Recommended Shostakovich?

Of course, I meant to mention the 10th symphony as well, as that is considered to be the best piece he ever wrote, and was also his own personal favorite. A must listen, for sure.

Don't forget the chamber works as well -- quartets, sonata for viola and piano, and piano trios. My favorite Shostakovich piece is the Piano Trio No. 2, particularly the Beaux Arts Trio version.

I also like the Kitajenko set of symphonies as well as the Haitink set.

FWIW, as a recommendation for an excellent recording, as well as two symphonies that don't attract much attention, I recommend Jesus Lopez-Cobos' performance of the 1st and 15th Symphonies on Telarc. Shostakovich's first and last.

But for some 'easy listening' I really enjoy 1)Five Ballet Suites by Jarvi on Chandos, 2) Jazz Music (ala Shostakovich) as well as his 1st Piano Concerto, by Chailly on London, and 3)The Dance Album by Chailly on London. I have also enjoyed "The Limpid Stream" by Gennady Rozhdestvensky on Chandos.

thanks for all the excellent suggestions

Try the Hanssler Classics recording Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues performed by Jenny Lin. It's a 2009 recording. performance and recording are a cut above.