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"Litmus test" songs

I know, I know, you can't evaluate a component, let alone a whole system based on a single piece of music, or even a half-dozen pieces. That said, are there any songs out there that you use as litmus tests when evaluating a purchase? Some song that you use when you say, "If this gear doesn't sound good with this song, then I don't care what else it does, it's going back"?

For me the Number 1 is "It's For You" by Pat Metheny Group.
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Showing 1 response by rockadanny

rockadanny
1,221 posts
 
I always use these well recorded cuts:
. Diana Krall - A Case of You (Live in Paris)
. Rahsaan Roland Kirk - A Laugh for Rory (Inflated Tear)
. Art Pepper - Move (Art Pepper + 11)
. Terje Rypdal - Chaser (Chaser)
. Steve Hunter - The Idler (The Deacon)
. Otis Taylor - Resurrection Blues (White African)

And these not so well recorded cuts, but expect them to still sound good:
. Rory Block - Last Fair Deal Gone Down (Last Fair Deal)
. Paul Butterfield Blues Band - I Got a Mind to Give Up Living (East-West)

And this poorly recorded one which I only hope might not sound too awful:
. Reverend Horton Heat - Lie Detector (Holy Roller)
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