compare and contrast:

two very lyric strong songs, two singers, two featured acoustic guitars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAchKt2xjsw

vs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVC2cszdTao

two different venues, one mass spectacle, one intimate.

does one serve the song better?

SUPERBOWL 45 2011 HALF TIME BLACK EYED PEAS [HD] (Property of NFL/Fox)

Perhaps we can start off our discussion of spectacle by talking about one of America's biggest: the Superbowl Halftime Show.

Some questions to consider:

As spectacles go, this tradition is among the biggest, engendering tons of media hype and criticism. But how do we critique such a spectacle? What makes a good or bad Halftime show?

Obviously lots of pyrotechnics are involved (fireworks, LED body-suits) but lots of low-tech elements are involved (singing, choreography). Which effects are successful and which are distracting or superfluous? Which would be as effective (or more effective) in a smaller setting?

Are there things other artists can learn from such a spectacle, as either a negative example (something to critique) or positive example (something to emulate)?