Your Take: Live vs. Recorded
Yesterday, CM Wilcox reviewed Steel Magnolia’s first single, “Keep On Loving You.” The duo is the newly crowned victor of the CMT show Can You Duet.
CM posed an interesting question on the very different aspects of an artist’s live performance versus his or her recorded performances on records and radio:
As past Nashville Star and American Idol contestants can attest, winning a television singing competition isn’t the same as winning a slot on ever-shrinking radio playlists, much less a long-term career in music. In fact, the very quality that often makes acts stand out on such shows–sounding polished and professional, like something you’d hear on the radio–can, ironically, hurt an artist’s prospects when it comes to winning actual radio play.
All of the sudden, these artists are launched into a new game where everything sounds as good as what you hear on the radio, but there’s only enough space for a fraction of it. Having proven their ability to fit in to the commercial scene, these acts are charged with the new task of differentiating themselves within that scene.
That’s basically the challenge Can You Duet winners Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones, a real-life couple whose musical partnership comes tagged with the rather uninspired Steel Magnolia moniker, face with their debut single. Coupled with that, there’s the additional oddness (on the audience’s end) of hearing for the first time what you’ve only seen on the show. Steel Magnolia gives standout live performances (a fact which helped it win the competition), but live performances and studio recordings are altogether different beasts. Will the magic translate, or will viewers find that stage presence blinded them to underlying musical deficiencies?
Which artists have put out records and/or radio singles that you enjoyed, only to deliver a poor live performance? Which artist’s live performance changed your mind about recorded music you’d previously disregarded?
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Current Discussion
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- Mayor JoBob: Brad Paisley, David Ball and Highway 101!!!!!!
- Noeller: Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Eric Church and Zac Brown Band. It's the Bearded Saviours of Country Tour - would ...
- Sparkles: OMG - have you seen this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYENOUcaAsM I LOVE DOLLY!!!!
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- Bob: Suzy Bogguss and Hal Ketchum
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- Steve M.: George and Tammy. After they had been drinking.
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September 5, 2009 at 10:40 am Permalink
Ok..I’ve always said I was a Carrie fan and I give her or try to give her an honest critique. But the one thing I can’t fault her for (with the exception of an early award show performance of “Jesus Take the Wheel” where her emotion or nerves had her singing her last note out of tune), is she sings live better than her records. I honestly would rather play repeats of Opry, Grammy, CMA, ACM, specials and my own concert footage of her live performances than play her record. Just me.
AS for “Steel Magnolia”, I liked their arrangement and performance of “Keep On Loving You” better on “Can You Duet”. I thought the production of this song ruined it for me.
September 5, 2009 at 11:56 am Permalink
I think Jo Dee Messina sounded even better live than on the records to me =)
September 5, 2009 at 12:09 pm Permalink
Honestly, I just saw Keith Anderson with Chris Young (who I went to see) and While I’ve liked some of Anderson’s songs he wasn’t that great live. Now, it could’ve been because he was on the final date of a stretch of the tour or it could’ve been sound or some other problems but it didn’t inspire me to want to go see him live again.
Steel Magnolia was brilliant live and I like the single too so they’re about the same to me.
As for a band who made me want to listen to their records again, there haven’t been too many that inspired me to want to do that.
September 5, 2009 at 1:48 pm Permalink
Rodney Atkins. I think everybody would agree. His howling at the CMA’s in 2008 was embarrassing. But then again Rascal Flatts sounds pretty bad on those shows too.
September 5, 2009 at 2:08 pm Permalink
Taylor Swift CANNOT sing live AT ALL…It’s awful. It is a shame that travisty (sp.) continues to gain success.
I have heard George Jones and Merle Haggard both sound amazing and mediocre…at different times…either just having an off night.
Brad Paisley is usually pretty good on any given show.
Cherryholmes is one of the finest there is, especially when Cia is taking the lead…but they are all very good live.
