Tsongas in Stereo

[Altres]

Well I do not have a 5.1 surround sound thing but the DVD sounds amazing in stereo. The performances are stunning and the stage set looks fabulous. Some great versions of songs and I think every performer shines harderthan a thousand suns. Age certainly doesn't seem to have diminished the power of such classics as South Side of the Sky, Your Move/Seen All Good people and Sweet Dreams and newer songs like the Meeting are fresh and rather nice.

No criticisms here. For those of you listening unhappily in 5:1 jam on a good pair of headphones and listen with both ears. :D

Brian

[Joe]

Hey Brian,
Dam........I'll take it in mono! I just want it!
I (we've) been waiting a long time for this!

[neilius]

Its worth the wait Joe,
What a great DVD even if wakey appears bored!

[VanDerGraaf]

Altres i think you are absoloutely right. I think the stereo mix sounds better and has more edge. Seems to me to grab more of the gig atmosphere.

5.1 mixes are overrated for live concert DVDs.

Shame you can't change the level of Alan's drums in the mix (too quiet)!

[spock]

No criticisms here. For those of you listening unhappily in 5:1 jam on a good pair of headphones and listen with both ears. :D

Brian[/QUOTE]

Glad you enjoy it. I have a 7.1 system...and it sounds better in normal stereo...so I stick with the same choice.

[pedro skychaser]

got tsongas @redeye-brilliant!!!from the moment jon gives a cymbal a quick whack and tears into gfto they're off!southside duel is bottled adrenaline!mindrive is dramatic and jon plays crucial keyboards.my eyes has rick doing odd metered stuff-guy next to me at counter used to work for them,highly complimentary of downes and the msg drama weed,
i bade him farewell with "see you @ ricks gig next month!"
$AU59.98........dvd , instant bond with fellow yesfan.........priceless!!!

[steve4001]

I have to agree, the stereo works much better than 5.1 for this disc

[YesJen357]

Right on Altres!

And Joe, you are right too! I love the show, and wouldn't have cared if it had been in mono!
The wait for this wonderful DVD was well worth it.

[Hill St.]

Reading these posts just heightens my anticipation.Its due to be released here(US) on 8/9.That is the same day of the More Drama tour Anaheim show.I'm going to pick my copy up on the way to the show.What a great day its going to be!

[Mostly Harmless]

Reading these posts just heightens my anticipation.Its due to be released here(US) on 8/9.That is the same day of the More Drama tour Anaheim show.I'm going to pick my copy up on the way to the show.What a great day its going to be!


Double joy in one day for you, Steve!!!! I'm getting anxious for the DVD again as well.

[Ktrek]

I odered the DVD thru a presale ad on Ebay. It was priced at $16.29. YES is hard to find around here. Otherwise I would have tried my local Best Buy the day of release.

Kevin

[yarstruly]

The Damn thing is actually OUT somewhere?

[Symbol]

I am still waiting for the free copy I "won" at the premiere.

[FutureJP]

Yeah, if it's not too stupid to ask....how did you guys already get a copy? Is it just the shortened PBS airing, or what?

[Altres]

It has been out in the UK for the last few weeks and actually topped the BBC Music DVD charts for two weeks.

[FutureJP]

Oh, OK. Didn't realize you guys weren't from the US. My bad.

[YesJen357]

Not long to go now for you long suffering souls from the US.
When copies start to roll into DVD players in the US in a few days, maybe we can address that awful and unrepresentative thread title -"another crap YES dvd," seen elsewhere on this forum.
Having found the show so wonderful, I have been quite disappointed by the super-critical attitudes of some of our European and British Isles folk.
So come on and give us a few good reviews after the 9th. - Please!

[gitsy]

As a British poster I commented a while back that The DVD was one of the best only beaten by the Magnification DVD. Having had time to reflect over many viewings I feel that I was wrong. The fantastic Magnification DVD was a different type of event whilst Songs from Tsongas is classic yes and is the best. I agree with the US release lets have a positive thread (constructive criticism within of course).

[allpurechance]

Yesjen & Gitsy,I promise to do this for you.However,beware!Yes can do no wrong in my ears and eyes,so prepare for a less than objective review!

Yet,I'm sure it's wonderful.Tsongas was recorded in those less than ideal conditions on my birthday last year,2004.I was in attendance two nights before with my sister at Madison Square Garden,and witnessed the And You And I of much renown.

...don't even get me started on this performance...many pages would be required!...LOL

[YesJen357]

Allpurechance, thanks, I was at that show too. The crowd reaction to AYAI made the trip over, something totally unforgettable.
I regretted not also travelling north to Mass. but now have that wonderful DVD as a souvenir of my first ever trip to the USA.
Just now and again though, I do wish it had been that amazing night at Madison Square Garden which had been recorded for prosperity. - In fact if that's my only critisicm of the DVD; it isn't much of a beef, really.

[Symbol]

I just got my free copy of this DVD from Image Entertainment.

Into the player it goes....

[Symbol]

I am going to have to count the Smatt sightings! I have seen him a few times on the video already.

The sound and video are awesome so far. I am at SSotS now.

[Symbol]

I am finished with the first disc and it is excellent!!

Taking a break before watching disc 2.

[YesJen357]

Glad you like it Pete, but I never doubted you would.

[True Believer]

I am finished with the first disc and it is excellent!!

Taking a break before watching disc 2.

Hi Pete, you'll enjoy disc 2 just as much!

[Symbol]

Hi Pete, you'll enjoy disc 2 just as much!

I am watching Ritual right now! Awesome!

[Symbol]

Anyone else in the US get their copy yet? What do you think of the quality?

[allpurechance]

Notice in my e-mail,earlier today(yesterday now):

"Your order has shipped"...!

(It went on to further state that the shipping date was Dec.11,2004...!lmaoOOOOOOOOOOOoooo)

Will report in with my none too objective review by week's end!

This is the only thing to go right this past weekend...other than Sheila enjoying her birthday,which is Seriously Right!

Frank

:O)

[StuartDMT]

See me kicking myself? I was in a store yesterday here in the US and what did I see? TSONGAS!!!! But, like a good boy I brought it to the attention of the store manager that the discs weren't supposed to be on sale until Tuesday.

And I could-a had it YESTERDAY! WHY OH WHY DO I DO THINGS LIKE THIS!!!???!?!?

okay. I've waited this long. I can wait until tuesday....

[Mostly Harmless]

See me kicking myself? I was in a store yesterday here in the US and what did I see? TSONGAS!!!! But, like a good boy I brought it to the attention of the store manager that the discs weren't supposed to be on sale until Tuesday.

And I could-a had it YESTERDAY! WHY OH WHY DO I DO THINGS LIKE THIS!!!???!?!?

okay. I've waited this long. I can wait until tuesday....

We've all been so anxious. I don't think I would've brought it to his attention. I would have brought it to the check out!!!!! Very noble of you. I'll be running to Newbury Comics during my lunch break tomorrow and my Cerwin Vegas will be bumpin' tomorrow afternoon.

[Symbol]

Make sure you all play "Find Smatt" while watching the video.

Maybe we should start a new thread called "Spot the YesFan"...?

[Dantalion Rides Again]

I haven't seen the PBS video at all, so I have no idea what it even looks like ... but my wife and I are in the front row by Wakeman, and the camera passed us many times. So maybe spotting Dantalion Rides Again can be for bonus points. :D

[soporjoe1]

so, i wonder if this is in the stores today?

[Mostly Harmless]

so, i wonder if this is in the stores today?


Supposed to be; see post #29. I'm picking up my copy as soon as I'm free from the lab at about 2:00pm. Can't wait, very excited!!!!

[jimmygtr]

...
5.1 mixes are overrated for live concert DVDs.
...

I agree that 5.1 mixes can be overrated, but DTS is absolutely amazing in my opinion.

[Altres]

It is a great thing the Tsongas DVD and Ritual itself is worth the entrance fee 100 times over. The whole beauty of Ritual is brought fully to the fore here and the ending is such a unique normalisation of the aspects of life discussed in such alternate extended paragraphs encapsulated into a single phrase. After all the abstractions just getting some one to "call you round" seems almost incandescent in its innocence. This DVD is wall to wall Yes music, what is it you want?

The whole acoustic section is pretty spectacular too with Wonderous Stories, Long Distance Runaround and Time is Time standing out beautifully.

The only truly embarrassing bit is Jon's crowning glory of dad-rock-dom, trotting around the place doing high fives with otherwise happy listeners to "The Rhythm of Love". Oh, and Steve looks like he's from Royston Vassey.

But the DVD is overall a somewhat startling affirmation of a superior Yes facet on tour just a few months back.

