Unverified Voracity Says There Is No Try Comment Count

Brian

Mustache update. Dang:

Boda

You know it's good photoshop when you're futilely scanning for the LSUFreek watermark. Mustaches for Michigan provides, and explains:

My ally is the Mustache, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Mustache around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, the football, everywhere, yes.

The power of the mustache was powerful enough to offset the long-established MGoLiveblog curse, mmm.

On the 'Downfall' thing. There were a few complaints about the Downfall parody posted last week, all of which cited Rosenberg's (presumed) Jewishness vis a vis Adolf Hitler's… well, you know. His opinions, man. I'm not trying to be an insensitive clod here but Youtube is filled with videos of Hitler being enraged at the Dallas Cowboys, XBox Live, Windows Vista, World of Warcraft, the failure of Michael Jackson to perform at his birthday party because he is dead, and everyone on the internet screwing with his subtitles. Oh and yes Hitler is also pissed off because Rich Rodriguez is evil. At this point the comic trope is so well-established that the whole Hitler bit is… well… maybe not secondary, since it's the reason it's always funny, but tangential. If the thing had mentioned the word "Jew" at all, it would have been in bad taste. It didn't.

I think this was on "Automatic For The People." Terrelle Pryor on Michael Vick, who Pryor paid tribute to on his eyeblack—hey, it's either that or John 3:16:

That's right: "everybody murders.":

Not everybody is a perfect person in the world. Everyone kills people, murder people, steals from you, steals from me, whatever.

Who loves the fact that this blog's already got a "terrelle pryor has emotional problems" tag? This guy.

Excellent. The New York bowl game I've been advocating is a possibility, albeit a down-the-line one:

The Tribune has learned Big Ten officials have met with Yankee Stadium representatives to discuss a bowl game that would be played at the so-called "House that George Built."

"It's an interesting concept," Big Ten Associate Commissioner Mark Rudner said. "It's compelling."

Hypothetical New York Bowl is not an immediate possibility, but if it gets established it sounds like the Big Ten will give it a serious look in 2014, the next time contracts come up for renewal. By that time Florida fatigue may have set in and an attractive, if cold, destination like New York should be appealing.

SON OF A. The music was piped in, and I cringed, and then Bill Martin jumped aboard and oh God:

Fans saw a winning product again and were entertained before the game and during breaks in it with piped in music such as AC/DC’s “Hell’s Bells,” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

“We need to liven this place up,” Martin said. “When the band is taking a break, I think the music helps the atmosphere. There were about 25 songs on the playlist, I listened to every one and cut about five.”

Ugh. Band members: do you need breaks? Could you have played Sweet Caroline, thus transforming banal minor-league hockey atmosphere into authentic college football atmosphere? Are you happy or irate at the piped in music?

Etc.: Vijay isn't blogging again but he has put up a post with some clips and analysis from the last game. A blast from the past for blogosphere old hands.

Comments

Bryan

September 7th, 2009 at 12:52 PM ^

The music was terrible. It is not necessary. People with half a brain know that these songs are played out or are a staple of some other venue, see Fenway. The songs do nothing for anyone who is not a drunk undergrad female wearing maize and blue stockings and texting on their Blackberry during the game (the entire row of girls behind me). Please do away with it Sailboat, please.

simonsays

September 7th, 2009 at 12:49 PM ^

I heard the piped-in songs included : "Welcome to the Jungle", "Don't Stop Believin" and some AC/DC? I was in the band 03-06, and we played the first two songs and "You Shook me All Night Long" within those years, so I know we have the music for it, among much other music.

No, the band doesn't really need breaks. Whether they could have quite the in-stands library available that a CD does is a good question, as MMB memorizes everything, and also if the whole stadium could hear the piped-in music, that's an advantage over the MMB until they figure out a way to mic the band.

Also, I live in Boston now. Sweet Caroline is lame, even here, but I'm ok with it... at Fenway only. Anywhere else it's really lame.

Skapanza

September 7th, 2009 at 4:30 PM ^

Yeah, I can't help but feel that at the very least they could have checked for songs that the band has in its repertoire, especially when they elected to play "Don't Stop Believin'", which we played in 2005 (I think?). I remember that as being one song that really connected well with the student section and had everyone singing along. At thye bare minimum, don't pump in songs the band still has in the folder.

