Can we list the better labels? Chesky? Telarc?


We all know that there is a lot of difference in the quality of recordings. For example, I've always found that Chesky and Telarc were "better" or more "true" labels. Bluenote seems mixed to me. What say you? Can we develop a list of some of the best music labels (and maybe some of the ones to avoid).
mcmanus
Opus 3

Limited collection, but there seems to be great attention payed to the recording.

Opus 3
Some of the small, boutique labels are good, too, like Sundazed Music, Four Men with Beards, First Impression, and Groove Note.
As you mention Blue note, Chesky, and Telarc I assume you're taking about mostly Jazz. If so, Concord Jazz has consistenly good sound and artists as well and a lot of Verve (but not all by some margin).

If you're into classical some of the best labels for sound are Hyperion, Harmonia Mundi, Chandos, Delos, Dorian, Reference Recordings, and Telarc. EMI can be excellent as can London/Decca. For Eastern European music, Supraphon and anything with the Czech Phil. :-)
EMI for conistently remarkable programming.

Whoops, I meant ECM! Well, I got the "E" right!

Marco