Whatsbestforums Super Disc List

[jazdoc]

C'mon, no audiophile actually listens to a whole album side Really what you want is that killer track for demo purposes. If you are like me, you've had your fill of the audiophile 'warhorses'.

So here's a slightly different list of great sounding pop and rock LPs with killer demo tracks highlighted. No reissues. All readily available and with one or two exceptions*, should be less than $30. Indeed, many of these were rescues from Half Price Books or Salvation Army

Air*, "Sex Born Poison", 10000 Hz Legend, Astralwerks, 2001
Anita Baker, "Sweet Love", Rapture, Elektra/Asylum, 1986
Black Prairie "Rock of Ages", A Tear In The Eye Is A Hole In The Heart, (45 rpm), Sugar Hill Records, 2012
Calexico, "Above The Branch", Toolbox, Quarterstick, 2007
Dazz Band, "Let It Whip", Keep It Live, A&M/Motown, 1982
Earth Wind & Fire, "Shining Star", That's The Way of The World, CBS, 1975
Bryan Ferry, "Slave To Love", Boys and Girls, Warner Bros, 1985
Fine Young Cannibals, "Johnny Comes Home", 12" 45 rpm single, IRS, 1985
Girls, "Vomit", Father, Son & Holy Ghost, True Panther, 2011
Iron & Wine, "Cinder and Smoke", Our Endless Numbered Days, Subpop, 2004
Eilen Jewell, "I Remember You", Queen of the Minor Key, Signature Sounds, 2010
David Lindley, "She Took Off My Romeos", El-Rayo X, Elektra, 1986
Nick Lowe, "Heart", Nick The Knife, F-Beat, 1982
John Mellencamp, "Crumblin' Down", Uh Huh, Riva, 1983
Opeth*, "In My Time of Need", Damnation, Koch, 2003
Omaha Diner, "The Reflex", Omaha Diner, Pledge Music, 2013 (Mono)
Robert Palmer, "Johnny and Mary", Clues, Island, 1980
Tom Petty, "Free Fallin", Full Moon Fever, MCA, 1989
Cat Power, "Living Proof" and "Lived In Bars", The Greatest, Matador, 2006
Prince, "Let's Work", Controversy, Warner Bros, 1981
Prince, "Erotic City", 12" 45 rpm single (B-side of "Let's Go Crazy"), Warner Bros, 1984
Rhye, "Open", Woman, Polydor, 2012
Keith Richards, "Struggle" and "Make No Mistake", Talk Is Cheap, Virgin, 1988
Rolling Stones, "Down In The Hole", Emotional Rescue, RSR, 1980
Rolling Stones, "Miss You", 12" Single (Special Disco Version), RSR, 1978
Trentmoller, "Mash & Fury", Into The Great Wide Yonder, In My Room, 2010
Luther Vandross, "Never Too Much", Never Too Much, CBS, 1981
Neil Young, "Love and War", Le Noise, Reprise, 2010

 

[microstrip]

I've been listening to Classical more and more the last few years, at this point it's likely around 70% of my listening. and the better my system sounds, the more I lean toward classical.(...)

Mike,

It also happened to me - as the system improved, I could more easily "enter" in some classical pieces I did not consider before.
Are you considering Ancient Music and XXth Century? The recording quality of the Hanns-Martin Schneidt Monteverdi Vesperae is really exceptional, and the Paul Hindemith Sonatas are really enjoyable.

 

[jadis]

I made a 'desert island' list not too long ago, and they're what I can listen to all year (though I don't really do it to prevent record wear) without getting listener's fatigue.

1. Kornet Har Sin Vila
Original 1981 Pressing Proprius Sweden
2.The Cascades - Rhythm of the Rain
Valiant USA & Mareco Phils. Stereo Pressings
3. The Weavers - Reunion at Carnegie Hall
Vanguard USA Gray Stereolab 1st Pressing Gatefold Cover
4. Brothers Four Sings Lennon McCartney
Columbia USA 2 Eyes Stereo
5. Kenny G Live
Arista USA 2 LP Gatefold (Promo and Regular US pressings)
6. La Fille Mal Gardee
Decca Wide Band UK 1st Pressing
7. Dave Grusin - Mountain Dance
Nimbus Supercut UK Pressing
8. Earl Klugh - Living Inside Your Love
Nimbus Supercut UK Pressing
9. Carol Kidd - All My Tomorrows
Aloi Linn Original UK Pressing
10. Doris Day - Latin for Lover
Columbia USA 2 eyes Stereo
11. Julie London - Latin in a Satin Mood
Liberty USA Stereo
12. Best of Julie London - Best 20
Liberty Japan Stereo
13. Radka Toneff - Fairytales
Odin Original Pressing, Norway
14. Beverley Craven – Self Titled
Sony/Epic UK
15. Anne Karin Kaasa - Svalande Vind
Kirkelig Records, Sweden
16. Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat
Cypress USA Original Pressing
17. Mary Black - Babes in the Woods
Grapevine UK Pressing
18. Cantate Domino
Proprius Original, JVC half speed, Super Analog and ATR German Mastercut
19. Dionne Warwick - I'll Never Fall in Love Again
Scepter USA Stereo
20. The Mambo Kings OST
Warner German Pressing

If I get to buy a bigger island, I'd bring these too.