As for needing breaks, no, they don't. Maybe an occasional break from playing Parking Lot Victors, but that's up to the director. They just finished marching and playing for 9 hours a day, I think the added adrenaline from (finally!) being able to perform at the game can keep them going. It did in my day.

Hard Gay

September 7th, 2009 at 6:07 PM ^

The band still plays "Don't Stop Believing" a lot but usually when we are losing. They played that and "Living on a Prayer" a whole bunch last year.

Also the band were playing the same songs over and over because it's still early in the season and not all the stands tunes are learned.

Also, the band is playing a Neil Diamond show (ugh) for Notre Dame and yep, Sweet Caroline is one of the songs. Shit.

DCBlue

September 7th, 2009 at 2:58 PM ^

Let me preface by saying that the piped in music sucks balls. However, if it is inevitable, is anyone else more than a little aghast that Bill Martin is the one making final selections on the playlist? Oh God. Oh Jesus. Oh God and Baby Jesus.

FieldingBLUE

September 7th, 2009 at 12:59 PM ^

Not a fan. I was actually MORE impressed by the fun the WMU band was having despite getting its ass beat. They were playing good songs that the few Broncos fans were singing along with. Very cool.

Is there any way to stop all of this? An email frenzy at BM seems the only course of action.

rlew

September 7th, 2009 at 1:04 PM ^

I wasn't there, but I was watching on TV and the atmosphere seemed louder, more raucous than usual. From what I could tell, that had nothing to do with the piped-in music. I've heard it elsewhere (some SEC venues) and don't like it. I don't think it's necessary.

Also, to avoid any confusion, it might be worthwhile to make it abundantly clear to the Athletic Department that this anti-piped-in-music position is not in any way a point of agreement with the anti-fun fossils of the Big House. I (we?) want deafening noise and a fired-up, intimidating crowd, in a traditional college football atmosphere that includes a very good band, not a cheesy "I Heart the '80s" sing-along.

SwordDancer710

September 7th, 2009 at 1:03 PM ^

Turns out the MMB's doing a Neil Diamond show next week with Sweet Caroline. Totally coincidental.

That said, I hated the piped in music except once; during pregame when the band is in the split M after the hype video and there's nothing going on, then the piped in music worked.

Also, sometimes we get on the field for halftime a couple minutes before the half ends, and then we score, but we can't play because we're split across the field. Then, maybe a short piped song.

And no, the band does not need breaks.

Don

September 7th, 2009 at 1:05 PM ^

but I don't think it would be an improvement to hear our ponderous band lumbering through it. Up-tempo and the MMB just don't seem to go together, for some reason.

jamiemac

September 7th, 2009 at 1:17 PM ^

First time in at least five years we heard any music (other than from an opposing team's band, mind you) in my section.

And, it did help keep people into the game during the long tedious timeouts. Folks, we cant hear the band and it is a good thing to have good music to listen to to keep your pulse going during long tv timeouts.

Now, the selection of the music in another thing. The Diamond and Journery were gimmickiy sing a-alongs. I could do without that. The AC DC worked for me, even though its probably played everywhere. Hopefully somebody with a music clue is eventually picking the rotation. If not, it will get old fast for folks like me who could really give a rats ass or not.

You know what was lame? Thriller. And the third quarter pick a song tradition. Why? Because wide swaths of the stadium can barely hear it. After a few seconds, folks where I sit realized there is no point in paying attention and started talking amongst ourselves. I liked the rock music, it was something different. Since i cant hear the band, I prefer that to silence.

Either way, its not an issue for me. I'm sure by Game 3, I'll be tired of the Big House DJs spinning Welcome To The Jungle every other break. But, it was nice to have a little music for a change. And I hardly think this is a cultural affront to college football or marching bands. Or that it somehow is beneath the vintage Michigan Stadium.

Just remember, the Cubs have won zero titles playing at Wrigley Field.

