Battle of the DVD's

[Lifeseeker66]

Okay I was just in FYE (a REAL music store) yesterday and I saw Live in Montreux and Songs from Tsongas. They looked very close in set lists, SFT being obviously 40 mins longer but I liked the fact that LIM had some newer stuff that I don't own, like Magnif, In the Presence OF, etc... I recall both having SSOTS, one of my all-time faves. I was leaning toward LIM, as it was much cheaper, but I wanted to know what those of you who own/have seen both have to say in comparison. SFT had a nice review poll thread, but LIM did not, making it a little harder for me to compare. So I'll post a poll and see which comes out on top.

Thanks for your honest input.

David

[satyam]

David

I have both of them, I have to go with LIM because of the set list

Satyam

[Caped Crusader]

I was very disappointed with the sound mix on the Tsongas DVD. There were problems with the heat on stage that caused havoc, especially with Rick's keyboards. However, the Roger Dean set was great. LIM is great because Rick is at his best and does a fantastic job on Magnification and In The Presence Of. Buy both!

[Scooty]

My only complaint with LIM is that Chris doesn't appear on camera for almost the first hour of the show...

[Lifeseeker66]

I was very disappointed with the sound mix on the Tsongas DVD. There were problems with the heat on stage that caused havoc, especially with Rick's keyboards. However, the Roger Dean set was great. LIM is great because Rick is at his best and does a fantastic job on Magnification and In The Presence Of. Buy both!


Eventually I probably will, but I'd like to know which one I should get first, being a Daddy of almost four and on a tighter budget than when I would just buy both at the same time! lol

[Lifeseeker66]

David

I have both of them, I have to go with LIM because of the set list

Satyam

Thanks for your input Satyam. They both have great set lists, but it has to be cool to hear Rick doing Mag songs on LIM!

[yesanneyes]

Those are the only two live DVDs I have - and I have to agree with the above. I was really disappointed that Chris is not shown for such a long time on LIM, but they make up for it later in the show. But, I would rather have it than Tsongas because it's just a better show, and the sound is much better on LIM. No comparison, if I had to choose, LIM wins hands down. And yes, Rick is stellar. Visually LIM is better, too.

[Steve Mahoney]

Tsongas , a great all round show.

[Lifeseeker66]

Those are the only two live DVDs I have - and I have to agree with the above. I was really disappointed that Chris is not shown for such a long time on LIM, but they make up for it later in the show. But, I would rather have it than Tsongas because it's just a better show, and the sound is much better on LIM. No comparison, if I had to choose, LIM wins hands down. And yes, Rick is stellar. Visually LIM is better, too.


Anne, thanks for your great feedback here. When you all say Chris doesn't appear for an hour, do you just mean closeups? Or not at all???? That's strange, as he's highly present on 9012Live and most of the others...

[yesanneyes]

Anne, thanks for your great feedback here. When you all say Chris doesn't appear for an hour, do you just mean closeups? Or not at all???? That's strange, as he's highly present on 9012Live and most of the others...

You know - I remember the first time I watched it, and after about ten minutes, I was thinking, "Where's Chris?". You can hear him, but you don't see him - I even wondered if it was on purpose or something! I mean, the cameras seem to "avoid" him. Then during his solo, of course he's the center of the universe (and it's a long solo). But, yeah - it's bizarre.

Tsongas is good and I'm glad I have it, but LIM makes me feel like I'm there "at" the show.

[Lifeseeker66]

You know - I remember the first time I watched it, and after about ten minutes, I was thinking, "Where's Chris?". You can hear him, but you don't see him - I even wondered if it was on purpose or something! I mean, the cameras seem to "avoid" him. Then during his solo, of course he's the center of the universe (and it's a long solo). But, yeah - it's bizarre.

Tsongas is good and I'm glad I have it, but LIM makes me feel like I'm there "at" the show.

Maybe they wanted to trick us into thinking it was an ABWH video? LOL

[yesanneyes]

P.S. In the Presence Of on LIM, will go right through your soul and you'll get chills - it's a great piece, but here on LIM, it's positively magical. You'll be drawn in......You'll feel like Rick and Jon merge musically and spiritually - indescribable!:D

I can't wait till you see it!

