What are your go to LP's for evaluating new gear or new tubes?

We’ve been listening to their Christmas cds for years.

Albums I listen to currently for checking gear are:

Carolin No - Carolin No

Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well

Jennifer Warnes - The Hunter

Dave Matthews - Some Devil

October Project - The Ghost of Childhood 

Check out the October Project album that I listed. It’s amazing in my opinion. Beautiful voices and all different types of instrumentation.

Do you have Qobuz? I know it's on there. 

I spent some bucks on high quality vinyl. Some sound a smidge better than streaming, but not enough for me to play vinyl when streaming is so easy.  Personal preference. I do have the Jennifer Warnes and Kacey Musgraves on vinyl.  James Taylor - Hourglass is another favorite.

The majority of the music that I play currently was discovered by streaming. I wouldn't even know about many of my favorite musicians without it.  If I really like a recording, I often buy the cd.  I bought the October Project cd directly from the band via Bandcamp. 

Some of the music being recommended could possibly be heard on YouTube.  It would at least give you an idea of the music style before you spend money on a record.

I've listened to some music that was recommended by others and I really don't care for it. Sucks if you've spent $30 on a record..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-hs0FtFGP4&list=OLAK5uy_mZPAqZRHIUWeCJLjC732VZ2dZHRiDMgGQ

Check this one out.  The Hunter by Jennifer Warnes.  I've used it and James Taylor's Hourglass as reference material for lots of years.  

@billpete Falling Further In is their second recording.

You have to order the newest cd directly from the band via Bandcamp. 

https://octoberproject.bandcamp.com/album/the-ghost-of-childhood-2

@billpete yeah, the self titled album is their first. 

@billpete The first two albums feature Mary Fahl as the lead singer.  She went solo after that.  They are both excellent albums.

Their newest album, The Ghost of Childhood, have two ladies singing.  Very different, but really excellent.  You can stream it on Qobuz.  I had to buy the cd direct from the band via Bandcamp.  It's a signed copy.