I just want to add one thing. Even though automation is now the norm wtih pro tools, a lot of the predigital mixdowns like Public Enemy, Beastie Boys and Stetsasonic are as good (and definitely more interesting to the ears IMO) then a lot of the new mixes done today.
Those joints were done with four or five people lined up across the board from left to right, all turning knobs and moving sliders up and down simultaneously, live mixdowns. You can hear and feel that extra live excitement in the mix IMO.