Your Go to CD to Impress

Bonnie Raitt Nick of time
Chicago Transit Authority/ first album
Bethoveen 9 th/Von Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic orchestra 

Dead Can Dance "Within the Realm of a Dying Sun", but recently (well, since Lisa Gerrard moved into "mainstream" thanks to Gladiator movie) it is "Khmer" by Nils Petter Molvaer. 

Dvorak, "Symphony No. 9" (the "New World Symphony"), Jascha Horenstein conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Chesky CD31.  Recorded in 1962!

Chopin, "Piano Sonata No. 3, Opus 58," Hyperion Knight, pianist, Wilson Audio WCD-9129.

Both are out of print but probably findable.

Regards,
-- Al
 

I once made a mix CD for my wife which turned out to have some great tracks for auditioning speakers.  Some of the better ones:

Sweet Dreams--Patsy Cline (amazing arrangement/production)
Here in the Dark--Taj Mahal
Save the Last Dance for Me--Aaron Neville
I Dream of Jeannie/Danny Boy--Joan Baez (great one for voice repro)

  Dire Straits Communique  is a good one.
  The Eagles Hotel  California
   Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here