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gutherie
04-06-2002, 08:40 AM
Ok...my last post got me thinking about NC concerts...

So here's my question for the group...it's a toughy.

Which do you prefer: NC concerts or their recorded music?[think har

I'm struck by how totally different they are and how much I love each. Their recorded music is simply beautiful. I mean, after two years I still spend a ridicuolous amount of time listening to the cd, and it still seems fresh...it still inspires. The detail of their music on the cd is absolutely incredible.

I've been to 3 NC concerts now, and have come away from each with awed by their individual ability, their cohesiveness as a group, their joy for their music, and their down to earthness.
They bring together all the elements that I look for in a good show: quality music, stage presence, innovativeness/spontaneity, inspirational.
They put a lot of energy into their shows and connect with their fans regardless of who and how many they are.

I don't think their live shows though can quite match the quality and depth of their recorded music. Granted, at times their harmony (both vocal and instrumental) has been spine tingling (especially when I saw the with Glen), but on a whole I don't think it would be possible for them to reproduce the beauty of a recorded sweet afton in concert. On the other hand, I don't think you get that energy on the cd. Again, I think they do about the best job possible given the medium, but the raw energy of the concerts doesn't come through on the fox. The cd is so detailed and organized (a lot of credit here should be going to AK) that the energy and spontaneity of the concerts just can't co-exist.

So maybe this is less about NC and more about the basic differences b/w recorded and live music, with NC being masters of each medium. [bigeyes] Still, let's get the opinions on the group...:confused:

SKIDROW
04-08-2002, 04:44 PM
first of all, each note is unique at a concert. Hearing slight variations of the original artists is one of the things that makes live music great. Frequently extended or modified instrumentals are part of the program and I really like the NC instrumentals. Now add the energy of NC live and you might see why I prefer the live shows. Since those are fairly rare in any give part of the country, I love the CD and can't wait for the next one. Also, without the CD I wouldn't know when or what variations were occurring that help me appreciate the live show. The CD gives me a historical music reference so that I can further enjoy the live show. Just not as often as I'd like.

nitejule
04-09-2002, 09:49 AM
i agree with skid. the cd is wonderful but with the live show you get to hear so many different things. and the way they act on stage is so fun!! they play around and talk to the crowd and just really enjoy what they do. so being there at the live show i think is one of the best things. plus when the do mess up (which is rarely) its fun and everyone has a good laugh. it just puts a smile on my face to see them live.