EricMontreal22

Well internationally Kylie's shows have begun to be regarded as up there with Madonna in terms of staging (their last two tours, individually clearly showed Kylie at the top). She's helped by the use of William Baker as her director main designer, and also using choreographers who aren't as commonly used by others. Even though I saw the paired down for the smaller American theatres version of Kylie's last tour, it really was mindblowingly done--and all live--and cost a tiny fraction of what most of these people charge. That's one reason I want Madonna to work with someone else (it's too bad she's estranged from her brother--even though he deserves it--because when he helped design and direct her Blond Ambition and Girlie Show tours they really were groundbreaking and I'd like to see if he could come up with anything new). Jamie King is played out--he peaked with Madonna at Confessions, but now EVERYONE uses him, I actually think he's at his best when he choreographs, but he does so many tours at once now that he hasn't done the majority of Madonna's tour choreography since Drowned World. I do think Britney was smart to use him again for The Circus which was a lot better than some of her recent tours like the thematically muddled Onyx Hotel one (what was with that scary host?!) and I will say that her Femme Fatale tour visually and thematically was really well handled--it was just her extreme lack of enthusiasm, I felt robbed paying so much to see someone who didn't sing (except one song), barely danced full out, and seemed not to want to be there. I mean this is in about the past 13 years and doesn't include all his TV and video work (he used to do many of the best Madonna videos--Human Nature, Don't Tell Me, but lately has been underwhelming with 4 Minutes and Sorry--I am glad that with this new video Madonna seems to realize that videos, thanks to Gaga and crew, are starting to be more important again--for a while she seemed to have given up and she used to do the best ones) Madonna - 2012 Superbowl Halftime Show Cirque Du Soleil - Michael Jackson | Immortal 2011 Rihanna | Loud 2011 Britney Spears | Femme Fatal Tour 2011 Britney Spears | Circus World Tour 2009 Madonna | Sticky And Sweet World Tour 2008 Avril Lavigne | Best Damn Tour World Tour 2008 Celine Dion | Taking Chances World Tour 2008 Spice Girls | Return Of The Spice Girls Tour 2008 Ricky Martin | Black & White Tour 2007 Madonna | Confessions World Tour 2006 Christina Augilera | Back To Basics World Tour 2006 Rain | Rain’s Back World Tour 2006 Mariah Carey | MW VMA Performance 2006 Shakira | MTV VMA Performance 2006 Madonna | Re-Invention Tour 2004 Paulina Rubio | Pau-Latina Tour 2004 Pink | Try This Tour 2004 Christina Aguilera | Stripped Tour 2003 Ricky Martin | The Queen’s Jubilee Madonna | Drowned World Tour 2001 Storm | Mandalay Bay-Las Vegas Madonna | Rock N Roll Circus Promo Tour Ricky Martin | She Bangs 2000 Promo Tour Britney Spears | Oops I Did It Again World Tour Dreams Come True | Winter Wonderland 2000 Tour Ricky Martin | Livin’ La Vida Loca World Tour

Except Kylie who is 100% live now (but spent ages studying voice in the later half of her career cuz the insults got to her personally), this is pretty much true. Especially people who dance (and Kylie dnaces but far less than Madonna/Britney/Janet). I'd say Gaga, love her or hate her, is primarily live too, but does use a combo for some of the more dance heavy tracks. Of course then there are the dance/pop divas going all the way back to Donna Summer,and including Whitney, Mariah, etc who DO sing live--their voice is their appeal--but they just stand perfectly still, maybe shaking back and forth or a few basic steps while others dance around them. You obviously didn't see the concert I saw in Vancouver (Of course this was the infamous one where she left us stranded for ages due to apparently smelling pot smoke, maybe she wasn't on her best ) I mainly agree though sometimes I find the "well they're dancing!" excuse annoying. Look at Broadway--you have people paid next to nothing to be in the chorus of a show like Chicago, 8 times a week, where they are virtually on stage throughout and doing a LOT of dancing while singing. They somehow manage it.

