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Greatest Recordings - your opinions



I’m interested to know what recordings people here find to be the absolute pinnacle of sound reproduction.

The Classic 45 vinyl pressing of Louis Armstrong singing “St. James Infirmary” put me so deep into the studio I was afraid to clear my throat for fear I’d disturb the band. So far this is the most live-sounding recording I’ve heard. I have a decent system but when I spin this vinyl at home I don’t come anywhere close to the experience I had at the audiophile shop that first played it for me. Trying to get Louis in the house is what keeps me upgrading beyond my means…if he ever visits it’ll all be worth it.

For me tape hiss or other anomalies don't preclude a recording from my 'best of' list. I listen for that live, full, immediate, 'in the room' quality beyond all other considerations.

What recordings stand out for you and what are your criteria for them to do so? (I have a pen and paper handy)
kublakhan
buscis2's avatar
buscis2
468 posts
 
Thelma Houston & Pressure Cooker/ "I've Got The Music In Me"
Sheffield Lab# -2 (SL7-SL-8)

Dave Grusin/ "Discovered Again" (First pressing)
Sheffield Lab# -5 (SL-19-SL-20)

Both aforementioned recordings are on virgin vinyl.

Shirley Horn/ "You Won't Forget Me" (CD)
Polygram/Verve# 847 482-2

Bobby McFerrin/ "Medicine Music" (EMI CD Import)
EMI# CDP-7-92048-2
jimjenjr
50 posts
 
My recommendation does not qualify in the 'Greatest Recordings' arena, but since many contributors recommended works with the being right there atmosphere, I wish to contribute a live night club recording where you get the amosphere of being there as a patron. "In Person at El Matador!, Sergio Mendes Brasil '65. This is a CD manufactured in Japan ATLANTIC AMCY-1246 which I purchased at Tower Records. There is another album with the same material as well as a second disc including Pele as a singer and Sergio Mendes Favorite Things. I had this second item some time back but gave it away and I cannot vouch if the quality of the duplication is as good as the one I have listed. This is readily available at Amazon and a bargain at $15.98 for a two disc album. The single disc that I refer to is listed as out of stock at Amazon.

I think you will find this album interesting and enjoyable. The singing of Mendes's early female singers Wanda De Sah and Rosinha de Valencia bring great enjoyment and memories if you are from this era. For me it brings reminiscences as I used to frequent that nightclub in North Beach San Francisco, a block away from The Condor.
xiekitchen
821 posts
 
I agree with Slipknot on the RR pieces, my favorite is Flora Purim/Airto/Joe Farrell's Three Way Mirror.

I'm going to throw out there one of my old favorites I bought over 20 yrs ago, a 1/2 speed Japanese pressing of Genesis' Selling England by the Pound. very revealing.
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