For me, it's real simple: Drop the needle on "Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas, Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen" and crank it up to where conversation isn't possible, close your eyes and just listen to the musicianship. You should be about third row center in the concert, able to point to the musicians on the stage. It is a rowdy Texas bar recording that just happens to be one of the best live recordings I have heard.
Then drop the needle on "Waiting for Columbus" from Little Feat. Once again, you should be at the concert with some of the best musicians EVER!
Next up is "The Seth James Band, Live @ Grune Hall". This is Texas blues at its best.
If your stereo can recreate the concert in your listening room, you will smile, you will laugh and you will enjoy all of your music all over again.