I have seen Bardo Pond about 20 times, and not one was less than stellar. I honestly think they are one of the top live rock bands in the USA, along with Kinski and Comets On Fire.
Inconsistency is one thing, and I can acknowledge that in a band, especially if they improvise a lot. NNCK falls into this category for me; I have seen them be both fantastic and mediocre, and I know it's a gamble going in. A gamble where I like my chances, but a gamble nonetheless.
However, to claim that inconsistency is somehow "what makes a band great" because it's "sincere" is not going to fly with me. You can be a sincere as you possibly can and still put on a lousy live show.
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