I agree here. Confessions was exactly what she should have been doing I think--modern but slightly retro dance/pop. That's my main problem with Hard Candy (plus she usually works with producers who are up and comers--to jump on the Timbaland bandwagon after EVERYONE even Ashlee Simpson had worked with him and his sound was played out was embarassing as a fan), but you're right. Even though she might stand more of a chance with US radio now that thanks to Gaga and others dance music is FINALLY played on US radio (for a long time that stuff would only play in the UK and a bit in Canada), she's reached the period in her career of being an album artist. (As in the UK my fave Kylie seems to have just become, etc). Meaning the lead single usually does well--and she does seem to want to guarantee US play with hiring rent a rappers. But the followup singles make absolutely NO impact, though the album itself sells well. It's partly her fanbase being older, also enough people are fans that they pick up the album instead of downloading singles, etc. That was again what horrified me about Hard Candy (also it seemed ironic that just as the US was moving more into dance/pop Madonna was channeling a year or two before doing a more urban sound--again behind the curve for once). I think it would be silly to complain that Madonna was still doing pop/dance based music--that's her thing, and comments on age appropriateness seem silly to me--but sometimes I worry about things that come off a bit desperate. I know Kylie, who's exactly ten years Madonna's junior is starting to get debates about it too--but as a fan I liek that she sticks to what she does best--but it's in details like Madonna collaborating with young stars (I also find it funny that for her last tour she cut the dancers age in the auditions at 25--I don't expect her to hire dancers her age, but umm maybe 30 or something would make it a bit less like grandma dancing with her grandkids ). Yes although her tours have ALWAYS Been largely live, and since Drowned World have been almost completely live (obviously sometimes she has backing vocals pre recorded, etc). She works hard to do this--her live vocals aren't great (though they've improved), but I appreciate the effort--as I mentioned when these concerts are released to DVD she always sweetens and corrects the vocals, but that's fairly common on DVDs even by people who CAN sing. But yes a majority of her other performances are synched--sometimes this isn't her fault (for elaborate performances on tv, the kind she does, many shows ASK that you lip synch--the Superbowl included), but she's had some pretty dismal live performances on TV (I think one was Power of Goodbye at some awards show, it's hideous).

I do think the rent-a-rapper thing is tired (i was hoping she had given that up with Hard Candy). I dunno, I think this time the video is actually poking fun at how people say she's age inappropriate--maybe I'm being unfair. It's a cute song, love the 60s surf guitar, though I expected more from her working with French DJ Martin S (who did Hello with Dragonette which is everywhere now). As a lead single it's disappointing, as an album track it would be fine. Still, not to pick on you alphan, but this is not remotely "techno" it's probably one of her least techno singles since the mid 90s--maybe you meant something else?

I agree--the Confessions tour was really note perfect--it had the kinda stuff that clip shows, but the final act which was a huge disco mix of a number of her hits, was also a lot of fun. For Sticky and Sweet (granted I didn't like the album it supported as much) the costumes and "sets" seemed kinda cheap and tacky for Madonna and it just was a let down for me--obviously her shows are always great to see, even if it's disappointing, but I felt let down (I still bought the DVD though so I guess as much as I complain I'm too much of a fan). I have a good feeling this tour will be spectacular, she seems more into it again. Funny that first video is kinda the equivalent seat I had for Confessions in San Jose-- I can't remember how much the tickets were--they were pricey but they seem to have gone up with each tour. We were on the floor for Sticky and Sweet which was a fun experience, but maybe I'm just getting old, I'm glad for this tour I'm back more around where I was for Confessions. Where would you be seeing her (sorry if you already mentioned)? One thing is I'm glad she's back in Vancouver doing an arena this time--last time she played a Stadium and most of my friends were ridiculously far away, and paid way too much for that--stadiums are simply too big for the style of theatrical concert Madonna does. Angela -- that's BS about not getting to choose your seats for VIP. I guess I couldn't either--I don't know as it was all a surprise from my BF. One alternative which is actually how we got good tickets for Confessions (we missed the on sale day so got tickets a few months after they went on sale as we weren't sure if we could pay for the trip to California just to see her, but back then she seemed to completely avoid the Vancouver/Seattle era, something she's thankfully changed) is to buy them through ebay or other ticket brocker type sites. Often I wouldn't recommend that as I find it kinda unethical (although some people genuinely do buy their tickets and then sell them because they can't make it), but I know for Confessions we got ideal seats and, perhaps we just lucked out, only really ended up paying $40 dollars more , which for us was worth it. WIth your height I definitely would warn about being anywhere on the floor unless you're guaranteed very close to the catwalk and circle thing she has, or the stage. Sightlines on the ground otherwise tend to be crap with everyone standing, and no rake, though most arenas have a very decent rake angle for any seats not on the ground, so sightlines aren't usually a problem. Oh and stay away from those weird seats she always sells that are kinda in behind the stage--I guess it's obvious but it's really not a good angle to see the show.

