@lumpblockclod said:

@patper said:

It's not just the energy and lights, its the sound. Part of their music isn't notes and rhythms and improvisation. All of these things fall mercy to concert sound and performance dynamics. Streams and recordings (sbd and aud) dilute this part of their music, which in turn dhttp://t.co/skfAZCWilutes the other parts. You aren't hearing all of it from your couch.

Few among us wouldn't acknowledge that a Phish show is best experienced live. point conceded, if it was ever in doubt. And most of us, whether consciously or unconsciously probably elevate shows we have seen, even if only to a small degree. But can we please put to rest this notion that what is experienced at a show is SO different that someone who wasn't there doesn't have a valid opinion on the music. Perhaps they dont share your opinion, fine. But try all you want, no amount of sound dynamics or ENERGY is going to turn the 7/2/11 Tweezer into the 12/2/95 Tweezer.

I'm not sure if you understand what I mean when I say "performance dynamics". In music theory, dynamics define the loudness or softness of what the performer is playing; not only for himself, but in relation to the other performers. It is what you learn after you learn to read notes, and learn what rhythms to play them in. It is the third dimension to music performance, whether it be an orchestra, marching band, pop singer, or Phish. In Phish's case, dynamics are the most nuanced dimension of their sound, and also (by far) the most obvious dimension that is missing between actually being at the concert and listening to a stream, SBD or AUD recording (AUDs do a better job than SBDs, but aren't close to as good as your own ears). Phish's dynamic range is huge and they are SO GOOD at utilizing it from second to second.

Because of this, when listening to a stream or recording, you LITERALLY are not hearing all of the music. Listening to a diluted stream or recording, IMO, bars you from hearing one of the most important aspects of their music that, it seems, some people don't want to take into consideration.