Maybe not the best, but fun to listen to on any system. Blue Man Group, "TV Song".
Best song for immediate impact when presenting or testing?
I, as most of you, have my regular tunes that I play or listen to when trying out a new system or playing music for friends. My current starter is 'Feels like Rain' by Aaron Neville. It engages me immediately because I love it so, but it is also very well recorded and has a bass voice doing backup which in the right system has a real visceral impact.
I was at an Audio shop recently, listening to my standards, and wanted to show the sales consultant a piece that he might not have heard. I played 'Golden Rust' off the Miles Gurtu album. After about 30 seconds, he pulled out his device and added the song to his favorites. I asked why did he add so quickly, and he said that the opening electronica had a three dimensional stereophonic quality that made a remarkable impression right off the bat. I paraphrase lightly; that was his comment.
What pieces do you play of any genre that have an immediate impact, especially for people listening to a good system for the first time?
I was at an Audio shop recently, listening to my standards, and wanted to show the sales consultant a piece that he might not have heard. I played 'Golden Rust' off the Miles Gurtu album. After about 30 seconds, he pulled out his device and added the song to his favorites. I asked why did he add so quickly, and he said that the opening electronica had a three dimensional stereophonic quality that made a remarkable impression right off the bat. I paraphrase lightly; that was his comment.
What pieces do you play of any genre that have an immediate impact, especially for people listening to a good system for the first time?
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All interesting replies. My ultimate “sit up and take notice” song is the following... Especially great on vintage stereo or tube setups with warm sounds. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ |
I sold a ton of Magnepan and Audio Research products back in the day with both "Money" (Pink Floyd) and "Midnight at the Oasis" (Maria Muldaur). Linda Ronstadt was also a hit--as she should be, of course, as was the Lincoln Mayorga series of direct-to-disc recordings. I would actually suggest them (Mayorga) for ANYONE listening critically to a system before purchase. GIGO and buyer beware! Cheers! |
Dave Brubeck’s “Take 5” is an extraordinary recording when played on a decent Hi-Fi, and it was recorded 60 years ago! The song is effectively a drum solo and that drum solo on the left speaker and the sax straight down the middle at the start and end of the song will give you so much info on the capabilities of the system. Elvis’ “Fever” from the Living Stereo RCA master is an amazing vocal recording. It should be warm and present in the room. John Martyn’s “Easy Blues” from the Solid Air album has a brilliant into piece of acoustic guitar - all dynamics and heavy plucking. |
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