I'm just getting back in to the home studio thing after a gigantic lapse in time and technology. Relearning it all digitally, and doing tons of research.

My experience in mix down and mastering was before the equipment and technology was available like it is presently, (early 80's), so the "manual mix, listen close, run out and try the cassette in the car" approach was what I did.

That article really opened my ears, (pun intended), to what is happening in current music and why I have trouble paying prolonged attention to television and commercial radio.

Considering the source of the article, (Austin American Statesman) is from a main hub of the Singer/Songwriter/Americana music, and not the slickened and sickened L.A. or Nashville scene, I will certainly be putting the information to good use.

The project I am starting will probably end up dynamically sounding more like classical music on vinyl. Layers and textures.

Love the idea of the T.C. Finalzer. Just can't drop 2500 on a single piece of gear. I'll go old school and see what kind of results I get , and investigate some of the software options like Izotope Ozone 3.

http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/ozone/

http://www.coldharborband.com
http://leighhumes.com