audiophile recordings
A necessary tool for system evaluation
The following recommendations are currently a part of my collection and are therefore not exhaustive by any means. Therefore, this list will be updated as and when my budget permits and new purchases are duly made. I must emphasize that these recommendations are Quality Recordings that may be used to evaluate audio components and their ancillary equipment or simply showcase a high-resolution system. The following list is generally available in the marketplace. I would further like to divide these quality recordings into two distinct classifications: Reference and Standard Audiophile Quality. They are articulated as follows for a better understanding of their differences to determine subsequent purchasing priority whereas Reference Audiophile Quality could be downloaded or the relevant CDs and records purchased and kept as reference tools for evaluation purposes.
Reference Audiophile Quality - These are higher resolution recordings that showcase the lead vocalist or instrument (if instrumental) smack center stage (unless a live event) with the image well delineated. The lead vocal or instrument has a palpable presence and is not recessed. The other musical instruments are nicely spread out laterally across the soundstage evenly and from front to back with at least 3 layers of depth. This is what we term an open recording. The tonal balance has not leaned towards being bright or dark, the midrange is warm, and the bass line is well-articulated, not muddy or shy. This is a relatively neutral recording that is not spiced up. There are also hints of micro-dynamics whose nuance is captured and macro dynamics where the start, stop and decay are heard in earnest. Suffice it to say, the hallmark of the Reference is the dynamics and crispiness of the recorded material against a quiet and dark background.
Standard Audiophile Quality - These are quality recordings like those characterized in the Reference, however, the vocalist may be a little recessed or dark, or somewhat overblown, or maybe a shade bright or off-center. Some of the instruments may appear directly behind the loudspeakers. The recordings may lack some openness, sheer dynamics, and crispiness compared to the Reference. While they are not exceptional recordings per se, they should not be discounted for their audiophile pedigree and may be used for evaluation purposes albeit in a limited way.
Caveats:
It is pertinent to note that we are evaluating recordings based on the technical artistry of the recording, mixing, and mastering processes as a whole and not the sum of its parts, including the production process into media, i.e., cutting, lacquer production, and stamper pressing and not on the artist's or group performance's prowess.
I would like to qualify that not all tracks in an album recommended may be of the quality suggested as those tracks may not be recorded on the same day, using the same instruments, or at the same location unless on a live event or that the entire album is a remastered version.
To better understand the subject, please read Scaffold/Rule 1: Listening and Hearing and Rule 2: Quality Recordings.
To avoid list duplication, recommended vinyl may also apply to CDs and streaming media. Similarly, CDs and Streaming playlists that are recommended may also apply to other media respectively. I would like to plant a flag at this juncture, in my humble opinion the vinyl media is best sounding if all things are treated equally, followed by SACD/CD, and finally, music that was streamed in CD quality or better. However, I must also qualify that the mastering quality is the exception to the rule, whereas an A+ mastered CD may be superior to a B+ mastered vinyl of the same recording or an A+ mastered high-res FLAC file would be superior to a B+ mastered CD of the same recording.
The streaming playlist provided should ideally be streamed in CD quality or better. The Reference listings could be downloaded or purchased on high-res FLAC files and kept as reference materials if they are offered by the service provider.
