The thread on "New Ways" really got me thinking about the Supremes in concert, and how completely DIFFERENT their live act was from the 60's to the 70's. I'm not talking about the sound or the songs per se [[except maybe the overture), but the overall flow.

In the 60's, everything seemed very calculated, very scripted, very tight. Mary always looks so grand; her arm gestures are effortless. Cindy is light and airy like cotton candy. And Diana, well, honey, Diana is Diana. And while there is a fair amount of choreography, Diana, Mary, and Cindy float around onstage in unison in a very small capacity.

Then you've got the 70's Supremes. It's sort of a free-for-all. Twists and turns and instead of a cohesive group, you've got three individuals going for it! Who do you keep your eyes on? Who is going to trip over the miles of microphone cord? Scherrie is cutting up in the audience, Mary is stage left snapping in large circles and doing a TCB twirl, Susaye is stage right hootin' and hollerin' for Jesus. There's choreography, and an Arabian scarf dance, and champagne flowing! Is it a concert, or a three-ring circus?