The Lost Trailers couldn’t pay me to listen to another minute of their performance or recordings. Absolute CRAP!!
Trent Tomlinson is usually a fine singer live, very true to the recording, but keep the shirt on. Not only is it contrite, but distracting in it dumbness…which takes away from his fantastic music.
Miranda Lambert is always a pleasure to listen to and look at.
Her boyfriend, Blake Shelton, is good…but should concentrate on his stuff more live and drop most of the cheesy bar covers. Blake…You already have the crowd there for ya, don’t lose us with bad bar songs we can here in any local watering hole on any given weekend.
Kenny Chesney & Toby Keith seems to distract the crowd from their so-so vocals with rockets, bombs and an un-called for horn section. I guess whatever works to keep living the illusion.
Saw Rascal Flatts years ago when they started touring….Absolutely Amazing….Saw them in the last couple years…Complacent as all hell….Gary, are you relying on studio trickery that much??
On an up note…I went to a show in Knoxville a few months ago with Trace Adkins and Billy Currington. While Trace & Billy were fine…the surprise was the opening, opening act…Jeremy McComb. McComb played his early set (sun still beating down) like he was headlining the night. Pulling the crowd into his music..even when the power failed…McComb continued to sing and play his guitar to those of us who were in ear shot and could hear him with NO PA…until the power came back and he finished that song (Cold) and his set. That performance made me find his CD and it is just as a pleasant surprise as McComb being on that show.
September 5, 2009 at 4:21 pm Permalink
Mayor Jobob, NEVER gauge a performer based on an award show. They are notorious for their bad sound.
September 5, 2009 at 4:59 pm Permalink
Chris Young sounds fantastic live.
Brad Paisley has live moments that make me wonder why he’s an A-Lister. Don’t get me wrong, he’s one of my top 3 favorite contemporary country acts, he just has some real vocal performance clunkers now and again.
I saw Blake Shelton as a special guest on a PBS special with that Josh Buble or Michael Groban guy or whoever, and he really held his own. I was impressed.
September 5, 2009 at 5:19 pm Permalink
I live near Nashville and have seen many of the country artists live. And believe me they ALL have a bad day now and then. Not everyone can be “on” each and everytime.
Saw Trace Atkins last year..Did not care for him live. Have seen Rodney Atkins a few times and thought he did a pretty good show live. I agree with the Taylor Swift comment. She is not that good as a live singer..seems she gets out of breath. Luke Bryan was so so.. and James Otto is okay. In the end it will always come down to personal opinions.
September 5, 2009 at 5:48 pm Permalink
I’m a big Taylor Swift fan, but she has no vocal control live.
Keith Urban is one of the best live acts I’ve ever seen, easily lives up to any expectations.
Carrie Underwood I’ve only seen once, at CMA Fest 08, but she went for big notes too many times, and occasionally went off-pitch a little due to that.
Brooks & Dunn sounds identical live to their records. I don’t consider this a compliment.
Miranda Lambert is excellent live – really in the zone, great vocals and great band.
Sara Evans is ok live. A bit dull, but nothing actively wrong.
September 5, 2009 at 6:55 pm Permalink
@Steve Harvey: I find it hard to not be transfixed by Sara Evans’ hand motions when she sings. I love that about her.
September 5, 2009 at 6:59 pm Permalink
The Hot Club of Cowtown has an amazing energy during live performances that just doesn’t translate onto their studio recordings, and especially their latest “Wishful Thinking”. They are one of my all time favorite live bands.
Another band that was tremendous live but whose studio recordings tended to sound boring was BR5-49. They were so focused on sounding old-timey and traditional that the studio sound was likely intentional but I think misguided. Their live album “Coast To Coast” reveals what they should have sounded like on all their recordings (well except for co-lead singer Gary Bennett progressively losing his voice during the set…)
I listen to the Opry shows on a regular basis and the two vocalists that always seem to be having an “off night” are Rodney Atkins and Sucky Covington. Most of the current artists featured at least sound acceptable. As much as I like Jypsi its common for Lillie Mae Rische’s vocals to be all over the map but vener as annoying as Taylor Swift when she starts to screech.
