Whats your favourite track to play to the non hi-fi visitor?


Lets be clear, the uninitiated offer an opportunity to show off your hi-fi, and give them an unexpected experience. Most visitors wonder why there is laboratory equipment and Stanly Kubrick 2001 monoliths in the lounge - some even make the connection to the wall of vinyl.

Time to pull out the Matt Bianco LP ’Who’s side are you on’, after warming up the system for an hour or so.
Some people don’t get it at all, but most can be impressed - but not with extended playtime. So, its a rare person that will sit and listen, as the demo nearly always gets turned down to background music to allow conversation.

I once had a good mate over for an evening of music and the odd wine, at one point during the evening he rushed to the kitchen and came back with spoons, which he played alongside the hi-fi to everything - including Pink Floyd. Mind you after a few wines it did bizarrely become a fitting accompaniment.

Whats your ’knock them dead track’ to play to non audiophiles?
128x128surferandy
I start with a short cut to show off the system capabilities with vocals.  I use "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" by Manhattan Transfer.  I love the 10 seconds starting at 2:30 in the song.  What's next depends on the persons taste.  If no preference I got to a blues selection.  For classic vinyl I'll grab my Beatles Box (Mobile Fidelity 1/2 speed mastered vinyl  collection).  Either Norwegian Wood or While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
@backtothe80s

+1 "Babylon Sisters." The initial drum kick, Fender Rhodes, and cymbal splash (left speaker) is quite startling. I played this track for a seasoned audio store guy in Denver (remastered version), and he immediately whipped out his phone to add it to his "critical auditioning playlist." 

@aewarren  Many of us own music we like without it sounding good enough as a show piece for non hifi listeners. (There are poor recordings of great music, right?) Perhaps the general gist of the OP eluded you. Or maybe you're just chest-thumping. 
GREAT SELECTIONS!  Wow...Steely Dan, totally wonderful.  Also, James Taylor...knew him from CH in the '60's.

Try Maria Muldaur, Midnight at the Oasis and Joan Baez, Diamonds and Rust as well.

Ronstadt is also a great choice, as is the white UB-40 album where Chrissie Hynde does a duet on Breakfast in Bed...not a bad song in itself.

So many choices, and not even started on classical Decca's...but Sheffield is mentioned...agree!

LOVE that music!

Cheers.

Richard
Birds - by Dominique Fils-Aimé

If you are not familiar with this one I urge you to check it out.