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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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rayhall
393 posts
 
Hi Rosstaman, I see you picked "The Great Summit" by Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. This gives me quite a bit of pride as my father was the engineer on the original RCA recording. I have the RCA reissue CD and, while I would say it is a good recording, I would not say it is in that ultimate category. Is this Roulette Records reissue that you speak of on vinyl or only or CD? What formats, if CD? How can I get it? Thanks a lot. Ray
rfj
43 posts
 
Jacynthia titled "Here's to Ben". A tribute to Ben Webster. While not the greatest singer, this album is the best recording I have ever heard. The vinyl is the best I have ever seen. The record is heavy and it is flat. The silent passages are totally silent without a hint of surface noise. The dynamics are incredible. The back up band is very good. The bonus 45 rpm is even more awesome. I did not know vinyl could be that good. She has another album that I must get a tribute to Johnny Mercer.
axomoxa
36 posts
 
Most of these probably will not make any other list so here she goes.
1) So What, Jerry Garcia and David Grissman do Jazz Miles style.
2)Old and in the Way - Breakdown (the wild horse's on here is done with great style!
3) Dick's Pick's Volume 18
4) Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (just one of my favorites that I listen to again and again)
5) Beatles - Revolver (probably the best Beattle album ever)
paulwp
585 posts
 
1. Barbara Keith, "Barbara Keith," Warner LP ca 1973 or so, now available on a Japanese cd through Amazon. Hearing her on Skip Weshner's radio show midnights, KFAC in Los Angeles and sponsored by local high end retailers turned me on to hifi.
2. Eva Cassidy, "Live at Blues Alley." I cant really pick one of her albums over another but this one has Fields of Gold which has become something of a hit.
3. Los Lobos, "Will the Wolf Survive." LP. I cant really pick one of their albums over another either, but this one is a classic. Most audiophiles would pick "Kiko," and I wouldnt argue with that. Sound quality is better.
4. Lucinda Williams, white album reissued in the last couple of years on Koch has Passionate Kisses. An American classic.
5. Kate and Anna McGarrigle. Their first album. LP, but the cd's ok too.
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
I think I really would die if I was only allowed 5 albums. Following are a few I would die for - chosen from a much longer list, mainly for their obscurity (rather than repeat the many others listed above that I agree with).
David Sylvian "Secrets Of The Beehive";
Jessica Williams "Jessica's Blues";
Steve Poltz "One Left Shoe";
Ani Difranco (eponymous);
Christy Moore "Graffiti Tongue";
Steve Poltz "One Left Shoe";
Philadelphia Jerry Ricks "Deep In The Well"
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