Are there bands who you prefer to hear live instead of a studio CD?

yeah..Dream Theater themselves have said it...they make studio albums so that they can play something live...they enjoy playing live (even though they're not that energetic on stage)...n DT fans prefer their live materials...

actually i prefer to listen to any metal band (thrash, death, prog) live...it has a different feel, aura...

and also ac/dc's pretty entertaining live

Jimi Hendrix I think is the greatest example of this. Chas really made Hendrix pump out short, to the point songs; however, these songs do not show off Hendrix's guitar abilities. His live stuff really allows you to get a feel for his guitar playing, he was made to be a live player. Plus his improvisations (esp at Woodstock) are insane. Hendrix is much more incredible live than on the JHE albums, where he was contained in his songwriting and playing.

John Mayer

and Joshua Radin

Peter Frampton - Frampton Comes Alive is much better to listen to than his studio albums.

Bob Seger - Live Bullet is a strong album and preferable to any of his albums except Stranger in Town.

Earth Wind and Fire - Gratitude is my favorite album by them.

Good afternoon Stephen.

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Lacuna Coil

NIN

Rob Zombie

I saw DangerRadio live at a Cute Is What We Aim For concert, and my friends and I loved them. We got their album, Used&Abused, and it sucks!! He sounds like he should be in a boy band!

He's in an acoustic duo called The Scene Aesthetic. They're really good.

Dave Matthews Band!!! "Listener Supported"

I prefer to go to concerts and listen to band just to get the feel, but if I had two choices, either a live RECORDING or an already edited cd, I would chose the edited. THe quality is better. /hope that helps!

Queen

Daft Punk