September 5, 2009 at 7:04 pm Permalink
I actually prefer Sara Evans live because live she can’t detwang her vocals.
September 5, 2009 at 7:10 pm Permalink
Robert Earl Keen is pretty amazing live, even better then his recordings. The stars of the Texas music scene thrive on live shows-unlike frauds from American Idol, they have had to learn their craft the hard and correct way, on the road.
September 5, 2009 at 7:59 pm Permalink
Todd Snider.
September 5, 2009 at 8:02 pm Permalink
@zaynjones…
Miranda Lambert is amazing live and recorded.
Kenny Chesney & Taylor Swift, however, are terrible live!!!! They truly can’t sing.
Trisha Yearwood, Sugarland, Tim McGraw… They never fail in either area.
September 5, 2009 at 8:33 pm Permalink
Rascal Flatts aren’t that bad live. They have many off performances, but many great ones as well. All live performaces of “Bless The Broken Road” are stellar, along with their cover of Vince Gill’s “Whenever You Come Around.” The performance of “Here Comes Goodbye” on the ACM’s was a vast improvment from how they usually sound live. They also did an excellent job performing “She Goes All The Way” on Oprah in 2007; not to mention a stellar meledy at “Christmas In Washington” in 2005. They also always sound decent on the Today Show or Good Morning America, I think. They always sound pretty good on the CMT Awards as well. They do a very good LIVE version of the Star Spangled Banner that can be found on youtube; no Taylor Swift comparison is needed. The one rendition I’ve heard from her is the worst performance I’ve ever seen. Terrible.
I think Rodney Atkins is bad live, as well as Bucky Covington. Kenny usually stays on key, but his voice is boring it doesn’t even matter. (:
Taylor Swift, as everyone mentioned, is not very good live; she can pull off “White Horse” and “Tim McGraw” though.
Despite the fact that Kellie Pickler was on American Idol, she can sound pretty bad live.
I think there are plenty of excellent live singers in country though.
Keith, Jason Aldean, and Darius Rucker come to mind in terms of male singers.
I know everyone thinks Ronnie Dunn is excellent…I say he’s above-average at best.
For females, Carrie and Martina are obvious choices, but Lambert is good as well.
For groups, I think Lady A and Little Big Town are stellar both live and recorded. But, ironically I’m not a huge fan of either band. Sugarland is pretty good, but more often than not Jenifer’s voice is painful to listen to, especially live. I think Rascal Flatts can be decent on certain songs, as I mentioned above. I think for them it often depends though. I’ve seen stellar performances on Ellen, a few not so good; sometimes they are good on the Opry, sometimes bad, etc.
September 5, 2009 at 8:35 pm Permalink
I’ve actually heard Taylor Swift live versus on t.v. and you tube awards performances and she is a much better singer than most of the commentors here give her credit for. Her voice expresses her songs better than some who are considered powerful singers but don’t have the personality or emotional gift to connect to their songs or the audience. It’s very easy to make judgements either good or bad on any performers voice when sitting in a chair at home watching a t.v. screen, but often that has as little connection with how various singers sound in person as it would if you heard them through a cordless phone with bad reception. Singing is more than words set to a melody, its how much of the singer is invested in what they are saying and how much they can bring their audience into the story they are telling. That is what great singing is all about.
September 5, 2009 at 8:41 pm Permalink
Brad Paisley, B&D & Kenny still sounded great on the award shows but when Flatts & Jamie Fox sang “She Goes All the Way” it was like cats howling on a fence.
You can’t beat the old days when you had to rely on live performance because the technology was so primitive. 2 great live acts from the 1970’s were Jimmy Rabbit & Mission Mountain Wood Band.
September 5, 2009 at 8:53 pm Permalink
“Despite the fact that Kellie Pickler was on American Idol, she can sound pretty bad live.”
