And in this corner...

[orsonwellz]

Any of you lucky folk already wallowing in the splendor of Tsongas care to compare and contrast that concert to the tour's Lugano show, i.e., the one that was broadcast on Italian TV and made available around here courtesy of our many fine DVD weeders?

I've looked at the Lugano concert a number of times, and always find something to smile about. Being the live mix that it appears to be (viva la no-post-production-cleansing!!), the unvarnished vocal harmonies may occasionally induce a pained grimace in unwary listeners. But the camera work is swell (and respectful of both band and music), the lads are in fine form, and Jon's brief disapproval of Chris's vocal showboating in YIND is hilarious.

So what say those of you in a position to know? Tsongas v. Lugano...a no-holds-barred grudge match. Who bloodies whose lip?

- Orson

[inside_out]

I'm having trouble with the T in Tsongas. Is it silent? Like a song before a fart with gas?

[YesJen357]

Good thread question, orsonwellz.
Tsongas is clearly more colourfull with that impressive stage presentation. The atmoshere created by frequent shots of the crowd reaction in Tsongas, helps to focus the performance as well. The camera work in Lugano does miss a few things I would like to see, such as Rick's fingers on the keys, for example. A camera on a boom would have helped to exhibit more of an overall view too. And then there's the even more impressive set-list with Ritual...
Though I wouldn't be critical of Lugano in any way (I love it too) you really can't compare the two. One is almost like an amateur production compared to the other. Would I give away my Lugano show for a price? I'd rather cut off my ear!
Don't compare, just enjoy them both. Because after all, they allow us to keep a part of Yes history we can go back to and enjoy, whenever we please.
Tsongas for the US fans will be well worth the wait. You'll see!

[orsonwellz]

Thanks for the informative reply, YesJen. It will indeed be interesting to compare the two. And I echo your take on the missing Rick-cam.

Which reminds me once again...what I wouldn't give for a little less Jon and a little more of everyone else - especially Alan and Rick. I'm guessing that among the first lessons taught in Concert Direction 101 is the notion that one never dares stray far from a singer at the mike. Which just doesn't cut it with me (pardon the pun). Directors don't think twice about darting in and out of Steve's runs, but heaven forbid the camera should miss an Anderson utterance. HOB is particularly extreme in this, IMHO, and much to the show's detriment as a result. [Did you notice, by the way, how Symphonic mitigated this vocalist-centric bias by inserting a ton of Jon/Alan two-shots when Jon was singing instead of mindlessly defaulting to an Anderson closeup every time there was action at the mike? Nicely done...]

- orson

[YesJen357]

You are right on Orson.
HOB also lacks in that Igor makes very few appearances in 'screen time.' His presence is one of the great and unique things about the performance for Yes video collectors.
But same deal as the other shows; - you'll only steal my YES video shows out of my 'cold dead hands!'