Whats your favourite track to play to the non hi-fi visitor?


Lets be clear, the uninitiated offer an opportunity to show off your hi-fi, and give them an unexpected experience. Most visitors wonder why there is laboratory equipment and Stanly Kubrick 2001 monoliths in the lounge - some even make the connection to the wall of vinyl.

Time to pull out the Matt Bianco LP ’Who’s side are you on’, after warming up the system for an hour or so.
Some people don’t get it at all, but most can be impressed - but not with extended playtime. So, its a rare person that will sit and listen, as the demo nearly always gets turned down to background music to allow conversation.

I once had a good mate over for an evening of music and the odd wine, at one point during the evening he rushed to the kitchen and came back with spoons, which he played alongside the hi-fi to everything - including Pink Floyd. Mind you after a few wines it did bizarrely become a fitting accompaniment.

Whats your ’knock them dead track’ to play to non audiophiles?
128x128surferandy
Thelma Houston and Pressure Cooker, RR-2 have been mentioned a couple of times.  I have two copies and would sell one if anyone is interested. $10 plus shipping.  Play graded as excellent.
Tina Arena - Sorrento Moon - phenomenal '3D' sounding acoustic guitar along with Tina's powerful vocals and also a nice bassline as well.
Simple Minds - Speed Your Love To Me 12" ext version - this is a real wall of sound and the beginning section just builds and builds to a crescendo of sound - this really does show how much control your system has!

If you want to dazzle your guest with an unforgettable audio experience that gives them an expansive sound stage and presentation like they’ve never heard before, play Wilson Phillips, “Good Vibrations” from their album “Dedicated.” It impresses every time.

I also like “Pure Imagination” from Barbara Steisand’s Encore LP for those who are more refined and/or not rockers. For spine chilling intimacy, Michael Mcdonald’s  “I can let Go Now” from the “If that’s What it Takes” LP.


I prefer to play an entire album, rather that show what a nerd I really am, and run off friends.