I was so surprised to hear how Tom Sholz recorded Boston's debut album. At the time, I was sort of disappointed (I think) but it sounded so good I got over it pretty quickly. Then I came to the compromise that if they could actually sing and play without it, I would look past it. Then I discovered how much trickery was going on from well before that. In many instances though, the bands live shows sucked in comparison to studio, enough to where I preferred studio versions of mainstream music, and still do.
I do not care so much about authenticism with recorded music, or even trying to emulate it with my system. As long as it is skillfully done and sounds excellent, I really enjoy it, and so much of it does. It helps that I can go find authentic accurately reproduced music anytime I want, or just find a live show somewhere. I really do not understand chasing such a standard all the time. I think so many set the bar there, just because it has been suggested to them, like the root of just about every fad that has ever been.
Maybe I'm a little to old school. Take the Mamas and Papas. Before recording engineers found out they could surmise left and right and create a center channel (phantom) or like Gene stated, innovative drumming techniques (Mic) placement.
Very few, Pop artist if you can call them, for the lack of a better word. Some, rarely have writing skills much less. You have what 2-3 cords? Maybe 3 verses in a pop song. I agree a whole lot of magic going on.
There are some talented vocal pop singers. Nothing I would compared to likes of the "Celtic Lady's". Catchy tune, that's played over air, AM/FM were at the mercy of the wave studio's.
Most had to Pay upfront in order for AM/FM studios to spin in the top 10 (rotation) much less billboard.
Wolfman Jack tells my age lol. Most if not all Pop music, frontman/woman are average nightclub voice at best but with the right studio magic you get, Pop magic. Live performances?
Madonna, Cher, I'll leave out "Grace Slick" (White Rabbit) legendary. Wilson Sisters a class act of their own.
Back to why Gene hit on, innovative performance. Spot on about Genesis, I do remember watching him, his techniques were pioneering. I just can't for the life of me get pass electric synthesizers.
First time I heard it was with in the 70's. Stixs II (God of Dust) whole lot of reverb, electronic organ used. All the magics done in the studio man, but you know that already.
Having a great recording master engineer + one who knows of arrangements, with musicians. Mic placements you'll have a great product well engineered pop album is worth Gold baby.
(Synthesizer) with that on Vinyl. Cool? Sure, "How about those Horns blowing that sound, that ain't what they call rock and roll".
