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Greatest Recordings - your opinions



I’m interested to know what recordings people here find to be the absolute pinnacle of sound reproduction.

The Classic 45 vinyl pressing of Louis Armstrong singing “St. James Infirmary” put me so deep into the studio I was afraid to clear my throat for fear I’d disturb the band. So far this is the most live-sounding recording I’ve heard. I have a decent system but when I spin this vinyl at home I don’t come anywhere close to the experience I had at the audiophile shop that first played it for me. Trying to get Louis in the house is what keeps me upgrading beyond my means…if he ever visits it’ll all be worth it.

For me tape hiss or other anomalies don't preclude a recording from my 'best of' list. I listen for that live, full, immediate, 'in the room' quality beyond all other considerations.

What recordings stand out for you and what are your criteria for them to do so? (I have a pen and paper handy)
kublakhan

Showing 1 response by the_smokester

the_smokester
174 posts
 
Here are a couple. To rank for me both the sound (ignoring tape hiss)and the performance have to be fabulous.

First, there's the 45 rpm LP of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, Antal Dorati and the London Symphony Orchestra, Mercury SR90226. Probably the all time spectacular hero record for classical fans.

Then, for Jazz listeners (or wannaabe's like me) there are the 45 rpm LP limited editions, remastered by AcousTech and produced by Analoque Productions, of "the best jazz ever". There are 25 such albums and I can't tell you which is the best...they all just put many of the jazz greats (Bill Evans, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, etc) right into your listening room.
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