1. Friday Night in San Francisco
CBS DM Japan Pressing
2. Jazzical - Wayne Bedrosian Trio
Perpetua Records JVC Test Pressing and US Regular Pressing
3. Charango - Jaime Torres*
Messidor Germany
4. All-Star Percussion Ensemble Plays Bizet
Golden String Records, Doug Sax Mastering 180g pressing
5. Charles Mingus - Mingus Ah Um
Columbia Original 6 Eyes USA
6. Saul Goodman - Mallets Melody and Mayhem
Columbia Original 6 Eyes USA Stereo
7. Pigs Eye Jass
Insight Records USA
8. Don Shirley Trio - Water Boy
Original Cadence Records Stereo USA
9. L.A. Four - Just Friends
Concord Records Direct to Disc
10. Moonlight Serenade
Original Jeton Records Germany
11. Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman
Original UK Island Solid Pink Label 1st Pressing
12. Gounod Faust/ Bizet Carmen
RCA USA Original and Classic Records Pressing
13. Hi Fi ala Espanola
Mercury USA Original and Classic Records Pressing
14. Mysterious World of Bernard Herrmann
Original UK Decca PFS Pressing
15. Yamamoto Trio - Midnight Sugar
TBM Toshiba/EMI Pressing Japan
16. Beethoven - Appassionata
Japan RCA 45 RPM
17. Provocative Percussion - Enoch Light
Command Records Original USA
18. Dafos – Micky Hart, Airto Moreira
Reference Recordings
19. James Newton Howard and Friends
Sheffield Lab Direct to Disc
20. Professor Johnson Astounding Sound Show
Reference Recordings 45 RPM
21. Ortofon Test Record 003
Ortofon Original Pressing
22. For Duke
M&K Direct Disc
23. Koto Vivaldi Four Seasons
Toshiba/EMI Japan Pressing
24. Belafonte at Carnegie Hall
RCA USA Original Pressing Living Stereo
25. John Klemmer - Straight From the Heart
Nautilus Direct to Disc
26. Royal Ballet - Ansermet
RCA USA Original and Classic Records Pressings
27. Sheffield Track Record
Sheffied Lab Direct Disc
28.Time Warp
Telarc Records
29. Antiphone Blues
Proprius Original and ATR pressings
30. Lincoln Mayorga & Friends Vol. 1 (S9) and Vol. 3
Sheffield Lab Direct Disc

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Mike,

It also happened to me - as the system improved, I could more easily "enter" in some classical pieces I did not consider before.
Are you considering Ancient Music and XXth Century? The recording quality of the Hanns-Martin Schneidt Monteverdi Vesperae is really exceptional, and the Paul Hindemith Sonatas are really enjoyable.

I do have a few Ancient Music pressings (but many Choral pressings), but no Hindsmith vinyl (that I can recall at the moment) except the wonderful 'Oistrakh' Hindsmith Violin Concerto in 33, 45 and 1/4" tape. I have many many digital recordings of Ancient music and Hindsmith, many hirez.....and do listen to it from time to time. I enjoy what I call 'atmospheric' classical such as Tavner and some quite modern compositions. it's an interesting subset of classical which I do enjoy.....but I have to be in the mood like opera. likely string quartets, solo piano, and large scale works are my most frequent 'go to' classical categories.

btw; I just bought both those 2 recommendations on ebay, the Monteverdi and the Hindsmith.....looking forward to listening to them. thank you!

 

[ruxtonvet]

Classical:
Lucia. Donizetti. Mercury SR2-9008 great performance and recording. Explosive dynamics and amazing sound stage. Side 1 is a great test record. Rest of Mercury operas not up to the same high standard.
Beethoven Brendel sonata no. 31 & 32. Turnabout. TVS 34393. Most copies have noisy surfaces.
The Devil's Trill. Nonesuch. H71361
Weill. Milhaud. La Creation du Monde. Nonsuch. H71281
Dynamic label from Italy. Mostly classical chamber music. If you see this label buy it - they all sound wonderful and very dynamic.

 

[LL21]

CLASSICAL
Bach: Cello Suites, Janos Starker
Bach: Brandenburg Concertos, Karl Ristenpart
Bach: Cantatas, Suzuki (BIS)
Beethoven: Complete Sonatas for Piano and Violin, Melnikov
Beethoven: String Quartets Endellion Quartet
Chopin: Nocturnes, Moravec
Gershwin: Works, Grofe
Grieg: Piano Concerto A, Rada Lupu (FIM Remaster)
Handel: Concertos, Manze
Handel: Messiah, Stephen Layton
Haydn: Symphonies, Adam Fischer
Haydn: Concertos, Apponyi Quartet
Mendelsohn: Symphonies, Nicholas Ward
Mussorskgy: Pictures at an Exhibition, Sukhiev
Rachmaninoff: Concerto 2, Andsnes
Scarlatti: Piano Works, Pletnev
Vivaldi: la extravaganza; la cetera, both with Rachel Podger

JAZZ
David Brubeck: Time Out; At Carnegie Hall
Benny Carter: Jazz Giant
Ella and Louis (FIM Remaster)
Evans: Waltz for Debby
Miles Davis: Round Midnight (Recent Remaster)
Lou Donaldson: Blues Walk; Sonny Side Up
Jacques Loussier: Brandenburg Concertos
Oscar Peterson: MPS Recordings (several)
Sonny Stitt Plays
Stanley Turrentine: Blues Hour

HIP HOP/RAP
- Digable Planets: Blowout Comb
- Dorrough: Dorrough
- Dre: 2001
- Linkin Park: Meteora
- Mobb Deep: Hell on Earth
- Snoop: Doggystyle
- Tribe Called Quest: Low End Bass Theory

DEEP HOUSE
- Ame: Rej
- Konrad Black: (Watergate Label)
- Dennis Ferrer: The World As I See It
- Two Fingers: Stunt Rhythms
- Michael Mayer: Fabric Label (Album #13)
- Fabric (#15) - 2 CD set

BLUES:

- John Lee Hooker: Don't Look Back; It Serves You Right To Suffer
- LIghtnin' Hopkins: Lightnin'; Goin'Away; Soul Blues - APO SACD Remasters
- Muddy Waters: FolkSinger
- Keb Mo': Keb Mo
- Eric Bibb: Live; spirit and the blues
- Rolling Stones & Muddy Waters: Live Concert
- Amos Lee: Amos Lee


