Which is Better: Music Recordings or Live Concerts?
Live music and recorded music both have their perks. Moreover, answering the question of which is better is pretty subjective as it boils down to personal preference; however, both can offer unique experiences.
The reasons some people might not like attending concerts can center around social concerns. For example, if they are traveling with a group, they may be concerned about the members of their groups’ opinions regarding the music or hygiene concerns (like getting sick because of others). Another potential issue is that music may be too loud (or too soft) and the fine substiles that re so easy to capture in a controlled recording environment is far more difficult in a live setting. If you are traveling to a concert alone and don’t like the music, you can leave, but that may not be a viable option, because let’s face it concert tickets are expensive! However, the atmosphere and energy of a concert are unlike anything you could get through a recording.
With recorded music (in the privacy of your own home) you don’t have to be subjected to social pressures, and the volume is yours to control. If you don’t like the song, it’s easy to skip. If you have a good set up, chances are the sound could be a bit clearer, too. Perhaps you could get some of the energy you would get from a live concert by watching a live recording if the energy is something you are concerned about.
Recordings allow for a more altered sound as the music was not only recorded in a controlled environment but was also heavily edited before released. Because we are now more exposed to recorded music, we may carry over and expect that perceived perfectionism in live concerts as well.