Why does that guy want projections in 3D? I don't want to have to wear 3D glasses at a live event. On the other hand I'd love if the BluRay DVD release of it later is in 3D--Kylie's made brilliant immersive use of the format.

To be fair, the Superbowl is often lip synched--Madonna sings basically live at her tours (sometimes I wish she wouldn't) although she does re-record her vocals ioften for the DVD releases of the concerts. I dunno, normally I agree with you--but when I did see Britney (who I am not a huge fan of) last time because a friend was so into her, the lip synching really made the whole show so lifeless--but it's partly because Britney no longer gives her all to the dancing, she just sleepwalks around. I've also seen Janet Jackson who sings only the ballads live, but she did give a good performance. On the other hand when I saw Kylie last year--who has worked hard to sing live 100%, her vocals were awesome and it didn't sacrifice from the movement (though she's not as much a dancer as Madonna is). While I'm excited to go to my fourth Madonna tour--I admit I wish she'd work with someone beside Jamie King for her concert, he's kinda tired now as her last tour and his work with Britney (and the dozens of other tours he does a year) proves--just like his Superbowl routine for her seemed to be inspired by Kylie's Gladiator themed tour he and Madonna saw three times. And I admit I do think she overchanrges--her tours are amazing but she complains about how the front rows are always filled with bored middle aged fans who don't know her new material, as well as corporate tickets and not fans. If she charged a bit less, that could change. Her tours are expensive to sage but not nearly for what they charge--Kylie's last tour reportedly cost nearly twice as much as Sticky and Sweet (largely due to the fountain and waterworks) but tickets cost a third. But I guess if people are willing to pay, Madonna doesn't have to change that.

Honestly I speak from experience VIP tickets are NOT worth it. I was given them to her last tour (which was probably her worst--I expect a lot more this time) from the guy I was datring, but besides getting decent seats (and I got better seats this time anyway for Vancouver). I suppose the really expensive ones where you go backstage would be fun, but not worth the cost IMHO. The other ones basically give you decent seats and sawg like the program you can buy anyway.

I'm still willing to see the explanation. I'm not sure I believe Daniel was meant to originally die--wouldn't that have given away a big plot element early on? Doesn't ti make more sense that they'd want us to think that and then sweitch it? I agree about the Japanese guy though--but was that actually the box? Shouldn't Amanda have checked?

"Though QV hadn't corrected him, there's a significant difference between the assumption of rape and someone flat-out saying that they were raped. " Was the line many of us objected to. In this case there really is not a *significant* difference whatsoever. Anyway--great episode, I should have seen the twist coming but didn't. Totally lost on the "mysterious oriental's" role in this episode though--did he shoot Tyler?

I'm sorry about your surgery. Do you think they hold up well because soaps were better even ten years back, or due to quality, or a combination of the two? When I watch the late 90s ABC soaps, for example (well at least AMC and The City--I had stopped following GH by then and OLTL was a mess at that era) I always kinda wonder which it is. As bitter as I was about The City being canceled just as it found its feet, I did watch the first few months of PC and enjoyed it more than I expected--but then with a major move I only really kept track of AMC and OLTL to a lesser extent and didn't delve back in (briefly) until the story arcs started.

I hope Jack went psycho and found her secret stash. JackP--this was the first time we saw her have a past with Daniel.

Thanks as well--I guess I'll have to go through my tapes now again (though I was going to anyway to digitize them). I always had the feeling--and this is probably just conjecture on my part--that Nixon liked Addie Walsh so I wonder if she picked the change and if she stayed on as official consultant or only got that on screen credit after B/E joined. (I know in various opublications throught Loving's run they mention that AGnes Nixon is some weird title like Exectuive Head Writer for AMC and consultant for Loving--this seemed to last at AMC till the late 90s, maybe even till her run in 99-2000, and she did get on screen credit for consulting The City). Also wonder if Addie was just an interim writer (she was on AGnes Nixon's '93/'94 team) or why they hired B/E so soon after. Of course even though I loved a lot of Nixon's crazy run, and with Walsh was one of the better--by far--of the other Loving writers, they didn't do much with ratings).