I think she does a great job live every time I’ve heard her. Particularily that 2007 CMA performance of “I Wonder” where she broke down in tears… absolutely amazing.
September 5, 2009 at 8:57 pm Permalink
Kellie couldn’t sing live on American Idol–she was the second tier spaz singer.
September 5, 2009 at 9:00 pm Permalink
She cries every time she sings that song anyway…
September 5, 2009 at 9:17 pm Permalink
Mayor,
I’m NOT excusing the CMA Awards perfornance, it was awful. But considering Gary did let Jamie take over for 90% it could have been much worse. He knew he was in no shape to do the performance, so he was smart and knew when to back off.
He
As I said though, they did an excellent version on Oprah a few weeks later.
Despite the fact that the performance failed, I think Gary showed he is a true performer. He could have not done the performance; it was pretty obvious that he voice was going to give out. However, he chose to risk that for Flatts fan, even though he knew the outcome wouldn’t be good.
I personally think they get way too much flack for live performances; Gary is a very talented vocalist when he is given the right song, and he, along with Jay and Joe Don, is a very talented songwriter and performer.
September 5, 2009 at 9:54 pm Permalink
I understand, it’s just that they have to raise their voices almost beyond their range in order to be heard live + bad sound equipment.
I saw Toby Keith Live on the Big Throw down tour and they had to distort the volume so much he sounded like a chipmunk. If you could even hear him at all above the fireworks and drunkards with camera phones. I’m sure they’re all fine singers.
Never see a show at the Tacoma Dome.
September 5, 2009 at 10:38 pm Permalink
Joe Nichols – saw him live and he was tone deaf. That being said, not sure if he had a cold or not.
Jason Aldean – if you need a pre-recorded track to sing part of a note on a rock cover song, don’t sing it, that’s embarassing.
Brad Paisley – Mind blowing, even better than the CD… didn’t know that was possible beforehand.
Trace Adkins – Refer to: Brad Paisley
September 5, 2009 at 11:10 pm Permalink
i think it depends on the depth of the artist. I much prefer live recordings. Obviously the main goal is for the artist to prove they can actually perform live. a sad statement about music in general. If I know an artist, such as Keith urban, is exceptional live, then I will expect alot more.
Springsteen fans keep coming back ,10-20 shows per tour, because of the amazing experience plus the “unknown factor”. One would think artists would be more diverse in their shows, but everything is so scripted from the lighting down to the stage moves, very little changes for most artists.
The most disappointing is when you expect a “career” artist to give you something different, and they go thru the motions.Which sadly is the rule not the exception. Mcgraw, keith and strait certainly come to mind immediately, as going soft for their audience.
September 5, 2009 at 11:12 pm Permalink
by “keith” i meant toby not Urban
September 6, 2009 at 8:45 am Permalink
I totally forgot about Sara Evans….That is one that I totally had to STOP listening to after seeing her live. Hearing her recordings early in her career, I so looked forward to hearing her live, only to be let down, not once BUT TWICE by her horrid pitch. Obviously a studio creation..I will NEVER buy a CD of her’s again after the 2nd one.
Trisha Yearwood is AMAZING both live and recorded…That is a TRUE singer right there!!!
Bucky Covington, while he seems like a likable fellow, should be run out of music altogether. It are people like him being allowed to continue that is so wrong….Jason Aldean too….Jason sounds great on recording, but he is awful live..Trying to be something he isn’t…a singer.
September 6, 2009 at 8:47 am Permalink
What’s it they say about opinions? My experiences with live performances are almost the complete opposite of all the above statements! No one is going to agree on what is a good live performance. I’d look to year after year tickets sales as the best measure of the “quality live performance” of an artist. If they are THAT bad, people will stop paying money to see them!
I’ve either heard those whose praises are being sung over and over on their “bad night” and those who are “going soft” or are “horrible” on that one inspired evening. My opinions are completely flipped as to what’s been written here already.
