Mono recordings

Thanks for the tips, Frank.  I've got the Brubeck, and it is a great record. 

For one thing with mono, you're not splitting the resolution between two channels, which over all makes mono recordings much denser. Also as mentioned, many early recordings were only recorded in mono or if a record was recorded in both mono and in stereo at the same time, often the mono recording is preferable. For example, Jefferson Airplane's 'Surrealistic Pillow', the stereo version of this record has special effects added to the recording to make it sound psychedelic but the mono does not. I prefer the mono as it sounds more folk-ish. 
My digital front end is my higher end source and I'm still building on it so I bought a relatively inexpensive mono cartridge, the Audio Technica-AT 33 mono MC cartridge;
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/AT-33MONO-Audio-Technica-MC-Type-Moving-Coil-Monaural-Cartridge-10ohm-F-S-wT...
This is a very good sounding mono cartridge for the money and it is a true mono cartridge, so it's possible to play stereo records with it if one chooses.

Thanks thanks guys for the education. I’m back home now and will give my 3 mono lps another listen tonight, albeit with a stereo cartridge. 

I get the final word on this subject - 
just listened to my digital recordings of The Beach Boys/Pet Sounds and Cream/Disraeli Gears. Hands down, the stereo tracks are more sonically appealing ....to my ears. 

Actually, no; you're not getting the final word. I'm mad for mono. Love it. It's way punchier and sounds more live. Live music is in mono gents. It's not stereo. Ok fine yee naysayers, do this: play James Hunter - People Gonna Talk. All his stuff is mono I believe. Anyhoo, this release is mind blowing good in both content and production. Report back here after spinning on your Victrola.