I need to go over my tapes again, and you know so much about Loving that I had to sound anagl and argue this--but I was pretty obsessed with trying to get some sorting of when who wrote what, and had Walsh (with McCarthy) between Taggert and Nixon not after. I think one of the articles Carl posted mentioned Nixon HW it very late 94 with B/E announced to come in soon to replace her but with her as consultant. But...

Ha they've had similarly random casting throughout it's run.

I forgot all about that woman from Passions playing her shrink--because she was an ex of Richie's or something? I wish B/E had played up the "is Annie crazy or is Richie crazy" angle--it had some good moments...

DC thanks, that's fascianting. I have a lot of Loving on video from that time--didn't Nixon actually follow Addie Walsh's second run at the show--and then she stayed on as official consultant (though it sounds like she was for most of Loving's run) when Brown and Esensten took over? I did like Steffi and Cooper as a couple, partly due to their shared traumas--and Heinle did at least for me work well in the role. Gilbert/Jerem,y was kinda a bust of a story, honestly... For some reason I thought Angie had started seeing Jacobn by Sep of '94...

Galen was the first time I encountered that "The role of so and so will now be played by" announcement they used to always have. Brunette Galen was barely on at all -- a couple of months at most? Of course blonde Galen really didn't have much to do exceptt eh Carter Jones story and a boring relationshipwith Stephen who didn't have too much to do either...

It's an example of Pratt and how he approaches stories I think... The fact that mousy Marissa was introduced on the show as someone who performed at a "happy ending" massage oparloud for crying out loud... I liked Marissa more when recast, but... (Still can't believe Brittany won an Emmy)

You're forgiven because most of Helgfa's true glory era isn't online and you missed it, but Helga was *perfection* and brilliant terrorizing Erica in Budapest. There's a reason few fans of the era have forgotten her

Are you denying she didn't realize that that was how Daniel interpreted it and was happy he saw it that way?

The cheapest I've seen the complete set is for just over $500. Still a steal compared to the sets (which with the Amazon discounts--NOT list prices--come to about $1300 for all, and significantly more under list price). Kinda miffed I already have about a dozen of the sets--and I can't really afford the lump sum anytime soon anyway so I'll probably just continue to buy the regular ones whenever I get the urge and have some money--I'm already going through them fairly slowly in bursts--this and Peyton Place--so). BluRay WOULD make sense for disc room--kinda weird they didn't do that--but many fans wanted full on HDTV transfers which is kinda ridiculous. Some people don't realize that BluRay can't really improve the image of a 1960s videotaped show... (ANd I doubt MPV would want to remaster them all yet again anyway). Warner Bros who owns the first two films has said a late 2012 or early 2013 release for them is finally set, I assume to go with the DVD release of the Burton movie--is it under WB? I could see them doing some deluxe box set. I haven't liked a Burton movie in years--and don't get me started about what those three did to my beloved Sweeney Todd (although to be fair they did at least keep it more faithful than they did with, say, Alice...), though I do think Carter, when not directed by her husband, is still capable of better. But I suspect the film, regardless of quality, WILL bring ina number of new fans wanting to check out the originals.

Absolutely ridiculous Sorry, but I think it is. Whether she wanted him to get that impression initially, or she clued in suddenly that he was getting that impression and went with it, it's just as guilty a sin IMHO particularly when dealing with something as serious as this. You can't excuse behaviour because someone quietly and consciously allows someone to believe a crime, rather than flat out says it.

In SOD they recently mentioned that Michael Grande murder cover and said they were promised and guaranteed that the killer WAS on the cover, only to find out it wasn't true.... Was O'Shea fired by Rauch? I know she briefly wrote Capitol. (is IMDB right and she was on an episode of Neighbours??)

I think Bennett in general was ok, but overated. I found it funny that in a recent SOW interview he seemed so dismissive of soaps in general and his time on them. Chris was always an awful idea--I used to blame it on the actor, but I think everything about the character was ill conceived (I can't even remember if they explained his relation to Ryan or retconned that). Liz H seems to be yet another actor who Y&R has ruined... She did have a lot of charisma on the show, even with the heavy handed abuse storyline. I wonder if they ever tried to get her back to play out Bianca's story with Zack under Pratt--it would have made far more sense (as awful as the plot point was) that she would make out with a man, due to her past, than a random new character.