Vinyl Records
Album listing
Reference Audiophile Quality
Jazz
Aaron Neville: Warm your heart - A&M Records, Original Recordings Group – ORG 141, Remastered by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, RTI Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Amber Rubarth: Sessions from the 17th Ward - Chesky Records – LP356, 180-gram orange translucent vinyl. Binaural recording. Plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings, US
Arne Domnerus: Jazz at the Pawnshop - Prophone/Proprius – PROP 7778-79, Pallas Pressing - Germany, Reissue, Gatefold, two-discs, Sweden
Billie Holiday: Songs For Distingué Lovers - Verve Records, Analogue Productions – AP-6021-45, Remastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound, QRP Pressings, 200 Gram, 45 RPM, two-discs, US
Carmen McRae: The Great American Songbook, Recorded live at Donte's, Los Angeles, Atlantic/Pure Pleasure Records – PPAN SD 2-904, Pallas Pressings, two-discs, EU
Gregory Porter: Liquid Spirit, Blue Note - 0602537431540, Optimal Media Pressing, Gatefold, two-discs, EU
Harry Connick, Jr.: Music from the motion picture "When Harry met Sally ..." - Music on Vinyl/Columbia (6 eye) - MOVATM024, Reissue, UK
Herbie Hancock: Head Hunters, Analogue Productions - AAPJ 084-45, Mastered at Sterling Sound by Ryan K. Smith, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, Gatefold, two-discs, US
Holly Cole Trio: Don't Smoke in Bed - Blue Note, Analogue Productions - APP049-45, Remastered by Bernie Grundman, 45 RPM, Gatefold, two-discs, US
Linda Ronstadt & The Nelson Riddle Orchestra - What's New, Asylum Records - P-11408, Mastered by Doug Sax, Japan Pressings (JASRAC), Japan
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue - Columbia 6 eye - CS 8163, Analog Productions - UHQR 0004-45, two-discs box set, S/No 00378, 45 RPM, US
Nora Jones: Come away with me - Blue Note, Analogue Productions – APP 042, Remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, QRP Pressings, 200 Gram, Gatefold, US
Rob Wasserman: Duets - MCA Records, Analogue Productions – APP 118-45, Mixed and digitally remastered from the original master tapes at Joe Gastwirt Mastering, Lacquer cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio, QRP Pressings, 200 Gram, 45 RPM, two-discs, US
Ry Cooder & V.M. Bhatt: A Meeting By The River, Analogue Productions – APW 29, Mastered by Kevin Gray, Repressing at QRP using existing plates from Pallas, 45 RPM, two-discs, US
Stan Getz / João Gilberto Featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim: Getz / Gilberto - Verve Records, Analogue Productions – AP-8545, Remastered and lacquer cut by George Marino at Sterling Sound, QRP Pressings, 200 Gram, Gatefold, 45 RPM, two-discs, US
The wonderful sounds of female vocals - UMG, Analog Productions - APP 122, 45 RPM, Mastered and cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, QRP Pressings, 200 Grams, two-discs, Gatefold, US
The wonderful sounds of male vocals - Sony Music, Analog Productions - APP 131, 45 RPM, Mastered and cut by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sounds, QRP Pressings, 200 Grams, two-discs, Gatefold, US
