Thinking back, the version from the OES tour were pretty poor too. Pacy though!
Talking about showing off, the TR from OES was really show off: yes pacy and incredible solo, but ruined by this impression that the song is rushed just to buy some time. Cut intro, stupid sax solo, digusting pedal steel all over the place,... yes pacy, but actually too pacy !!
Alchemy was much better I think, more soul (but a bit rough, lacked the smoothing synth from Guy). Great on video though, the only version we have
Would have loved an alternate one like Madrid 2001 on video...
Also, the very first ones (80/81) were very touching by their freshesh, experimention with the song, and nice guitar sound... This San Remo 81 is one of the bests... hearing young Mark saying "This is a new song !"
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