Brian

[soporjoe1]

I just called the Best Buy near my work, and they stated that it was showing a release date of today but that it had been deleted from the system, meaning "it may have been pushed back"

i doubt this is the case, but just so typical.

[Hacman]

I just called the Best Buy near my work, and they stated that it was showing a release date of today but that it had been deleted from the system, meaning "it may have been pushed back"

i doubt this is the case, but just so typical.

I just picked mine up at J&R in downtown NYC. They were playing it on their video monitors. There were several copies gone before I got there.

I can't wait to get home and play this.

[THEN]

Tsongas in Stereo, FORGET IT. WATCH QUEENS PARK 1975, WATCH PHILA. 1979. WATCHING THIS DVD FROM 2004 IS LIKE WATCHING WILLIE MAYS TRYING TO PLAY CENTER FIELD IN 2005. IN 1977 GOOSE GOSSAGE USE TO PITCH 95 MPH. NOW IT'S 20 MPH. Tsongas AND THAT TOUR WAS A BUNCH OF OLD MEN BARLEY ABLE TO PLAY ANYMOREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

[stevie]

Tsongas in Stereo, FORGET IT. WATCH QUEENS PARK 1975, WATCH PHILA. 1979. WATCHING THIS DVD FROM 2004 IS LIKE WATCHING WILLIE MAYS TRYING TO PLAY CENTER FIELD IN 2005. IN 1977 GOOSE GOSSAGE USE TO PITCH 95 MPH. NOW IT'S 20 MPH. Tsongas AND THAT TOUR WAS A BUNCH OF OLD MEN BARLEY ABLE TO PLAY ANYMOREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

We're all allowed our opinion and so am I. So I'd just like to says what a load of bollocks. That tour was exceptional. The guys may not be spring chickens anymore but they played superbly on that tour. Back to their very best IMO.

[Dantalion Rides Again]

Tsongas in Stereo, FORGET IT. WATCH QUEENS PARK 1975, WATCH PHILA. 1979. WATCHING THIS DVD FROM 2004 IS LIKE WATCHING WILLIE MAYS TRYING TO PLAY CENTER FIELD IN 2005. IN 1977 GOOSE GOSSAGE USE TO PITCH 95 MPH. NOW IT'S 20 MPH. Tsongas AND THAT TOUR WAS A BUNCH OF OLD MEN BARLEY ABLE TO PLAY ANYMOREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.
No wonder these guys don't want to make new music anymore. With fans like that who needs ... uh ... anti-fans ...? .. um .. yeah.
:frown:

I gotta say that aging as a musician is totally unfair. Yes will never be huge again simply because the public doesn't acknowledge new music unless it's by spring chickens. Chicken music is huge these days.

[Altres]

Tsongas in Stereo, FORGET IT. WATCH QUEENS PARK 1975, WATCH PHILA. 1979. WATCHING THIS DVD FROM 2004 IS LIKE WATCHING WILLIE MAYS TRYING TO PLAY CENTER FIELD IN 2005. IN 1977 GOOSE GOSSAGE USE TO PITCH 95 MPH. NOW IT'S 20 MPH. Tsongas AND THAT TOUR WAS A BUNCH OF OLD MEN BARLEY ABLE TO PLAY ANYMOREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

I think sometimes artists (should?) earn a level of respect when they age. Everyone ages and it is something to be embraced, not mocked. Societies fixation on youth and beauty is shallow and sad.

The beauty of this release is they can still play better than most musicians on the planet and can demonstrate it admirably. They also have an arsenal of songs unparalleled in rock. I guess perhaps the showmanship isn't what it was but then again, I'm not really looking at the images, I was listening to the sounds. :D

Brian

[slamsound]

Hey HACMAN,

I just came back from J&R in downtown Manhattan too. I'll bet we walked right passed each other!

Picked up the looooong awaited DVD....counting the minutes at work until 5PM. Just passing time thinking about the amazing MSG show last year.

Tick Tock....Tick Tock...Tick Tock.

[jimmygtr]

I think sometimes artists (should?) earn a level of respect when they age. Everyone ages and it is something to be embraced, not mocked. Societies fixation on youth and beauty is shallow and sad.

The beauty of this release is they can still play better than most musicians on the planet and can demonstrate it admirably. They also have an arsenal of songs unparalleled in rock. I guess perhaps the showmanship isn't what it was but then again, I'm not really looking at the images, I was listening to the sounds. :D

Brian

The bummer for many bands like Yes is they get labled Classic or Progressive Rock for what they were and not listened to by the critics for wherever they may be musically now.

[Dantalion Rides Again]

The bummer for many bands like Yes is they get labled Classic or Progressive Rock for what they were and not listened to by the critics for wherever they may be musically now.
Fans too. We can't help but compare them to their former selves. Nothing we can really do about that except consciously try and open our minds & ears to the current music seperately from considerations of the past.

[nightliner]

Tsongas is in the house. I've sampled it, but I'm saving the "world premiere" for later this evening.

I like what I saw and heard. It has a low dts output compared to other dvd's, but crank it up and it sounds very nice.

[Ktrek]

I just got my copy in the mail today and I listened to most of the first disc during lunch and I really like it. The camera work is much better than any other YES DVD so far IMHO. I just wish that they would sometimes pause a little longer on each member so you can see more of what they are doing. The sound quality is VERY good. Chris' bass could be slightly more forward in the mix but otherwise I could hear each member clearly and distinctively. As far as technique I notice that many of YES songs are played at a slightly slower tempo than when they were young. Happens to everyone. If you listen to Bernstein conduct the Beethoven symphonies when he was young and compare them to his later versions you notice that the mature Bernstein conducts them considerably slower. It doesn't devalue the music but gives it a more mature interpretation. That's how I like to thnk of YES. Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing the rest tonight.

Kevin

[Earl Grey]

AH, I can't wait!

I'm going to call the local Tower to see if they have it in today, if not I guess I'll order it online...

[allpurechance]

This guy,THEN...

Ya just hafta love him!

He's e-mailed me(and a few others,I see..)regarding his "issues" with current and past Yes.He's been all over the site and related sites for at least several years(you will recognize his inimitable prose on Forgotten Yesterdays).Always the same general message.

For myself,I guess I am his inverse quality.I love the Yessound more now than I ever have.As for their "slower" playing,I like to think that,although age certainly does take it's toll,and we may never see Yes ripping through Sound Chaser again,they have more "feel" now.Their ability with tempo manipulation is so well toned.

This week sometime I will be receiving Tsongas in the mails.I am so stoked!Last year's shows,both legs,were amongst the most wonderful,loveliest and fun concerts I have ever had the great personal pleasure to have witnessed.

I am so stoked!

And,THEN?Keep reminding us all of the past glories!It cannot hurt to keep these remembrances in mind.

Brian?You are so right on with your point about musicians aging.Yes maturation process has been a thing wondrous to behold.The Stones haven't done it anywhere near as well.I will not be paying to see them.Should Yes ever tour again,the wallet will come out of the pocket!

Frank

:O)

[Hacman]

Just finished watching it. Whatever production problems they may have had before were not evident here. This was really well filmed. I wasn't at this show, but I thought it captured what they brought to the stage last year.

I'm very happy overall.

[Frumious B]

I'm in my first playing of the set and up to "Ritual" right now. I think this is pretty good stuff. I'm happy to finally have a complete set with Wakeman that is actually watchable, as opposed to KTA which often makes me want to just turn the video off entirely and listen to the sound. My only gripes are minor ones: What is with the graphics flashing the name of each song in Dean script? That is a tad annoying. I agree that "Rhythm of Love" does ooze a bit with "Your dad at the disco"ness. I think that Symphonic is probably still the king of Yes DVDs. However, Tsongas has ample charms and is a fine addition to a DVD library near you, perhaps even your own.

[Ktrek]

What is with the graphics flashing the name of each song in Dean script? That is a tad annoying.

I kind of had the same thought when first viewing this but I then thought that "what's the big deal?". It's not THAT distracting. I love the DVD. I think it's the best production quality YES has done on DVD.

Kevin

[Joe]

I think "And You And I" was awsome!
The power of Chris's bass pedals......... :1loudspkr
...........WILD!............

[Ktrek]

I think South Side Of The Sky is the absolute BEST version I have ever heard. Studio or boot! I love it!!!

Kevin

[Hill St.]

I think South Side Of The Sky is the absolute BEST version I have ever heard. Studio or boot! I love it!!!

Kevin
I hollered and clapped after.Awesome!

[Hill St.]

AH, I can't wait!