JeremyB

September 7th, 2009 at 1:22 PM ^

Let's remember the larger point: RAWK MUSIC is acceptable because you can't hear the band. "It's better than nothing, which is what we have now," everyone says. The band can change this by playing considerably louder, but its director does not think this is necessary or even a problem.

JeremyB

September 7th, 2009 at 1:19 PM ^

I'm curious to how complacent the MMB staff (MMB director Scott Boerma and director of bands Prof. Michael Haithcock) have in this. Do they care? I hope so, but they don't even acknowledge that the band sounds too quiet these days.

[email protected]
[email protected]

Change is going to have to come from the bottom up, not from Sailboat Bill. The markedly different attitudes between Nix and Boerma about the MMB's role in gameday probably helped the RAWK MUSIC happen.

cschoeps

September 7th, 2009 at 1:31 PM ^

Wasn't there talk at one point of putting mics on the band? Anyone know if this is possible, or have any experience hearing it in stadium?

I sat on the South end of the stadium for the first time this weekend, and the band was barely audible.

Don

September 7th, 2009 at 1:43 PM ^

The old tradition of eating a pizza the night before a game just isn't doing the trombone section any good. They need lean protein, chocolate milk, and daily sessions on Barwis Beach with instruments in hand.

AMazinBlue

September 7th, 2009 at 1:41 PM ^

Sweet Caroline seemed so out of place. When the crowd joined in I thought I was at a dueling piano bar.

Give the band the playlist and let them learn the songs, if they don't already know them.

College football and marching bands go together like........Michigan Faithful-and-a rousing chorus of The Victors.......like Maize-and-Blue.

Piped-in music is for the NBA and NFL.

Although the AC/DC during the warmups was OK.

I think the band should move one section toward the endzone, maybe two. Right on that edge of the student section, so fans at the other end can hear them better.

Rorschach

September 7th, 2009 at 1:58 PM ^

First, no the band does not need breaks.

Second, I was upset with the piped-in RAWK because it oftentimes took up the longer time-outs we would use to play other things. Instead we were stuck with breaks between plays, where we are limited to short stuff like Let's Go Blue, Iron Man, or C-1, which soon gets repeated ad nauseum. Trust me, we'd like to play Hoover Street, Black Dog/Kashmir, and Livin on a Prayer more often, we just don't have time.

And no, Boerma and Haithcock do not believe there is a problem with volume. They are of the opinion that much of the complaining stems from the recent failings of the team, and a general discontentment among the fans (which IMO may have some truth to it). I do think they could harp on it at times, especially to remind the newer members. It's easy to forget to play loud when you are worried about getting the notes right (as well as everything to do with marching when on the field).

I am curious as to the perceived loudness across the stadium. I had thought the structure across from us would trap and reflect something down to the south end. But that doesn't seem to be case from the accounts here. Did no one notice any difference?

Transatlantic Flight

September 7th, 2009 at 5:04 PM ^

Another current MMB member. The piped in music, as I understand it from band leadership, was a decision made by the Athletic Department after visiting other Big Ten stadiums. Therefore, you should contact the AD directly with complaints about this if you want it to go away. The band, unfortunately, cannot really tell Rich Rod/Bill Martin/whoever else is responsible to go suck it. As Rorschach mentioned, Rich Rod and the inherent speediness of the spread have a lot more to do with this than one might first expect.

Boerma is slowly starting to get more focused on volume and less on pure musicality this season, as opposed to the previous three seasons, so hopefully that will have an impact soon.

krag19

September 7th, 2009 at 9:31 PM ^

You have to remember that the band is very directional. Meaning, acoustically its impossible for the band to play to each and every person throughout the stadium. Also, you have you to remember that 110,000 people absorb ALOT of sound. As the season continues we will have time to play all the "other" favorites: Livin' On A Prayer, Don't Stop Believin', Black Dog/Kashmir, etc.

Topher

September 7th, 2009 at 9:32 PM ^

"I am curious as to the perceived loudness across the stadium. I had thought the structure across from us would trap and reflect something down to the south end. But that doesn't seem to be case from the accounts here. Did no one notice any difference?"

I've been to six or seven home games now over ten years, including one other time in almost the exact same seats as Saturday, and this was the first time I've ever noticed NOT hearing the band loud and clear. The echoes/delay made it difficult to sing along with the Victors pregame, but during the game it didn't seem to be a problem.

