Live Albums: Fun but Unnecessary, or Important for "True Fans"

~~James~~ · 04-14-2015, 02:11 PM

I'd say the latter, but those inverted commas are really passive aggressive.
It's not really fair to lump in all people who enjoy live albums with the kind of douchebags that say things like 'true fan'. I think it really depends on the artist and the genre, as Janszoon said Jazz albums work very well recorded live, particularly with improvisational albums. Most bands can't really translate to that medium well though. The main problem with live albums is that they really can't capture the full experience of seeing a band live. Even with the best live albums you get the sense you're missing out on a portion of the enjoyment. I love going to shows, but it sounds and feels better in a way that audio recording can't really capture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I view recorded music and live music as essentially two different kinds of art, like theater and cinema. Just because Star Wars would make a lame stage play doesn't diminish what a great movie it is. Likewise with very studio-oriented music.

This is a great analogy!

Plankton · 04-14-2015, 02:15 PM

Who says Star Wars wouldn't make a great stage play?

**Janszoon** · 04-14-2015, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plankton

Who says Star Wars wouldn't make a great stage play?

I sez.

Ninetales · 04-14-2015, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plankton

Can I hear an example of what you mean?

this could be a cheat since live drums are actually in this album, but most of it is splicing things together and adding effects that I don't think would translate well live, especially since it's just one guy. still one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard.

Nameless · 04-14-2015, 02:27 PM

Live albums are pretty much the only way to hear a lot of Elliott Smith songs without the drums added in, and some live albums are just plain better than studio ones by the same bands to me. King Crimson has some live albums that I think put most of their studio ones to shame. Arcade Fire too, I don't even listen to them and I like some live album of theirs someone had me listen to.

Plankton · 04-14-2015, 02:31 PM

Ok, I get it now.

I've got no problem with the fact that people use certain technologies that won't translate to a live performance. Kind of like this too:

SoundClick artist: PRD Solo Project - page with MP3 music downloads

I won't be playing that one live anytime soon.

Chula Vista · 04-14-2015, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

Even with the best live albums you get the sense you're missing out on a portion of the enjoyment.

To a degree of course. But there's some kick ass live albums where you definitely get the sense you are "there".

(ya, I know, all dad rock)

BloodFoxTK · 04-14-2015, 03:43 PM

personally, i think AC/DC exceeded themselves here.

^_^ my favorite song made even better.

04-14-2015, 02:15 PM	#22 (permalink)
Plankton Just Keep Swimming... Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: See signature... Posts: 7,765	Who says Star Wars wouldn't make a great stage play? __________________ See location...

04-14-2015, 02:31 PM	#26 (permalink)
Plankton Just Keep Swimming... Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: See signature... Posts: 7,765	Ok, I get it now. I've got no problem with the fact that people use certain technologies that won't translate to a live performance. Kind of like this too: SoundClick artist: PRD Solo Project - page with MP3 music downloads I won't be playing that one live anytime soon. __________________ See location...

04-14-2015, 03:43 PM	#28 (permalink)
BloodFoxTK the only fox you need! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: South Island, Mobius Posts: 233	personally, i think AC/DC exceeded themselves here. ^_^ my favorite song made even better. __________________ https://card.psnprofiles.com/2/BloodFoxTK.png

04-14-2015, 02:27 PM	#25 (permalink)
Nameless Fat girls in yoga pants Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 152	Live albums are pretty much the only way to hear a lot of Elliott Smith songs without the drums added in, and some live albums are just plain better than studio ones by the same bands to me. King Crimson has some live albums that I think put most of their studio ones to shame. Arcade Fire too, I don't even listen to them and I like some live album of theirs someone had me listen to.