Unless it's a blatantly experimental, clever approach, I prefer a natural, realistic presentation of the instruments and voices. +1 for Steely Dan.
engineering mistakes on recordings
I am wondering if anyone else gets aggravated by audio engineering blunders. One of my biggest issues is when the engineer cannot even get the ride and high hat in the right place. Many times they are opposite, and very frustrating. I know there are some drummers where this is correct but not many. How can engineers by such idiots?