RE: Wisconsin. They sure do sound bad, but they make a point to be as visible as possible and jack-up the crowd as much as possible. They focus on entertainment first, and other things second. While they have many faults, they really add to the gameday experience in Madison or wherever they're playing.
I played in the MMB, 1998-2001. During my tenure, barely anything was played other than "let's go blue" and the "victors trio" in-between downs (and Temptation, of course). Maybe something in between quarters, or "Respect" if we were winning by 3 points and on defense. Props to whoever, I think both Nix and Boerma, for adding in more consistent action on third down and such.
That said, I thought that "Thunderstruck" was nice touch after all the traditional TD WOO music from the Band. I think that both Rock and Band can complement one another. Case in point: Wisconsin. Their band sounds like shit, but is super loud and uber fun to watch. Plenty of piped in music as well - Jump Around in particular. Used judiciously, I'm all for it.
Also, I think that the Wisconsin folks have a better handle on the proper role of a college band (minus the harassment charges and theft). I'll never forget during the 98' season watching the Wisconsin band for the first time, blow the crap out of the big house and receive a partial standing ovation (at least on the home sideline). Again, they sounded pretty awful, but were quite visual and louder than you can imagine. Then, the MMB proceeded to play a rather lifeless performance of Earth Wind and Fire (not even the best arrangement on file, sadly), a commissioned piece commemorating our 100th anniversary, and then spent the rest of the time standing still while some state congressman gave us an award and called us the best marching band in america. woo?
I love the MMB to death, and we played some great music during the 3 years I played, but it seemed to me on many occasions that we were simply trying to play more notes and pound out more charts than the musical competition, rather than just simply doing our part to add to the atmosphere of the game in every way possible.
Nothing is better than honesty, and that video delivered.
Watching Minor run makes me want to throw my computer out the office window and start pounding beers as fast as I can open them. It's almost Saturday. WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
While I'm lucky enough to avoid SEC douchebags in my present location, I unfortunately live in a town that doesn't give a shit about college football. DirecTV is a good option for watching Michigan games, as BTN is standard programming (Channel 610). The HD feed is nice.
My only warning would be that the feed is sometimes significantly ahead of standard cable boxes. I've ruined quite a few touchdown by calling my friends before it even happened for them. Don't be that guy!!
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While I'm lucky enough to avoid SEC douchebags in my present location, I unfortunately live in a town that doesn't give a shit about college football. DirecTV is a good option for watching Michigan games, as BTN is standard programming (Channel 610). The HD feed is nice.
My only warning would be that the feed is sometimes significantly ahead of standard cable boxes. I've ruined quite a few touchdown by calling my friends before it even happened for them. Don't be that guy!!