Daryl Hall & John Oates-Voices Side B
Tom Hunter-Comin’ Home Side A
Black Sabbath-13 Side A
Angela Bofill-Something About You Side 1 SQ*
Lee Konitz Quartet-Ideal Scene Side B SQ Audiophile
Asia-Alpha Side 1(Alpha)
Johnny Paycheck-Armed And Dangerous Side 2 SQ*
Steely Dan-Aja(1st ABC press) Side A SQ Audiophile
With Audiophile SQ on 2 recordings and 2 SQ* near misses makes for a typical playback session. Only Alpha was hampered by SQ. Content is excellent on Alpha dismiss the critics. Is a Japanese or Euro pressing worth my time/money? I will give the SQ crown to Lee Konitz. Aja has solid Audiophile SQ but IMO is not a demo level recording as many believe.
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@slaw +6 on an exceptional playlist. Unfamiliar with Glen Hansard so I listened to each track(Youtube) for about 30 seconds and the songs Ghost/Short Life stood out. Will purchase a vinyl copy if the SQ is well above average?
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Santana-Shango Side 2
Josh White-Live!(ABCS 407) Side 2
Randy Travis-No Holdin' Back Side 2
Akiyoshi-Tabackin Big Band-Long Yellow Road Side A SQ Audiophile
Jethro Tull-Crest Of A Knave Side 1
Phobe Snow-Never Letting Go Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Hayden-Symphony No.95/Dorati(London STS 15320) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Poison-Open Up And Say... Ahh!(Tongue cover) Side 2
Josh White was an early stereo version(1961) my guess is the mono might have better SQ? Very close for the SQ crown but none were demo level.
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Cleo Laine-Return To Carnegie Hall Side A SQ*
Eric Clapton-August(2010 Repress) Side 2
Jimmy Roselli-Core Napulitano Side 2
Willie Nelson & Ray Price-San Antonio Rose Side 2 SQ*
Cream-Wheels Of Fire(RSO repress no bar code) Side 3
Mountain-Twin Peaks Side 1
George Shearing-Dexterity(CJ 346) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Captain & Tennile-Come In From The Rain Side 1 SQ*
Nothing had below average SQ tonight.
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The Pointer Sisters-ST Side 1 SQ Audiophile
ZZ Top-Rio Grande Mud Side 2
Luciano Pavarotti-The World's Favorite Tenor Arias Side 2 SQ*
Helen Reddy-Greatest Hits Side 1
The Doobie Brothers-Takin' It To The Streets Side 1 SQ*
Spirit-Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus(Orange Epic) Side 1 SQ*
George Benson-Breezin Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Glen Campbell-Southern Nights Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Paul Simon-Still Crazy After All Theses Years Side 1 SQ*
John Denver-Greatest Hits Side B
Played a couple extra album sides(70's night) to close out 2023. Only Denver's content suffered due to SQ. Benson takes the SQ crown with Doug Sax onboard.
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@slaw I always make an attempt to play at least 1 R&B recording during my 8 side listening sessions. "Variety is the spice of life".
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@slaw Nice to see some "Top Shelf" R&B being spun!
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Sting-Dream Of The Blue Turtles Side 1
Rare Silk-New Weave Side B SQ*
The Jeff Healey Band-See The Light Side A
Roxy Music-Avalon Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Diane Schuur-& The Count Basie Orchestra Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Dokken-Tooth And Nail Side 2
Marlena Shaw-It Is Love Side A SQ Audiophile
Roseanne Cash-King's Record Shop Side 1
Eurythmics-Revenge Side 2
Yes, it was 80's night and yes Avalon was the SQ champ. My wife even sat in the sweet spot(chair) for Avalon. Played an extra recording due to the possibility of being sidelined a while due to the holidays/family ect.
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Herb Alpert-Solid Brass Side 2
Robin Trower-Bridge Of Sighs Side 1
Bobby Vinton-Take Good Care Of My Baby Side 2
Joni Mitchell-Court And Spark Side 2 SQ*
Paul Bley-Copenhagen And Haarlem Side 3 SQ Audiophile
Pat Benatar-In The Heat Of The Night Side 2
Bartok-Dorati/Detroit(CS 7120) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
The Ken Peplowski Quintet-Sonny Side(CJ 376) Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Sunday night clean power at its best! Only Vinton disappointed on SQ and content but was a mint budget find(flyer). The rest of these recordings speak for themselves only Ken Peplowski(CJ 376) needs a shoutout, great 5* content that also takes the SQ crown tonight.