OTHER:
- Anouar Brahem: The Astounding Eyes of Rita
- Rodriguo y Gabriela: Live in Tokyo; Rodriguo y Gabriela
- The Chieftans: Celtic Harp
- Orishias: Antidiotico
- Buena Vista Social Club
- Yo Yo Ma: Appalachia Waltz
- Hans Zimmer: Dark Knight, Sherlock Holmes
- Lord of the Rings Soundtrack: 1st 3 albums
- Harry Potter - The Halfblood Prince Soundtrack (Nicholas Porter?)
- Eric Clapton: Unplugged
- Nirvana: Unplugged

 

[MylesBAstor]

Reference Disc List, V.2, 5-10-14

Classical:

Albeniz: Suite Espanola, Burgos, Decca SXL 6355
Bach: Quodlibet, Telefunken SAWT 9457-A (Black/Gold is the pressing to get)
Britten: Young Person’s Guide to Orchestra, Decca SXL 6450
Britten: Cello Concerto, Rostropovich, Decca SXL 6138
Britten: Cello Sonata, Rostropovich, Decca SXL SXL 2298
Britten: Noye’s Fludde, Argo ZNF-1
Brittten: Piano Concerto/Violin Concerto, Decca SXL 6512
Britten: Suites for Cello, Rostropovich, SXL 6393
Dukas: Symphony in C; Sorcerer’s Apprentice, SXL 6770 (make sure UK, not Dutch pressing)
Espana, Argenta, Decca SXL 2020
Gerhard: Astrological Series, Decca Head 11
Gerhard: The Plague, Decca Head 6
Grieg: Peer Gynt, Fjeldstad, Decca SXL 2012 (also ORG 110)
Hanson: Composer and His Orchestra, Vol. 1, Mercury SR 90175
Herold-Lanchbery: La Fille mal Gardee, Decca SXL 2413
Kodaly: Psalmus Hungaricus, Decca SXL 6497
Mahler: Symphony #3, Solti, Decca SET 385-6
Hindemith: Violin Concerto #1/Bruch: Scottish Fantasies, Decca SXL 6035
Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night’s Dream, Maag, Decca SXL 2001
Messiaen: Des Canyons Aux Etoiles, Erato 7094/975
Messiaen: 3 Petites liturges, Erato STU 70200
Messiaen: 8 Preludes/4 Etudes de Rhythme, Erato STU 70433
Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov, Decca SET 514-17
Messiaen: La Transfiguration de Notre Seigneur Jesus Christ, Decca Head 1&2
Orff: Carmina Burana, Deutsche Grammaphon DG 139362
Paniagua: La Folia, either Harmonia Mundia HM 1050 or ATR 013
Picaflor: Latin American Music for Guitar and Mandolin, Titanic Records Mn-5
Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf, Henderson, Beatrice Lilly, Decca SXL 2218 (also see EMI/Farrow and Vanguard/Karloff)
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Decca DXL 6620-2
Prokofiev: Symphony #6, Weller, Decca SXL 6777
Ravel: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol.1-4, Cluytens, Columbia/EMI SAX 2478-79 (also Testament SMS 1017)
Ravel: Daphnis and Chloe, Monteaux, Decca SXL 2164
Respighi: Pini di Roma, Feste Romaine, Maazel, Decca SXL 6822
Rennaissance Music for Two Lutes, Titanic Records Ti-15
Romantic Russia, Solti, Decca SXL 6263
Royal Ballet: Gala Performance, RCA LDS-6065 (also Classic Records)
Schuller: 7 Studies on Themes of Paul Klee, Mercury SR90282
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Ansermet, Decca SXL 2017
Stravinsky: Petrushka, Ansermet, Decca SXL 2011
The New Bass Colophonium Bassquartet, Musica Viva, MV30-1076
Trompette & Orgue, Hardy/Houbart, Harmonia Mundi HM 1029
Varese: Arcana, Integrales, Ionisation, Decca SXL 6550

Choral:

Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb, Argo ZRG 5440
Cantate Domino, Proprius 7702 (white label)
Daquin: Noels, Harmonia Mundi HM531
Great Anthems and Hymns of the American Church, Wilson Records, W 8110
Holst: Savitri, Argo ZNF 6 (ovals always preferred w/Argo)
Holst: Six Medieval Lyrics for Mens’s Voices and Strings, Argo ZRG 5495
Holst: Songs and Part Songs, Argo ZRG 512
Holst: Vocal and Instrumental Music, Argo ZRG 5497
Kor, Proprius 7770
Laudate, Proprius 7800
Maria Music, Proprius 7758
Noels a L’Orgue, R. Sorgin, Harmonia Mundi HM 486-88
Psalms of Consolation and Hope, Argo ZRG 892
Songs from the Fayrfax Manuscript, Musical Heritage Society, MHS 4649
Star of Wonder, Reference Recordings RR-21
Verdi: Four Sacred Pieces, Decca SET 464

Opera:

Bartok: Bluebird’s Castle, Decca Stereo Set 211
Britten: Billy Budd, Decca Stereo Set 379-81
Britten: Peter Grimes, Decca SXL 2150-2
Britten: Prince of the Pagodas, Decca Ace of Diamonds GOS 558-9
Britten: The Golden Vanity, Decca Stereo Set 445
Britten: The Burning, Fiery Furnace, Decca Stereo Set 356
Britten: Curlew River, Decca Stereo Set 301
Britten: War Requiem, Decca Stereo Set 252-3
Puccini: La Boheme, Decca Stereo Set 565-6
Puccini: Madame Butterfly, Karajan, Decca Stereo Set 584-6
Puccini: Tosca, Decca Stereo Set 5BB 123-4
Verdi: Aida, Decca SXL 2167/9
Verdi: La Traviata, Decca Stereo Set 249-51

Solo Instrument:

(Clavichord) Bach: French Suites, Dart, L’Oiseau-Lyre SOL 60039
(Clavichord) Froeberger: Clavichord Music, Dart, L’Oiseau-Lyre SOL 60038
(Guitar) Manitas de Plata: Juergo, Connoisseur Society CS 2003
(Guitar) Manitas de Plata: Manitas de Plata, Connoisseur Society CS 263
(Guitar) Manitas de Plata: Recital, Connoisseur Society CS 2006
(Guitar) Manitas de Plata: The World’s Greatest Living Flamenco Guitarist, Connoisseur Society CS 965
(Guitar) Manitas de Plata: Viva Manitas de Plata, Connoisseur Society CS 2013
(Harp) Robles: Harp with Variations, Argo ZRG 522
(Harp) Robles: Harp Music of France, Argo 5459
(Harp) Robles: Harp Music of Spain, Argo ZRG 5497
(Harpsichord) Bach: Harpsichord Concerto, Malcolm, London CS 6197
(Lute) Bach and Weiss: German Lute Music of the 18th Century, Junghanel, Accent ACC 7801
(Lute) Bittner: Pieces de Luth-1682, Accent ACC 8227
(Lute) Italian Lute Music, Junghanel, Accent ACC 8016
(Lute) Junghanel: Merry Melancholy, Accent ACC 8121
(Lute) Weiss: Suite C Minor, Junghanel, Accent 7910
(Piano) Film Music of Ingmar Bergman, Proprius 7829
(Piano) Kabi Laretei: Mot Krallen, Proprius 7793
(Piano) Ragtime Razzmatazz, Vol. 1, Wilson Records W808
(Piano) Beethoven: Sonatas, Moonlight, Pathetique, Ivan Moravec, Connoisseur Society CS 1566
(Piano) Beethoven: Sonata No. 23 in F-Minor/Appassionata, Ivan Moravec, Connoisseur Society CS 562
(Piano) Chopin: Ballades/Complete, Ivan Moravec, Connoisseur Society CS 1266
(Piano) Chopin: Preludes, Ivan Moravec, Connoisseur Records CS 1366
(Piano) Debussy: Clair de Lune, Ivan Moravec, Connoisseur Society CS 1866
(Piano) Debussy: Jardins sous la Pluie, Ivan Moravec, Connoisseur Society CS 2010 (45/33 rpm)
(Piano) Franck: Prelude, Choral et Fugue, Ivan Moravec, Connoisseur Society CS 662 (45/33 rpm)
(Pianoforte) Clementi: Sonatas for the Pianoforte, Accent ACC 7911
(Sarod) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan: Evening and Morning Ragas, Connoisseur Society CS 1766
(Sarod) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan: 40 minute Raga, Connoisseur Society CS 2008
(Sarod) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan: Indian Drums, Connoisseur Society CS 1466 (rarest of the rare)
(Sarod) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan: Master Musician of India, Connoisseur Society CS 462 (45/33 rpm)
(Sarod) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan: Misra The Transcendental Tal, Connoisseur Society CS 200
(Sarod) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan: Ragas of India, Connoisseur Society CS-2020
(Sarod) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan: Ragmala, Connoisseur Society CS 2011
(Sarod) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan: Yvete Mimeux/Flowers of Evil, Connoisseur Society CS 2007

Jazz & Blues:

Bill Henderson: Live at the Times, Discovery Records DS-779 (also Classic Records)
Cassandra Wilson: New Moon Daughter, Blue Note 24383 71831
Cassandra Wilson: Traveling Miles, Blue Note 724385412318
Doc Evans at the Gas Light, Audiophile AP-95
Doc Evans: Muskrat Ramble, Audiophile AP 56
Doc Evans/Knocky Parker: Reminiscing in Dixieland, Audiophile AP-5068
Doc Evans: The Sweetest Since Gabriel, Audiophile AP 57
Don Ewell: Yellow Dog Blues, Audiophile AP-66 (also Analogue Productions reissue)
Eric Bibb: April Fools, Opus 3 79-14
Eric Bibb and Friends, Opus 3 80-12
Ella Sings Jobim, Pablo Today 2630-201
Hampton Hawes: All Night Session 1-3, Contemporary S7545-47
Isao Suzuki: Blow Up, Three Blind Mice, TBM-15
Isao Suzuki Trio: Orpheus, Three Blind Mice TBM-63
Jazz at the Pawnshop, Proprius 7778-79
Manne and Marshall: Sounds Unheard Of!, Contemporary S9006
Mel Torme: I Dig The Duke/I Dig The Count, Verve V6849
Osted-Pedersen and Sam Jones: Double Bass, Alto/Steeplechase SCS 1055
Shelly Manne and His Men at the Blackhawk, Vol. 1-4, Contemporary S7576-7580
Salt City Six Plays the Classics in Dixieland, Athena Records ALSS 100055
Sonny Terry: Coffee House Blues, Vee Jay Records VJS-1138
The Great Kai and JJ, Impulse A-1
The Music of Bob Cooper: Coop, Contemporary/OJC-138
Wada Sunao: Blues World, Three Blind Mice TBM-25

Rock/Pop:

Andreas Vollenweider: White Winds, CBS FM 39963
Harry Belafonte at Carnegie Hall, RCA LSP-6006 (also Classic Records)
Harry Belafonte Returns to Carnegie Hall, RCA LSP-6007
Jonas Hellborg: Elegant Punk, Eight Day Music DEM LP 004

Soundtrack:

Bacharach: Casino Royale, Colgems COSO 5005
Carpenter: They Live, Enigma Records 73367-1
Flight of the Condor, BBC 22440
Herrmann: Four Faces of Jazz, either Decca Phase 4 PFS 4280 or MFSL 1-256
Herrmann: The Fantasy Film World of Bernard Herrmann, MOFI MFSL 1-240
Herrmann: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Film Music Collection, FMC-4
Holmrich: Emerald Forrest, Varese Sarabande STV 81244
Horner: Glory, Classic Records, VL 3087
Jarre: Equinox, Polydor 5007 or MFSL-1-227
Jarre: Oxygene, Polydor PD1-6112 or MFSL 1-212
Moroder: Cat People, Backstreet Records BSR 6107
Morricone: Duck You Sucker, United Artists UAS-5221
Music from the Film Cal, Mercury 822 769 1-M-1
Phantasm, Varese Sarabande, VC 81105
Ralph Hunter Choir: Wild, Wild West, RCA LSP-1968
Rashomon, Carlton Records STLPX 5000
Rozsa: Ben Hur, Decca Phase 4 PFS 4394
Rozsa: Quo Vadis, Decca Phase 4 PFS 4430
Scott: Cousteau/Amazon, Varese Sarabande STV 81220
Vangelis: Opera Sauvage, Polygram VAN04
Vangelis: Blade Runner, Audio Fidelity AFZLP 154 (it ticks me off this is digital)
Williams: Missouri Breaks, United Artists, UAS 29971

Percussion:

Ameniya: Summer Prayer, RCA RVC-2159
Dafos: Reference Recordings RR-12
Double Music: Works for Percussion and Strings, New World 330
Goodman: Mallets, Melody and Mayhem, Columbia CS 8333
Mickey Hart/Rhythm Devils: the Apocalypse Now Sessions, Passport Records 9844
Music For Percussion, Vol. 1, Gale Records GMFD 1-76-004 (never have seen a vol. 2)
Pulse: Works for Percussion and Strings, New World 319
Percussion Museum, Super Analogue Disc KIJC 9207
Professor Johnson’s Astounding Sound Show, Reference Recordings RR-7
Schory: Bang, Baroom and Harp, RCA LSP-1866 (or Classic Records)
Super Percussion, Super Analogue Disc SSY 19
Temianki: Percussion Spectacular, Columbia MS 6447
The O-Zone Percussion Group: Percussion Record, Clearaudio LP 83058

World:

Autumn Yearning Fantasia, First Impression Music FIM LP 003
Eto: Art of the Koto, Elektra EKS-7234
Favorite Chinese Instrumentals, First Impression Music FIM LP001
Hamza el Din: Eclipse, Pacific Arts PACR7-119
Jose Serrano: Flamenco, Flamenco, Elektra EKS 7235
Jose Serrano: Bravo Serrano, Elektra EKS 7275
Jose Serrano: Ole, La Mano, Elektra EKS 7227
Koto Handel, EMI/Angel S-37620
Koto Mozart, EMI/Angel S-37553
Koto Resphigi, EMI/Angel SZ-37830 (or Toshiba TA-72042)
Koto Vivaldi, EMI/Toshiba Studio TWOX 1062/TA 60060
Sabicas: Festival Gitana, Elektra EKS-7149
Sabicas: The Greatest Flamenco Guitarist, Elektra EKS 121
Sasha Polinoff: Balalaika, Elektra EKS 7194
Sasha Polinoff: Fastest Balalaika in the West, Elektra EKS 7212
Saradamani, Water Lily, WLA-ES-23

Direct to Disc:

Bill Berry: For Duke, M&K Realtime RT 101
Carlos Montoya, Vol. 1 and 2: Crystal Clear CCS 6004/5
Charlie Byrd: Charlie Byrd, Crystal Clear CCS8002
Ed Graham: Hot Stix, M&K Realtime RT 106
Hines: Fatha, M&K Realtime RT 105
Laurindo Almeida: Virtuoso Guitar, Crystal Clear CCS 8001
Kip Dobler: Reaching out from the inside, Cardas Records CR5813
McNeely: Confederation, Sheffield Labs-9
Roger Wagner Chorale: Encore, M&K Realtime, RT 110
Sheffield Drum Record, Sheffield Labs-14

Reissues:

Alan Parsons: I Robot, Classic Records/Arista AL7002
Britten: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Slatkin, Cisco/Capitol SP 8373
Cowboy Junkies: Whites Off, MOFI MFSL 1-292
Casandra Wilson: Light ‘Til Dawn, Blue Note/Pure Pleasure PPAN BST-81357
Clark Terry: Color Changes, Candid/Pure Pleasure Records PPAN 9009
Ellington: Indigos, Impex Records/Columbia 6010
George Benson: The Other Side of Abbey Road, A&M/CTI SP3018/Speakers Corner
Grant Green: His Majesty King Funk, Verve/Speakers Corner V6-8627
Grateful Dead: Blues for Allah, Audio Fidelity AFZLP 121
Grateful Dead: History of the Grateful Dead, Vol. 1 (Dick’s picks) AFZPL 124
Grateful Dead: Shakedown Street, Audio Fidelity AFZLP 120
Imeda: Now, Three Blind Mice, TBM-2
J.J. Cale: Troubador, Analogue Productions AAP 050
Kenny Burrell: Blue Lights, Vol. 1/2, Classic Records/Blue Note 1596/7
Kenny Burrell: Guitar Forms, Verve V6-8612/Speakers Corner (or original)
Lightnin’ Hopkins in New York, Candid 9010/Pure Pleasure
Lou Reed: Transformer, RCA/Speakers Corner LSP-4807
Miles Davis: Friday and Saturday Nights at the Blackhawk, Columbia/Impex Records 6009
Otis Span: Good Morning Mr. Blues, Analogue Productions APP 3016
Patricia Barber: Café Blue, Premonition Records, 907801-1 (also Premonition Records 734)
Patricia Barber: Companion, Premonition Records 907631
Patricia Barber: Nightclub, Premonition Records 9762-1
Peggy Lee: Latin ala Lee, Capitol/S&P Records S-504
Peggy Lee: Sings Her Greatest Hits, Capitol/S&P Records S-502
Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances, Athena Records/Vox Turnabout 10001
Sade: Promise, Audio Fidelity AFZLP 139
Sonny Boy Williamson, Analogue Productions AAP 036
Sonny Rollins: Alfie, Impulse A-9111
Sonny Meets the Hawk, Classic Records/RCA LSP-2710
Sonny Rollins: Now’s the Time, Classic Records/RCA LSP-2927
Wes Montgomery: California Dreaming, Cisco/Verve CLP 8692
Yes: Fragile, Analogue Productions AAPP 7211

