@larryi: Yeah, UK Island LP’s are known for their good sound, particularly the ones with a pink center label. I have only one, the second Traffic album. I had a UK Island copy of TFTT, but it was a later "sunray" label Island.
There is a YouTube video in which Bernie Grundman, Chad Kassem, and Michael Fremer discuss the whole TFTT story, which started when Bernie Grundman got the master tapes to do a reissue for Classic Records. Well worth your time searching for.
By the way, the Analogue productions TFTT is available in both 1-LP/33-1/3 RPM and 2-LP/45 RPM versions.
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The "Tea for the Tillerman" that I have is on an original Island release, not the Analogue Productions version and it is a very good sounding record (much better sounding than the original US release (A&M?)). I was surprised how much more dynamic and explosive the Island record was compared to the US version. I have not heard the Analogue Productions version, but I would bet it is good because that label is very consistently good.
I mentioned a few Ella Fitzgerald albums but forgot to mention her soundtrack for the movie "Let No Man Write My Epitaph." The 45 rpm reissue on Analogue Pro-ductions sounds very good for a 1960 mono recording.
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i’m not a huge Black Sabbath fan, but the Rhino Numbered remaster of their self titled debut that came out a few months ago might be the best sounding vinyl record I’ve ever heard.
The Doors - Analogue Productions 45 RPM from a few years back (still available and better than the more recent UHQR)
2009 Pressing of Hotel California
Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin’ 45 RPM Analogue Productions
Steely Dan - all of the Analogue Productions UHQR
The Beatles - 2014 mono reissues
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Has anyone mentioned Tea For The Tillerman by Cat Stevens? The Analogue Productions pressing.
Not an "audiophile" sounding recording, but "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder (on his Talking Book album) is a track that is very "punchy" sounding. One of the best drum sounds I've ever heard.
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I haven't heard the Monk Mo-Fi one step, but, if it is like other such albums it would be terrific sounding. Mo-Fi has taken a lot of heat because they have made most of these albums from digital masters.
Analogue purist hate the very idea that digital is part of the chain because they believe digital is inherently bad. I am beginning to think that what is loved about analogue sound is what the medium does to the sound, not that it is a superior way to preserve the original signal. I have a number of early digitally recorded music issued on vinyl (because CDs had not yet been invented) that sound very good. They sound very much like analogue-recorded vinyl.
A similar observation has been made with analogue tape. I read an interview with three recording engineers and they all agreed that high resolution digital recording sounds closer to the native microphone feed than does an analogue tape recording of the same feed. But, they all agreed that they preferred the sound of the analogue tape version even if it was not as "accurate." Perhaps vinyl works the same way for vinyl fans.
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Joni Mitchell's Mingus is an album that is outstanding after getting past the "Happy Birthday" first song on side one. The rest of the album should blow you away.
The best of the Doors is also worth mentioning.
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@terry9 can't wait to hear it, hopefully it's in decent shape. Thanks again.
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It takes a recording from a war zone to understand the Emperor. 'Cause when the Emperor gets lost, lots of people die, Beethoven as he meant it to be.
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Impex Oliver Nelson Blues and the Abstract Truth.
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@terry9 thanks for the heads up, just bought it and will look for the Andre Bach album. You had me at anti-aircraft cannon! 🤯
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How about that! There's a VC 81080 on Discogs right now, it's the one with a German eagle on the cover.
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A bit more mainstream.
Music and interpretation to blow you away: Maurice Andre, Bach for Trumpet. Angel SZ-37728
Interpretation is incredible. Unobtainium, but you haven’t really heard Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto (#5 for piano) until you hear the first complete stereo recording still in existence, recorded in Berlin during WW2. You can hear the anti-aircraft cannon at one point. Walter Gieseking, Varese Sarabande, VC 81080.
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I still don’t know the record, but, Musselwhite on Crystal Clear Records must be something special.
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@larryi when I wrote about the disk "Times Gettin' Tougher Than Tough" I messed up on the artist! The artist is actually Charlie Musselwhite! So what I should have written is:
Times Gettin' Tougher Than Tough, Charlie Musselwhite: Crystal Clear Records.
Perhaps that is why you didn't recognize the piece.
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I think it is terrific that you have snagged some of the recommendations. I have both the Chet Baker and the Du Pre/Baker albums and they are great both musically and sonically. I wish I had your Nagra album; I heard it and it is a great compilation to own. I have the Thorens 125th Anniversary box set and it is quite good too.
