Truly Stunning Vinyl Album


Hey friends, I'm relatively new here, first topic post but I read Audiogon topics daily. I'm a total neophyte with a not-inexpensive mid-fi system (Rogue Cronus iii Dark amp, Michel Gyro SE TT, Maggie 3.7i speakers, and a single Perlisten D15s sub, and an Eversolo DMP A8 streamer), and a growing vinyl collection that I'm partial to over streaming (unless I'm working and can't bother to flip the record). I love classic rock, Neil Young, the Stones, and the Grateful Dead, but really I like almost all genres (not into rap or thrasher metal) and since setting up my system I routinely play jazz and classical albums, and artists I never paid much attention to but now listen to quite frequently because their albums sound great on my system (e.g. Jethro Tull, Santana). So with all of that context, what I'm interested in is any TRULY STUNNING vinyl albums you can recommend, in any genre. I'm not asking for a desert island list, or any list of your favorite albums. I have those lists too, but they're dominated by musicians/groups I love and aren't necessarily "stunning" beyond my own subjective tastes. I'm interested in hearing about the one or two albums in your collection that just blow you away for whatever reason (and please explain). I'll kick it off with the Impex reissue of chamber music by Jascha Heifetz in mono, called The Lark. If you had told me that one of the top 3 records in my collection would be a mono chamber music album, I'd have laughed you out of my house. But it just blows me away. I listen to it daily. Why does it blow me away? Mostly it's the opening piece, Heifetz and an organist playing Vitali's Chaconne. It starts off with somber organ tones that I feel in my soul thanks to the Perlisten D15s sub, and then all of a sudden Heifetz comes crashing in with his piercing violin, and it is so darn stunning and beautiful I could listen to it daily until they plant me. And I don't even have a mono cartridge!  So that's the type of album I'm looking for, in any genre. Something younwould play for anyone, and regardless of what genre they prefer, they would likely agree this album is truly stunning. Can you recommend anything like that? And in case you're interested, here's a great review of the Heifetz album: 

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/jascha-heifetz-the-lark/

Thanks for any recommendations!

phillyspecial

I also have that Heifetz/Impex record and I do have a mono cartridge. It's one of the best sounding mono records in my collection.

As for remasters, Analogue Productions reissued a good number of the RCA Living Stereo three track recordings. I'd recommend starting with Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.

Some of my favorite original pressings are from Archiv Produktions. I only collect their earlier mono pressings but would assume that their stereo pressings are worthwhile too.

80's kid here---I have an original copy of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Welcome to the Pleasuredome' on vinyl. Truly amazing production thanks to legendary producer Trevor Horn. I sat down one evening and listened to it again from beginning to end and heard things I had never heard before. Gave me goose bumps. Another great album is 'Dusty in Memphis' by Dusty Springfield (remastered). Late 60s, excellent production as well. Great topic btw.

I love the way Chesky records music.  There is a realistic sense of space and the vocalist is not just a tight pinpoint in the space—the vocalist appears to take up some space and has a natural presence.  You hear this in The Raven.