The Dave Brubeck Quartet: Time Out - Columbia (6 eye), Analog Productions - APJ 8192-45, Remastered and cut by Bernie Grundman, 200-gram, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Yamato Tsuyoshi trio: Blow Up - Three Blind Mice, Impex Records, AIMX 15-45, 45 RPM, Reissue, Remastered and cut by Tohru Kotetsu at JVC Mastering Center, Press by RTI on Premium HQ-180 Super Vinyl, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Yamato Tsuyoshi trio: Midnight Sugar - Three Blind Mice, Impex Records, AIMX 23-45, 45 RPM, Remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, Press by RTI on Premium HQ-180 Super Vinyl, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Yamato Tsuyoshi Trio: Misty - Three Blind Mice, Impex Records - AIMX 30-45, 45 RPM, Remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, Press by RTI on Premium HQ-180 Super Vinyl, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Vanessa Fernandez: Use me - Groove Note, GRV 1050-1, Mastered by Bernie Grundman direct from the original 30 ips 1/4 inch analogue master at Bernie Grundman Mastering, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Willie Nelson: Stardust - Columbia (6 eye), Analog Productions - APP 116-45, Mastered and cut from the original analog tapes by Bernie Grundman, 200-gram, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Blues
Muddy Waters: Folk Singer - Geffen, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab - UD1S 2-023, 45 RPM, two-discs box set, Ultradisc one-step pressing, S/No 002303, US
POP
Amos Lee: Amos Lee - Blue Note, Analogue Productions – AAPP 125-45, Remastered by Bernie Grundman, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Dean Martin: Dream with Dean - Sony Music, Analog Productions - APP 076-45, Mastered by Ryan Smith, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Janis Ian: Breaking Silence - Rude Girl Records, Analog Productions - APP 027-45, Remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Jennifer Warnes: Famous Blue Raincoat - Impex Records, IMP6021, Remastered by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering and personally supervised by Ms. Warnes, RTI Pressing, US
Nat King Cole: The very thought of you, Conducted by Gordon Jerkins and his orchestra - Analogue Productions – AAPP 1084-45, Capitol Records – SW 1084 , Mastered by Kevin Gray, Steve Hoffman at AcousTech Mastering, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Nat King Cole: Just One Of Those Things, Orchestra conducted by Billy May - Analogue Productions – APP 903-45, Capitol Records – SW 903, Mastered by Kevin Gray, Steve Hoffman at AcousTech Mastering, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Nat King Cole: ST. Louis Blues, Conducted by Nelson Riddle - Analogue Productions – APP 993-45, Capitol Records – SW 993, Mastered by Kevin Gray, Steve Hoffman at AcousTech Mastering, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Nat King Cole: Where did everyone go?, Arranged and conducted by Gordon Jerkins - Analogue Productions – APP 1859-45, Capitol Records – SW 1859, Mastered by Kevin Gray, Steve Hoffman at AcousTech Mastering, QRP Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Neil Diamond: Moods, MCA Records – MCF 2510, black rainbow label, late 70's reissue of 1972 LP, (UK)
Shelby Lynne: Just A Little Lovin', Lost Highway, Analogue Productions – AAPP 041-45, Cut to LP by Doug Sax from analog master sources, Plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Rock
Dire Straits: Love over gold - Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab - MFSL 2-469, Remastered by Krieg Wunderlich on THE GAIN 2 ULTRA ANALOG SYSTEM™ - from 1/2" / 30 IPS analog master - Plangent Processed - to DXD, S/No: 014519, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Free: Free Live!, Island Records – ILPS 9160, Reissue, Non-envelope cover, UK
Lou Reed: Transformer - Speakers Corner Records/RCA Victor – LSP-4807, Remastered, Pallas Pressing, (Dynaflex vinyl), Germany
Rogers Waters: Amused to Death, Columbia/Legacy, Analogue Productions – APP 468761, Remastered by James Guthrie, Pressed at QRP, 200 Gram, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Folk
