chessrock said:
Actually, you can't.
You only think you can. If you actually believe this statement is true, then you have issues with reality.
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We'll agree to disagree. I've seen many awesome stage shows, few of which were flawless. Even less come up to the level of musical production that can be found on their CD. But that's what their CD is for.
Frankly, I don't mind a "raw" sounding track. Sounds more organic to me. The latest CD by Jars of Clay is almost completely recorded in one take, and sounds sooo smooth, even through a couple of iffy bars here and there.
Maybe you don't get what I mean by "inconsistent". I don't mean blowing choruses and missing chords. I mean things like slight pitch imperfections in the vocals or slightly fumbling through a technical part of a guitar solo... Maybe dropping a stick in the middle of the third set.
Bottom line is, there is not a single one of use here who can execute a perfect performance. Ever. Anyone who thinks he can is deluding himself. We strive for perfection in hopes of achieving excellence. The only difference between live playing and studio work is that you get more chances to get it "more" right in the studio.
And we've all heard bands who sound better live than on their CD (and vice versa).
Really, comparing live music to recorded music is like comparing a movie to a novel. The novel's sole purpose is to sell itself - the story. The movie has to sell the story, the actors, the effects, the direction... Same thing. The studio recording is really only selling the music. A live show sells the music, the band members, the stage, the lights, the audience, the pounding volume, the excitement...
So I stand behind my statement. Inconsistent live playing can be overcome by a strong live show.
