Audiogon "RECORDINGS TO DIE FOR" list


I've been listening to some of my favorite recordings this weekend and was wondering what others on Audiogon felt were there favorites. We have all seen the Stereophile "Records to Die For", The Absolute Sounds recommended list, Music Directs' list, The Golden Ear, etc. now I'm hoping to assemble the Audiogon "Recordings To Die For". Please list your five favorite recordings, the ones you listen to over and over or play for friends. I would assume the sonic quality is excellent in that this is an audiophile site. The performance and enjoy ability should also be excellent. Please leave your top five, even if they are already chosen so we can discover the very top for the Audiogon listeners. ALSO PLEASE REFRAIN FROM CRITICIZING OTHERS OPINIONS AND JUST LEAVE YOUR FAVORITES!

August 2002: I have compiled a summary and a full printer-friendly list of all of the recommendations below.
click here to view summary
128x128jadem6
As a big WHO fan, I love the Mobile Fidelity version of WHO's Next. Very impressive in soundstage and dynamics.
1. Jane Monheit, "Come Dream With Me". If you like young, sultry, female vocalists who can emotionally communicate, go no further than this CD. The recording is spectacular in an unecumbered way, but it is Monheit's voice and conviction in what she is singing that will have you playing this CD over and over, even if Tom Harrell's performance as a sideman on this CD is somewhat shaky.

2. Carmen McRae, "Carmen Sings Monk". What a great, great, singer this lady was. Beautifully recorded intimate night club setting.

3. Sergio Mendes, "Brasileiro". Still one of the greatest recordings of any music, regardless of genre, I've ever heard. If this doesn't get you moving...you're dead.

4. "Gypsy Passion: New Flamenco", a Narada Collection. The liner notes say" sensuous rhythms, scorching guitar, profound spirit...". The liner notes are right on target.

5. Leonard Slatkin conducts Russian Showpieces, RCA Red Seal. Everything to test the soundstaging capabilities of your system, and its micro and macro dynamics. Beautiful music, beautifully done. (Pictures At An Exhibition, Prokofiev's Classical Symphony in D, etc.,).
Roger Waters "Amused to Death"
Amazing how every time I listen to this I have to check to see if I'm only using two channels. This thing comes from all over the room.
TRIO MEDIAEVAL WORDS OF THE ANGEL
KRALL, DIANA LOVE SCENES
TAFELMUSIK ORCH / JEAN LAMON BAROQUE FAVORITES DISK 1
WATERS, ROGER AMUSED TO DEATH
PEER, DEAN UCROSS
LINN COLLECTION 2000, THE THE LINN COLLECTION 2000
Arvo Part "Tabula Rasa' NAXOS 8.554591
Performance: ***** Sound: ****
John Williams "The Giutarist" Sony Classical 60586
Performance: ***** Sound: ***1/2
CALAMUS "Splendor of Andalus" MA Recordings MO26A
Performance: ***** Sound: *****
Praetorius "DANCES FROM TEPSICHORE" L'oiseau-Lyre D 153566
Performance: ***** Sound: *****
Alexandar Glazunov "SYMPHONY No.4" MFCD 897
Performance: ***** Sound: ***1/2