45 rpm Reissues:

Ben Webster: See You at the Fair, Analogue Productions/Impulse A-65
Ben Webster and Sweets Edison: ORG 117/Columbia 8691
Bill Evans Trio: Trio ’65, ORG 142/Verve V6-8613
Bob Dylan: Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, MOFI MFSL 2-378
Blow Up/Misty/Midnight Sugar, Box Star Records, TBM 45 rpm box
Dimeola, McLaughlin and Delucia: Friday Night in San Fancisco, Columbia/ORG 125 (or original)
Essential Elvis ’57, Analogue Productions APP 057-45
Gerry Mulligan meets Ben Webster, ORG 013/Verve; also MFSL 1-234
Gil Evans: Out of the Cool, Analog Productions Impulse A-4 (or Alto Edition)
Girl Talk: Yama and Jiro’s Wave, Three Blind Music, TMB 2559-45
Grant Green: Idle Moment, Blue Note ST-84154/Music Matters (or 33 rpm)
Herbie Hancock: Maiden Voyage, Analogue Productions/Blue Note 84195
John Coltrane and Johnny Hartmann, ORG 17/Verve A-40
John Coltrane: Ballads, Analogue Productions/Impulse AS-32
Johnny Hartman: I Just Dropped By to Say Hello, ORG 027/Impulse AS-57
John Lee Hooker: It Serve You Right to Suffer, Analogue Productions/Impulse A-9103
Joni Mitchell: Wild things run fast, ORG 056/Geffen Records
Kenny Burrell: Midnight Blue, Blue Note ST-84123/Music Matters
Mari Nakamoto: Mari, Cisco/Three Blind Music 3005-45
Mulligan: What Is There To Say?, Columbia/ORG 111
Ornette Coleman: The Shape of Jazz to Come, ORG/Atlantic 1317
Oscar Peterson: West Side Story, Verve/Analogue Productions 8454 or DCC LPZ 2021
Poll Winners Three, Contemporary Records/Analogue Productions S7576 (also B/G original)
Rickie Lee Jones: Rickie Lee Jones, MOFI MFSL 2-4501 (or WB KJ 6628)
Rickie Lee Jones: It’s Like This, Analogue Productions APP 51056
Rickie Lee Jones: Pop Pop, ORG 007 (Also original and Alto Edition AA008)
Rickie Lee Jones: Traffic from Paradise, Analogue Productions APP 24602
Roy Haynes: Out on the Afternoon, Analogue Productions/Impulse AS-23
The Blues and the Abstract Truth, Analogue Productions/Impulse AS-5
Weather Report: Weather Report, ORG 2004/Columbia
Weather Report: Heavy Weather, ORG 113/Columbia
Weavers at Carnegie Hall, Analogue Productions/Vanguard VSD 2150
Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi Trio: Misty, Three Blind Music, Three Blind Music TBM-30-45
Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi Quartet: Midnight Sugar, Three Blind Music TBM-23-45

Miscellaneous:

Bob and Ray Throw a Stereo Spectacular: RCA LSP-1773
Billy Jackson: The Wellpark Suite, Mill Records MR001
Chet Atkins: Mister Guitar, RCA LSP-2103
Guckenheimer Sour Kraut Band: Music for Non-Thinkers, RCA LSP-1721
Johnny Cash: American Recordings, American Recordings 9362-45520-1
Johnny Cash: American III, Solitary Man, American Recordings 7464-69691-1
Johnny Cash: American IV: The Man Comes Around, Lost Highway 440 063-361
Johnny Cash: Unchained, American Recordings 9362-43097-1

 

[Roysen]

Thanks, Myles. That is great! Since you took care of the LPs maybe I should concentrate on a pure CD list.

 

[MylesBAstor]

Thanks, Myles. That is great! Since you took care of the LPs maybe I should concentrate on a pure CD list.

Yes, still a lot to go. Not sure if even half way done yet. Lot's more where those came from!

 

[puroagave]

personally I'd like to see Mike L and Astrotoy's list, Im always interested in what Myles is spinning not to mention jazzdoc, Whart, et al.

over a thousand views and only a handful of contributors c'mon guys are y'all poseurs or do you actually own more than 5 reference discs....post 'em up!

 

[Mike Lavigne]

personally I'd like to see Mike L and Astrotoy's list.......

ok.

I looked over the lists so far and many of my choices are already mentioned. here are a few that I did not notice as covered so far that I play often and that I consider Super Discs, all Lp's at this' point. i'll come back and add more later.

Classical;

'Beethoven, The Late Quartets', Quartetto Italiano, Philips, 6707 031, 4 Lp box set. over the last 3 years possibly my most played Lps. outstanding sound, quiet surfaces, great performances to my ears. I'm no expert on this music, but I've become a string quartet fanboy over these last years and this has been my gateway. I have the early and middle boxes, and the one box whole set too (and the Mozart QI box), but these late Beethoven ones are my favorites. they just suck me in.

'Hus Desforges and Muntz-Berger Sonatas for Cello and Double-Bass', Mezo and Dome, Hungaroton SLPX 11413, Lp 33rpm. I acquired this in a big collection back a few years and I come back to it often. just a wonderful recording and mastering, very minimalist and honest. it will show you just how agile and capable your bass performance is. not about huge dynamics but about tone and subtlety. great interplay between the Cello and Double Bass. I have both the stereo (2 copies) and mono. prefer the Stereo.

Jazz;

'One Flight Up', Dexter Gordon, Cisco 'Speaker's Corner' reissue, Lp, CLP7051. 'Tanya' takes up the whole side one and it's outstanding. it's so long there will never be a 45rpm version of this record. I'm told that the OP is even better but this reissue is excellent and the music is great!