I'm going to call the local Tower to see if they have it in today, if not I guess I'll order it online...
Got mine at Tower Earl.They had ample supply.

[Whm]

All critiques of the band, the performance, how great the show was live etc. aside, I'm really wanting to how this DVD is "technically". I could not get it today at my local Best Buy (they are not going to carry it..BOOOO!) so I went to order online tonight but found a number of reviews saying how terrible the sound mix is on this DVD. Many going so far as to say that it sounds “small” and in some cases (And You and I) that you can’t even hear the music over Jon’s vocals. Not that $20 is gonna break me, but I’d like to know if this is a quality product or should I be prepared to be disappointed. I’m buying it no matter what, just because it has South Side of the Sky… I’ve seen them on every tour since 1975 and this is the one Yes song I had been hoping to see them play all those years. So now that I’ve gotten to see them play that 4 times, I’ll want to have a record of that.

As with most reviews of Yes I read (concerts, albums, DVDs) I find reviews that are 180 degrees opposite…one will say it’s the BEST show Yes has ever performed.. the other will say it was the WORST… one will say the sound mix is AWFUL and the next will say it’s the best mix they have ever heard.. same with this DVD… but it can’t be both. I’m a HUGE Yes fan, but not the type that will automatically lavish the band with praise no matter what they turn out. Some of you have said the Tsongas DVD sounds good with headphones etc. So really, it is a bad mix or what?… can you really NOT hear the music over the vocals on And You And I? Does it really sound like a bootleg made from a small smuggled in low-tech tape recorder. I had high expectations for this DVD, especially after the Symphonic DVD was so well done. Hope I’m not too disappointed when it arrives.

[David Momberg]

Just watched it all the way thru for the first time-but have not experienced it on surround-sound yet. But so far I love it! The whole thing with them keeping the house lights up on most of the floor really gives it an intimate feel-and keeps the audience in the middle of the action-I really like that! So far the visual highlights are:SSOTS,AYAI,Every Littlle Thing, and ST-so we'll have to see what DTS does for those songs and the others!Ritual just had way to much bass playing thru regular tv speakers.Overall, the camera work is good-love the aerial shots of Rick's playing, and all of the video on SSOTS is amazing!!!Can't wait to get home and experience it on SS!Peace,David.

[Albedo]

I find the sound mix on most DVDs can be remedied by judicious adjustment of the tone controls in combination with big honkin' speakers. Even Yessongs can be made acceptable. So this DVD has to be OK. Now if Amazon would just get the thing to my house...I'm dying here!

[Mostly Harmless]

I'm happy to finally have a complete set with Wakeman that is actually watchable


Me too! (not that I minded watching KTA that much, once I got past Jon's mullet!). And I do think this was filmed and edited very well. Lighting and sound are excellent. This is now atop the list of DVDs for me. SSotS is brilliant, AYAI is very powerful, and ELT is a gem!!! I'm very pleased.

[Joe]

I think South Side Of The Sky is the absolute BEST version I have ever heard. Studio or boot! I love it!!!

Kevin

Keven,
I hope you did hear the version on "YESSPEAK".
That was totally incredible! It's complete, with "We Have Heaven", and just
blows away "TSONGAS". Not that Tsongas is bad.
Try "YESSPEAK" again, and let us know.

[Mostly Harmless]

Keven,
I hope you did hear the version on "YESSPEAK".
That was totally incredible! It's complete, with "We Have Heaven", and just
blows away "TSONGAS". Not that Tsongas is bad.
Try "YESSPEAK" again, and let us know.

Sorry, Joe, I gotta go with Kevin on this one. I think the Tsongas version is best. By the way, good morning.

[Joe]

Sorry, Joe, I gotta go with Kevin on this one. I think the Tsongas version is best. By the way, good morning.

Good Morning!
You didn't like the way We Have Heaven went into SSOT Sky?
Hummmmm! I think I better listen to Tsongas again. I only watched
it once YESterday.

[Mostly Harmless]

Good Morning!
You didn't like the way We Have Heaven went into SSOT Sky?
Hummmmm! I think I better listen to Tsongas again. I only watched
it once YESterday.


I liked it, I just like the Tsongas version better. Steve and Rick were awesome; the whole song was awesome!

[Mostly Harmless]

I think the closeups during SSotS are particularly good.

[Ktrek]

Keven,
I hope you did hear the version on "YESSPEAK".
That was totally incredible! It's complete, with "We Have Heaven", and just
blows away "TSONGAS". Not that Tsongas is bad.
Try "YESSPEAK" again, and let us know.

Joe,

I'll take another listen to YesSpeak tonight and get back with you. I really love Tsongas though. A very very fine production.

Kevin

[Ktrek]

All critiques of the band, the performance, how great the show was live etc. aside, I'm really wanting to how this DVD is "technically". I could not get it today at my local Best Buy (they are not going to carry it..BOOOO!) so I went to order online tonight but found a number of reviews saying how terrible the sound mix is on this DVD. Many going so far as to say that it sounds “small” and in some cases (And You and I) that you can’t even hear the music over Jon’s vocals. Not that $20 is gonna break me, but I’d like to know if this is a quality product or should I be prepared to be disappointed. I’m buying it no matter what, just because it has South Side of the Sky… I’ve seen them on every tour since 1975 and this is the one Yes song I had been hoping to see them play all those years. So now that I’ve gotten to see them play that 4 times, I’ll want to have a record of that.

As with most reviews of Yes I read (concerts, albums, DVDs) I find reviews that are 180 degrees opposite…one will say it’s the BEST show Yes has ever performed.. the other will say it was the WORST… one will say the sound mix is AWFUL and the next will say it’s the best mix they have ever heard.. same with this DVD… but it can’t be both. I’m a HUGE Yes fan, but not the type that will automatically lavish the band with praise no matter what they turn out. Some of you have said the Tsongas DVD sounds good with headphones etc. So really, it is a bad mix or what?… can you really NOT hear the music over the vocals on And You And I? Does it really sound like a bootleg made from a small smuggled in low-tech tape recorder. I had high expectations for this DVD, especially after the Symphonic DVD was so well done. Hope I’m not too disappointed when it arrives.

WHM,

I absolutely have no clue what kind of copy the naysayers you have read got but copy is phenomenal. I have played it both on my 5.1 surround sound and also on my PC using headphones. I would question whether the people who have negative things to say have state of the art equipment or if they even bothered to set the audio settings appropriately before playing. I say go get yourself a copy because you're in for a treat. SSOTS is awesome. As I have said earlier in this post. I have no idea what they could be talking about not hearing the instruments over Jon's vocals on And You And I but I sure didn't hear it. I think that there are just people who love to slam YES no matter what they do. On the other hand I know there are fans that praise them no matter what they do. I'm no one of them. I try and be as objective as possible. There were several points on the DVD that made me want to jump up and down and applaud the performance was so good.

Kevin

[Joe]

Joe,

I'll take another listen to YesSpeak tonight and get back with you. I really love Tsongas though. A very very fine production.

Kevin

Hey Kevin, both are great. It's just that on YESSPEAK, you have We Have Heaven leeding into it. I love that mix!

[Ktrek]

Hey Kevin, both are great. It's just that on YESSPEAK, you have We Have Heaven leeding into it. I love that mix!

Yea I recall that Joe but I need to listen to it again and compare.

Kevin

[Hacman]

I was just really happy with the set list. There was material I'd never heard in any form at all. I was really impressed with Rick. He added so much to the songs.

Ritual was awesome.

I actually liked this version of ROL - I thought it was closer to the mark than what I'd seen before. Steve even bent a few strings!

My favorite non-music part was during the acoustic set, before "Time is Time" when Jon turns to Rick and says "I can't remeber the words - let's just do Roundabout" and Rick cracks up.

[Mostly Harmless]

I was just really happy with the set list. There was material I'd never heard in any form at all. I was really impressed with Rick. He added so much to the songs.

Ritual was awesome.

I actually liked this version of ROL - I thought it was closer to the mark than what I'd seen before. Steve even bent a few strings!

My favorite non-music part was during the acoustic set, before "Time is Time" when Jon turns to Rick and says "I can't remeber the words - let's just do Roundabout" and Rick cracks up.


Hey Homer (my other half, lol)!

I love that part before Time is Time too. Jon says, "I'll make 'em up as I go along." Rick busts a gut.

I've posted about the DVD several times and I can't believe I didn't mention Ritual. You're right, it IS awesome.

[Dantalion Rides Again]

I've had an audience recording of the Tsongas show for a year now and have been wondering what's gonna appear 'fixed' on the DVD ... maybe this should be a new thread, I dunno.

