Help me select few vinyl LPs

OP,

180 gram pressings are audiophile pressings… I think “normal” are around 120 (just guessing… and it is variable). Most of the time these 180g are better sounding pressings… but not always. I have a few 180 gram stinkers. If you start collecting them, then it is best to read reviews first.

Yes, I would get him the stereo version. My mistake if I linked to the mono. Some folks love the mono versions. I am not one of them and the stereo version of Kind of Blue is wonderful.

Yes, they are available from multiple outlets.

If you friend is 60-something maybe a nice copy of Television's "Marquee Moon". 

Look for the Elektra/Rhino release.

https://www.discogs.com/release/8159078-Television-Marquee-Moon

DeKay

Thank you everybody for help.  So far I got

1. Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (180g)
2. Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out / Time Further Out (180g)
3. Gil Evans - Out of Cool (180g)
4. Ike Quebec - Heavy Soul (180g)
5. Here It Is - Tribute to Leonard Cohen (180g)
6. Nina Simone - The Hits (180g)
7. Joe Bonamassa - Tales of Time (weight unknown)
8. Black Pumas - Black Pumas (Delux Edition, weight unknown)

This should be enough for him to start.  Well known records, like Kind of Blue, can be easily exchanged with others.  My choices were limited by delivery date (have to have it this month) and often price.  One of LPs was $250.
Some, like Nina Simone, are "remastered".  

I wonder why many of available LPs, like Time Out, are imports - not very common with CDs.  As for sound quality, Jazz records used to be of good quality while Rock was catching up. Today technology is there, but some artists chose no to care.  Bonamassa concert recording Tales Of Time sound quality is very good, at least CD version, while Rolling Stones Grrrrr is horrible.  Jagger's voice is too loud and drums are soft and muffled.  

 

Greetings,

Since this is a gift, get an album from Better Records. Kinda pricey but you get a very good sounding album and it is meticulously cleaned. I believe anyone who enjoys listening to albums should have at least 1 in their collection.

Joe Nies

I had read awhile ago that 'Jazz at the Pawnshop', which was recorded in Stockholm Sweden in 1976, is one of the best quality jazz recordings ever. Quite a feat for a live performance. I bought a copy few years ago, a double vinyl. It is wonderful music, and beautifully rendered on LP. Highly recommended!