Fine Young Cannibals
Mike Barnes - Intelligence Natl Sales Manager Washington DC
I just purchased the Fine Young Cannibals concert disc recorded live
in Seatle Washington. In the past, I have been very disappointed with
concert videos. Usually the sound is thin and the performances are
less than the performer's studio efforts.
So many artist feel compelled to dance that they are exhausted when
they have to sing. I am sure that this is the reason for the lip-syncing
that is occuring at many new concerts.
Tina Turner and Madonna both have released some very good concert discs.
UB40 (one of my favorite groups) released one of the worst sounding
concert disks ever. While their peformance was very good, the sound
was thin and monophonic.
If I like the artist, I usually buy the disk. I have some of the oldest
music discs, including ABBA, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Carol King,
Jonie Mitchell and others.
The Fine Young Cannibals Laser Disc is simply the best live concert that
I have ever purchased. The sound is outstanding. The sound from this
laser disc sounds better than either of FYC's LP's or CD's (I have both).
The bass, background vocals and backup are all much fuller on this
live concert.
The FYC's live performance is very close in sound to the studio. No
one strains, misses a note or in anyway does anything to distract.
Counter to most new artists, FYC play music and do not try to perform
for the audience. The result is a very polished performance.
This disc also concentrates on the music. No boring interviews or
behind the stage patter. This disc goes directly from song to song.
We are spared any breaks, pauses or chatter. I really hate discs that
break up a song to break to an interview. I also hate to sit through
long pauses in the performance while the artists wipe sweat, drink or
tune their instruments.
So much of what is recorded today consists of overdubbing and computerized
music that the LP or CD sounds like a non-event. The session never
happened. The artists may never have met. The results are often
controlled, artificial and without emotion. I have hoped to find a
laser disc that could provide both the video and sound in a way that
could reward the eyes and ears.
I have enjoyed many music discs but very few concert discs. FYC's
laser disc has to be one of the best. Visually it is exciting. Black
and white images are mixed with color. The quick motion of the camera
compliments the near static positions of the artists. I rank this disc
high on performance, sound and video. At 29.95, this disc is a must buy
(unless you just don't like FYC).