But can anyone detect any post-production fixes? For example, I'm pretty sure Jon sings the words for "Mind Drive" totally differently than they appear on the album. I wonder if they left it with the 'new' lyrics or if they fixed that.

Also, 'Going For The One' was really botched - the part where it goes 'Get the way as tons of water' started off with Jon in the wrong part of the song... I think (if I remember right) that he started going 'Listen/In time'.

Anyone?

[Ktrek]

Hey Kevin, both are great. It's just that on YESSPEAK, you have We Have Heaven leeding into it. I love that mix!

I listened at lunch and I guess I like BOTH versions Joe but I think I like the Tsongas more. It seems like Steve and Rick's interaction is better on the Tsongas. I like the YesSpeak with We Have Heaven preceding it but the segway is not as smooth as I would have hoped for.

Kevin

[Ktrek]

Ritual was awesome.


This is a very nice version of Ritual but I think I like the Yes Symphonic version better. I just love it when everyone is playing the drums. :rcking:

Kevin

[Earl Grey]

I picked up a copy of Tsongas yesterday, and I LOVE it!

The sound is great, it was filmed beautifually, and I must say... I think it may be my favorite YES DVD so-far.

It stands evenly balanced at #1 with 'Symphonic' for me.

I'm SO glad the guys gave us this wonderful souvineer from last year's tour. The Roger Dean stage looks great! The lighting is impeccable, the sound is fantastic, the track-list is generous and all inclusive (Ah well, they did leave-off 'Soon Oh Soon', but gave us 'Every Little Thing', so I'm happy!).

Anyway, I'm giving Songs From Tsongas a big Thumbs Up.

I Love It!

EarlieGee:yesbird:

[Ktrek]

Glad you like it Earl! To me the only thing that would have made this the absolute perfect YES DVD would be if they had included Awaken. BUT you can't have everything or you get spoiled! At least that's what my mother used to tell me! lol

Kevin

[Hacman]

This is a very nice version of Ritual but I think I like the Yes Symphonic version better. I just love it when everyone is playing the drums. :rcking:

Kevin

If I closed my eyes and just listened to them both, I would agree with you, I just thought the visuals (the robo-drums, Chris, soaked with sweat, but banging away, etc.) added so much. It added a tension and drama in addition to that inherent in the music.

[David Momberg]

"An Enthusiastic two-thumbs up!!!!"

[yessongs72]

I give Songs From Tsongas a 10.5!!! I am listening in DTS 5.1 and it's awesome!

All I can say if you are experiencing sound problems check your DVD out put and Receiver settings. Something I also noticed about DVD's sometimes you have to adjust speaker volumes which is simple.

So sit back relax this is a kick butt show!!!

[Wild Westie]

I'm buying it online right now.

[Hill St.]

Glad you like it Earl! To me the only thing that would have made this the absolute perfect YES DVD would be if they had included Awaken. BUT you can't have everything or you get spoiled! At least that's what my mother used to tell me! lol

Kevin
Agreed,The set list was nearly identical to the show I saw with notable exceptions of Awaken and Soon.I didn't get Starship at the show I saw so that was a bonus.

[YesJen357]

How good it is to see positive reviews coming in from you folk in the US!
You can now probably understand why I was bewildered and saddened by the negative comments ( and the personal attack I received from one person) posted earlier by those across the ocean from you.
Thanks.

[allpurechance]

After a lengthy and quite pleasant period online here today,and after a very difficult night last night(yet another one,tonight),I went to my mailbox and discovered-------Songs From Tsongas.

On order since last November...

I immediately contacted my sister,who has along with me been greatly anticipating it's release.She was at her job,and I hurriedly verified that both discs functioned while speaking with her.Yes,both good!A few tantalizing moments of Your Is No Disgrace.Some amazing sounding audio of And You And I.A snippet of Every Little Thing.Great happiness shared between us.

I don't know when the fullscale viewing will take place,whether it will be with her at the end of this very long week,or whether I will break down and see it before then.

Either way,a totally biased review is forthcoming...

:O)

Frank

[Dantalion Rides Again]

I glanced through some of disc one last night. I think it looks pretty cool.

Anyone else notice funky color blurring? I might have my color knob set wrong. Too high tech for me. :D

I did see myself on there, along with the lovely Diana, but I had to zoom way in. Barely recognized ourselves. So, so far I'm basically not visible, even in the front row!

A couple funny things I noticed - first, I listened real close to Going for the One for an edit because I remember Jon getting the lyrics mixed up. Well, I thought I heard a bad one right where he goes "get the way as tons of water racing with you..'' ... but then I put on my audience recording to compare, and it sounded exactly the same. So Yes is even more talented than I thought. Apparently they can play post-production edits live, before they even happen. Pretty sweet.

Second thing I wanted to comment on was how many people are *returning* to their seats at the end of 'Mind Drive'.

Maybe they're not making a new album primarily because they don't want to cause additional unnecessary bathroom visits for their fans? See, they care about us.

[Hacman]

I
Second thing I wanted to comment on was how many people are *returning* to their seats at the end of 'Mind Drive'.

Maybe they're not making a new album primarily because they don't want to cause additional unnecessary bathroom visits for their fans? See, they care about us.

I was really surprised to see so many people walking around during the set - I've just never seen that at a Yes concert and rarely at any concert.
Were the folks in the front just standing?, i.e. no seats?

[Dantalion Rides Again]

Naw, I was in front and sitting through lots of it. There were front row seats.

[Albedo]

I got it yesterday and watched the whole show tonight.

OH. MY. GOD.

It is soooo good.

GFTO - I was never a fan of the studio version of this song, but live - I love it. John at his obscure sincere best.... it is so Yes. Love it.

Sweet Dreams - have whammy bar, will rock you. Go Steve!

YIND - is this not one of the best pieces of music ever written? I like Steve's solo here better than the HOB version but they are both classics.

The whole acoustic set - at the Cuyahoga Falls show I attended, it was hard to hear this. So great to get it on disk, perfectly recorded - Wonderous Stories -I got tears, Time is Time, Show me WOW. And Owner - Trooper though I am, I still think this tune Kicks Ass live - and acoustic it still does, amazing.

ROL - Again, Kicks Ass live - Steve with a whammy bar! Jon going into the audience? That's cool! He's more embarrassing sometimes between songs.

AYAI - tears again. You know.

Ritual - ditto what Altres said. The Symphonic version is wonderful, but isn't this the way it was meant to be - 5 guys without a net? More tears - we love when we play..

Starship Trooper - I love this as an encore.

Don't let anyone tell you there is anything wrong with this show, it's the perfect document of a great tour. Visually stunning - cameras on every solo! You don't miss anything.

For those who have weak sound or Steve's mix sounds weak - I had this problem when I first put in the disks. I went back and returned all my DVD player settings to normal, no effects, etc., made sure it was set up right, made sure the speaker size settings on my receiver were correct (because I have a kid that likes to play with them) and the problem went away. Perfect sound. It's your setup, you can fix it.

I am so high so high so high. Thank you Steve, thank you Chris, thank you Jon, thank you Alan, thank you Rick. You got it right.

[cactus jon]

I am finally glad to have Tsongas. The set list is perfect, the performance perfect.

I have two beefs:

#1. The mix levels are wrong...too many peaks and valleys. Too much uneven crowd noise. Geez, mix it from the sound board-will ya ??

#2. Why must the camera change shots every 2 seconds? If Chris is playing a dominant riff, focus in on him. If Steve is playing a solo, focus in on him. I like to see Rick and his magic right hand play the piano. The camera work looks like it was done by a high school AV boy.

I am not dissapointed with the DVD, but I would gladly pay more for a better production.

[Ktrek]

For those who have weak sound or Steve's mix sounds weak - I had this problem when I first put in the disks. I went back and returned all my DVD player settings to normal, no effects, etc., made sure it was set up right, made sure the speaker size settings on my receiver were correct (because I have a kid that likes to play with them) and the problem went away. Perfect sound. It's your setup, you can fix it.


I agree with Albedo. It has to be your setup. I just don't hear what the naysayers are talking about. It's one of the best sounding DVDs I own. do some research and resolve your problems before dissing the DVD.

Kevin

[YesJen357]

Well said, Albedo and Ktrek!

