reasons a band sounds better or worse live?

[jabumbo]

i was just listening to this song by the band mute math, and i really think that it sounded a lot better live because that version of the song was a lot dirtier/rougher sounding.

it could have been partly the fact that the live show had the volume really loud and it fit with the music better, but i dunno.


any thoughts on this?

[ericlee]

I think live shows sound much better because you're alot more hyped rather than just listening on your stereo.

One thing that I can't understand is why when I watch a youtube vid of Clutch live, they sound like shit but, if you actually go and see them live, it's pretty amazing.

I do hate going to a show and the whole band is wasted out of their minds. It's ok to play with a buzz on but, if totally fucked up then it could get in the way.

Alice in Chains is an example. Furkin Layne was so damn messed up and his singing just sucked. I lost interest on that show.

[Adam]

imho, all good bands sound better live because it has energy and they play together and know how to play together.

crap bands sound crap live because they are crap. Like bands simon cowell and crew would put together, they are just there cus they look nice and can be exploited. And they are just to serve people who want to hear the only album (probably in order) they'll ever release.

So yeah, live music all the way.

[mikizee]

Being an ex audio engineer I'm surprised most bands sound anything like their cd live. This is because so much stuff and effort and little things are put into the band's sound for their CD during production that can never be replicated on stage. The producer/engineer wants the band to sound as good as possible so normally there's a huge gap between the band's sound on the record and reality.

Case in point - At The Drive In

[Documad]

Seeing a band live is the only way for me to know whether they have any musical talent. You have no idea what happened in the studio to make the CD sound good, but if you see them live at the right kind of venue it's impossible for them to cover their lack of ability. Sometimes talented musicians get bad sound though. I've attended a few concerts where the guitar was too loud and I couldn't hear the singer, etc.

Although I generally prefer seeing a rock band instead of an acoustic show, you can't help but but appreciate the real musicianship when you see someone like Rufus Wainwright, Ben Folds, or Richard Thompson with just one instrument and a voice.

One of my biggest surprises was that Coldplay was much better live than on CD. And they were best when the band turned off the light show and just did a couple of impromptu songs standing on the front of the stage. It makes me think that they should get rid of whoever's been producing them, but I suppose that they fanbase likes the too-clean/samey-samey CD sound. And of course I didn't care much for the White Stripes until I saw them live. And I expected Moby to be all studio tricks but he was good live.

[Documad]

Also, there are very few musicians who are good at on-stage banter, but the ones who can do it are some of my favorites bands to see over and over. Banter depends on good sound though. I can't stand shows where you can't hear what anyone is saying. You hear, "blah grr blah grrr blah grr Minneapolis!" and the crowd roars for no good reason.

[Jadge Fucking 1]

beer in plastic pint 'glasses'; it's the key

[Frank Black]

keyboards thru guitar amps! irritation of being on feet! energy used in making musical event occur! pyrotechnics! hitting other folk! loud!

[Drederick Tatum]

most punk and hardcore sounds way better live. the music makes sense in some small shitty club, but listening at home you realize the reason they play so loud and scream so much, is that they can't play or sing for shit.

[jabumbo]

Also, there are very few musicians who are good at on-stage banter, but the ones who can do it are some of my favorites bands to see over and over. Banter depends on good sound though. I can't stand shows where you can't hear what anyone is saying. You hear, "blah grr blah grrr blah grr Minneapolis!" and the crowd roars for no good reason.


a lot of people really underrate the quality banter that some groups have. it really makes the difference between a good show and a great show i think. its great when the singer can crack in a few jokes about the local scene while providing some insight behind a particular song or what not.

[Randetica]

i love hearing live music when im there, live.
but i usually prefer normal cds over live ones since it has better sound quality, no audience attention whoring aka aka aka

and i love missing the topic point once again (y)

[Adam]

a lot of people really underrate the quality banter that some groups have. it really makes the difference between a good show and a great show i think. its great when the singer can crack in a few jokes about the local scene while providing some insight behind a particular song or what not.

Ben Folds is the best I've seen for this. Only seen him twice play live but sometimes he'll go on for about 10 minutes and you don't notice he hasn't played alt except for the odd tune on the piano.

[Junker]

Seeing a band live is the only way for me to know whether they have any musical talent. You have no idea what happened in the studio to make the CD sound good, but if you see them live at the right kind of venue it's impossible for them to cover their lack of ability.

Exactly my thoughts (y)