Audience applause/acclaim effects in studio tracks

[Greendrake]

PSB sometimes use the subject in studio tracks. Off the top of my head:

Music for boys
What keeps mankind alive?
Intergal (perfect immaculate mixes)
The winner (demo) (from The most incredible thing) — as opposed to the complete version

I have mixed feelings about hearing those effects in studio tracks. On the one hand, they induce and infuse a certain flavour of excitement when listening, sort of a feeling of presence at a gig. But on the other hand, it
a) feels like some cheating — like PSB prematurely attempt to direct how I, the listener, should be excited about the track; and
b) "contaminates" what is otherwise a pure studio sound; sometimes makes you wonder if you are actually listening to a studio and not live recording.

Does anybody share any similar sentiments?

[leesmapman]

It heightens the tension in a song or brings a climax. IIRC, Hit Music also has an audience sample.

[TwizzleUK]

Single mix of Its Alright (when Chris says "It's gonna be alright")

[rashomon]

They use this effect sparingly and it’s never really been something that I’ve considered detrimental in those cases.

It’s all good if you ask me <applause clip goes here/>

[domino]

That's my impression also have a cheering audience in the end.

I think it depends on the mood of the song. Music for boys is a good example for being even more exciting due to applause in it, while it seems a bit cringy to have it in What keeps mankind alive?

And in case of The winner (TMIT), it is a stilistic device that combines of the scene of a screenplay/ballet/musical etc.

Think of those 90s/2000s sitcoms where the audience laugh/cry/cheer …

Single mix of Its Alright (when Chris says "It's gonna be alright")

One of the best moments!

[daveid]

Doesn't Sodom and Gomorrah have applause at some point?

[tottenhammattspurs]

The end of “That’s My Impression”

[RMC]

Groovy

[OakeyDokey]

Don't forget the bit in How Do You Expect To Be...even if it's meant ironically.

[Nickname]

It works when you feel the song is great, it doesn't work when you feel the song is not particulary good.

[Tom Angel]

I really like it the crowd noise on records. Always thought That's my impression would work so well live, and a man could get arrested.

[y3potential]

The crowd effects in The Dictator Decides enhance the track for me, which is a stand out on Super.

[Gabby]

Definitely a double edged sword. I tend to agree with other responses here that there has to be some meaning behind the sound effect or speak to the scope of the track - The Dictator Decides and Music For Boys certainly fit the criteria.

Groovy on the other hand could do without the applause, but the ending is a bit of damp squib anyway - whenever I listen to it, it reminds me of the ending of those dance tracks on Just Dance video games that just sort of end/peter out.

On a similar note, what about the fake vinyl crackle on tracks? Off the top of my head I can't think of any PSB tracks that use it, BUT I know there are many tracks that do employ this, and I'm personally not a fan. Don't we strive to get rid of crackle on our recordings, so why put it there on purpose?!

[Cdrodkey]

On a similar note, what about the fake vinyl crackle on tracks? Off the top of my head I can't think of any PSB tracks that use it, BUT I know there are many tracks that do employ this, and I'm personally not a fan. Don't we strive to get rid of crackle on our recordings, so why put it there on purpose?!

It seems to me that Fluorescent has the crackling on it. Maybe another song on Electric also.

Regarding crowd noise, I remember reading somewhere that the PSB used it to emulate the KLF, and I've heard it said that this was one of the distinctive elements of their stadium trilogy... obviously, they weren't the first, but the way it was used on a dance record might be the KLF innovation? (Or something PSB did at some point that the KLF ran with?)

[TallThinMan]

It’s a euphoric moment on the single version of It’s Alright; perfectly placed.