Live versus Studio recordings

90% (or more) of the time i prefer the studio version.
Clearly.
Although with mixing tricks, it is usually the perfect version.
But it is also true that there are live moments when the bands have transcended themselves and surpassed the studio releases. Sometimes in the entire album (Made in Japan / Deep Purple; Paris / Supertramp; Live Tapes / Barclay James Harvest, etc.), other times only in some songs. In this last case I count for example the Dire Straits in Alchemy. Telegraph Road (and other songs but i like so much Telegraph road) sounds uninteresting and yet Sultans of Swing was absolutely unforgettable.
 
I’m not sure place is important. I prefer recordings where the band plays together - be it live or in the studio. Doesn’t matter much as both are usually multi-track multi-mike affairs anyway.

Playing together is more human, more organic sounding - just more “right” as the musicians play off each other. I don’t like the “perfect” studio recordings that are tracked, over-dubbed, and perfected until all the life is gone.
 
UltraFast69 said:
For some reason, not knowing why, I am just not a big fan of live recordings, not all, but most.

Anyone have a preference or does it matter since it is still music?


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2 ways to define 'live' recordings.

---50 years ago it meant with an audience.

---now it means it's done without editing or overdubs.

and then there is another subset which is live to 2-track. and another subset of live to 2-track tape.

likely my most valued recordings fall into one of these categories......and it's no coincidence that the majority of those are 50+ years old. when the performers had to just go do it right the first time or they did not get invited back, the cream rose to the top, and we had some amazing talents making our music. and the process was pure.

in 100 years those will be the enduring recordings.
 
A go-to live recording for me is Sara Bareilles - Braveheart: Live at the Variety Playhouse. Also, all of the Jazz at the Pawnshop recordings from Arne Domnerus are also excellent.

For me, it’s all about the recording. I have a few ‘bootlegs’ of the Allman Brothers recorded off the mixing board which should be but are not, great. SQ is just awful.
 
I think a lot of the classic's i grew up with were studio. Who, Clash, Police, Bowie, Sex Pistols, Van Halen, Aerosmith. That shaped my preference for studio.

Now I go more for something new I have not heard and I gravitate to what is recorded well. And I very much prefer musicians that know how to play. And musicians that interact with other members of the band. That equals enjoying live.
 
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