'Meet Me In London', Forcione/Sciubba, Naim lp068, Lp. I love Sabina Sciubba's voice, particularly on 'Estate' track 4, side 2.

'Mostly Blues....and Some Others', Count Basie, Pablo 2310-919, Lp. 'Snooky' is my go-to track here, for dynamics and detail.....but the whole album is outstanding.

'Yellow Dog Blues', The Don Ewell Quartet, AP Reissue APJ 019, Lp 33rpm. a total sleeper, beautifully played. fine recording, outstanding sound. my fav is track 1, side 1, 'Michigan Water Blues'. outstanding!!

'Come Friday', The Chris Barber Band, Jeton DTD Lp, 100.3306. astonishing sound. a Brit Dixiland Band recorded in the early 80's by Germans. but it's got soul. 'St. Louis Blues' will knock your socks off.

Rock;

'Crime Of The Century', Supertramp, Mobile Fidelity UHRQ 1-005, pressing #3529. 'School' is outstanding, this is a perfectly quiet pressing with great dynamics. really grabs you.

'Rumours', Fleetwood Mac, Warner Bros, BSK 3010, original pressing, matrix number 420 (A? 20), and 'doug sax' signature in the dead wax with thick vinyl and the heavy textured cover. 'The Chain' and 'Never Going Back Again' are my fav's but the whole album is sonically amazing. This kills the 45rpm reissue. perfect combination of great recording, great music, and great mastering and ideal format. I have a master tape of this which is slightly better.....and that is epic! the bass on 'The Chain' thru the MM7's has to be heard/felt to be believed.

'Fleetwood Mac Live', 1980. Warner Bros. 2WB 3500, side 2, track 3, 'Never Going Back Again' is a solo by Lindsey Buckingham and it's spooky good. a $1 record at most thrift shops.

'Blue Mask' 'Walk On The Wild Side', Lou Reed, RCA 45rpm Lp, single 12", PC9852, very lively and dynamic.

'Smells Like Teen Spirit', Nirvana, 12" 45rpm single 'picture disc' pressing, DGCTP 5. super dynamic. greater separation and detail than other pressings I have heard.

'In Between Dreams', Jack Johnson, brushfire records, Lp, B0004149-01. maybe the most fun record I have yet heard. something about Jack Johnson's music brings me joy. wonderful, full bodied recording. I love all his records and recommend all of them, but like this one best.


Soundtrack

'Last Of The Mohicans', CD, Morgan Creek 2959-20015-2. loved the movie; but was blown away by the final scene as they run 'fighting' up the ridge, and the haunting Scottish Bagpipe music, track 6, the 1st 4 minutes of 'Promentory'. one of the most powerful movie experiences I have had and a perfect blend of powerful music and powerful moviemaking visuals. every time I play this cut this I get chills. I know the Lp exists but have not yet been able to find one.

Percussion

World

Reissues

Miscellaneous

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

ok.

I looked over the lists so far and many of my choices are already mentioned. here are a few that I did not notice as covered so far that I play often and that I consider Super Discs, all Lp's at this' point. i'll come back and add more later.

Classical

Jazz;

'One Flight Up', Dexter Gordon, Cisco 'Speaker's Corner' reissue, Lp, CLP7051. 'Tanya' takes up the whole side one and it's outstanding. it's so long there will never be a 45rpm version of this record. I'm told that the OP is even better but this reissue is excellent and the music is great!

'Meet Me In London', Forcione/Sciubba, Naim lp068, Lp. I love Sabina Sciubba's voice, particularly on 'Estate' track 4, side 2.

'Mostly Blues....and Some Others', Count Basie, Pablo 2310-919, Lp. 'Snooky' is my go-to track here, for dynamics and detail.....but the whole album is outstanding.

Rock;

'Crime Of The Century', Supertramp, Mobile Fidelity UHRQ 1-005, pressing #3529. 'School' is outstanding, this is a perfectly quiet pressing with great dynamics. really grabs you.

'Rumors', Fleetwood Mac, Warner Bros, BSK 3010, original pressing, matrix number 420 (A? 20), and 'doug sax' signature in the dead wax with thick vinyl and the heavy textured cover. 'The Chain' and 'Never Going Back Again' are my fav's but the whole album is sonically amazing. This kills the 45rpm reissue. perfect combination of great recording, great music, and great mastering and ideal format. I have a master tape of this which is slightly better.....and that is epic! the bass on 'The Chain' thru the MM7's has to be heard/felt to be believed.

'Fleetwood Mac Live', 1980. Warner Bros. 2WB 3500, side 2, track 3, 'Never Going Back Again' is a solo by Lindsey Buckingham and it's spooky good. a $1 record at most thrift shops.

'Blue Mask' 'Walk On The Wild Side', Lou Reed, RCA 45rpm Lp, single 12", PC9852, very lively and dynamic.

'Smells Like Teen Spirit', Nirvana, 12" 45rpm single 'picture disc' pressing, DGCTP 5. super dynamic. greater separation and detail than other pressings I have heard.

'In Between Dreams', Jack Johnson, brushfire records, Lp, B0004149-01. maybe the most fun record I have yet heard. something about Jack Johnson's music brings me joy. wonderful, full bodied recording. I love all his records and recommend all of them, but like this one best.


Soundtrack

Percussion

World

Reissues

Miscellaneous

I agree with your thoughts on those I've highlighted in blue. Couple of questions/thoughts though.

1. Do you have the Speakers Corner of Supertramp's COTC? I have not heard the Mofi, but the SC reissue is one of the best reissues of any record that I own. That's a big statement I know, but there are many who share my point of view.
2. I need to check the matrix #'s on my copy of Rumours, but I didn't think the 45RPM was a major improvement, if an improvement at all. I've played it a few times, but now its stored away.
3. Completely agree on Jack Johnson and I own all of his LP's as well. They sound great and they're cheap.