[yesanneyes]

Maybe they wanted to trick us into thinking it was an ABWH video? LOL

:dog: :dog: :dog:

[Lifeseeker66]

P.S. In the Presence Of on LIM, will go right through your soul and you'll get chills - it's a great piece, but here on LIM, it's positively magical. You'll be drawn in......You'll feel like Rick and Jon merge musically and spiritually - indescribable!:D

I can't wait till you see it!

Only YES can do that!!!

[Jackaranda]

Tsongas.

[mike on the goldie]

I have both and find it hard to decide which to watch at any given time. Nevertheless having watched both many dozens of times by now, I have to say that I think the Montreux performance is superior overall to the Tsongas one. The high quality of the performance is sustained throughout the Montreux concert, whereas it seems a bit spottier on Tsongas. Plus I prefer the setlist on Montreux. On the other hand, there are some real gems on Tsongas, such as the acoustic set and Ritual.

[Lifeseeker66]

I have both and find it hard to decide which to watch at any given time. Nevertheless having watched both many dozens of times by now, I have to say that I think the Montreux performance is superior overall to the Tsongas one. The high quality of the performance is sustained throughout the Montreux concert, whereas it seems a bit spottier on Tsongas. Plus I prefer the setlist on Montreux. On the other hand, there are some real gems on Tsongas, such as the acoustic set and Ritual.

That's what I noticed and that's what's made it so hard to decide for me! Thanks for your input! I will eventually probably get both, but i can't get them together, so I need to decide which one first.

[gitsy]

The Montreux concert is an edger mix whilst the sound on the Tsongas has been played about with. Over dubs etc!

Difficult to chose between them but I voted for Tsongas as its better filmed.

[Teacher travelling]

Both great. I think Tsongas looks better, is more of a normal Yes show and the sound for me seems fine. I preferred the setlist for Montreux, especially to see Awaken from that tour which I remembered being superb (though there does seem to be a point where the sound drops in that which bugs me). However, a new contender has come in which, for me, on two listens beats both and replaces Montreux - The "New Director's Cut" from that same tour in Birmingham UK - great visuals, great sound and a performance where the whole group was buzzing and obviously enjoying themselves..... Just trying to confuse the matter!

[yes372]

Hard to choose, but Steve's solo rendition of 'To Be Over' on LIM makes it my choice if I had to choose only one.

[stevie]

I voted for Tsongas.
There do appear to be a few problems with the sound but this DVD as a warmer feel to it and I don't just mean because it was apparently so hot in the arena.

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

Rick is more handsome on Live in Montreux, because he's wearing THE COAT!!! :winknudge no, to be honest, both are absolutely brilliant...
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/WakeysNo1Fan/lovely%20Wakey%20photos/sexyplayingwakey2.jpg

[big generator]

Montreux was the first Yes DVD I bought as I was just getting into the band, and I watched it over and over, so it brings me fond memories. But I also believe that it's a better show because it's just the right length and it's filled with solid songs from start to finish. Tsongas is also super, but is harder to see in one sitting (with kids running around anyway).

I think Jon's voice sounded better on Montreux. He seems to be struggling on Tsongas starting with Rhythm of Love.

For sheer variety, Tsongas has upper hand with the acoustic stuff, and I loved hearing Rhythm of Love live as well.

But I prefer Montreux; by a nose.

[gitsy]

The Montreux concert is an edger mix whilst the sound on the Tsongas has been played about with. Over dubs etc!

Difficult to chose between them but I voted for Tsongas as its better filmed.

I clearly need to get out more!

I was reading through this thread when I thought this persons has hit the nail on the head I totally agree with them. On closer inspection I realized I was agreeing with my own post, now where is my medicine?

[TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART]

Montreux,by a whisker.

[mike on the goldie]

I just watched Tsongas and Montreux back to back. Yes Live at Montreux is the best concert performance I've ever seen by anyone. Steve Howe's acoustic guitar version of To Be Over is absolutely sublime, like Chopin on guitar.

