Lively aims to make any concert you just saw available for download

Live albums are a hit-or-miss endeavor. For every 23-minute version of "Whipping Post," there's going to be five other acts that play all the hits you'd hear on the actual album, except with the annoyance of screaming fans blotting the sound of the guitars out. We have to admit, having attended many an excellent concert, that having the chance to own a recorded version of the very gig you just attended is an appealing prospect. It's not a new concept: Bands such as The Grateful Dead and Pearl Jam always encouraged their fans to self-record and trade bootlegs of live shows.

One company is looking to make a profit out of offering paid downloads of the show you just saw, available as soon as a performer can get it online. Sure, paid downloads doesn't sound appealing compared to a free bootleg, but most bands aren't happy to find out you've been recording them from the floor. Lively, the agency involved, would work out deals with bands and performers to offer live shows for about $4.99 a pop. Is it a steal?

THE PROS

The foremost pro to this setup is the audio quality. The band could record its performance from the stage or the sound booth, and odds are it will sound much better than what you picked up with your iPhone's recording function. If the acoustics of the venue don't sound great to begin with, than you don't have to download it afterword.

Another benefit is that this will allow super-fans to download multiple sets if they so desire. Soundgarden didn't play "Beyond The Wheel" last night? No worries...just find a concert where it did.

THE CON

Lively requires an app, and any show downloaded will only remain within that app. If you don't mind listening to the show from your phone, great. But don't expect to be able to transfer it to an iPod, computer, or any other device.