I've got almost 1200 CDs, and it's really hard to just narrow down to five top picks. Let me mention some that haven't been listed previously:
Joe Jackson "Blaze of Glory" Excellent and ultra-clean recording; very good for evaluating systems.
Tony Levin "World Diary" Great textures, great musicianship.
Daniel Lanois "Acadie" Very creative studio work. I always enjoy recordings he produces for other artists, too.
Phish "A Picture of Nectar" Cool variety; tongue-in-cheek approach to music.
Bruce Cockburn "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws" Melody- and arrangement-wise, more hooks than a tackle shop.
I could go on to 50 or even 500, but I've got work to finish up...
Joe Jackson "Blaze of Glory" Excellent and ultra-clean recording; very good for evaluating systems.
Tony Levin "World Diary" Great textures, great musicianship.
Daniel Lanois "Acadie" Very creative studio work. I always enjoy recordings he produces for other artists, too.
Phish "A Picture of Nectar" Cool variety; tongue-in-cheek approach to music.
Bruce Cockburn "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws" Melody- and arrangement-wise, more hooks than a tackle shop.
I could go on to 50 or even 500, but I've got work to finish up...