What are you listening to RIGHT NOW?

[OldiesButGoodies]

Steely Dan - Gaucho - 5.1 SACD

I hear that's a good one.   Some say the DVD-A is even better, but I think that's probably just in their heads.

I think there may something to that claim.  Next time you are over bring the DVD-A version for a comparo.

[Jim Pittsburgh]

Billy Cobham   Life & Times

This is a great test album. You'll know within a few cuts if your cartridge is tracking well. Obviously the drums are exceptionally well recorded, but the guitar solos are just as good. Very nice album / music.... the synthesizer effects are not overdone, which was more than typical of the era lol 

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

I really enjoyed most of this.   About 30 seconds into "Try Not to Breathe" I realized it was too soon and skipped through it.   "Sweetness Follows", however, was strangely encouraging.   The mixes were particularly nice on the four tracks with John Paul Jones orchestrations.

[OldiesButGoodies]

The recording quality is so-so,  clean but not the best mastering.  But the music selection is awesome,  as in awesome tape mix. 

[geoffr]

Music From Big Pink

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

Great album, nice mix.   It starts off modestly but becomes more involved as the album goes on (much like the album itself).   The drums on "Lightnin' Hopkins" particularly benefit from the surround mix.   If Lifes Rich Pageant was the start of their most artistic period, then Document is the one that began their assault on the charts.   Welcome to the Occupation!

[Jim Pittsburgh]

"Prime Cuts"   Gene Ammons / Sonny Stitt      Not usually one for compilations, but I think Verve got this one just right. content flows, excellent recording... and the music   WOW   You can hear the joy /fun these guys are having playing and competing with each other. 

[OldiesButGoodies]

Santana - MoFi Caravanserai SACD

[Mongojustpawn]

Chicago at Carnegie Hall, 4 LP set.

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

Long time no see.

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

Santana - MoFi Caravanserai SACD

Is that stereo or surround?

[scorpio333]

AVOID! Worst LP I've ever paid for. Horrible sources, horrible production, bad all over. The Who song is unlistenable, sounds like they recorded an AM station with a boom box, it's got feedback and static.


On to something much better. The Steeldrivers. '08 recording released on vinyl this year. Chris Stapleton got his start in the Steeldrivers, if you like his voice you'll love this. Excellent recording

[Jim Pittsburgh]

always appreciate both the recommended albums and especially the ones to avoid.... thanks to all contributors.

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

always appreciate both the recommended albums and especially the ones to avoid.... thanks to all contributors.

Well, here's one to avoid...



Here's your proof that even the best mix can't fix mediocre music. I love REM, but it is obvious on this one that they were simply going through the motions. "High Speed Train" is the worst Stipe vocal ever. If he had cared at all at that point it never would have even seen the light of day. Uninspired is one thing, but horribly out of tune is another. The "Yeah yeahs" on "Ascent of Man" sound like he is parodying himself. It's so bad that it actually makes me wonder if he did it just to see if he could get away with it. Maybe they should have gone back to Scott Litt to produce this one since he always buried the vocals anyhow.   If "Leaving New York" had made the "In Time" compilation, there would be no reason for this to exist.

[MacGeek]

The Blues Live from Jazz at Lincoln center.  Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton.  Tidal. Damn these guys are good.