How do you find BEST classical recordings???

In the beginning of your classicl journey you will have to be patient and your inner ear will develope. Took me 10 years of listening, made some "poor" choices along the way. The use of the 1 minute Real-Audio clips has helped me signinficantly. Gramophone in the 90's did offer good recomendations. On some of my favorte compostions I have several performances, each offers something enjoyable. Now don't get fooled by "big" names, like Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, and "small" names like Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Just got a out-of-print Levine/Berlin performance of Sibelius #2. Not much happening here. The "little orchestra of the far north" does a much more emotional performance. If you get a chance, get to some old (circa 1997) copies of Gramaphone (check your local university library), they'll point you to classic performances. Their new web site recommendations are worthless.

Tweekerman, that's a bit of a generalization there... comparing the Berlin Phil in favor of the Iceland Sym. Yes the Berlin Phil can sound sterile at times, esp. on DG recordings and esp. when levine is at the helm, yes the Iceland Sym. sounds much better than you would expect from such a small country.... but that comparison is ridiculous. The Berlin Phil blows away the Iceland Symphony. In every respect. I know, I am one of the principal string players on that Iceland Sym. Sibelius set. I just got that recording, I have major problems with it. Terribly recorded, and the performance has holes all over the place. It does have a good deal of nordic spirit and enthusiasm, but as an orchestra, it is really is a "B" grade band. The performance lacks cohesion for one, has ensemble problems, and the intonation in the winds and brass???.
Next time the Berlin Phil is in your town, go hear them. They are the best orchestra in the world, period.

These are all good suggestions. I read everything I can, ask friends, borrow recordings, listen at the store (some stores will open CDs for auditioning). There are also people who post reviews regularly on amazon.com. I have found a few reliable people whose opinions I've come to trust.

BBC Music mag has not received a mention (or maybe I overlooked it). The only thing I sort of like about it is that they do rate "Sound." However, the text of their reviews is (a) short and (b) rarely explains a low rating for sound.

American Record Guide is another option.

Buxter66, I just did a comparison once again on Sibelius sym's. Seems I was close to the truth, but now I fully realize that the Iceland may just very well have the best Sibelius complete symphony set, including the Kullervo. Everyone needs to listen to the opening movement to the 4th symphony. Then listen to Sanderling/Berlin on the 4'th. Absoulely no comparison. Like you put it, there is "Nordic Spirit" in the Panula/Iceland. hummm, not easy for me to describe, not being a musician, but the cohesion of players, simplicity, "true to the music" feeling, is all there in the Iceland performance. Its as if this was conducted by Robert Kjanus (Sibelius' close friend, first performed Sibelius) wholeheartly applauded by Sibelius. I respect your opinion, considering you are a principle player in the Iceland. Sure there are elements in the Sanderling/Berlin, Segerstam/Danish that shine through, but for overall performance, Panula/Iceland takes the prize. On the Naxos label, "its all about the music". Back to Peter's question, you may want to check out ClassicsToday.com, there is some good reviews, I give them 90% credibility. In general I agree with their reviews, there is just not enough reviews of current cd's to make the best choices, in other words not enough comparisions.

Tweekrman, several things...
it is Petri Sakari/Iceland, Panula is only conducting a Finnish orchestra on one of the smaller works in the set.
I was a principal string player in these recordings at the time. (this was about 5-6 yrs ago)
I don't think much about most critics today. So that is a moot point. I say trust your ears and heart, if it floats your boat, that that's all that matters.
I'm glad you like these recordings, they have "something".
Have you heard Beecham's Sibelius? That is a nice performance. Its true what you say about the qualities of the orchestra and recording... I guess what I miss is a cultivation, a refinement.... which I guess is kind of the opposite of nordic spirit that we are talking about, the primal sort. Oh well, I guess you can't have everything always. But that said, those strengths are also their downfall.