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OP jumping back in just to say THANK YOU ALL for the amazing recommendations! I have not been disappointed yet. I've tracked down a few of the first recommendations, including the Chet Baker album (stunning, a new favorite -- thanks @yogiboy and @narrowfelllow), Du Pré's Elgar cello concerto with Dame Janet Baker (same!! Thanks @dogberry -- glad to hear the mono is amazing too), and Fantasia (Kostal conducting - thanks @pwerahera). I'm still tracking down many others and streaming as much as I can, including the many excellent recommendations by @terry9 and @larryi and more. This list will keep me busy for years and I love discovering new outstanding music. I'm also adding one recommendation as TRULY STUNNING on vinyl: NAGRA's 70th Anniversary Collection album. All tracks cut from original analog Masters at 45 rpm, and includes a wonderful mix spanning several decades, e.g. Bill Evans, Very Early (1968); Louis Armstrong, C'est si bon (1961), Marlene Verplanck, Deep in a Dream (1955), Buddy Tate, Stardust (1975), and other tracks through 2020. It's not cheap, but it is truly stunning. Thanks again and keep the recommendations coming!
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Well, I was very lucky with the mono version of the Elgar cello concert/Sea Pictures: the disc is spotless and looks like new. After a thorough cleaning it is silent except for the music. I can only speak to sound quality, as having only one ear I don't hear stereo even when it is available, and the quality here is wonderful. Played with a Ruby 3 converted to mono (by VAS)/SME IV, SME Model 10, Quad tube amps and ESLs. I assume this was mixed down from the stereo recording rather than a second mono recording made at the same time (it is certainly the same performance), but all the same, I'm very happy to have it.
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The Rickie Lee Jones version is quite good musically, and the EP it is on is VERY good soundwise. Another track, Tom Waits' "Rainbow Sleeves" can be a bit demanding for some cartridges where she comes close to overloading the microphone. I've actually heard mis-tracking with a few cartridges playing this track.
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Ricky Lee Jones ,"Under the boardwalk" Larry ,thanks ,I never heard her version.
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The Parlan, Getz/Gilberto and Wanes recommendations are all good sounding albums with good music too. The Parlan record I have as a reissue (I don't own any original Blue Notes).
the Getz/Gilberto I also have as a reissue but I've heard a Verve original and MANY various reissues. All of the versions sound very good although they do suffer a little bit from excessive and boomy bass. Still, the music is great.
I have the original issue of Warnes' album (all covers of Leonard Cohen songs). It is an extremely well recorded album and I like most of the interpretations of his music on the album. It is a good place to explore other people's versions of his songs. One of my favorites on the album is "First We Take Manhattan" (my preferred cover of this was done by R.E.M).
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Horace Parlan, 'Speakin' My Piece', 2x45rpm
Stan Getz and others, 'Getz/Gilberto' Impex 2x45prm
Jennifer Warnes, 'Famous Blue Raincoat', 33rpm original.
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The editors of Absolute Sound magazine use to often tout the Ella Fitzgerald "Clap Hands Here Comes Charlie" album on Verve Records. I have an original copy and it is indeed a fine sounding album, both musically and sonically. I would also include in a fairly short list of great sounding albums her "Whisper Not" album with the Marty Paich Orchestra. The big band accompaniment is tougher to record than that of "Clap Hands Here Comes Charlie" and the performance is pretty good too. Verve is a hit or miss label, but both of these records are clearly in the "hit" category.
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BTW
Speaking of Rhino Records, their Chicago Transit Authority reissue was a huge disappointment. 60 seconds in I had to jump up to find my fifty year old copy in order to make sure I hadn’t imagined those in your face horns and deep bass guitar. So glad to still have my old copy. Another vote recorded FOR physical media 😎 .
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I have to say, it’s refreshing to hear a newbie that is not so focused on gear but instead discovering a time machine to other eras of great music. Let’s just take this opportunity to say, “right on.” I believe you are on the right path to audio enlightenment and wish you good luck on your journey.
Equipment is a means to an end. The music’s the thing.
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Philly Philly! Sorry, couldn't resist....
The recently released High Fidelity series by Rhino are all excellent remasters and pressings. Among the best on my turntable, and a bargain as well.
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As I said above, I find Mo-Fi to be hit and miss, and I agree that Analogue Productions is quite consistently very good But, there have been many other labels doing reissues that have been very good too, such as Classic Records and King Records, and some that have many great reissues in their catalogue even if all are not great, such as JVC and Toshiba (to name two labels I have not mentioned above). For a lot of really great records, such as the old Blue Note catalogue, one must collect reissues unless one is willing to spend thousands of dollars on originals (I don't own a single original Blue Note). There are currently active companies that make fantastic reissues of some very important albums that are extremely expensive when originally issued, never mind what they end up costing as collector items later (e.g., the reissues made by the Electric Recording Company).
Once you get up into crazy price collecting, it might make sense going to reel to reel tape. I would never go that route myself, but, I've heard direct copies of master tapes that cost north of $1,000 that are so much more open, vivid and alive than LPs. I am too poor and too lazy to ever want to deal with tape.
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Ambrosia-Somewhere I’ve Never Traveled
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@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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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.
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I forgot one:
Times Gettin' Tougher Than Tough, Butterfield Blues Band: Crystal Clear Records. Paul does an insane harmonica solo on the title track.
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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.
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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.