I'm an engineer, but not a construction one, and I too guessed that the new structures would echo more than the air that preceded them. Other techies' opinions?

Seth

September 7th, 2009 at 2:25 PM ^

A buddy and I have been on a mission to see every MLB stadium, and we've hit most of them.

At many of these stops, we've heard from old-school home fans that:

  • "Sweet Caroline" has become a regularly piped song at their stadium over the last five years or so.
  • This development is almost universally described by longtime fans as "annoying."

A pattern is emerging: major sport venues around the country have realized that "Sweet Caroline" is one of the few songs that fans know and can interact with, and fanbases around the country, oblivious to the ubiquity of it, are nonetheless already feeling the YMCA-ness of it.

To me, and this semi-vocal minority I keep seeking out running into, this is a sign of evil spreading its way to previous havens from evil.

To my father, however, it's an opportunity to sing a song he knows without anyone cringing at his atonal singing voice that is nigh unlistenable once you get past anti-War jingles and campfire diddies like "Where I'm Bound." FWIW, if they played YMCA, I'm pretty sure he'd make the arm gestures, too.

My father is your typical sporting event patron. If you play the National Anthem, he'll sing it. If you play "Take me out to the Ballgame," he'll sing it. If you play "God Bless America" instead, he'll sing that. If you pipe in "Sweet Caroline," he knows where to go "bah bah bah" and will do so when the opportunity presents. Caring about this is not on his list of things that matter (like supporting Rodriguez, or hog futures).

Brian, I have witnessed the battle of TRVE v. Pop Taste before. On a Metal (or college football team, or mustache) blog, you may have a chance, but I hope you don't expect populist outrage to carry this day. The other option, of course, is to try to kick it upstairs, and pray Bill Martin has some grumbly old-guy in him. But again, don't be too surprised if he looks at you like some teenager trying to explain why his CDs are lame and yours SHRED.

Drill

September 7th, 2009 at 2:47 PM ^

I have yet to hear anyone complain in real life. I've talked to a number of students, and everyone really seems to like it. It gives us something to do during the tv timeouts. And for all that people are complaining about Sweet Caroline and everything being overdone... people certainly seem to enjoy it, and that should be what matters here. I mean, everyone around me was singing and dancing during Sweet Caroline. It's great that it gets people pumped.

As a side note, I'm about 15 seats away from the band, and they're still too quiet at that distance except for when they turn directly towards my section.

esipp

September 7th, 2009 at 2:58 PM ^

I loved the fact that Michigan Stadium did not have any piped-in music and the band was the only source. I've been to PSU and OSU, and both have the majority of their music piped-in which detracts from the college atmosphere, IMO. I did not want Michigan Stadium to become this. But being in the student section spoiled me since I could always hear the band clearly, and I am sympathetic to those section that cannot hear the band. So now I'm up for a few piped-in songs, but only during the longest TV timeouts.

As for the music selections themselves, I did not mind Thunderstruck and Welcome to the Jungle, but do not want to hear Sweet Caroline ever again. Really, it only belongs at Fenway. And can't the band play Don't Stop Believing? Thinking of this, can't we just play pre-recorded songs from the band? It might sound unauthentic, but there are years of songs and many different genres to choose from.

DCBlue

September 7th, 2009 at 3:04 PM ^

If I was a USC fan coming to Columbus next weekend, I'd make the biggest f'ing sign with Pryor's quote on it and permanently camp out behind the Gameday set. What. A. Douche.

909Dewey

September 7th, 2009 at 3:39 PM ^

If you fear the incrementalism of tradition slowly giving way to hollow pop commercialism; take solace in the fact that there was, and presumably always will be, censorship by an unaccountable bureaucrat...

SysMark

September 7th, 2009 at 4:07 PM ^

I was not at the game and did realize until now that they had started with the music. Personally I think it is sad and would prefer the band or nothing, but whatever. I assume it was not so loud as to preclude normal conversation? I have been in pro venues where you could not hear the person sitting next to you.

riseofrichrod

September 7th, 2009 at 5:39 PM ^

Not a big fan of the karaoke feature in Michigan Stadium. The use of "Don't Stop Believin'" was kind of laughable. I was expecting them to play "Open Arms" in the 4th. Great opener but the piped in music made me think I was at a Lugnuts game.

