Robert Randolph on Jay Leno Monday Night

[Gene Jones]

I'm 100% with those who question why the background music on TV is always substantially louder than the dialogue.

Intellectually defectives are operating the mixing controls who think that even a second of silence is unacceptable. When they detect even a slight pause in the vocal dialogue, they jam the mixing control slides forward until it literally jars those who are trying desperately to reach the mute button on their remote.

The producers should require their writers to submit scripts that do not need to be accented by loud music background, and should fire their current mixing board engineers.

I have a list of current TV programs that I never watch because of the intolerable background music.

[chris ivey]

my ears/hearing is pretty bad now, too. so it just makes it worse when the sensitive characters speak in whispers most of the time.

[Mike Mantey]

If you don't like it, then Mute the dang TV.

I am happy as can be to see 4 Steel guitars in the camera rather than getting a glimpse as the camera passes by.

Hey honey was that a steel guitar, back it up, lets watch in slow motion. Not sure too hard to tell.

Robert's set. I knew for sure it was a steel guitar, could read the names and everything.

Lots to like......

[Fred Glave]

Not everyone is blessed with the ability to appreciate a wide array of musical styles. Everyone has their individuality. I wonder what the classic violinists like Bach, or Vitali would think about country or bluegrass fiddles? I think it's absolutely cool that a person watching Letterman OR Leno got to see pedal steel!

[b0b]

Intellectually defectives are operating the mixing controls who think that even a second of silence is unacceptable. When they detect even a slight pause in the vocal dialogue, they jam the mixing control slides forward until it literally jars those who are trying desperately to reach the mute button on their remote.

The background sounds are being brought forward by an audio compressor. That isn't part of the original mix - it's being done by the network, by the station, or maybe even by your TV set.

[Jack Wilson]

Besides classic country and rock, I'm a big blues fan. I watched the video that Mark posted and think it was GREAT. Very much like Buddy Guy and friends jamming.