Bob Dylan: Blonde on Blonde - Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab – MFSL 3-45009, Columbia/Sony Music Commercial Music Group – 88697948091, Mastered by Krieg Wunderlichon on THE GAIN 2 ULTRA ANALOG SYSTEM™ - 1/2" / 30 IPS analog remix master to DSD 64 to the analog console to the lathe, 45 RPM, three-discs box set, S/No 012090, US
Graham Nash: Songs for Beginners, Atlantic, RI 7204, US
Harry Belafonte: Belafonte At Carnegie Hall, (The complete concert) - Analogue Productions – APF-6006, RCA Victor – LSO 6006, Remastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound from the original 3-track analog tapes, Pressed at QRP, 200 Gram, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Harry Belafonte: Belafonte sings the blues - RCA Living Stereo, Analogue Productions – AAPF 1972, Remastered by Ryan Smith, Pressed at QRP, 200 Gram, US
Mary Black: No Frontiers - 3U Records/Pure Pleasure Analogue - PPAN-016, Remastered by Ray Staff at Air Mastering, UK
Soundtracks
Vangelis: Chariots of Fire - Polydor – 28MM 0033, JASRAC, Japan
Standard Audiophile Quality
Jazz
Al Di Meola / John McLaughlin / Paco De Lucia: Friday Night In San Francisco-Live, Impex Records – IMP6029, Columbia (6-eye) / Sony Music – FC 37152, Remastered by Bernie Grundman, Bob Donnelly, RTI Pressing, US
Anne Bisson: Blue Mind - Camilo Records, CAM5-4109, Remastered by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, RTI Pressing, 45 RPM, Gatefold, two-discs, Canada
Cassandra Wilson: New Moon Daughter - Blue Note, B0022590-01 (75th Anniversary), Mastered by Greg Calbi, two-discs, US
Chuck Mangione: Feels So Good, A&M Records – GP 2058, Japan
Chuck Mangione: Children of Sanchez, A&M Records – SP 6700, Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Diana Krall: The girl in the other room - Verve-602547376923, Mastered by Doug Sax, Robert Hadley, Optimal Media Pressing, two-discs, UK, US, EU
Eva Cassidy: Songbird - Blix Street Records - G8-10220, 45 RPM, Gatefold, two-discs, Optimal Media Pressing, Germany
Gregory Porter: Take Me To The Alley, Blue Note - 0602547814456, Gatefold, two-discs, EU
John Klemmer: Touch - ABC Records, ABCD-922, Mastered at The Mastering Lab, US
Rickie Lee Jones - Warner Bros Records, BSK 3296, Mixed and Mastered by – Lee Herschberg, US
Rickie Lee Jones: Girl at her volcano - Warner Bros Records, 3M Digital, 10-inch disc, Japan
Rebecca Pidgeon: The Raven - Chesky Records/Analog Productions - APP 130-45, Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound, QRP Pressing, 45 RPM, two-discs, US
Sara K.: Play on words - AudioNautes Recordings - AN-1602/Chesky Records, Half-Speed Mastered by Mike Showell at Abbey Road Studios, Reissue, Pallas Pressings, Gatefold, Italy
Selena Jones: My Love - JVC - VIJ-28013, Remix at Victor Studio using JVC DAS 90 Digital Audio Mastering System, Japan (JASRAC)
Shirley Horn: A Lazy Afternoon - SteepleChase SCS 1111, Reissue, Denmark
The Oscar Peterson Trio: We Get Request, Verve Records – 00602577089893, USA & Europe
Blues
Blind Faith: Blind Faith, RSO – 18MW 0055, Reissue, Japan
Canned Heat: Boogie With Canned Heat, Liberty/Pure Pleasure Analogue, PPAN LST 7541, Remastered at Abbey Road Studios, Pallas Pressing, UK
Dinah Washington: Back to the Blues, Parlophone/Pure Pleasure Analogue, PPAN SR25189, Remastered by Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Pallas Pressing, UK
Gary Moore: How Blue Can You Get - Provogue - PRD 76461, Blue Vinyl, EU
John Lee Hooker: It Serve You Right To Suffer - Analogue Productions (Impulse), AIPJ 9103, 45 RPM double LP Gatefold, Mastered at AcousTech Mastering, Plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings - No: 001596, US
