02-07-2008, 23:36
It's apples and oranges to me. Sometimes live recordings of performances can capture their magic but I prefer to be present at the venue. It really varies artist to artist. Some are better in the studio, some are better live. Sometimes the studio becomes an instrument in itself, as pioneered by the Beatles and George Martin.
Even at a live performance you're not necessarily hearing the music exactly as it is performed. The mixing desk and PA system can enhance or hinder the sound.
If something is recorded, I think I prefer the studio recorded album as opposed to a live album. But then again a lot of the music I like cannot be produced live anyways. Or not in the same way.
An interesting side note - it used to be the studio session tried to mimic the live performance's sound. Now its often the other way around.
Even at a live performance you're not necessarily hearing the music exactly as it is performed. The mixing desk and PA system can enhance or hinder the sound.
If something is recorded, I think I prefer the studio recorded album as opposed to a live album. But then again a lot of the music I like cannot be produced live anyways. Or not in the same way.
An interesting side note - it used to be the studio session tried to mimic the live performance's sound. Now its often the other way around.