[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU9ja60JNcw&feature=share&list=PLhdeKtcwASnBjhPVhczf_Kfyz1FUBrLoN&index=1]
It has taken me years to begin to feel somewhat comfortable using one of the most essential tools in the recording engineers arsenal: Compression. There is no way to get that hyper present, in your face quality in modern music without it. Learning to shape sound envelopes, controlling dynamics, to maximize impact takes a lot of trial and error. Learn Compression Ratio, Threshold, Attack Release, and the characteristics of different compressor/limiter topologies.