[jolo]

On "Tsongas"
1. Maybe I am an old poop, but I always think Stereo sounds better than 5.1. I think engineers and producers are just getting the hang of what to do with it, music companies are non-supportive slimballs as well. It is very hard for the musicians right now (and the consumers).
2. Inventory of CDs and DVDs get lower and lower every year, except for the "chosen few". Blame the RIAA and the large record companies on that one.
3. I saw YES in Colorado on the tour and they were unbelievably magnificant.
4. I have read such mixed reviews. Now I understand why some people on other sites complained about the audio and some thought it was great. It must be the cruddy 5.1 stuff. Not Yes's fault. Most 5.1 music is stereo repeated on two other speakers with one on the subwoofer anyway.
5. I read about the DVD, that it was a concert in 95 degree heat and I wonder about those who saw the tour if they were pleased or disappointed with the DVD. One can be honest with criticism without being insulting and obnoxious. I HATE when anyone blows off any professional effort and just says "it sucks". Grrrrrrr.
6. Does anyone know if there was other professional filming of some of the other shows during the tour? Maybe under more positive conditions for the band?
7. YesJen357, I totally understand what you are saying. I wish the concert I saw in little Loveland Colorado was filmed for prosperity.
8. I have to admit, before seeing the DVD, I am already "groaning at little", like a child I may add who can't get everything that they want. This is because I heard
a) Acoustic set
b) That the DVD was not a compilation of several moments from the tour, just one show in blistering heat.
c) I just want more. That "Classic" YES lineup are not getting younger and I feel that all of the "greats" who are now from 55 - 65 and still "doing" it need to be filmed and recorded all of the time. It is a complex situation with the music business being as brutal as it is, no more budgeting for New Artist Development, Wasting $250,000 for a video rather than touring to promote new music, the drastic decrease of new CDs that are being released from the RIAA members, the Payola scandals, lack of control Artists have over the final product, Collusion within the RIAA companies, the oligopolies that dominate like Clear Channel, the complexity of getting anything of quality done, etc.
7. For a GREAT site from a legendary musician, producer, arranger, engineer, book writer, songwriter, university professor (two Doctorates), record company owner, record company executive and innovator, Al Kooper, go to allkooper.com. He just came out with a solo CD, which is rather miraculous for a guy who has lost 75% of his sight and has been battling the industry. Now HE knows how to produce in 5.1.
But he writes so well and has lots of stories and interviews on his web site. This really gives a GREAT education on what it is like in the business today, how hard it is to get something done, even if you have had several platinum albums.
If you do NOT know about him, I gurantee you have heard a lot of his work. He started out in the 50s as a songwriter and wrote a #1 hit "This Diamond Ring" for Gary Lewis and The Playboys" in 1959, to the Platinum Super Session (musician and producer), to creating, arranging, and playing with Blood Sweat and Tears, Bob Dylan's musicial arranger and in his band when he went "electric". Played that great organ on "Like A Rolling Stone" for Bob. Played on Hendirx's Electric Ladyland, The Who's "Who's Next", on and on and on. You really need to read his hilarious stories and his honesty about the music business and why he dropped out in 1989. His home page http://alkooper.com/ Here is the Words section: Word Section (http://alkooper.com/diaries.html)

[RobAdams]

TSONGAS is at my house waiting for me. I can't wait to get there! I'm visiting overnight at my mom & dad's, so I won't be checking it out for at least 5 more hours.

BEST BUY

My wife asked an employee at BEST BUY if they had the new Yes DVD. First the guy said "YOU like Yes?? That's so cool!! Aren't they awesome? They have a new DVD?? Let me look on the computer." He was just as disgusted as we were to see that BEST BUY would NOT be carrying it. I bought mine the next day at Coconuts.

[BrianD]

On "Tsongas"


6. Does anyone know if there was other professional filming of some of the other shows during the tour? Maybe under more positive conditions for the band? ]

Roger Dean had the Edinburgh concert filmed by the same film crew. Have no idea what is being done with the footage.

[Scooty]

Took me a couple of hours but I finally found it at a Tower Records at Opry Mills mall here in Nashville..no Best Buy, no Circuit City, no Media Play,...

Thnak goodness for Tower Records..Ill be spending my evening watching Tsongas with much enthusiasm!

[Hill St.]

I was really surprised to see so many people walking around during the set - I've just never seen that at a Yes concert and rarely at any concert.
Were the folks in the front just standing?, i.e. no seats?
I noticed that throughout the DVD.Was there something better in the corridors?

[MrZuLu]

Thnak goodness for Tower Records..Ill be spending my evening watching Tsongas with much enthusiasm!




thcooty got thnakth

[Scooty]

thcooty got thnakth


typos typos typos...
such is life..;)

I really dig the DVD...I see none of the glitches, nor hear any substandard sound on this awesome DVD...Chris bass is crankin'..he steps on that pedal and ..boom!

Ritual is fabulous, SSOTS rocks, the acoustic set is a lot of fun..

I rate it at this point just a step below Symphonic..

I really enjoy seeing my friends in the audience too..

[Silent_wings]

Hey Scott :D

I finally got to watch mine today
I love it
It sounds & looks great

Everyone whinnied that they wanted a concert video. Now you have one and people are still whining.
Br happy it's a wonderful slice of Yes history.

[allpurechance]

Tsongas-The closer you study it,the more wonderful it is.

First listen,last Friday afternoon:Largely for the purpose of tweaking the sound in for my sister's Friday evening visit/viewing.The obligatory tears-beginning in the erstwhile sense on Your Move.My first impression,a fine document of the classic five,but...Steve and Alan seemed to me to be a bit on the sloppy side.After all the fine work they've done,ok,I thought-they're entitled!lol

Second listen/viewing-my sister and I:Oh,much better the 2nd time around!Wow!It IS good!

Third listen/view,early Saturday morning,headphones...disc 1 only due to time and energy constraints:This must've been what held up the production for 9 months.The sound upon close study in the headphones is incredible,immaculate.No longer do Steve and Alan seem sloppy,they are wonderful,as are Chris,Rick(alot of the time,it seems a Rick show.)and Jon.All magnificent,marvellous.If disc 1 sounds this great,WHAT must,HOW must disc 2 sound?!My sister and I will do a full night in the headphones together(how I love my Y connector!)ASAP!

The greater the scrutiny on the document,the more enjoyment there is to be had.Was this worth the wait,was the delay worth it given the outcome,given the superior sonic quality?

I offer an unmitigated

Yes

Frank

:O)

[Internaut]

I was really surprised to see so many people walking around during the set - I've just never seen that at a Yes concert and rarely at any concert.
Were the folks in the front just standing?, i.e. no seats?

I remember seeing this at the show. It was clear from where I sat that quite a few people were "moving up" to get a closer look at the guys on stage. I recall how "cool" it was to see a dad bring his two sons up to the front for one song. They were in total awe, and from their assigned seats, the kids wouldn't have had that experience. All 3 were rockin' out!

[jimmygtr]

Maybe this was already touched upon in this thread, but wasn't Rick's treatment OOALH bloody amazing?

[allpurechance]

Maybe this was already touched upon in this thread, but wasn't Rick's treatment OOALH bloody amazing?

Yes,jimmy,twas!lol...

Yet,it got even better on the second leg of last year's touring.By last September in Vermont,the acoustic set,in it's glorious entirety blew my own particular doors off!Owner was great,but Wonderous Stories,Wonderous Stories!...(here,words fail me...)

Frank

:O)

[Scooty]

Ritual makes me smile..
Finally a great shot of Chris "taking the knee" at the end of his fantastic solo bit.

That smile he has....he knows he's a Bad Mutha..

[Sheerah]

he knows he's a Bad Mutha..

Shout your mouth!

[pedro skychaser]

jimmygtr-yes rick was-sheer bravado to mimic the sampled blasts with just piano-
my eyes has a fresh new opening-wish they'd play whole thing-rick adds fresh new lines on sd & elt-inventive man who has alot left to offer the band-btw-sydney is awash with rick bill posters-those nice young people have been busy slappin' em up-
grumpy & tired-don't you believe it!

"loki held his breath and waited for his uncle to answer"

[Internaut]

First viewing / listen last night...

I am very impressed with the image and the sound from this DVD. I got as far as the end of the acoustic set, so there's still a bit more left to view for the first time on DVD. The quality is much better than the VHS copy I made of the PBS broadcast. I hadn't seen SSotS before, as it wasn't included on the PBS show, and it was just as good as I remembered it being! and the acoustic set... WOW!!!

2 thumbs up, I heartily recommend this DVD!!

[BEE]

This Dvd is awesome and a perfect YesConcert in its entirety.
I dont understand why any true Yes fan would bash it or find faults...

On first viewing,I gave it a rating of B+

On second attention, I rated it an A

Symphonic still gets an A+

[jimmygtr]

This Dvd is awesome and a perfect YesConcert in its entirety.
I dont understand why any true Yes fan would bash it or find faults...

