The Star Spangled Fizzle 

Like many of you probably have, I've been watching a lot of the Olympics. I was going to attempt to keep political punditry out of the games... but I have to make this comment. I don't like the version of the Star Spangled Banner that they've been playing at the medal ceremonies. When I hear the national anthem, I often times get chills. What can I say, I think it's inspiring. When it's played at a sporting event, and you hear someone belt it out, high with majesty and pride, I can't help but get a couple goose bumps. When I hear a band play it, you get that mighty brass kicking in, giving it great depth and range, it makes you proud. But the version that they've been playing in Greece sucks. It's an orchestra version, with lot's of strings. I find it to be very soft and uninspiring, and also very flat without those great brass sections near the end to give it that depth and range. No chills what so ever, even when I see that fantastic athlete at the top of the podium with a tear in his or her eye. Give the athletes some pomp and circumstance... they deserve it.