Is there anything quite like recording ...

[VS1]

Listening to things straight after recording doesn't help either as you know what mistakes you're listening for.

I recently listened to some band recordings that we did about a year ago and was pleasantly surprised how much better they sound now I can't remember exactly where the mistakes are.

This. I think that when its your own playing you're bound to be more critical as you know your strengths/weaknesses and you remember all those niggly moments when you made slight mistakes….your ears are going to listen out for them. I think that most players probably don't like some of their recordings, that does not make them bad. Its the same principal as watching yourself on a home video, or listening to a recording of your own voice....most people hate that

[adetheheat]

This. I think that when its your own playing you're bound to be more critical as you know your strengths/weaknesses and you remember all those niggly moments when you made slight mistakes….your ears are going to listen out for them. I think that most players probably don't like some of their recordings, that does not make them bad. Its the same principal as watching yourself on a home video, or listening to a recording of your own voice....most people hate that

or videoing you and your wife doing it. Never looks as good as the professionals.

[cramp]

It's nice to know you pros have problems getting things right - reminds me of doing Portastudio songs 25 years ago and spending hours and hours just getting a good take - no tape splicing, no DAW, no clicktrack - a few still sound pretty ok.
During recording I quickly got over the self consciousness of hearing my own voice - but I think instrument mistakes are less forgiving on replay.
Am now gearing myself up to do some new things - if I can muster the courage and stamina - and words dammit.