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Best of the Best: High Fidelity, True Classics

While getting organised for the new year, I have vowed to throw countless CDs and DVDs cluttering my cabinets that I rarely if ever watch or listen to, and I am starting to transfer little used music to computer.

I would like to allocate my remaining shelf space only to music and movies that are true classics, standards that could be critically acclaimed for both content and technical performance.

I admit -- I am guilty of it too, but I hope to never again show off my system with the following caveats:

"You may not have heard of Mannheim Steamroller, but listen to the imaging on this synthesizer track" or "I know you hate science fiction, but you have to check out the surround sound and picture on the blue alien lady singing scene".

I think I would nominate Miles Davis Kind of Blue on SACD, perhaps, but I would love to hear your opinions on both music and movies.

So give us the BEST: what are the great performances by the greatest artists that have reference sound and video thrown in with the bargain?

Happy New Year.
cwlondon

Showing 2 responses by twl

twl
3,251 posts
 
Hi CW. I'll nominate Madonna's Immaculate Collection, for the image and soundstage.
Also, Rickie Lee Jones' early albums for overall emotional content and recording quality. Makes for superb demos, and just plain enjoyment.
Best of Bread, will knock you dead.(Hey, that rhymes!)
Willie Nelson, Stardust album has got to be on the list.
Weather Report, Heavy Weather, is great instrumental.
Fleetwood Mac, the songs "Landslide" and "Crystal" have always been some of my favorites for demoing.
If you can take Mexican Mariachi music, Linda Ronstadt's Canciones de mi Padre, has some of the best recording and realistic life-like stuff I've ever heard on a CD. Not sure if it is available on vinyl.
There's a few for you.
twl
3,251 posts
 
For movies I love the original Robin Hood with Errol Flynn.

Also love most of the Bogart movies, especially the African Queen.

Dracula with Bela Lugosi, Frankenstein with Boris Karloff, and The Wolf Man with Lon Chaney

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Forbidden Planet

The Day the Earth Stood Still

War of the Worlds

Monty Pythons Holy Grail

Mike Nesmith's Elephant Parts

James Bond Dr. No

Just a few.
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