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Ian Hunter-Welcome To The Club Side 3
We Five-You Were On My Mind(1969 repress) Side 2
Charlie Shoemake-Satin Nights Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Joan Sutherland-Voice Of The Century(OSA-13107) Side 3 SQ Audiophile
The Doors-Other Voices(Santa Maria pressing) Side 1 SQ*
Cleo Laine-Born On A Friday Side B SQ Audiophile
Authur Fiedler-Glenn Miller’s Biggest Hits- Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Della Reese-C’mon And Hear Della Reese(ABCS-524) Side 2
Played 3 more of my mint 1960’s budget bin finds We Five/Fiedler and Reese. Curious if anyone has Reese/One More Time ABCS-589 and could comment on SQ. Fiedler had excellent dynamics but lacked a slight level of engagement, Sutherland had an excessive noise floor. Toss up between Cleo/Shoemake for the SQ crown. Maybe Chad Kassem will finally complete The Doors studio catalog?
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The Monty Alexander Quintet-Ivory & Steel(CJP-124) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Jackson 5-Victory Side 1
Kiss-Alive II Side 3
Joe Sample-Carmel Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Tom Petty/Heartbreakers-"Damn The Torpedoes" Side 1 SQ*
Sammy Hagar-Standing Hampton Side 1
Eagles-ST Side 1 SQ*
Donna Fargo-My Second Album Side 1
With 2 Audiophile SQ recordings and 2 near misses(SQ*) makes for an average SQ night. Only Ms. Fargo had average(at best)SQ that sounded like it was recorded for AM radio. "Carmel" takes the SQ crown having a very wide and open soundstage.
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Patti Austin-'Every Home Should Have One" Side 1 SQ*
Journey-Infinity Side 1
Richie Cole/Hank Crawford Quintet-Bossa International Side 1 SQ*
Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66-Fool On The Hill Side 2
Manfred Mann's Earth Band-Budapest Live Side 1 SQ*
Sibelius-Karelia/Ormandy(RCA ARL 1-2613) Side B SQ Audiophile
Van Halen-II(Bellman pressing) Side 1
Captain & Tennille-Love Will Keep Us Together Side 1
With only 1 Audiophile SQ recording and 3 near misses makes for an underperforming SQ night. The VH Bellman press lacks the bite of the OP, but still a solid repress. Have 4 Captain/Tennille pressings and all 4 sound different(lol). This one is pristine-Jacket/Vinyl but not the best SQ. Manfred Mann's Earth Band has to be the most overlooked top level "Prog" band of the 1970's.
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Don Rader-Anemone(Jet Danger Records J5310) Side 1 SQ*
Journey-Departure Side 1
Joe Williams-I Just Want To Sing(Delos 4004) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
The Four Temperaments/Carol Rosenberger(Delos 25440) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Robbin Thompson-ST Side 1
The Beatles-Abbey Road(1969 LA Pressing) Side 1
Miriam Makeba-Sangoma Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Lee Ritenour-RIT/2 Side 2
The 2 Delos recordings had the best SQ. I will give the SQ crown to Ms. Rosenberger, another great budget bin recording! Journey and The Beatles battle for worst but acceptable SQ. Don Rader had great content and near Audiophile SQ* worth seeking if you're a true jazz fan.
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Betty Carter-Look What I Got Side A SQ Audiophile
Russ Ballard-At The Third Stroke Side 1 SQ*
Eurythmics-Revenge Side 1
Tom Rush-Ladies Love Outlaws Side 1
Dvorak-Violin Concerto/Josef Suk(PAL-1002) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Loudness-Thunder In The East Side 1
John's Bunch-The John Bunch Quintet Side A SQ Audiophile
Darol Anger/Barbara Higbie-Tideline Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Nothing had below average SQ. With the Eurythmics having an excessive sharp edge helps secure last SQ place. Will give the SQ crown to John Bunch(Famous Door HL-107) Russ Ballard better(content/SQ) than many "popular" rock albums at the time now resides in the budget bins. Ms. Carter deserved a Grammy win for this exceptional recording.