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Those who don't know Greg Brown should look for him.....
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Depending on your favorite genre, I can also aver that the Analog Sounds label, Analogue Productions albums, are always very well produced and engineered.
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Not my favorite, but Crystal Clear Records Charlie Byrd Direct Disc recording has a drum solo that will blow you into the next century!
Also, almost any Sheffield Direct to Disc recordings are outstanding; I particularly like Thelma Houston I’ve Got The Music in Me and Dave Grusin’s Discovered Again!
There are some “standard” recordings I find superb such as Pat Metheny’s Offramp and As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls.
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@wwmeredith Happy to hear it. I'm waiting for the mono version to arrive in the next few days. So much good stuff out there....
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I see QSound embedded recordings are needing a bump.
From recollection, the embedded data, was able to create an expansive Soundstage and be very accurate in a placement of sound within the Soundstage. Both of which I can vouch for perceiving be present very strongly.
Today, I suggest the easiest and probably cheapest option to experience QSound is the Roger Waters Live CD.
Also if Sensura is Tracked in time, it become QSound, and today I am led to believe the Technology is owned by Dolby and is Dolby Atmos.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QSound
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/what-do-you-think-of-q-sound-recordings
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That said, four albums stand out for me as a recommendation. They are diverse,
Janis Joplin - Cheap Thrills
Dave Brubeck - Take Five
Jethro Tull - Aqualung
Allman Brothers Band - Live at the Fillmore
There are literally hundreds of versions of some of these records. Some may be superb, some not so much. For instance there are 331 vinyl versions of "Time Out" listed on Discogs. (I assume that is what was meant instead of "Take Five") Since it is in the public domain it is being released by numerous labels such as Wax Time and DOL using dubious sources. It has been released several times at 45 rpm including a Classic Records version that is on 4 single sided discs. So some are obviously much better than others. If you google "Aqualung" there is much discussion of the various versions with the general consensus being that while some are better than others, and some are not good at all, none of them are "truly stunning."
My point is, naming popular titles where some releases are "truly stunning" but many are not without pointing to the particular releases that are the best of the lot, doesn’t really add to the conversation.
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@dogberry thanks for the Elgar recommendation. This is excellent!
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I know there is a lot of anger over Mo-Fi’s use of digital steps in the making of it’s ultra premium One-Step records. But, many of them are really great sounding so it is not the case that digital ruins recorded music. If you have a chance to acquire these records, you should not pass them up.
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Depeche Mode "Ultra" vinyl album
David Bowie "Earthling" vinyl album. There's a reissue on MOVLP cheaper otherwise it's nearly 4-figure vinyl.
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I would like to add that anyone who has 3.7 Maggies does not have "mid fi" sound. Do not let the 1% intimidate you, you have high quality sound.
That said, four albums stand out for me as a recommendation. They are diverse,
Janis Joplin - Cheap Thrills
Dave Brubeck - Take Five
Jethro Tull - Aqualung
Allman Brothers Band - Live at the Fillmore
I would also add my own bias, I have owned 3.6 Maggies for almost 20 years and they are magical. Everyone has different tastes and ears, but my gear chasing ended when I had my Maggies dialed in. I hope you have Mye stands as they are a game changing inexpensive tweak.
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The best pressed record I’ve ever heard is the Black Sabbath ST from Rhino. It’s the unnumbered version. I could not believe how good they made that record sound.
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@phillyspecial If you like live music, I’d highly recommend Alice In Chains - MTV Unplugged. I am willing to say it is the best recorded live album. Super intimate hearing all the crowd reaction (and banter), really captures the acoustics of the room, and the playing was spot on.
That album is bittersweet though, because you can really hear how frail and nervous Layne Staley was by that time. Listen for the banter with Metallica sitting front row and the lisp in his voice from the drug abuse destroying his teeth. Sad, silly, joyful and every bit of typical dejected Seattle grunge was all captured there. Such an amazing album.
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Some artists were very much interested in the sound quality of their records, or so it seems, because the sound is consistently good. Lois Armstrong seemed to always have good records. Ry Cooder is another good example. In addition to the Water Lily recording mentioned above, his “Buena Vista Social Club” record is terrific sounding. I also really like his “Paradise and Lunch Album” (I have both the original and a Mobile Fidelity” reissue and they are both good).
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Aja and Kind of Blue UHQRs go neck and neck for my best sounding records. Doesn't hurt that they are my 2 favorite albums also.
Too many others to mention, because I don't listen to any just for the sound quality. If I don't like a record, I don't care how good it sounds. I can appreciate it, just won't waste my time listening to it. Of course if it sounds great, I will enjoy it more.
I guess I am not as die hard of an audiophile as I thought....didn't realize so many are building demo rooms like the good old days when so many stereo stores played Pat Metheny Group (the other white album,which I do happen to really like) and the Crime of the Century UHQR (which I also really like).
It's about the music (but good equipment enhances the experience). Not the other way around.
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