Ear Candy: Most startling recordings.

I would have to say that 2 of my favorites are Madonna- The Immaculate Collection and Roger Waters- Amused to Death. Both were recorded with the Q sound process and the imaging on these discs is nothing short of phenomenal. I don't remember the reviewer it was, but one of the guys at Stereophile chose Amused to Death as his reference for imaging tests. He said there wasn't a disc that was better for this purpose. To bad the musical content is worthless, but thats a different story. If you can still find the Sony SBM gold version, believe me it's worth the price.

For me, it's "Dirt Track Date" from Southern Culture on the Skids(great band!). On this cut for the last 6 or so minutes, there is the sound of a dirt track racing car barreling around the track. It's another great imaging test, as the cart not only goes from side to side but to the far side of the track as well. It is so lifelike that those in my house routinely barge into the listening room, mad as hell, swearing someone is going crazy outside, riding around on a motorcycle. When I explain it's the recording, they are in absolute disbelief.

The first cut on the original Soundtrack From Twin Peaks, Music Composed by Angelo Badalamenti, has the most surefire bodyrush of anything I've ever heard. It'll wash over you, the wife and any small animals present :-) The rest of it's way cool too. But beware of imitations, make sure it's the CD original Warner Bros 26316-2.

Anything by Enigma! Also, for synthesized is Moodswings. Best ear candy of the classic rock days is the Moody Blues - hand's down. Of course, Pink Floyd is great too! Tony

These aren't necessarily startling, but they are cute... 1. Pink Floyd "Atom Heart Mother" (Quadraphonic!) has a water drip, drip, drip,... that repeats forever at the end of Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast until your tonearm picks up--if your tonearm picks up. 2. There is a Mike Oldfield record (forgot title) that chants "Debby Boone, Debby Boone,..." in a similar fashion. 3. Also on "Atom Heart Mother," in the Atom Heart Mother Suite, a motorcycle starting and taking off is incorporated into the orchestral arrangement--goes from one side to the other--first time I heard it I actually looked out my window for the motorcycle.