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Rush-Moving Pictures Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway-ST Side 2 SQ*
Rod Stewart-Absolutely Live Side 3
Jefferson Starship-Dragon Fly Side A
Ratt-Invasion Of Your Privacy Side 1 SQ*
Cheap Trick-At Budokan Side 2
The Robert Cray Band-False Accusations Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Paul McCartney & Wings-Band On The Run Side 1 SQ*
With 2 Audiophile SQ recordings and 3 near misses beats the odds! I would give the SQ edge to Rush due to dynamics and clean bass. FWIW all 8 recordings make my Top 100 for the decade. Shocked how Flack/Hathaway never makes the generic Top 100 1970's best albums list? Rush places highest on my 80's list while Starship tops the 70's.
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America-ST(Palm Tree label) Side 1 SQ*
The Call-Reconciled(White label promo) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Peter Gabriel-ST(Car) Side 1
Bon Jovi-Slippery When Wet Side A
U.K.-ST(EGLP-35) Side 1
Jennifer Warnes-Famous Blue Raincoat(Pink Cypress label) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
The J. Giles Band-Bloodshot(Red vinyl) Side 2 SQ*
Teddy Pendergrass-This One's For You Side 2 SQ*
Played 4 albums from the 70's and 4 from the 80's. All 8 recordings make my Top 100 for the decade. Reconciled and U.K. had the strongest content, while Ms. Warnes won the SQ battle and was 3rd in content.
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Nicolette Larson-In The Nick Of Time Side 1
Steely Dan-The Royal Scam Side B(ABCD-831 "sunburst label") SQ*
Nat King Cole-At The Sands(SMAS 2434) Side 2
Pink Floyd-A Momentary Lapse Of Reason Side 1 SQ*
Tania Maria-Come With Me(CJP-200) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
The Who-Tommy(35MM 0071 Japanese) Side 4 SQ*
Judy Collins-Colors Of The Day Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Frank Morgan-Yardbird Suite Side 2 SQ Audiophile
With 3 Audiophile SQ and 3 SQ*(near misses) makes for a great session. Larson condition was VG+ at best, need a better copy of this overlooked recording. Nat was M- even my Stereo version had a sharp(directional) mono feel. A toss up between Morgan/Collins and Tania Maria. I can't pick a winner due to the power being "lackluster"(not at best). Select all 3 and it's a win/win on sonics/content.
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Santana-Festival Side 1
Mel Torme And Friends-Live At Marty's Side A
BTO-Not Fragile Side A
Snooky Young & Marshal Royal-ST(CJ-55) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Blackfoot-Strikes Side 2
Chris Conner-Classic Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Triumph-Allied Forces Side B
ELP(Powell)-ST Side B
Everything had SQ that did not diminish the content. The SQ crown goes to Ms. Conner.
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Dean Martin-Happiness is...(RS 6242) Side 1
Janie Fricke-Sleeping With Your Memory Side 1
Queen-Live Killers-Side 4
The New Christy Minstrels-In Person(CS 8741) Side 1
Frank Sinatra-Strangers In The Night(FS-1017) Side 1
The Cowsills-In Concert(SE-4619) Side 1
Rush-Exit Stage Left Side 4
Molly Hatchet-Double Trouble Live Side 1
Even without any Audiophile SQ recordings the night was not a loss. Only the Dean Martin album suffered with SQ, content was just ok. The Cowsills/Minstrels were better than expected. Slowly playing the 60’s era M- thrift store haul(40 albums) from early this year. Frank/Jack Jones/Ramsey Lewis and Brazil 66 have been the best so far. Ended the night with 2 of the best live Rock/Pop albums of the 1980’s.
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Ocean-Put Your Hand In The Hand Side A SQ Audiophile
Dick Haymes-For You, For Me, For Evermore Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Michael Hedges-Aerial Boundaries Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Dokken-Tooth And Nail Side 2
Bruce Springsteen-The River Side 3
Jim Croce-You Don't Mess Around With Jim Side 2
Jefferson Starship-Earth Side B
Toshiko Akiyoshi-Finesse(CJ-69) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
With 4/8 having Audiophile SQ this makes for an enjoyable evening when adding superior content. Only Dokken's SQ hurt the exceptional content. The SQ crown goes to Akiyoshi giving CJ another win. Have not spun Aerial Boundaries in a while, easily makes my Top 50 of all recordings released during the 1980's.
