at 11:16 AM ^
I'm glad somebody appreciated my sign! The people around me gave me looks of "WTF." The whole goal was to get people to do the hockey dance to the song, and, well, I couldn't really even HEAR IT so it was hard to dance :(
I have emailed Boerma since Saturday, explaining who I was and my goal of getting everybody to do the dance. I asked if, in the future if they play the song, if the band will turn to face the students.
Basically he said perhaps.
September 14th, 2009 at 3:16 PM ^
I pretty much agree with this diary, so I won't waste time and re-state those points. I do want to know - what is the rule on when the music has to be turned off? Certainly it can't be on during game play, and it appears it can't be on when the OL goes into their stance, but there were 5+ (10+?) times when ND broke the huddle and Jimmah started communicating with his team (I assume about adjustments) and the music was still going on. Granted, the music wasn't the loudest part (the fans yelling was the loudest part) but it seemed "off."
In the "do onto others" rules of sports, I would be annoyed if we went to Happy Valley and we had a hard time calling audibles/adjusting our sets b/c Zombie Nation was being blared over the speakers.
December 15th, 2009 at 7:46 AM ^
one thing i love about the holidays is that i usually get some new cds i think my sister got me the new order cds that she saw me listening to at borders.
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