Bagpipes anyone?

I have always considered Bagpipes on LP to be one of those perfect thrift store purchases.You know they didn't play it more than twice,neither will you,but it's only a buck.Rufus Harley is not the only Jazz Piper (Bagman?) Albert Ayler gives it a go on one of his Impulse releases I think "Music Is The Healing Force Of The Universe" but be careful around Albert.

There is (are?) bagpipes on Mike Oldfield's "Ommadawn." They're not the center of the piece, nor are they there for long, but I remember laughing at my college roommate (who had bought the album) when the bagpipes entered the first time we played it. Not laughing anymore. Great record.

Check whether AR RE YAOUANK are your cup of tea (cider much more, they are from Brittany). They transformed traditional breton music to a degree where it can really rock.
First time we heard them they had just released their album Troisième Acte featuring some emotionally quite stirring tracks, so I bought and still recommend the album. However, we experienced what other people have describe: sitting through the entire album may be somewhat, er, demanding (as much on account of the melodeon as the pipes, though).
http://www.arbedkeltiek.com/saozneg/music/yaouank.htm#fest

I don't have any bagpipe recordings, but I saw this post and immediately thought of times that I heard them live. They are LOUD and complex. Their sound of even a small group seems to come at you from all directions, even if you are outdoors. So my thoughts were--this is going to be really hard to reproduce correctly. I'm now interested in getting a really good techinically recorded piece (if such exists) and seeing how it will work as demostration material. I have to agree though--I don't think listening to bagpipe recordings will be something I'll spend a lot of time doing.

They are LOUD and complex

Indeed - each one is like a group of players as they have multiple reeds called "drones". About 120 db SPL continuous is possible from bagpipes.

Try to get a CD of the 78th Frazer Highlanders. They were the first non-Scottich band to win the world title.