Ear Candy: Most startling recordings.

Big Star - #1 Record/Radio City

Both of these are excellent records in their own right. They were packaged together on one CD, which I believe is still in print and constititutes, in my opinion, an embarrassment of riches. Weird, melodic, whimsical, poignant, and sonically beautiful, this record continues to delight and amaze me every time I play it. Although Big Star is often credited with founding power pop, I find that their catalog is impossible to categorize. Their third and final studio album, Sister Lovers, is also startling.

Soundtrack to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (try tracks 4 and 9). Amazing stuff.
John.

lou reed's blue mask may not be startling, but it is truly amazing. i listen to the german lp, or the japanese cd. the soundstage, two guitars, an amazing bass, and drums are swirling all around you. this is lou's best.

I just recently heard Trent Reznor's remix of Curve's 'Missing Link'. I am guessing some phase alterations were implemented because it sounds like there is a third and fourth speaker 15' to either side of you. The sound is not encompassing per se; there is a large spatial break between the simultaneously occurring sounds. Because of my musical tastes, I have heard some strange 'candy', but this one is the king. It's like someone is standing in front of you, talking, and at the same time, whispering in your ear (but from a far).