Audiogon "RECORDINGS TO DIE FOR" list


I've been listening to some of my favorite recordings this weekend and was wondering what others on Audiogon felt were there favorites. We have all seen the Stereophile "Records to Die For", The Absolute Sounds recommended list, Music Directs' list, The Golden Ear, etc. now I'm hoping to assemble the Audiogon "Recordings To Die For". Please list your five favorite recordings, the ones you listen to over and over or play for friends. I would assume the sonic quality is excellent in that this is an audiophile site. The performance and enjoy ability should also be excellent. Please leave your top five, even if they are already chosen so we can discover the very top for the Audiogon listeners. ALSO PLEASE REFRAIN FROM CRITICIZING OTHERS OPINIONS AND JUST LEAVE YOUR FAVORITES!

August 2002: I have compiled a summary and a full printer-friendly list of all of the recommendations below.
click here to view summary
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1. John Hammond "Wicked Grin"
2. Madonna Japanese 12" EP "Lucky Star/Holiday"
3. Dire Straits US re-issue CD "Communique"
4. Muddy Waters MFSL or Classic DAD "Folk Singer"
5. Duke Ellington MFSL "Blues in Orbit"

no order of preference... there are too many to mention..
Loutraki, for Steely Dan I suggest the LP (much better than the cd). For Dire Straits there is a double "best-of" cd with studio & live recordings that sounds OK.
My top 5 list: 1. Ry Cooder - "Bop til' you drop" (Must have) 2. Larry Carlton - "Discovery" (Excellent) 3. Miles Davis - "Kind of Blue" (Of course) 4. Diana Krall - "Stepping Out" (Her Best) 5. Steele Dan - "Gaucho" (Awesome) and a Classical extra Mozart "Requiem - LaCrimosa"