What Are Your Reference Discs? or Specific Reference Tracks

I use a range of well-loved/memorized music tracks to get a quick sonic understanding of any new audio gear (though longer, more leisurely exposure is more definitive IMO). This includes some well recorded rock, blues, reggae, Afropop, jazz, and classical.

2 essential rock tunes for this purpose are "Morph the Cat" and "Mary Shut the Garden Door" from Donald Fagen's MORPH THE CAT. The 1st cut opens with an explosive block chord played by many instruments--the entire tune, like that chord, is powerful yet nuanced. The 2nd has some extremely well played & recorded bass work anchoring the tune.

You are able to evaluate using only certain tracks? Fascinating!

Not at all.

Here's my question? What recordings sound absolutely exquisite on top end systems and and are a joy to hear? Maybe I could express it this way: What have you got that is going to blow my mind?

Mostly Direct to Disc LP's:
Sheffield:  Thelma Houston's Pressure Cooker, Harry James' "Coming From A Good Place"

Dixie Direct (D to D):  Rosie O'Grady's Good Times Jazz Band.  From the delicate sounds of a triangle (Intro to "Japanese Sandman"), to a Romping Stomping Tuba Solo on "When You're Smiling", and all kinds of really invigorating Dixieland in between. The best recording I have ever heard!  I saw the bans at Orlando's Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium, which had not only the biggest Dixie Land Band I ever saw, but even had well coiffed, hoops dress laden ladies coning down the wide staircase from the balconies.  The last time I went, there were even a bunch of sailors on leave.  One even got into a fight with a Marine.  I wondered if it were a part of the show, and still don't know.

Thanx for the tip. LMS has a Band Camp plug in. Sounds tasty on my streamers. What I like is totally irrelevant to you.

This list will keep me busy this summer!

One of my favorites:  That Voice Again  by Peter Gabriel from the album So.
This song covers the full frequency spectrum- crystal clear detailed highes next to a driving bass line from Tony Levin.  Unless you have a subwoofer this song is an example of the advantages of floor standing speakers. This one I love to play loud to get the full effect - about 90dB+ will do it :)