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Truly Stunning Vinyl Album

Hey friends, I'm relatively new here, first topic post but I read Audiogon topics daily. I'm a total neophyte with a not-inexpensive mid-fi system (Rogue Cronus iii Dark amp, Michel Gyro SE TT, Maggie 3.7i speakers, and a single Perlisten D15s sub, and an Eversolo DMP A8 streamer), and a growing vinyl collection that I'm partial to over streaming (unless I'm working and can't bother to flip the record). I love classic rock, Neil Young, the Stones, and the Grateful Dead, but really I like almost all genres (not into rap or thrasher metal) and since setting up my system I routinely play jazz and classical albums, and artists I never paid much attention to but now listen to quite frequently because their albums sound great on my system (e.g. Jethro Tull, Santana). So with all of that context, what I'm interested in is any TRULY STUNNING vinyl albums you can recommend, in any genre. I'm not asking for a desert island list, or any list of your favorite albums. I have those lists too, but they're dominated by musicians/groups I love and aren't necessarily "stunning" beyond my own subjective tastes. I'm interested in hearing about the one or two albums in your collection that just blow you away for whatever reason (and please explain). I'll kick it off with the Impex reissue of chamber music by Jascha Heifetz in mono, called The Lark. If you had told me that one of the top 3 records in my collection would be a mono chamber music album, I'd have laughed you out of my house. But it just blows me away. I listen to it daily. Why does it blow me away? Mostly it's the opening piece, Heifetz and an organist playing Vitali's Chaconne. It starts off with somber organ tones that I feel in my soul thanks to the Perlisten D15s sub, and then all of a sudden Heifetz comes crashing in with his piercing violin, and it is so darn stunning and beautiful I could listen to it daily until they plant me. And I don't even have a mono cartridge!  So that's the type of album I'm looking for, in any genre. Something younwould play for anyone, and regardless of what genre they prefer, they would likely agree this album is truly stunning. Can you recommend anything like that? And in case you're interested, here's a great review of the Heifetz album: 

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/jascha-heifetz-the-lark/

Thanks for any recommendations!

phillyspecial
theophile's avatar
theophile
234 posts
 

philly,

Your focus is primarily on music content. I will second the recommendation for the Du Pre Elgar Cello Concerto. A must hear performance. I’d recommend finding a great recording of Holst The Planets also. There’s a Mehta conducted one everyone likes though I’ve not heard it.

For Rock I just can’t go past Jimi Hendrix Band Of Gypsys. Simply because they recorded a genius, live at his peak. Maybe not technically the best guitarist but, for a wholly improvised in the moment, never to be repeated glimpse of his brilliance this one shines. Herbal enhancement is in character for this album. Just don’t become a jellyfish(Band Of Gypsys reference).

For beautiful wordsmithing, delightful acoustic guitar and just right accompaniment Bruce Cockburn Dancing In The Dragon’s Jaws.

There are dozens of excellent female artists. No-one I know has ever expressed anything less than shock at the talent of the late Eva Cassidy. Look for the Live album. One more sublime album Elisabeth Schwarzkopf The Four Last Songs.

I have a soft spot for the Bach Cantatas(along with one for Jimi). One of the first he ever wrote Aus Der Tiefe Rufe Ich Herr Zu Dir. I recommend the one conducted by Hans Thamm.

Jeff Buckley Grace. Santana and McLaughlin Love Devotion Surrender. Phoebe Snow self titled.

Let me not forget to mention the sublime Brian Eno Another Green World and Roxy Music Stranded and King Crimson Discipline. The best Bowie album is Heroes.

There’s a lot of great music.

davidrolon's avatar
davidrolon
39 posts
 

"Jazz at the Pawnshop" is considered one of the great, near perfect audiophile recordings out there. It's an all-time classic.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_at_the_Pawnshop?wprov=sfla1

 

alan60's avatar
alan60
178 posts
 

Johnny Winter - Captured Live, not the best recorded album but it just brings a smile to my face every time I play it to hear Johnny Winter at the peak of his powers.

oregon
820 posts
 

A Clockwork Orange (soundtrack). Search for a clean copy. 
 

rhtowson
27 posts
 

Threshold / Jet Airliner by the Steve Miller Band from the Book of Dreams album - this was the go-to demo for the stereo stores in the mid / late 70s - really, really well recorded...

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