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Van Morrison-Veedon Fleece(barcode WB shield) Side 1
Marshall Crenshaw-Good Evening Side 1
Janis Ian-Between The Lines Side 1
Stephen Bishop-Red Cab To Manhattan Side 2 SQ*
Gerry Rafferty-Night Owl Side 1
Bruce Hornsby And The Range-The Way It Is Side B
Burt Bacharach-Living Together Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Brenda Russell-Love Life Side 2 SQ Audiophile
As mentioned in previous post-singer/songwriter night. Played 4 recordings from the 70's and 80's. SQ* Bishop very close to Audiophile SQ. Burt easily takes the SQ crown, might not be demo disc level but close(Grundman).
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Michael Franks-The Camara Never Lies Side 1
Joan Steele-Looking Back... Earl Brown Side 1
Steve Lawence-Eydie Gorme-Two On The Aisle Side 1
Peter Paul & Mary-No Easy Walk To Freedom Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Shirley Jones-Always In The Mood Side 2(dancing)
Dusty Springfield-You Don't Have To Say You Love Me(mono) Side 1
Dee Bell-One By One(CJ 271) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan-Basin Street East(LSP-2635) Side 2
Even with only 2 Audiophile SQ recordings the other 5 were very close. Only the Dusty mono version was lacking in SQ. Ms. Bell gets the slight edge over PPM due to having a more analog texture.
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Kansas-Point Of Know Return Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Thema Houston-Any Way You Like It Side 1 SQ Audiophile
The Kendalls-Heart Of The Matter Side B
David Amram-Havana/New York Side 1
Mary Travers- Mary Side 2 SQ*
The Who-The Who By Numbers(barcode 1980 pressing) Side 1 SQ*
Bob James-One Side B SQ Audiophile
Olivia Newton-John-Let Me Be There Side 1
After playing Jann Arden-Living Under June(1994) which has a very strong 70's vibe I decided to play various genres of 1970's recordings. Only the Kendalls disappointed in content and SQ. Will need to play Travers/Who again to determine Audiophile SQ. Bob James clearly takes the SQ crown and might has demo disc credibility.
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The Bama Band-ST Side 1
Al Cohn-Standards Of Excellence(CJ 241) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Harry Chapin-Heads & Tales Side Tales
James Williams-Images(CJ 140) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
M.A.R.S.-Project Driver(Shrapnel SH-1028) Side 1
Art Blakey/Jazz Messengers-Keystone 3(CJ 196) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Rufus-Rufusized Side A
Fraser MacPherson-Jazz Prose(CJ 269) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Played 4 Concord Jazz albums and all had Audiophile SQ. Wanted to showcase tenor saxophonists-Bill Pierce/Al Cohn/Fraser MacPherson that are virtually unknown to casual jazz fans. I would give the SQ crown to "Images" by a nose over "Jazz Prose". Played these for @bkeske, all 4 recordings are 5* in content. James Williams might be the most talented jazz pianist very few are familiar with. Chaka is off the charts vocally. The Bama Band is a superior Florida Georgia Line 35 years prior. Not much can be said for Harry Chapin other than brilliant song writing. MARS featured Tony MacAlpine an overlooked guitar god of the 1980’s.
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@bkeske Are you still in the process of increasing your vinyl jazz collection? FWIW consider the first 400 Concord Jazz vinyl series. I own about 90/400 and my estimate is > 75% have Audiophile SQ and content always rates at least 4/5. Many of these recordings can be found in near mint or even sealed for < $25. Don't let the "Wine and Cheese" label (by some) discourage you, great jazz has a very wide range of styles.
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Jack Jones-Our Story Side 2
Sammy Hagar-Live 1980 Side 1
George Muribus-Trio 77 Side A SQ Audiophile
The Who-Meaty Beaty And Bouncy Side 1
Teena Marie-Starchild Side 1 SQ Audiophile
K.D. Lange And The Reclines-Absolute Torch And Twang Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Yes-The Yes Album Side 2 SQ *
Three Dog Night-Around The World Side C+D SQ*
Not sure if I have an OP of Yes? TDN Floyd Sneed’s drum solo had Audiophile SQ but the album fluctuates in SQ. K.D. Lange takes the SQ crown.
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@bslon Thx. War is difficult to categorize, a little Santana/Tower of Power and some of the song writing ability of Stevie Wonder. FWIW Acoustic Sounds will be reissuing the first 5 Bad Company recordings on 45 rpm vinyl.