On first viewing,I gave it a rating of B+

On second attention, I rated it an A

Symphonic still gets an A+

I think if Tsongas had the sharp video look of Symphonic vs. the soft film look that it has I would have moved it from A to A+ but "that's nit picking, isn't it?"

[Hugh Shiebler]

Just got it this afternoon! FYE had it on sale for $19.99.

Actually I just watched through "Turn of the Century" and had to get up and take a break.

So far I am in awe. I saw this tour at Mohegan Sun, and this is just as I remember it. Wow. If there are any over dubs or digital fixes, I have not noticed them. The song selection is just so strong. "Sweet Dreams" is perfect.
"You're gonna laugh again; you're gonna love again..." Could there ever be better lines to get you out of a rut?

[BEE]

I think the "soft look" is really due to the excessive heat,humidity and the heavy air that evening..Symphonic does have a crisper clearer look and feel. Thats why its a step above Tsongas and an A+

I also got my copy at FYE on sale for $19.99.. reg $24.99

[Wild Westie]

Mine is arriving today! It's going to be a "Tsongas" 5.1 weekend for me! I think earlier posters said that they didn't like 5.1. You have to have the right set up. Plus, your speakers have to be placed in the proper areas. Maybe this has been answered. But, I don't feel like reading this whole thread. Whoo, in just a few hours......

[ndselwood]

First viewing / listen last night...

I am very impressed with the image and the sound from this DVD. I got as far as the end of the acoustic set, so there's still a bit more left to view for the first time on DVD. The quality is much better than the VHS copy I made of the PBS broadcast. I hadn't seen SSotS before, as it wasn't included on the PBS show, and it was just as good as I remembered it being! and the acoustic set... WOW!!!

2 thumbs up, I heartily recommend this DVD!!


Second these sentiments exactly !!

Just watched/listened to it for first time today and it's bloody great !!

SSOTS is simply wonderful (ok - i'm biased as it's my fave Yestrack) but the stage looks better than I remembered it when I saw the tour. The Roger Dean interview is pretty interesting too.

BUY IT lol

[Vic W.]

Wow! I am shocked at how good this video is, especially after all of the criticism.

Great sound, brilliant camera work, awesome performance and concert presense... This is the video to end all of the others, for me. I've already given away my copy to my brother, whose wife nixed their joining me for the Philly show last year - it's a must see!

[allpurechance]

Ritual makes me smile..
Finally a great shot of Chris "taking the knee" at the end of his fantastic solo bit.

That smile he has....he knows he's a Bad Mutha..

Scoot...I am SO glad that "someone" insisted on Ritual's inclusion...

I can't get the song out of my head tonight,even though I got The Word Is Live today...

Chris is so awesome on Ritual...he nails his solo right to the proverbial wall...his playing throughout is inspired and gutty...the entire production would've been poorly served without this song to wind it up...

This is his best playing in...I don't know how long...thank gawd it's here...

!!!

( The last touch to the tympani,and the bow after the percussive break is absolutely required,too! )

[Internaut]

I thought Chris' intensity when playing the kettle drum didn't come through as strong as it was that night. I was really impressed watching him bang away on that thing.

Someone was asking why so many people seemed to be walking around during the show.. after watching the DVD, I remembered that alcohol was being served in the concourse...

[allpurechance]

I thought Chris' intensity when playing the kettle drum didn't come through as strong as it was that night. I was really impressed watching him bang away on that thing.

Someone was asking why so many people seemed to be walking around during the show.. after watching the DVD, I remembered that alcohol was being served in the concourse...

At Madison Square Garden two nights before,and the show immediately before Tsongas was recorded,tecladista2,people were pretty fairly pickled in my vicinity.My sister and I had a simple champagne just before the curtain went up.It was spew,even with the strawberry they had deposited into it,lol.By the way,thanks Michelle!It was a great idea,anyway,and it added just the right touch to that wonderful evening(@ 10$ a pop,my sister is an unbelievably generous soul!).

Which is part of what made the And You And I event such an amazing one.The band was having trouble keeping the attention of a large percentage of the sizable contingent,UNTIL this moment(my sister and I were rapt,by the way!).They grabbed everyone in attendance by the short curlies with And You And I,and everyone was much better for it.The subsequent Ritual,and the encores were closely followed by all...and the entire throng seemed to realize en mass what they had been largely not following the whole evening.This is yet another thing that I've seen Yes achieve live that no other band I've ever witnessed has done.It may not seem significant to most people,but once a band has lost the attention of the audience,it's almost always impossible to gain it back.Yes had no problem.With And You And I,they seemed to go right straight through the roof of MSG,kind of an inverse Independence Day alien death ray.Instead of coming down out of the sky with death,they went up into the sky with life through music.An unforgettable experience.

[MrPhil]

Well I do not have a 5.1 surround sound thing but the DVD sounds amazing in stereo.
Brian

As being a musician and a sound engineer myself, I actually have to disagree on that.
First, on several occasions you can hear that Alan's drums drop out, and what you only hear is leakage from the drums going thru other mikes.

Second, Steve is way too low mixed. This is of course an opinion. But compare it to Rick's keyboards and you will find Steve diminished. Some times you can hear that he plays, but not what he plays.
And it would have been good to pan out steve to the left a bit, and rick to the right. As opposite, Jon is too loud especially during Mind Drive I, but it gets better as time goes by, and at the acoustic set, it sounds fine. And then Rythm comes on and Steve is too low again.
In Ritual Chris is too loud and too boomy, and the whole song sounds so much better on the symphonic DVD.

This is all on the stereo-mix.

I cannot say anything about the 5.1 mixes, cause I have not 5.1 setup.

[Vic W.]

After getting over my initial excitement about the video, the problems MrPhil describes are exactly the ones I've noticed. I'm still in love with the video, but it would be all the more better if some of the sound mixing were tweaked.

Concerts have these kinds of sound issues all the time, but you'd think the released product would be close to perfect in that regard.

[Earl Grey]

Well, don't look at me to disagree...

I'm always up for Howe being higher in the mix!

For those of you who have seen/heard the 'Lugano' unofficial DVD, how would you compare the two shows?

I think the sound on Lugano is far superior, but the Dean stage set looks SO fantastic on the Tsongas DVD... The lighting was perfect, the band looks great, and sounds good.

On 'Lugano' the band looks good and sounds excellent.

I'm glad I have both documents, I hope YES releases Lugano some day...

EG:yesbird:

[Wild Westie]

I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! 5.1 rocks for me! Thanks Yes for bringing me joy with your beautiful music.

[Warhorse]

I just bought it a couple days ago. My first impression is that the band didn't always seem together in some spots. Generally it's a rather unusual set list, which is not a bad thing. There are doing stuff from a wider range of albums, putting songs they usually save for the end earlier and songs they usually start with later. Then of course the songs themselves have undergone numerous rearrangement, and not just the unplugged set. I must say I find it ironic that given that this tour put them in much larger venues than past ones, that it's at this one that they do the acoustic set. They could have done that at the House of Blues. But I think it's the highlight of the show. As much as good playing, what I seem to want to see on this concert videos is that the members are enjoying themselves. It's nice to see Steve get animated. It's nice to hear the banter between the members during the acoustic bit - they looked like they were having a blast.
I was a bit disappointed with the performance of Mind Drive. They cut it in half and left out the middle section. Moreover they left of the harmony vocals and Jon sang many lines on the same note.
Listening to the concert a second time and remembering the House of Yes video led me to conclude that it's far better to take a relatively simple song and augment it when doing it live, than to take a complex piece and try to simplify it when doing it live. For this reason songs like Yours in No Disgrace, Seen All Good People, Starship Trooper and South Side of the Sky - among others - sound great live, because the band often adds stuff to it. It gives palce for Howe and/or Wakeman to solo on top of a solid bass line. I really dig what they've done with Southside on this and on Yesspeak.
I wish they did that back and forth thing with Starship, as they did for Keys, that's the best version of Trooper because of that. Everytime since they've opted just for key solo and guitar solo without going back and forth.
Generally I find the songs that sound best live are the ones with a good bass line upon which the band can 'jam' or the ones that showcase Steve's classical guitar playing or Rick on Piano - like Time and a Word on Keys - beautiful. Rick is a synth wiz, but I most enjoy his playing on piano and it was nice for him to come out a do a bit at the start of the accoustic set. I would love to hear Yes to a whole album acoustic, either new stuff, old stuff or a mix of both. I hope a studio version of Show Me will be included in any future album.

[Earl Grey]

...I hope a studio version of Show Me will be included in any future album.

Excellent review there Warhorse!

YES actually did release a studio version of 'Show Me' on the Ultimate YES collection.

