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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
deecee's avatar
deecee
99 posts
 

Not my favorite, but Crystal Clear Records Charlie Byrd Direct Disc recording has a  drum solo that will blow you into the next century!

Also, almost any Sheffield Direct to Disc recordings are outstanding; I particularly like Thelma Houston I’ve Got The Music in Me and Dave Grusin’s Discovered Again!

There are some “standard” recordings I find superb such as Pat Metheny’s Offramp and As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls.

drbond
418 posts
 

Depending on your favorite genre, I can also aver that the Analog Sounds label, Analogue Productions albums, are always very well produced and engineered.  

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,435 posts
 

Those who don't know Greg Brown should look for him.....

larryi
3,888 posts
 

Greg Brown has written some remarkable lyrics.  His “Poet Game” album, particularly the title track, is a great example of his skill.  The track about the Kennedy assassination (“Brand New Dodge”) is pretty good too.  I have this record on a terrific pressing by Red House Record, a label that consistently sounds good.

Another Brown, Ray Brown, had his “Soular Wind” album reissued by Audiophile Master Records (a very limited edition) that is one of the very best sounnding record that I have.

lewkor's avatar
lewkor
17 posts
 

My recommendations are:

Otis Spann is the Blues from the Candid recordings.  Considering these were pressed in the 1960's they still sound fantastic.

Otis Spann and His Piano: Otis Spann & Robert Lockwood.  Just as soulful as above.  Its like the piano and the guitar are one instrument - tight

Fllamenco: Pepe Romero. Mercury Imports.  Fantastic recording. 

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