I agree you should not judge an artist on an awards show performance, although it is sad that the awards cannot showcase its artists correctly.
I think it also bears stating that there is so much more to a live performance than a studio performance. The “show” – the crowd interaction and the energy – it’s a party and I LOVE it when the artist is totally involved in the party and is not merely “hosting” a party. Give me energy and excitement in a live “show” and you’ve got me! So keep on Kenny, Toby, Tim, Kix & Ronnie!
September 6, 2009 at 9:26 am Permalink
Jones and Haggard are old men whose voices are not always in great shape anymore. Jones was always a an up and down performer. For about 30 years Haggard put on the best live show in the business, expanding his band as his musical interests expanded. By the mid-1970s Merle’s Strangers, aleays very good, were the best touring band going (and probably the largest as Hag incorporated western swing and jazz into his sound)
I don’t usually care for so-called “audience participation”. I paid to hear the act perform, not to whear the off-key warbling of a typical audience. What I do love is the live interaction between the musicians, and this is where Haggard’s band really excelled. Hag himself was a very good musician although not quite in the class of many of his band members. Put it this way: if Paisley or Urban had been part of Hag’s peak bands, other than Haggard himself, they’d have been the worst musicians on stage !
September 6, 2009 at 10:22 am Permalink
Sometimes I gravitate to Youtube for examples of what’s out there as the authentic statement of showmanship. First off, to be honest, I’m not a big fan of the female young adult type: Pickler/Swift/Carrie so I can’t really comment them without having a biased opinion automatically. But for those that I DO know can sing and will hands-down make it work live are: Reba, Martina McBride, and Trisha Yearwood…especially TY. She’s one of the most soulful singers out there. I’d also throw in Patty Loveless for good measures of old-tyme songs.
Alison Krauss is pure gold with her voice…she can sing so high up and it’s flawless for her. I imagine this effect on Vince Gill as well.
As for live performance: I’d gravitate towards Keith Urban, granted he doesn’t have a voice that stands out by any means, but allow his guitar to sing and his emotion wrapped around…you’d be hard pressed to find a better show with him slow/fast or anywhere in between.
I have yet to hear it, but I’d expect great things from Trace Adkins, Tracy Byrd and Josh Turner in their vocal performance: if they can pull off what they provide on records.
Finally, I’d tip my hat to Wynonna (Judd) since she can really belt it out than almost all those female singers nowadays…sadly her spotlight had faded years ago and we’re only left with memories.
September 6, 2009 at 10:23 am Permalink
Oh yea…I forgot to mention Little Big Town: all four of them harmonize extremely well and I look forward to more of their collaborations up front.
September 6, 2009 at 4:00 pm Permalink
“I understand, it’s just that they have to raise their voices almost beyond their range in order to be heard live + bad sound equipment.”
Mayor, are you reffering to Rascal Flatts specifically with that statment?
I don’t think Jason Aldean is bad live, he does stay on-key. To me, he seems to lose the rougher, rock ege to his voice live though; he always sounds nasally live to me.
LeAnn Rimes is also better than the records, but her career has been going down the tubes for awhile.
September 6, 2009 at 4:46 pm Permalink
K, I meant most people singing in big arenas with loud audience and bad acoustics, they have to almost shout. I’ve never been to a Rascal Flatts concert so I can’t say but with Toby Keith, just read my comment.
September 7, 2009 at 3:02 pm Permalink
@zaynjones…
I forgot somebody…
Jason Aldean is amazing! All-around.
September 7, 2009 at 4:38 pm Permalink
Chris Young has it both, he’s incredible live, and he’s incredible on his albums. His deep baritone gives me shivers no matter HOW I hear his voice.
