Your Go to CD to Impress


Friends come over and inquire why you would spend so much money on a stereo system, what is the CD you load up? For me,

Patricia Barber  ---Café Blue

Dead Can Dance-Into the Labyrinth


styxtrekr
Try to find a CD or record they love or already are familiar with.  Then blow them away with how it sounds on your system!
Well, I always reach for The Rite of Spring conducted by Eiji Oue on Reference Recording
(RR-70CD). Very dynamic - Powerful - Engaging!

+1
For someone not familiar with the Rite of Spring it might not mean much, but if you are.....prepare to have your socks knocked off by this recording!
Second the following earlier picks:
Nils Lofgren - Keith Don't Go
Patricia Barber - Alfie

A lesser known (probably because sung in French) fave of mine:

Michel Jonasz - Le Temps Passé
(From the album 'La Fabuleuse Histoire de Mister Swing')
Not only the best live recording I have ever heard, but with astounding soundstage and bass that will raise the odd eyebrow.