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Truly Stunning Vinyl Album

Hey friends, I'm relatively new here, first topic post but I read Audiogon topics daily. I'm a total neophyte with a not-inexpensive mid-fi system (Rogue Cronus iii Dark amp, Michel Gyro SE TT, Maggie 3.7i speakers, and a single Perlisten D15s sub, and an Eversolo DMP A8 streamer), and a growing vinyl collection that I'm partial to over streaming (unless I'm working and can't bother to flip the record). I love classic rock, Neil Young, the Stones, and the Grateful Dead, but really I like almost all genres (not into rap or thrasher metal) and since setting up my system I routinely play jazz and classical albums, and artists I never paid much attention to but now listen to quite frequently because their albums sound great on my system (e.g. Jethro Tull, Santana). So with all of that context, what I'm interested in is any TRULY STUNNING vinyl albums you can recommend, in any genre. I'm not asking for a desert island list, or any list of your favorite albums. I have those lists too, but they're dominated by musicians/groups I love and aren't necessarily "stunning" beyond my own subjective tastes. I'm interested in hearing about the one or two albums in your collection that just blow you away for whatever reason (and please explain). I'll kick it off with the Impex reissue of chamber music by Jascha Heifetz in mono, called The Lark. If you had told me that one of the top 3 records in my collection would be a mono chamber music album, I'd have laughed you out of my house. But it just blows me away. I listen to it daily. Why does it blow me away? Mostly it's the opening piece, Heifetz and an organist playing Vitali's Chaconne. It starts off with somber organ tones that I feel in my soul thanks to the Perlisten D15s sub, and then all of a sudden Heifetz comes crashing in with his piercing violin, and it is so darn stunning and beautiful I could listen to it daily until they plant me. And I don't even have a mono cartridge!  So that's the type of album I'm looking for, in any genre. Something younwould play for anyone, and regardless of what genre they prefer, they would likely agree this album is truly stunning. Can you recommend anything like that? And in case you're interested, here's a great review of the Heifetz album: 

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/jascha-heifetz-the-lark/

Thanks for any recommendations!

phillyspecial
larryi
3,982 posts
 

Greg Brown has written some remarkable lyrics.  His “Poet Game” album, particularly the title track, is a great example of his skill.  The track about the Kennedy assassination (“Brand New Dodge”) is pretty good too.  I have this record on a terrific pressing by Red House Record, a label that consistently sounds good.

Another Brown, Ray Brown, had his “Soular Wind” album reissued by Audiophile Master Records (a very limited edition) that is one of the very best sounnding record that I have.

lewkor's avatar
lewkor
19 posts
 

My recommendations are:

Otis Spann is the Blues from the Candid recordings.  Considering these were pressed in the 1960's they still sound fantastic.

Otis Spann and His Piano: Otis Spann & Robert Lockwood.  Just as soulful as above.  Its like the piano and the guitar are one instrument - tight

Fllamenco: Pepe Romero. Mercury Imports.  Fantastic recording. 

lewkor's avatar
lewkor
19 posts
 

I forgot one:

Times Gettin' Tougher Than Tough, Butterfield Blues Band: Crystal Clear Records.  Paul does an insane harmonica solo on the title track.

larryi
3,982 posts
 

I don't have that Butterfield Blues Band record, but, if it is on Crystal Clear, I am not surprised that it sounds great.

This reminds me of another terrifically well recorded album.  Doug Macleod's "Come to Find" album which was originally release on Audioquest (yup, the cable company), and then reissued on Analogue Productions.  I own the Audioquest version and have heard, and liked, the Analogue Productions reissue (they are almost always terrific with reissues).  I can't say which is better.  Charlie Musselwhite appears on a couple of tracks and his harmonica playing is fantastic.

unreceivedogma's avatar
unreceivedogma
979 posts
 

@larryi 

I had been collecting MoFi for years. 

At one point, I thought that I was noticing that the sound quality had become thinner, less airy and detailed. 

Finally, the controversy over the digital step erupted. And I said “ah hah!”.

I now not simply prefer SS original press or NM original press or Analog Productions, I buy only them. Except for AP, I avoid all reissues. 

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