I had a bunch of 20 - 25 years old over. They like modern country music so we played some top 25. They liked it a lot so I said how about this - folk not country but close enough. Alison Krauss - A Hundred Miles or More of a Collection from 2007. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WNpwyP0_IA |
"If they answer: "Oh, just about anything," I just quietly turn the system off and say ... hey, why don’t we go to Baskin Robbins for an ice cream cone?" Perfect, oregonpapa. Another tell is if, within 30 seconds or less after the music starts, they begin visually searching for something to look at (a CD case/LP cover, or the completely unforgivable, their phone) instead of listening. |
If you want a sonic spectacular, try one of the last three of the Moody Blues’ core seven on SACD. Huge soundstages, a constantly changing soundscape with lots of effects, great guitar riffs, wide dynamic range. The 1997 remasters may be as good, but I haven’t heard them. I don’t want to start a fight, but these albums were all made at least a year before Pink Floyd’s DSOTM and IMHO, they leave that classic in the dust as far as sound quality and use of studio technology go. You may disagree, of course. Also McCartney’s recent reissues in the Paul McCartney Archive Collection qualify as sonic spectaculars. They have great sound, a complex, always changing soundscape with lots of effects and musical accents. Just pick your favorite. In a different genre, If you like music rooted in bluegrass but with many other influences, check out Laurie Lewis’ "Blossoms." It opens with a beautiful 3 part acapella tune that’s pretty impressive. If you like bluegrass at all you should check out Laurie’s "Earth and Sky" compilation. Beautiful music. |
Well, "What are you in the mood to listen to?" I think these sound good on my system: Antoine Dufour "Mother" from "Existence" Allman Bros. "High Falls" from "Win, Lose, or Draw" Lucky Dube "Guns and Roses" from "Taxman" Rickie Lee Jones "Weasel and the White Boys Cool" from "Live at Red Rocks" Charles Brown "Quicksand" Dixie Dregs "I'm Freaking Out" from "Dregs of the Earth" Roxy Music "If There is Something/Mother of Pearl" from Roxy Music Live There are many more depending on the genre, acoustic or electric, etc. but these are some if my favorites. Guests tend to appreciate the nuances of a good system with the music they are most familiar with. |
Shirley Horn: You Won’t Forget Me Track 11 SRV: Tin Pan Alley from "Couldn’t Stand the Weather" (vinyl or SACD) Jack Johnson: Brushfire Fairytales Track 1 Cowboy Junkies: The Trinity Session Track 5, 10, and 12 Dire Straits: Fade to Black and You and Your Friends from "On Every Street" (vinyl or SHM CD) Chet Baker: Silent Nights (Christmas) |
As I've listened over the years to my CDs I've noted specific tracks along the way which sound spectacular on my system (some CDs, though have terrific music, have zero impressive tracks). Thus, my visitor can select any genre or performer and I am able to cherry pick specific tracks which are especially good sounding. For example: Female jazz singer? Karrin Allyson, "Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane", any tracks 2,5,6,9. Male jazz singer? Mark Murphy, "Once to Every Heart", track 5. Jazz? Rahsaan Roland Kirk, "Inflated Tear", track 2. Rock? Alice Cooper, "Love it to Death" (Audio Fidelity Gold), track 1. Blues? Albert King, "Live Wire/Blues Power" (MFSL Gold), track 4. Pop? Jenny Lewis, "Acid Tongue", tracks 3,4. etc. |
Usually, one's musical taste tends to be rather selective and/or esoteric when it comes to something impressive since it tends to serve YOUR tastes. What I do to demonstrate is to try something dynamic that is also familiar which is usually the soundtrack to Breaking Bad. It grabs their attention immediately since it's so recognizable and allows them to wallow in it's majesty and intricacies. After that, it's pretty much up to you to show them how it handles different styles of music. Then you can break out that piece that makes their eyes glaze over. If it is a real audiophile, I'll put on Sotho Blue for starters. All the best, Nonoise |
I once made a mix CD for my wife which turned out to have some great tracks for auditioning speakers. Some of the better ones: Sweet Dreams--Patsy Cline (amazing arrangement/production) Here in the Dark--Taj Mahal Save the Last Dance for Me--Aaron Neville I Dream of Jeannie/Danny Boy--Joan Baez (great one for voice repro) |