September 7, 2009 at 5:49 pm Permalink
I completely agree with Lisa…Chris Young is AMAZING both live & on his albums. And his VOICE…one word…PERFECT!! Of course the plus to seeing Chris live is just being ‘there’ and also hopefully getting the chance to say hi before and/or after the show! :)
September 7, 2009 at 6:04 pm Permalink
I agree Kim and Lisa…..Chris’ voice live is like nothing else. His new CD, The Man I Want To Be, is such a great display of classic and modern country music that I can’t stop playing it. I am so glad he is finally getting the recognition he so deserves. Everyone should check out the CD and see him live if they get the chance.
September 7, 2009 at 7:39 pm Permalink
Chris Young is my favorite right now. He has a great traditional sound and everytime I have seen him live he sounds fantastic.
It is really disappointing to pay good money to see a show and the artist sounds like crap. With him, I will never have to worry about that.
September 7, 2009 at 8:04 pm Permalink
In my opinion, Chris Young is the most talented artist when it comes to live performances. I have never heard him hit a bad note or sound flat or out of key… Plus he has that beautiful baritone… a classic country sound and an amazing vocal range. He always sounds great live!!! In fact, if it’s possible, I think he sounds better live than on a CD… Really. :)
September 7, 2009 at 8:24 pm Permalink
Uh oh, it looks like Chris Young’s crazed fangurls and fanboyz have discovered the 9513 in ernest! (lol) Come on Jim Malec, the Chris Young faithful want a review of Chris’ new album and Jon wants some new material to nitpick!
Jen, I love the nickname “Squishy”! I can’t even imagine where the inspiration came for that…(lol)
September 7, 2009 at 8:41 pm Permalink
brad paisley has and aweosme voice he sounds amazing on his cd but sounds way better in concert he is amazing all around…
Allison Krauss has an amazing voice her record are amazing…. you put her and DOlly toghter you have the best duet in the world
Carrie is pretty good live
George strait is amazing live he sounds country
Im sorry but i like taylor but she doesn’t sound good live
September 7, 2009 at 11:55 pm Permalink
Chris Young is totally an awesome talent! His singing is magical to my ears. I loved meeting him at Snoqualmie, Wa at the Aug 30, 2009 concert.
Wish him all the best in his career!
September 8, 2009 at 12:44 am Permalink
Not mentioned here: Garth Brooks. Hmmmmm?
Others worth noting: Anyone remember seeing Johnny Cash live? Leon Russell is still great. Missed seeing Willie this year in Phoenix for an August concert. He said “Too hot.” Who’da thunk that would happen?
September 8, 2009 at 8:55 am Permalink
Keith Urban is the best live country act around. I’ve seen him three times and each time gets better and better. His high-energy performances aren’t matched by any act out there. Period.
I saw Sugarland for the first time with Kenny Chesney this summer. They stole the show. Jennifer Nettles’ voice is outstanding live.
Miranda Lambert is amazing live and recorded. I’d even throw out there that she’s the most talented performer/singer/songwriter out there.
September 8, 2009 at 10:54 am Permalink
Chris Young is amazing live! He sounds great on his cds, but it is even better to see, hear him in concert.
Joe Nichols is awesome live, still love his cds. I have never seen him have any trouble getting all the audience on their feet to enjoy his show!
I love The Lost Trailers! Love their cds and seeing, hearing them live!
September 8, 2009 at 3:33 pm Permalink
Shooter Jennings puts on a great live show. Fantastic musicianship all around. Actually, it’s not much of a “show.” It’s a cohesive group of talented musicians playing for the audience and expanding and exploring their repertoire instead of trying to duplicate their studio efforts. Great stuff.
September 8, 2009 at 7:28 pm Permalink
Chris has a great voice on the cd, but his live show is amazing. He has a great band and team. He is great with his fans and the fans love him too.
September 8, 2009 at 9:05 pm Permalink
I have see a lot of acts live and most disappoint in comparison to their recorded(doctored)performances. Some(Urban, Sugarland, Martina) are okay vocally and good performers so the show is still good. But they all pale in comparison to Trisha Yearwood. She is great on recordings and unbelievable live.
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