I've spent the last few months of my musical life on a solo mission recording and writing in the studio. A month ago, my old band called me up to do a fill in gig in Chicago. I only sang one song and did some back up vocals at the show. The next day, I was expecting a rough vocal session when I returned to my studio in Milwaukee. To my delight, my vocals came out warm, full and at my best for pitch. This reminded me that sometimes, not always, pushing yourself through a PA to the energy of a live crowd can be just the thing that's needed to get a great vocal take. I'm not calling this absolute truth, but give it a try sometime and see how you feel about the results.