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Johnny Mathis-Romeo And Juliet(CS 9909) Side 1
Bob Dylan-Real Live Side 2
War-Greatest Hits Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Bob James-Touchdown(25AP1184 Master Sound 76) Side A SQ Audiophile
Doobie Brothers-Cycles Side 1
Luther Vandross-Busy Body Side B SQ Audiophile
Chopin-Chopin By Starlight(SP 8371) Side 1
Eurythmics-Sweet Dreams(are made of this) Side B SQ*
Another diverse vinyl night. Played 2 of my M- Goodwill finds... Chopin was decent but Mathis just OK. Cycles what a great "comeback" album. Many 70's "Classic Rock" artists had strong albums that year(89). SQ* Sweet Dreams might have Audiophile SQ but would need another spin. Very tough 3 way SQ tonight but Touchdown edges out Vandross/War.
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Cedar Walton-Eastern Rebellion(Music On Vinyl 829) Side B SQ Audiophile
Debbie Boone-You Light Up My Life Side 1
Ernie Ford & Glen Campbell-Ernie Sings/Glen Picks Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Sibelius/Grieg-Finlandia/Peer Gynt-Ormandy MS 6196 Side 1+2 SQ Audiophile
Genesis-And Then There Were Three Side 2
Woody Herman-Woody And Friends(CJ 170) Side 2 SQ Audiophile
A slightly condensed Sunday night session, blame the NFL. Very difficult to select a SQ winner on the next day but the edge goes to Ford/Campbell for a very natural sounding recording. No, the Debbie Boone recording is not as bad as perceived but will NOT be making any of my Top 100 lists.
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Jack Jones-Without Her(LSP-3911) Side 1
The Monty Alexander Quintet(CJP-124) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
The Jeff Healey Band-See The Light Side A
Son Seals-Chicago Fire Side B
Mahler-Symphony No.1(Walter MY 37235) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Peter Frampton-Where I Should Be Side 1
Procol Harum- With The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Fleetwood Mac-Rumours(KP/Capitol pressing) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Rumours takes the SQ crown tonight!
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ELO-Out of the Blue Side IV
Steely Dan-Greatest Hits Side 2
Andreas Vollenweider-Behind The Garden...SQ Audiophile Side 1
Jimmy Forrest-Heart Of The Forrest Side B
Dave Mason-Headkeeper Side 2
George Winston-Winter Into Spring Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Gordon Lightfoot-If You Could Read My Mind Side 1
Gordon Lightfoot-Back Here On Earth Side 2
This completes my Gordon Lightfoot tribute. Need to pick up "Old Dan's Records" to complete Gord's 1970's releases. Vollenweider takes the SQ crown tonight.
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Rosanne Cash-Rhythm & Romance Side 2
Jimmy Roselli-Sold Out Side 1
REO Speedwagon-Nine Lives Side 2
Jorge Bolet-At Carnegie Hall Side C
Renaissance-Live At Carnegie Hall Side B
Sue Raney-Flight Of Fancy Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Ulrich Schnauss-A Long Way To Fall Side B
Barbara Cook-Live At Carnegie Hall Side 2
All albums were played before during my 3+ year no repeat plan. I just ran out of time today to clean 8 vinyl sides. Played 4 Carnegie Hall recordings unfortunately none had Audiophile SQ. All 4 were very close in SQ.
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Frank Sinatra- Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back(Quadradisc) Side 1
BTO-Live-Live-Live! Side 2
Charley Pride-In Person Side 1
Queen-A Night At The Opera Side 2
Brubeck-A La Mode(Reissue OJC-200) Side 1
Canned Heat-Concert Side 1
Gordon Lightfoot-Summertime Dream Side 1
Liszt-The Horowitz Concerts 1977/1978(RCA ARL1-2548) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
FWIW the power quality was lacking tonight. Usually Sunday evening is #1 in SQ but dynamics were restrained tonight. Nothing had below average SQ but was disappointed in "Opera" since its an original pressing maybe on a better power night? Wrapping up Gord's tribute with 2 or 3 albums to go.
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Anne Murray-A Country Collection Side 2
Ratt-Out Of The Cellar Side 1
Art Blakey-New York Scene(CJ 256) Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Neil Diamond-Primitive Side 1
Jackie Moore-I’m On My Way Side 1
Paul Davis-Cool Night Side 1
Leos Janacek-Sinfonietta(Denon OX-7110-ND) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Tom Scott-Street Beat Side 2 SQ Audiophile
After cable switching/rotating my system SQ is vastly improving. Tough call between Scott/Janacek. Despite being slightly aggressive in SQ this overlooked jazz/fusion gem(Street Beat) takes the SQ crown. Another very solid Anne Murray recording that goes unnoticed by too many. "This Time Baby" one of the best disco singles!