Stevie Ray Vaughan: Couldn't Stand The Weather, Analogue Productions, AAPB 097-45, Mastered from the original analog tapes by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound, Cut at 45 RPM double LP Gatefold, Quality Record Pressings, US
Z Z Top: ZZ Top's First Album - Warner Records - R1-3268/081227946531, Mastered and cut by Chris Bellman, RTI Pressing, Reissue, US & EU
Hip Hop
Ludacris: Saturday (Oooh! Ooooh!) / She Said, Def Jam South – 314 588 875-1, 12" single, US
Disturbing Tha Peace: Golden Grain (N.S.E.W / Can't be stopped (I know), Def Jam South – DEFR 157321, 12" single, Promo copy, US
R. Kelly: Ignition - Jive – 01241-40065-1, 12" single, US
POP
America: History, America's Greatest Hits - Warner Bros Records - P-10067W, Japan Pressings (Warner-Pioneer Corp), Japan
Bee Gees: Greatest - RSO – RSDX 001, RSO – (2658 132), two-discs, Tri-Fold Sleeve, UK
Billie Eilish: Don't Smile at Me - Darkroom/Interscope Records, B0027307-01, US
Carole King: Tapestry - Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab UD1S 2-030, Box Set s/no: 002737, two discs, 45 RPM, UltraDisc One-Step, remastered and cut by Krieg Wunderlich at MoFi sound lab using The Gain 2 Analog System from 1/4" / 15 IPS analog master to DSD 64, RTI Pressing using Neotech SuperVinyl formula, US
Dusty Springfield: Dusty in Memphis - Atlantic/Analogue Productions – APP 8214-45, Remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, QRP Pressings, 200 Gram, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
John Forgerty: Centerfield - BMG - 538365701, Gatefold with Baseball Stadium Pop-Up, US
Peggy Lee: Is there all there is? - Capitol Records – PPAN ST-386, Pallas Pressings, Remastered and Cut at AcousTech Mastering, US
Phil Collins: Face Value, Analogue Productions – AAPA 003-45, Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering and cut to lacquer from a 1/4" EQ'd Dolby tape copy of the original master tape, QRP and RTI Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Quincy Jones: "The Dude" - A&M Records – AMP-28028, Mastered by Bernie Grundman at A&M Recording Studios, Japan Pressing (JASRAC), Japan
Suzanne Vega: Solitude Standing - A & M Records - C28Y3180, Mastered by Stephen Marcussen (Direct Metal Mastering at Precision Lacquers), Japan Pressings (Canyon Records), Japan
The Beatles: 1 - Apple/Capitol Records 4756790, (Compilation), Remixed & Remastered, two discs, Gatefold, USA & Canada
USA for Africa: We are the world - Columbia (six-eye) US2-05179, 12" Single, Mastered by Stephen Marcussen at Precision Lacquer, Pitman Pressing, US
Country
Dolly Parton: Great Balls Of Fire - RCA Victor – AHL 1-3361, Mastered by Bernie Grundman, Gatefold, US
Johnny Lee: Bet Your Heart On Me, Asylum Records/Full Moon – 5E-541, US
Patsy Cline: Greatest Hits - Decca/Analogue Productions - APP 74854-45, Cut by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound directly from the original master tape by a straight transfer method using a VMS 80, QRP Pressings, 200 Grams, 45 RPM, two-discs, US
T.G. Sheppard – Slow Burn, Curb Records / Warner Bros. Records – 1-23911, US
Rock
Bad Company: Bad Company, Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series), AAPA 009-45, 45 RPM double LP Gatefold, Reissue, Remastered, Mastered and cut to lacquer from a 1/4" flat tape copy of the original master tape by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound, Pressed at Quality Record Pressings, US
Black Sabbath: Paranoid - Warner Bros. Records/Rhino Records – R1 552927, Warner Bros. Records – 1887 (Green Label), QRP Pressings, two-discs, Gatefold, USA/Canada
Def Leppard: Hysteria (30th Anniversary Edition 2017 Remaster), Mercury/UMC - DMER 5756092, 180-gram gatefold double LP, EU
