what are the "must have" CD's


For years, I've invested in quality sound equipment and have a small collection of CD's of different types.....but I realize that there are problaby some "must have" CD's that really show just how good (or bad) a system really is. This isn't a quest for who your favorite female singer is...or what orchestra you like the best....I'm really after sonic quality and sonic range (gotta show off the sub and boomy rock probably isn't the best way to do it).

I'm open to suggestions in most any musical category...the only qualification is that the CD has to be readily available and not some collector's item.

If there is already a list somewhere..please point me to it....or post your suggestions.
ghstudio

Showing 2 responses by jdoris

Wanted to second Mlsstl's suggestion of Taj Mahal. After reading this thread yesterday, I put on the "Dancin the Blues," a disc which contains "Blue Light Boogie." I'd previously thought of it as fun party music, but I found it is unusually well recorded for the genre; the bass and vocals are especially well-handled. The performance highlight might be a duet of "Mockingbird" with Ms. Etta James. :) Even if you don't listen to the blues much (I don't), this would be a fine sample to round out your collection, IMHO. John
Since there's some interest in "Americana" here, let me recommend "Heartworn Highways," a collection of informal recordings of some of the great Texas bards (Clarke, Earle, van Zandt), back in the day (mid 70s).

Great songs, and though the recordings seem to vary a bit across tracks, the sound is wonderfully natural. According to Stereophile, who named it a "recording to die for" the recordings are somewhat low tech; anyway, it really works. Highly recommended, if you like male singer songwriters.

John