I wish they had played with the song on the lines of Heart Of The Sunrise, augmenting the track in Yessonata form, but the to the point version recorded is still charming...

Kudos,
Earl

[gleeman]

As being a musician and a sound engineer myself, I actually have to disagree on that.
First, on several occasions you can hear that Alan's drums drop out, and what you only hear is leakage from the drums going thru other mikes.

Second, Steve is way too low mixed. This is of course an opinion. But compare it to Rick's keyboards and you will find Steve diminished. Some times you can hear that he plays, but not what he plays.
And it would have been good to pan out steve to the left a bit, and rick to the right. As opposite, Jon is too loud especially during Mind Drive I, but it gets better as time goes by, and at the acoustic set, it sounds fine. And then Rythm comes on and Steve is too low again.
In Ritual Chris is too loud and too boomy, and the whole song sounds so much better on the symphonic DVD.

This is all on the stereo-mix.

I cannot say anything about the 5.1 mixes, cause I have not 5.1 setup.



On my system I can hear Steve much better on the 5.1 than the stereo mix. But his very low level in spots is often his own fault and not some defect on the DVD or post production mixing. Often its just a volume pedal issue! On the second chorus of YIND (with Chris' walking bass) Steve uses his volume pedal to shape some chords. When the opening riff comes back and his foot leaves the pedal, its left at a low volume until the next time he uses the volume pedal after the wah wah break. Suddenly his level comes right back up where it should be.

But who cares, this is a performance from Steve like I didn't think he could deliver anymore. To me much of the live work I'd heard from him since 96 was lacking not just in volume but also speed, limberness, aggression, etc. He often seemed several beats behind the band and his tempos were always slow. But Tsongas shows him once again at the top of his game, with agressive, inventive soloing that almost always hits the mark. In fact on of the best performances I've heard from him ever. It warms my heart to hear him play so well again!

[MrPhil]

On my system I can hear Steve much better on the 5.1 than the stereo mix. But his very low level in spots is often his own fault and not some defect on the DVD or post production mixing. Often its just a volume pedal issue! On the second chorus of YIND (with Chris' walking bass) Steve uses his volume pedal to shape some chords. When the opening riff comes back and his foot leaves the pedal, its left at a low volume until the next time he uses the volume pedal after the wah wah break. Suddenly his level comes right back up where it should be.

But who cares, this is a performance from Steve like I didn't think he could deliver anymore. To me much of the live work I'd heard from him since 96 was lacking not just in volume but also speed, limberness, aggression, etc. He often seemed several beats behind the band and his tempos were always slow. But Tsongas shows him once again at the top of his game, with agressive, inventive soloing that almost always hits the mark. In fact on of the best performances I've heard from him ever. It warms my heart to hear him play so well again!

In short, there are ways around those volume issues to correct them.

And I do agree that Steve's playing was very alive and kicking! :rghtAG:

[Vic Anderson]

ok on my dts its great

i hear a hudge diff between 5.1 normal and dts

[Albedo]

On my system I can hear Steve much better on the 5.1 than the stereo mix.
Interesting... I have a cheap receiver and it interprets the digital signal from the Tsongas DVD differently than most of my other DVDs. I have to play with the buttons to get the proper reproduction... but then he sounds fine.

But who cares, this is a performance from Steve like I didn't think he could deliver anymore. To me much of the live work I'd heard from him since 96 was lacking not just in volume but also speed, limberness, aggression, etc. He often seemed several beats behind the band and his tempos were always slow. But Tsongas shows him once again at the top of his game, with agressive, inventive soloing that almost always hits the mark. In fact on of the best performances I've heard from him ever. It warms my heart to hear him play so well again!
Absolutely! An awesome Steve performance. Loved his soloing on YIND.

[Warhorse]

I have my TV hooked up to my stereo and I honestly couldn't figure out which sound setting was better. All in all, I find I really enjoy this show. I like the fact that they tried new material. I dare them to do a show with just material from the 80s and beyond! Mybe then they'd finally play some of the 90s stuff again. The general practice seems to be play the regular classics and a few new tracks from the album of the day, which will never be heard again in any future tour. What's up with that?

[MrPhil]

I have my TV hooked up to my stereo and I honestly couldn't figure out which sound setting was better. All in all, I find I really enjoy this show. I like the fact that they tried new material. I dare them to do a show with just material from the 80s and beyond! Mybe then they'd finally play some of the 90s stuff again. The general practice seems to be play the regular classics and a few new tracks from the album of the day, which will never be heard again in any future tour. What's up with that?
Eh... Mind Drive IS from the 90's.

BTW, Every Little Thing... from what album does that strange song come?

Has anyone noticed that it looks like a different set the two last songs?
Notice the lot of BRAZILIAN flags in the audience just before Starship Trooper!
Anyone know?

[gleeman]

Every Little Thing is a Beatles song (originally on Beatles For Sale, I think) and appeared on the very first Yes album

[AllGoodPeephole]

Hi, newbie here. I got it a couple weeks ago and to me it's a bit hit and miss. Some great moments and some not-so-great moments. Southside is the real winner here. I've seen them 6 times since '72, and never seen them perform it. The acoustic set is another high point. I've always wanted to see them unplugged. On the downside however, while it was great that they FINALLY shelved that tired classic Awaken (great track, just tired of it) and slip in Ritual, I have to say I was a bit disappointed. Especially during the percussion solo. When I saw them on the Topographic tour doing this, all the members were playing the bells, chimes, tympani drums and the kitchen sink as well. Here all we get is samplings of the other percussion effects from the studio tapes. And what's with the fake drums and mechanical mallets?

Still all in all it's worth having in your collection. Now if they would just have Rick sit out on the next tour and bring Patrick back. Relayer live after almost 30 years? Yeah, I know they did Gates on Symphonic, but I want to see the real thing. That would get me off my old butt and off to the ticket office! But chances of that happening are nilzo!

[smatt]

Eh... Mind Drive IS from the 90's.

BTW, Every Little Thing... from what album does that strange song come?

Has anyone noticed that it looks like a different set the two last songs?
Notice the lot of BRAZILIAN flags in the audience just before Starship Trooper!
Anyone know?


Well one of those Brazilain flags was my good freind Omar Fares from Sao Paulo, Brazil! We travelled together accross the country seeing 15 out of the 18 shows on that leg of the of the tour. We did get a nice cameo shot right at the begining of Owner, but Omar wasn't holding his flag up at that moment.

[smatt]

Hi, newbie here. I got it a couple weeks ago and to me it's a bit hit and miss. Some great moments and some not-so-great moments. Southside is the real winner here. I've seen them 6 times since '72, and never seen them perform it. The acoustic set is another high point. I've always wanted to see them unplugged. On the downside however, while it was great that they FINALLY shelved that tired classic Awaken (great track, just tired of it) and slip in Ritual, I have to say I was a bit disappointed. Especially during the percussion solo. When I saw them on the Topographic tour doing this, all the members were playing the bells, chimes, tympani drums and the kitchen sink as well. Here all we get is samplings of the other percussion effects from the studio tapes. And what's with the fake drums and mechanical mallets?

Still all in all it's worth having in your collection. Now if they would just have Rick sit out on the next tour and bring Patrick back. Relayer live after almost 30 years? Yeah, I know they did Gates on Symphonic, but I want to see the real thing. That would get me off my old butt and off to the ticket office! But chances of that happening are nilzo!


Welcome to Yesfans AllGoodPeephole! Yes, I wished they'd doen the whole band poinding thing for Ritual as well. They did do it on the Masterworks tour as 2000, as well as on the Symphonic tour in 2001 though. I highly recomend picking up the Syphonic Tour live DVD. It's a really great show as well. The Tsongas show was a good one, a fairly good representation of the whole first leg of the otur actually. One thing though, it was so darned hot in the arena that night, it had to be 90-95 degrees in there. The air-conditioning had broken, so by the time they got towards the end of the show we were all just dying. I can't imagine how the band felt being under the lights up on stages as well. I wouldn't rule out Gates at all, it's always possible. We jsut don't knwo what songs they'll pull out next time, but I'm willing to bet that a rather few suprises will come about WHEN they reconvene, which is at this point is of an uncertain time........


Have fun around the place.. There's lots of people, lots of different topics for a Yes fan to get burried in. Tons of really great people here as well. Warning though, watch the politcal threads, it can get a bit dicey ;)

[Omar Fares]

Eh... Mind Drive IS from the 90's.

BTW, Every Little Thing... from what album does that strange song come?

Has anyone noticed that it looks like a different set the two last songs?
Notice the lot of BRAZILIAN flags in the audience just before Starship Trooper!
Anyone know?