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David Frizzell & Shelly West-In Session Side 1
Rose Hardaway-It's Time For Rose Hardaway Side B
Joanne Bracken-AFT Side B SQ Audiophile
Son Seals-Chicago Fire Side B
The Marshall Tucker Band-Long Hard Ride(Barcode) Side 2
Neil Diamond-September Morn Side 1 SQ*
Luther Vandross-Busy Body Side B SQ*
Gordon Lightfoot-Don Quixote Side 1
Only unplayed album tonight was Marshall Tucker which also had the worst SQ. Probably due to being a later pressing. Luther and Neil had near Audiophile SQ but after switching around all cables its a tougher call, by Friday I will lock in my best SQ. Quixote could be Gord's best. David/Shelly a dollar bin gem.
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Queen-Sheer Heart Attack Side 1
Glenn Frey-No Fun Aloud Side 1
Uriah Heep-Demons And Wizards Side 1
Lynyrd Skynyrd-Gimme Back My Bullets Side 1
Rosemary Clooney-With Les Brown(Aurex EWJ-80268) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Pink Floyd-Meddle Side 1
Dave Brubeck-WATAFTFT(Atlantic SD 1641) Side 2
Billy Joel-Turnstiles(MoFi Gain 2 No. 1121) Side 2 SQ*
Repositioned my speakers and rotated IC's/Powercords which created a noticeable SQ change. The only recording that was just average in SQ was Skynyrd might not be an OG pressing. SQ* Joel was tough to analyze maybe due to cable changes but my guess is an original pressing has better SQ. I'm sure some don't want/need/hear another version of Take Five but a 16 minute live version could be of interest.
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Gordon Lightfoot-Summer Side Of Life Side 2
The Rolling Stones-It's Only Rock 'n Roll Side 1
Aretha Franklin-Who's Zoomin' Who? Side 1
James Williams-Images(CJ-140) Side 2 SQ Audiophile
America-ST Side 1 SQ Audiophile
It's A Beautiful Day(UK pressing)-ST Side 1 SQ*
Bob James-One Side A SQ Audiophile
Fleetwood Mac-ST Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Added about 30 albums to my collection, several were played tonight. SQ* would need another listen to IABD to possibly give it Audiophile SQ status. Bob James takes the SQ crown with a recording that also comprises top level content.
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Harry Chapin-Living Room Suite(White/Promo) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Vickie Sue Robinson-Never Gonna Let You Go Side A
Al Cohn-Standards Of Excellence(CJ 241) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Styx-Equinox Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Gordon Lightfoot-Cold On The Shoulder Side 1
Rimsky-Korsakov-Le Coq D’or(6 Eye MS 6092) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Linda Ronstadt-Silk Purse Side 2
Mahavishnu Orchestra-Birds Of Fire Side 2 SQ Audiophile
With 5/8 having Audiophile SQ makes for a great listening session! Picking the best SQ album tonight is difficult. I will go with Equinox due to its one of the great 70’s classic rock recordings with top level SQ(Doug Sax) that very few possess.
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Simon & Garfunkel-Bookends(KCS 9529 2 Eye/360) Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Shaun Cassidy-Born Late Side 1
Michael Franks-Sleeping Gypsy Side 2
Gordon Lightfoot-If You Could Read My Mind(Early Repress) Side 2 SQ*
Harry James-Greatest Hits(CS 9430) Side 2
Joshua Rifkin-Piano Rags By Scott Joplin Side 2
Ahmad Jamal-The Bright, The Blue And The Beautiful Side 2
Mahler-Symphony NO.2 (Solti/LSO CSA 2217) Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Slowly going thru my last 150+ unplayed albums condition and content will be the issue for many of these albums. Bookends played at Audiophile SQ, not bad for VG vinyl. SQ* would need a 2nd play to determine Audiophile SQ. Harry James was the only recording with subpar SQ. Mahler takes the SQ crown due to the excellent clarity and dynamics from this London box set.
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Angela Bofill-Intuition Side 2
Heart-Bebe Le Strange Side 1 SQ*
Laura Branigan-Self Control Side 2
Donna Summer-Four Seasons Of Love Side 2
Sue Raney-Ridin’ High Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Teena Marie-Naked To The World Side 1
Cleo Laine-Woman To Woman Side 2 SQ*
Annie Haslam-ST Side 1 SQ*
Played Angela Bofill as a tribute for her excellence. I decided to play all female vocalists of various genres tonight. Unfortunately power was sub-par tonight, as the night wore on the power and SQ improved.