Don Henley: I Can't Stand Still, Asylum Records – P-11158, Mastered by Doug Sax and Mike Reese at The Mastering Lab, JASRAC, Japan
Dire Straits: Dire Straits - Warner Records R1-3266, Mastered by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, US
Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms - Vertigo/UMC/Mercury ARHSDLP004, Cut and Mastered (Half-Speed Mastering) by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, Optimal Media Pressings, 45 RPM, two-discs, Reissue, Remastered, EU
Fleetwood Mac: Rumours - Reprise Records – 517787-1, 093624979340, Repress, Lacquer cut by Kevin Gray, 45 RPM, Pallas Pressing, Gatefold, two-discs, EU
Led-Zeppelin: Led-Zeppelin 11 - Atlantic - 8122796438, Remastered by Jimmy Page, Optimal Media Pressing, Tri-fold sleeve, with companion disc, Germany
Led-Zeppelin: Mothership - (Swan Song/Atlantic - 081227954109) four-discs box set, Digitally remastered by John Davis and supervised by Jimmy Page at Alchemy Mastering Lab, London, using 2014/2015, 96kHz/24 bit Masters, EU
Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd Records/PFRLP8/88875184251, Remastered by Bernie Grundman, James Guthrie, Joel Plante, Gatefold, US/Canada
Queen: The Game - (Studio Collection - 15 Albums Box Set) - Virgin EMI Records – 00602547202888, Remastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering, Lacquer cut by Miles Showell (Half-Speed Mastering) at Abbey Road Studios, Optimal Media Pressings - Silver colored vinyl, EU
The Doors: The Doors - Analogue Productions/Elektra – APP 74007-45, Remastered by Doug Sax using an all-tube system at the Mastering Lab, QRP Pressings, 200 Grams, 45 RPM, Gatefold, two-discs, US
Folk
Belafonte - RCA Victor, LPM-1150, US
Bob Dylan: Blood on the tracks - Columbia Records - 6-eyed, (We are Vinyl - 19075950661, PC 33235 reissue), US
Cat Stevens: Tea for the Tillerman - Island Records/Cat-O-Log/UMC - 0602508820311, (Pink label), 50th Anniversary Edition Remastered at Abbey Road Studios, Optimal Media Pressings, Embossed Cover, Gatefold, UK/EU
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: Deja vu - Atlantic R1-7200, 2021 remastering and lacquer cut by Chris Bellman, Optimal Media Pressings, Gatefold, textured sleeve with gold embossed lettering, Germany
Freddie Aguilar: Anak - Polydor - MPF 1190, Japan Pressings (JASRAC), Japan
Joan Baez: Diamonds and rust in the bullring - Analogue Productions - AAPF 080-45, 45 RPM, two-discs, 200grams, Remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, QRP Pressings, US
Joan Baez: Joan Baez - Vanguard/Craft Records - CR 00117, All-analog mastering from the original stereo tapes and cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, RTI pressing, US
Johnny Cash: The Legend of Cash – Island/UMe/American Recordings/Columbia/Legacy, B0021047-01, QRP pressing, Gatefold, two-discs, US
Johnny Cash: The Best of Johnny Cash - Ring of Fire, Columbia CS 8853, XSM 59712, 3-eye, US
Johnny Tillotson - The Best of Johnny Tillotson, Victor - VIP-4513, Mono & Stereo, Japan Pressings (Victor Musical Industries), Japan
Neil Young: Carnegie Hall - Shakey Pictures Records - 093624885153 - NYA OBS 01, Mastered and cut by Chris Bellman, two-discs, US
Neil Young: Harvest - Reprise Records (ORS) - 093624881704, Box Set, Deluxe Edition No: 19799, 50th Anniversary Edition, Remastered from original analog tapes and Lacquer cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering , Optimal Media Pressings, Textured Gatefold, Germany
Peter, Paul And Mary: Album 1700, Analogue Productions – APF 1700-45, Warner Bros. Records – WS 1700, 45 RPM, Remastered by Kevin Gray, QRP Pressing, two-discs, Gatefold, US