John

 

[MylesBAstor]

Classical:
Lucia. Donizetti. Mercury SR2-9008 great performance and recording. Explosive dynamics and amazing sound stage. Side 1 is a great test record. Rest of Mercury operas not up to the same high standard.
Beethoven Brendel sonata no. 31 & 32. Turnabout. TVS 34393. Most copies have noisy surfaces.
The Devil's Trill. Nonesuch. H71361
Weill. Milhaud. La Creation du Monde. Nonsuch. H71281
Dynamic label from Italy. Mostly classical chamber music. If you see this label buy it - they all sound wonderful and very dynamic.

What's the label from Italy?

 

[Mike Lavigne]

I agree with your thoughts on those I've highlighted in blue. Couple of questions/thoughts though.

1. Do you have the Speakers Corner of Supertramp's COTC? I have not heard the Mofi, but the SC reissue is one of the best reissues of any record that I own. That's a big statement I know, but there are many who share my point of view.

no, do not have the SC reissue, I do have the regular MFSL pressing; it's not 'quite' as outstanding as the UHRQ.

2. I need to check the matrix #'s on my copy of Rumours, but I didn't think the 45RPM was a major improvement, if an improvement at all. I've played it a few times, but now its stored away.

I bought maybe 12 copies of 'Rumours' before I found my 'right' one. big difference between this pressing and those others. there are 8 to 9 million of them out there.

3. Completely agree on Jack Johnson and I own all of his LP's as well. They sound great and they're cheap.

John

++++1

 

[Cascais]

I offer three LPs on the rock side, two oldies and one fairly recent: Suzanne Vega, Solitude Standing my personal reference; Tracy Chapman, Tracy Chapman; Leonard Cohen, Old Ideas. On the classical side, the all-time champ which I'm listening to right now: Rachmaninoff symphonic dances Eiji Oue and Minnesota Orch., RR.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Domestic pressings:

America - All of them. Outstanding. Don't bother with the Friday Music pressings.
Steve Forbert - Alive On Arrival (Nemperor/CBS))
Gino Vannelli - Brother to Brother - (A&M Audiophile)
Murray Head - Say It Ain't So (A&M)

 

[jazdoc]

'Beethoven, The Late Quartets', Quartetto Italiano, Philips, 6707 031, 4 Lp box set. over the last 3 years possibly my most played Lps. outstanding sound, quiet surfaces, great performances to my ears. I'm no expert on this music, but I've become a string quartet fanboy over these last years and this has been my gateway. I have the early and middle boxes, and the one box whole set too (and the Mozart QI box), but these late Beethoven ones are my favorites. they just suck me in.

+1

 

[ruxtonvet]

Lucia from La Scala

Lucia on Mercury was released in cooperation with G. Recordi & C. Milano at La Scala. I can take a photo of the cover and label and send it to you. Comment on your list (Astor): I have most of your recommendations and find it interesting how few of the classical are by the great German and Austrian composers. Britten to me is usually boring although I do own all his operas. Do I ever listen to them- no, except for Noye's Fludde which is a play and not really an opera. Do I listen to most of the well recorded Lyrita's or Mercuries. Also a no. That pushes me back to the early RCAs and Deccas (London's). I guess if the German labels were as good as the British labels we would have had a better selection from Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn although Decca did give us some great recordings from these masters. Very hard to pass up a great recording sound quality wise even if it is boring.

 

[kleinbje]

I think we need a little more Rock. Here are some of my Demo rock albums.

Bob Dylan Blonde On Blonde-first US Mono pressing with original photo-just mind blowing sound

Led zeppelin II First USA Press double RL (+-)SS, thunderous demo quality bass, great guitar interplay

Face-Nod is as Good As a Wink-Original UK press with large poster-just amazing sound, thick meaty bass, the guitar just rips, as good as a rock album can sound. the recent reissue is pretty good, but I feel like you lose the room a bt

Rod Stewart EPTS-first UK with black Mercury Label, the drums on this are sick, good copies with have upfront present vocals with only the slightest hints at any sibilance, I have 6 copies Kills the MOFI, The US orange label polygram isnt bad either

Led Zeppelin HOTH-Double RL first press, amazing bass, and now that I have found the revirginizer, nice quiet backgrounds for rain song and no quarter. Very etherial vocals.

Joni Mitchel Blue-steve hoffman reissue, love the sound on this, she is in the room singing, great energy to the music, of note I have not heard any other pressings on this one

Van Morrison Astral Weeks- I'm partial to the original UK green Warner, but the recent reissue is RFG. Very big sound stage and full deep acoustic bass, not to mention the amazing vocals

Wilco Hotel Yankee Foxtrot-original issue, camera is a standout

Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers- Original German press, I have been through 5-6 different copies of this one from Presswells to reissues, this one is my fave for its more involving nature. Even in a shootout after hearing the song 2-3 times, this copy still has me tapping and singing if you know what I mean. The opening guitar of "Cant you hear me knocking" just rips, and Moonlight mile is just an experience.

That's all for now.
Jeff

 

[MylesBAstor]

Lucia on Mercury was released in cooperation with G. Recordi & C. Milano at La Scala. I can take a photo of the cover and label and send it to you. Comment on your list (Astor): I have most of your recommendations and find it interesting how few of the classical are by the great German and Austrian composers. Britten to me is usually boring although I do own all his operas. Do I ever listen to them- no, except for Noye's Fludde which is a play and not really an opera. Do I listen to most of the well recorded Lyrita's or Mercuries. Also a no. That pushes me back to the early RCAs and Deccas (London's). I guess if the German labels were as good as the British labels we would have had a better selection from Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn although Decca did give us some great recordings from these masters. Very hard to pass up a great recording sound quality wise even if it is boring.

Ok got it. Misunderstood what you wrote.

Don't read much into what I posted. It's far for a finished work and at best, 30% done. Lots, lots more to go. But yes, I do tend to more modern and Russian composers.