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Harry Chapin-Living Room Suite(Whie Label Promo) Side 1 SQ*
Krokus-Alive And Screaming Side 1
Spinners-Best Of... Side 2 SQ*
Scott Cossu-Islands Side 1 SQ Audiophile
The Allman Brothers Band-Live At Fillmore East Side 3
Al Jarreau-Breakin' Away Side 1 SQ*
Black Sabbath-We Sold Our Soul, For Rock 'N' Roll Side 3
Gene Harris-Live At Town Hall, NYC(CJ 397) Side 2 SQ Audiophile
An above average SQ night with 2 Audiophile recordings and 3 near misses. Gene Harris easily takes the SQ crown tonight. Sabbath had the worst SQ. Scott Cossu/Islands is easily a Top 10 Windham Hill recording. Harry Chapin what a great songwriter/album.
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Out Of The Blue-Inside Track Side 1 SQ*
Carley Simon-Boys In The Trees Side 2 SQ*
The Judds-Greatest Hits Side B
The Brothers Johnson-Blast Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Wynton Marsalis-Levee Low Moan Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Tanita Tikaram-Ancient Heart Side 1 SQ Audiophile
Sting-The Dream Of The Blue Turtles Side 2 SQ*
Cat Stevens-Foreigner Side 2 SQ*
Great night for SQ 3 Audiophile and 4 near misses. The Judds is a very solid SQ recording but finished last in a very strong SQ night Close race between all 3 Audiophile recordings but Blast(Sax/Reece) has an organic edge. Both Sting/Tikaram are easily Top 50 recordings of the 1980's. Foreigner is an overlooked "Cat" recording that might be his 3rd best behind Teaser/Tillerman.
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@ticat Thx. During the next several weeks I will be revisting Gord’s 1970’s recordings. Of his 8 70’s studio recordings I might be only missing one. When considering 1970’s singer/songwriters he’s right up there with Paul Simon and Harry Chapin.
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Phobe Snow-ST Side A SQ Audiophile
Gordon Lightfoot-Sundown Side 1 + 2
Karrin Allyson-Footprints Side A SQ Audiophile
Hank Jones-Hanky Panky Side 2
Dokken-Tooth And Nail Side 2
Diane Schuur-Timeless Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Rene and Angela-Street Called Desire SQ*(Grundman)
Mary MacGregor-Torn Between Two Lovers Side 2
All albums have been played during my ongoing 3 year project. I just did not feel like cleaning any unplayed vinyl tonight. SQ* Rene/Angela does have a digital edge but it’s pristine. Tough call between Allyson/Schuur but I will give the edge to Schuur a $10 album defeating a $100+ Audiophile recording(lol). Played both sides of Sundown in tribute to Gordon Lightfoot.
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@bslon +1 Night Owl what a great overlooked album. With over 2 million in US sales its collecting dust in a lot of record collections. Both City To City and Night Owl are Top 100 "Classic Rock" recordings of the 1970's.
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The Who-Tommy Side 4
Traffic-John Barleycorn Must Die Side 1
Three Dog Night-Naturally Side B
Paul Mauriat-Blooming Hits Side 2
Larry Vuckovich-City Sounds, Villages Voices Side 2 SQ Audiophile
Foreigner-4 Side 2
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass-Greatest Hits Side 1
Every recording had above average SQ but only Larry Vuckovich had Audiophile SQ along with superb 5* content.
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@bslon At that time 1977/8 I was still a kid in middle school listening to Top 40 radio. It was one of a few albums that my older sister and myself both had. It wasn’t until I heard Foghat-Live, Double Live Gonzo ect. when my taste in music changed. FWIW I prefer the smoothness of "Night Fever" over "Stayin’ Alive".
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Since I have hit the 3 year mark of playing 1 side of every vinyl record in my collection about 150+ albums are left. About 50 are classical/baroque/organ in VG/VG+ condition all thrift store finds including another 50+ Broadway/movie scores/50’, 60’s pop that await a stylus drop. Another 15 box classical/opera sets which I have played at least half. That leaves the miscellaneous and about a dozen sealed albums. In summary it shows how long it takes to play every record even in a mid-sized collection(1800-2000). Now the difficult part deciding what goes and how many multiple copies are kept.
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