Md23Rewls

September 7th, 2009 at 6:33 PM ^

I was reading this post on my phone at work and laughed very hard at the Automatic for the People joke. For some reason, that was the hardest mgoblog has ever made me laugh.

jcgary

September 7th, 2009 at 6:44 PM ^

I normally sit in Section 16 Row 68 which is in the South West Corner. This past game I got to sit in section 24 Row 7 which isn't too far away from the band. I was excited because I thought I would be able to hear the band again since they were 3 sections over. Not even the case I couldn't hear the Michigan band at all but i definitely had no problem hearing the WMU band. I always like hearing the band but if I am never going to be able to hear the Michigan band except for pre-game and halftime then I am all for piped in music but only during TV Timeouts. I enjoyed all the music they played this past weekend with the exception of Sweet Caroline. I enjoy Sweet Caroline but just at the right time and place and that was neither.

U-Mooninite

September 7th, 2009 at 7:02 PM ^

I thought the piped-in music was meh. Guns and Roses/ACDC was fine but the small traditionalist part of me cried on the inside when Sweet Caroline was played.

I am suprised more people aren't posting their happiness about the major change that occurred (granted Brian had already posted about it). Switching from Pepsi to Coke more than offsets the piped-in music in terms of overall stadium changes.

goblue9683

September 7th, 2009 at 10:51 PM ^

"Band members: do you need breaks? Could you have played Sweet Caroline, thus transforming banal minor-league hockey atmosphere into authentic college football atmosphere? Are you happy or irate at the piped in music?"
.
.
.
.
IRATE

Wolverine318

September 7th, 2009 at 11:04 PM ^

Count me as a member of the pro-piped in music. I will qualify my post as a former trumpet, french horn and guitar player (still play my guitar). I did my undergrad at Purdue, which does piped in music at an inane pace with claseless video pieces. This is an example of what not to do. Don't have insanely loud, tasteless video pieces accompanying the music. It gets annoying when I have to hear some dumb train on 3rd down. However, I enjoyed what michigan did on Saturday. Thunderstruck was great to get the entire stadium pumped for the team's entrance to the VIctor's as they touched the banner. I have been watching Michigan football since I was a toddler and the entrance has been getting increasingly anti-climatic over the years, with the disaster of an entrance from last season, where the pump up video and entrance was not lined up at all.

Secondly, the acoustics of the stadium prevents everyone from hearing the band during the long drawn out TV timeouts, which tend to sap the energy of the stadium. AC/DC and GnR are great for these periods. I love you MMB as a musician, but unless you are directly across or in the student section (where I sit) from the MMB, you will not be hearing the band. From what I can gather from my friends in the student section we all loved the piped in music except from one of friends who is a huge Yankees fan that detested Sweet Caroline. My 50+ year old parents even loved the piped in music (even my mom who has been going to games since the 50's).

I agree get rid of the Neil Diamond and Journey (this is not a wings game). They should play more white stripes, Bob Seger, and Ted Nugent. All of them have Michigan roots and focus on up tempo music.

There is already a thread on the Fort on TheWolverine.com to combat Brian's plea for people to email Bill Martin against the piped in music. I will be joining the Fort to tell Bill Martin to keep the piped in music. It is time to enter the 21 century. This conservative mindset of michigan football is what kept us from recruiting more athletic and faster team in the place. I understand the plea to keep Michigan stadium special. However, there is a way to honor the traditions while joining the 21st century and having a raucous environment for opposing teams.

mjv

September 8th, 2009 at 12:01 AM ^

This piped in RAWK crap is a direct result of the terrible location that the AD has placed the band in the Stadium. The current location of the Band has basically removed that aspect of the Stadium experience. The AD created a musical void in the Stadium and is now trying to fill it with crap. PLEASE STOP.

Also, some acoustical work will need to be done with the PA system. With the reflective nature of the east side structure, its very difficult to discern what is being said over the PA system.