Oldest Recordings that sound “audiophile”

In the late 50s, stereo hifi was a big thing and record companies competed to put out good recordings to capitalize on that. There are many from that golden era.

Even prior to that, in the mid 50s, many excellent mono recordings on the popular new 331/3 record format.

It’s when I hear good recordings prior to that that I am a bit surprised.
Although again, many rereleased these days are digitally remastered to accomplish that.

Its only in recent years have I learned to appreciate recordings made in the pre- Beatles era. Growing up, all that “old” music was deemed uncool by the likes of the rock music press and few young people then ever gave it a serious listen. 

Something "newer"

Frank Sinatra and Count Basie
Might as well be swing-Reprise mono 1964
https://www.discogs.com/Frank-Sinatra-Count-Basie-And-His-Orchestra-It-Might-As-Well-Be-Swing/release/10275699

Swingin' album my parents listened to.Very uncool compared to the Beatles or Stones, but It takes 50 years to "get it"

mapman,

’Its only in recent years have I learned to appreciate recordings made in the pre- Beatles era. Growing up, all that “old” music was deemed uncool by the likes of the rock music press and few young people then ever gave it a serious listen.’



As much as I love the Beatles I also came to love that in-between period between the decline of first wave rock and roll and the emergence of the Fab Four.

I guess we’re talking roughly 1959-63. This just also happens to be when this following album was apparently recorded, though not released until much later.

The Wonderful World of Nursery Rhymes by Vera Lynn and Kenneth McKellar.

As far as clarity of vocals goes, I can’t think of any better example in my collection. It seems to have been recorded perfectly flat and it doesn’t take much to imagine the performers right in front of you.

Thankfully it was one of those pieces of music I could enjoy almost as much as my kids did.

What’s funny is that my daughter now tells me that children’s TV is rubbish today, far inferior to what it was when she used to watch it regularly (2006-10).

Back then I remember saying the same thing to her!

Masterpieces by Ellington (1951)

I'll stick to non-classical here.  Cannonball Adderley and Nancy Wilson on Capitol.  Any of the Sinatra or Nat King Cole Capitol recordings will do, too.