In fact there was only one Brazilian flag, mine; the other guy was carrying a green sign which looks like our flag.

[ZenGuitar]

After some less than satisfying live DVDs (Symphonic and Keys comes to mind), I am very pleased with Tsongas and picked up a copy. The duel between Rick and Steve on South Side of the Sky was worth the price of admission!

I would not mind less individual band member solos, as that sort of thing is a bit passe' these days, but it's a minor complaint.

Jon still has that killer voice of his. What a blessing to be able to nail those high notes after 35 years! Jon was spot-on for almost all the vocals, but was a bit pitchy on Rhythm of Love, probably due to walking around in the audience and possibly due to monitoring differences, although he was using IEMs, so it should not have made much difference. That's the only bobble as far as I could see.

Rick and Chris still have all their (considerable) chops intact. Alan and Steve seem to be more relaxed and not pushing the envelope with fills and solos on some stuff as much as in years past. Seems like less energy from them on some of the tunes, but good lord, performing live some of the most difficult progressive rock ever written is quite a feat after 35 years.

I'm so pleased that they have not forgotten who they are. Seeing Ritual was just great. Steve really killed on that one. I think his Relayer work was just some of the best guitar work ever recorded and he was so faithful live.

I saw the opening show of this tour in Seattle and it's nice to see the final polished product of that tour on DVD. Roger Dean's set was actually finished on the DVD. The major thing this DVD lacked is the great sound the band projected while performing live. You just HAD to be there!

I know this mini-review is quite after the fact, but if you haven't got this DVD, it is a great one that accurately represents this stage of Yes -and how can that be a bad thing?

:)

[wolfhound]

I just received Tsongas and it's fantastic.

Sure, Steve's Portugese guitar is too quiet on AGP, and the same with his acoustic on Turn Of The Century, but it's a great performance.

I like this performance of Starship Trooper. Sometimes the song is like the Spruce Goose. In this DVD, it definitely gets off the ground. :-)

Ritual came off really well. In some ways I like it better than on Symphonic.

SSotS is hot. Smartly done. Just plain hot !

YIND is hot !

AYAI is even more moving partially because of the audience reaction.

Really impressed with Mind Drive.

Steve Howe's Second Initial is fun while their rearranging the stage.

Wondrous Stories, Time Is Time (TIT ?), and Every Little Thing are beautiful.

It could be because I don't have one of these new GooglyWobbler sound systems, but the audio seemed to have less headroom than Symphonic. I'm not sure how that would be, though.


_

[wolf_Yesfan]

Did anyone notice Jon reading lryics to some of the songs? You can see it clearly on Mind Drive. Old age is setting in. I love the DVD it's perfect.

[wolfhound]

Did anyone notice Jon reading lryics to some of the songs? You can see it clearly on Mind Drive. Old age is setting in. I love the DVD it's perfect.
Hi wolf_Yesfan ! I was wondering if Jon used a teleprompter or something. It's always amazed me how anyone can remember all those lyrics.

[tuke]

I just watched Tsongas; it's excellent, really.

[pedro skychaser]

tsongas is the testament in my book,jon tears into GFTO,southside duel collapses time+space,rick adds orchestral stabs on his piano during OOALH,minddrive is powerful,
the meeting is beautiful beyond words....a keeper!

petermcguiness.tripod.com

[VentureRG]

I just got Tsongas for the holidays. Since I saw four shows on this tour (Spectrum, MSG, AC/Borgata and PNC), I really didn't need to see this DVD...until now. Wow, what great memories were revived. What a fine presentation-great visuals (camera work) and audio (5.1 surround). What ever you thought of the Dean inflatables, the lights together with the set pieces really made for great colorful atmospherics. My only real criticism is that there is a lack of special features (just the RD interview). I'm still watching and forming impressions but it's all good. I love "The Meeting" (Jon's singing and the closeups of him during that song are classic).

While listening to the Delicious Agony Yes Marathon today, Don played TFTOs from Detroit 1974. I was thinking why isn't there a DVD of that show with Tsongas quality audio and video. Well, I can dream can't I.

[Internaut]

Hi wolf_Yesfan ! I was wondering if Jon used a teleprompter or something. It's always amazed me how anyone can remember all those lyrics.

Yes he did, if you see (on the Tsongas DVD) the small (approx 12" x 18") black rectangular thing in front of Jon, a bit above waist high, I believe that was it. At the Lowell show, there was a delay before Time is Time, as the lyrics wouldn't load and Jon started making little jokes, trying to kill time, but went ahead with the song anyway... I think it came out nicely on the DVD (it might have been fun to see Jon's comments included on the disc)

[wolfhound]

Yes he did, if you see (on the Tsongas DVD) the small (approx 12" x 18") black rectangular thing in front of Jon, a bit above waist high, I believe that was it. At the Lowell show, there was a delay before Time is Time, as the lyrics wouldn't load and Jon started making little jokes, trying to kill time, but went ahead with the song anyway... I think it came out nicely on the DVD (it might have been fun to see Jon's comments included on the disc)
I'd never noticed it before. I remember Jon saying he couldn't remember the words on that one. I'm glad he has the teleprompter. With all those lyrics, I want him to be able to focus as much as possible without having to use memorizing techniques. :D

[Internaut]

Here's a pic of Jon and the device

[Wild Westie]

Awww, I would still enjoy seeing Jon even if he had to have the lyrics sung into his ear. :hearts:

[Symbol]

Awww, I would still enjoy seeing Jon even if he had to have the lyrics sung into his ear. :hearts:

Amen!

[tormatotork]

I got it for christmas and I love it. Ritual and Every Little Thing are smashing as is The South Side of the Sky. Listening to it now, lovely jubblie.

[BCofOZ]

I bought the Tsongas(spell?)dvd a few days ago.--It's great!!(The 35th anniversary) show.
I only watched it just hooked as my other stuff is unhooked of now--"Stereo"?
That must be something really cool!!!!!.--I want to hear what the 5.1 thing sounds like!!---Anyhows, I like it!!

Also, Got the YES "Acoustic-Guaranteed No Hiss"!dvd---It also kicks!!

I saw some friends in these shows!!-----WAY COOL!!!

I'm hooking up my "Stereo" tomorrow!!-----Great shows!!

[kmcdonald22]

Well I do not have a 5.1 surround sound thing but the DVD sounds amazing in stereo. The performances are stunning and the stage set looks fabulous. Some great versions of songs and I think every performer shines harderthan a thousand suns. Age certainly doesn't seem to have diminished the power of such classics as South Side of the Sky, Your Move/Seen All Good people and Sweet Dreams and newer songs like the Meeting are fresh and rather nice.

No criticisms here. For those of you listening unhappily in 5:1 jam on a good pair of headphones and listen with both ears. :D

Brian


I agree for the most part as far as stereo is concerned. However, on my system, the stereo image is backwards. The sounds that should be on the right are on the left and the sounds that should be on the left are on the right.

I have checked my system to make sure nothing is crossed and that is not the case. This is the only DVD in my collection that has this problem. I have two DVD players, one connected via fiber optic cable and the other is analog. The stereo image is backwards on both.

Ken

Ken

[diatonis]

Well I do not have a 5.1 surround sound thing but the DVD sounds amazing in stereo. The performances are stunning and the stage set looks fabulous... ...For those of you listening unhappily in 5:1 jam on a good pair of headphones and listen with both ears. :D

Brian

Hi Brian,

Surround sound is the only way to go:) It does require more speakers and a larger listening area but is very much worth the effort. This album is especially good, as is Magnification (DVD-Audio) and Symphonic Yes.

[tuke]

The Music of the Ainuir?

[Whitefish]

I just watched it in its entirety and it is simply amazing!

[PT Fan]

I just rented and watched this DVD for the first time about a week ago. I enjoyed the show immensely. Fantastic all the way around. Now I want to go and see these guys again after 26 years!

Kevin:headset:

[YesJen357]

You'd understand then why I have a fear of it being the last time we see them on tour.
Tsongas definitely makes me wish for more!

[MrZuLu]

I love it... I been watching/listening tonight Mind Drive P3 is just now starting

[PT Fan]

You'd understand then why I have a fear of it being the last time we see them on tour.
Tsongas definitely makes me wish for more!

No doubt, mate!

Kevin:beerchugr:

[Omar Fares]

You'd understand then why I have a fear of it being the last time we see them on tour.
Tsongas definitely makes me wish for more!

This is a very uncomfortable feeling indeed, I can´t wait to hear that they are getting together soon.

[YesJen357]

This is a very uncomfortable feeling indeed, I can´t wait to hear that they are getting together soon.
Amen, Brother!