Quality Rock/Pop CD recordings

OK, since you already mentioned Dire Straits, hope you've got Love Over Gold.

There are some other sonic/lyric gems that IMHO are MUST HAVEs --

XTC - Skylarking
Peter Gabriel - Security
OMD - Achitecture and Morality
Sarah McLachlan - Surfacing

and I know you said you're set for Jazz, but Larry Calrton & Lee Rittenour's 'Larry & Lee' is outstanding!

Run, don't walk, to buy any or all of these. Then pour yourself a big glass of zinfandel, lower the lights and immerse yourself in the sounds....you will not be sorry!

Chris

Oh, forgot to mention that S7Horton mentioned some Sting albums but couldn't recall the titles - Mercury Falling, Ten Summoners Tales and Brand New Day are all very good.

CD

Get some Doors albums they were all recorded well....Outstanding  sound and recordings. 

2nd
David Gray- White LadderBen Harper

Probably a little heavier than what you want but Rage Against the Machine's debut album (self titled) has "Killing In the Name Of" and is easily one of the most dynamic tracks out there. It'll scare your neighbors on a good system.