[90125yes]

Close - but Tsongas tips it for me

i would prefer new music from YES next time rather than live dvd's

[90125yes]

<HR style="COLOR: transparent" SIZE=1> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->
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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by gitsy http://www.yesfans.com/bluefusion/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.yesfans.com/showthread.php?p=1552245#post1552245)
The Montreux concert is an edger mix whilst the sound on the Tsongas has been played about with. Over dubs etc!


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you souind like eddie offord in disguise - very technical

i have never noticed to be honest

[YesCarolinita]

Montreux for me. Although I enjoy them both immensely.
Only took me three months to respond LOL.

Dave-did you purchase one of the other?

[Hill St.]

Tsongas because, Smatt is in it. ;)

[witeskyn7]

Montreux.

Nary an overdub in sight, It just seems a little more 'Raw'.
(Except for We Have Heaven(?)-I do need enlightenment on this..)


And of course, Awaken appears in the setlist.

[YESMAN90125]

<HR style="COLOR: transparent" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->
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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by gitsy http://www.yesfans.com/bluefusion/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.yesfans.com/showthread.php?p=1552245#post1552245)
The Montreux concert is an edger mix whilst the sound on the Tsongas has been played about with. Over dubs etc!



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Something in the montreux DVD seems like the Gates are not working right at times. similar to how the K2A sound came out. (not sure why the CD's dont sound like that)
While Tsongas has it's studio tinkerings-it sounds the best
I like the Symphonic DVD quite a bit and also the "House Of Yes" inspite of whatever Jon had at the time with illness or Flu or whatever.
I have to say Igor is a good pianist.

[BEE]

It is way too close to call!
They each have there A+moments and a few places only an A!

Denise,Chip,Phil,Scottie and I started watching this in the hotel about 3 am after the Westbury show! (11-22-08)
It was on a nice 32" flatscreen with the sound turned down low!
(well it was maxed out at 60 but sounded like a 5 as something was wrong with the volume control and management had warned us once already)
I think Denise,Chip and Scottie where at this show and its been well reported that it was like 100 degrees inside!
Why is this not very evident on the DVD!
Is there a program to remove sweat from the film?

[rikensquire]

While Tsongas has it's studio tinkerings-it sounds the best
I like the Symphonic DVD quite a bit and also the "House Of Yes" inspite of whatever Jon had at the time with illness or Flu or whatever.
I have to say Igor is a good pianist.[/QUOTE]

My problem with Tsongas is the same problem I had when I saw the tour in Tampa. It took like six songs to get the mix right. Just before they switched to the unplugged set up they had it, by then it was like waiting for one of them to tune up for six songs. Jon was so far out in front, it was like a Barry Manilow concert.
The last part about Igor reminds me of the time The Simpsons got away with telling a dirty joke by spreading it out over the whole show "Do you think I really wanted a 12" pianist?"

[Lifeseeker66]

Montreux for me. Although I enjoy them both immensely.
Only took me three months to respond LOL.

Dave-did you purchase one of the other?

I have it on good authority that David has been a good boy this year, and has been a real positive Yes force, and therefore, Santazon.com is expected to be sending him Live in Montreux 2003 by Christmas Eve! All it took was my wife to hear that Santa is sending her the George Michael '25' DVD because she's been a good girl!

I am so looking forward to viewing/hearing this DVD, as all of my other Yes videos are on VHS and it's high time for a DVD. I once received as a gift the "House of Yes" video in DVD format, and at the time we had no DVD player, so I returned it for the VHS tape (DUH!!! - I'd bet within a year we got a VCR/DVD player lol).

Nina... I can't wait to see/hear Rick's solo on this video!

[Sharp on Attack]

Ok guys you've convinced me. I'll get te Montreux DVD.

[mike on the goldie]

My take on the Battle of recent Yes DVD releases is this:

Montreux for the standards (AYAI, HOTS, LDR etc.) - easily the best performances of those, plus two great songs from Magnification.

Tsongas for the variety - they do songs from each decade of their career starting with the 60s. The performance of Ritual really shines on this one but there are other gems here as well.

House of Blues for the 5 songs from The Ladder, which are great!

The Symphonic one is too different to really compare to these from what I have heard of it.