The arrival of stereo video machines in the UK has opened up new possibilities, for the music industry in terms of reproducing stereo music, and for the music listener to enjoy stereo live performances or dedicated video productions. Like all new things, the promotional blurb may sound that a new step in the video era has been reached, and whilst the potential is obviously there, only a few enterprising groups and companies are currently exploiting the media. Thorn EMI are one of the few major distributors who recognise the value of the stereo music video and who are eager to have their tapes reviewed. No doubt other companies will get round to promoting this important part of the video scene — after all, one of the first ideas put across with video was 'it'll be great to see as well as hear musicians performing'.

Another question being asked is how well the stereo machine reproduces music. We do our reviewing on the JVC HR7650EK with its stereo capability and Dolby noise reduction. This is certainly as good as any of the currently available VHS systems. Nevertheless, in general use the Dolby system is always left in to reduce hiss and, having recently changed video hire shops, I must admit that a lot of hums and clicks that I used to get have disappeared — and there's consistent quality in the picture too. (How do you get anyone to admit that they are copies done on two earthed machines with a nasty hum loop between?). What of the actual sound quality? If you try a stereo 'film' as opposed to 'music video', you'll find that you've nine times out of ten got an obvious background hiss.

Two current videos in this type are 'Venom' and 'Halloween II'. The latter is particularly worth a listen (if you can stomach the action) because it's all electronic music by John Carpenter (who's also the producer) and the creaks and atmospheric sounds almost make you feel it's happening in your house. Of the music videos available, we received a copy of Hot Gossip (Thorn EMI TVE 90 05322), which was immediately snatched up by the men in the office. (We all say we have to sit close to the screen to get the best stereo effect!) There's another point here — nearly everyone I know has their hi-fi speakers (which you need to playback the video in stereo) centred round the lounge fireplace, so a drastic rearrangement of TV and hi-fi is usually required. Having sorted that part out, the video experience is undoubtedly much improved. The quality of 'Hot Gossip', a dedicated video production was acceptable, although some background hiss was apparent and this is why the video medium has a long way to go before it reaches the hi-fi quality. Don't forget, the actual tape width used by each track for music reproduction is well below the size used on standard music cassettes. Dolby is the lifesaver here, although it's a pity it's not Dolby C which certainly could have been considered. Nevertheless, the music for Arlene Phillips' visually entertaining dance troupe is well worth a listen and includes the Human League/Heaven 17 standards, 'Circus of Death', 'Geisha Boys and Temple Girls' and 'I Don't Depend on You', along with several excellent new songs.

Our stereo music video of the month must be Genesis' Three Sides Live (Thorn EMI TVE 90 0982 2). This was recorded live during recent tours in Europe and America. The sound quality is good, probably because the pieces performed are always at a reasonable sound level. This video is a concert performance type rather than a dedicated video, with the usual dominance of bright colours, and dark backgrounds in the stage shots. The whole tape last 90 mins (if you buy it it'll cost around £27) and gives virtually complete performances of some 13 songs played by the Genesis trio: Phil Collins (vocals and occasional drums), Mike Rutherford (guitar and backing vocals), Tony Banks (keyboards and backing vocals), plus Daryl Stuermer (bass guitar) and Chester Thompson (drums). Songs featured are Behind the Lines, Duchess, Misunderstanding, Dodo, Abacab, No Reply at all, Who Dunnit, In the Cage (medley), Afterglow, Me and Sarah Jane, Man on the Corner, and Turn It On Again.

The stage performances obviously focus on the vocals of Phil Collins, with occasional solos from Tony Banks (using mainly ARP Quadra, Yamaha Electric grand and Prophet with sequencer), and from Mike and Chester. Stereo effect is quite good, especially during drum solos.

Between the numbers, there's clips of the bands in dressing rooms, at interviews in America, during setting-up, on the road, and informal chats about the music. These are more fillers than positively giving you a good insight to the band — a lot more could have been done using narration so that, for example, a shot of the Prophet being serviced from an oscilloscope was clarified (do they still go out of tune?). Also, the discussion of a piece would have been better placed before its performance and not just anywhere.

Concert multitracking was by Le Mobile and the music was mixed at The Farm by Geoff Callingham. Overall it's an interesting film, with some interesting playing techniques made more apparent — take Tony Banks' frequent holding of the lowest root keynote as he plays the Prophet with both hands.

Videomusic chart produced by Adrians Video Club who also can supply all listed videos through their mail order service. Contact Adrians Video Club, (Contact Details), mentioning E&MM of course!