Skeeter Davis: "maryfrances" - RCA Victor, LSP - 4200 (XPRS-157 1), US
Tsai Chin – 老歌: Warner - 5054196905712, Japan Pressings (White Label), Japan
Yusof/Cat Stevens: Tea for the Tillerman 2 - Island/Cat-O-Log/UMC - 0888695, Lacquer cut by Miles Showell (Half-Speed Mastering) at Abbey Road Studios, Optimal Media Pressings, Gatefold, USA/EU
Classical/Latin
Ariel Ramirez, José Carreras – Misa Criolla, Navidad Nuestra, DECCA 420955-1, Digitally remastered from the original masters from Universal Music, Cut by Maarten de Boer at Emil Berliner Studio, Pallas Pressings, Germany
Carl Orff: Carmina Burana - Telarc - TEL00006, Digitally remastered using the Soundstream Digital Recording System, Optimal Media Pressing, Gatefold, two-discs, Germany
Los Indios Tabajaras: Secret Love / All-Time Film Favorites, RCA Victor – APL1-1033, US
Electronic
Classic Man: Lounge Sessions EP - Natural Resource – NR-002, 12" single, US
R & B
Ann Peebles – Straight From The Heart, Hi Records/Speakers Corner Records – SHL 32065, Pallas Pressings, Lacquer Cut at Cohearent Audio, Germany
Ann Peebles – I Can't Stand The Rain, Hi Records/Speakers Corner Records – XSHL 32079, Remastered by Kevin Gray, Pallas Pressings, Lacquer Cut at Cohearent Audio, UK
Aretha Franklin: Sweet Passion, Atlantic SD 19102, Monarch Pressing, US
Bill Withers: Greatest Hits - Columbia, FC 37199, US
Bill Withers: Just As I Am - Sussex – SXBS-7006, US
Natalie Cole: Unforgettable - Craft Recordings - CR 00206, Lacquer cut by Bernie Grundman, two-discs, US
Randy Crawford: Raw Silk - Pure Pleasure Analogue - PPAN, BSK 3283, Reissue, UK/EU
Roberta Flack: Killing Me Softly, Atlantic – P-8373A, Japan
Soundtrack
Gandhi: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - RCA ABL 1-4557, Black label, UK
Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture, RSO – RSD 2001, RSO – 2658-125, Gatefold, two-discs, UK
John Barry: Dances with Wolves - Epic/Sony Music - 88765432691, ORG 150, Remastered and cut by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, 45 RPM, Gatefold, two-discs, US
Compact Disc
Album listing
Reference Audiophile Quality
Jazz
Akitoshi Igarashi And Yoshitaka Akimitsu: Swing Time - GML-CD605, (Japan), 24K Gold Disc
Ayako Hosokawa: The Golden Moment, TBM - Jasrac - R-620005, (Japan), 20bit K2 Super Coding, 24K Gold Disc
Arne Domnereus: Antiphone Blues - First Impression Music - FIM CD003, (US), HDCD, 24K Gold
Bill Berry and his Ellington All-Stars: For Duke - Realtime Records - RT 1001, (US)
Bob and Ray: A Stereo Spectacular - Classic Compact Discs - LSPCD 1773, (US), Gold Disc
Chie Ayado: Life, EWE Records - EWCD 0011, Tri-fold cover, JASRAC - Japan
Chico Freeman: Spirit Sensitive - India Navigation, Analogue Productions - CAPJ 020, Mastered by Doug Sax at the Mastering Lab with tubes from the original master tapes, 24K Gold Disc, AAD, US
Dave Grusin: Discovered Again - Sheffield Lab - CD-5, US
Dave Grusin: Dave Grusin Presents West Side Story - N2K-10021 Encoded Music, US
Dick Schory's new percussion ensemble: Music for Bang, Baa-room and Harp - Classic Compact Disc-LSPCD 1866, US, Gold Disc
Doug MacLeod: Come to Find - JVC/Audioquest - JVCXR-0023-2, XRCD 20bit K2, Book-cover, US
Ella Fitzgerald: Clap Hands, Here comes Charlie!, - Classic Compact Discs - VSCD-4053, 24K Gold Disc, US
Flamenco - JVC - SVCD1015, XRCD 20bit K2, Book-cover, JASRAC-Japan
Frank Sinatra: Duets II - Capitol/DCC Compact Disc - GZS-1073, 24K Gold Disc, US
HDCD Sampler - Reference Recordings - RR-S3CD, HDCD, DDD, US
Hugh Masekela: Hope - Triloka Records/Analogue Productions - CAPJ 82020 SA, Mastered by Kevin Gray at AcousTech, SACD, DSD, US
John Coltrane: Soultrane - Prestige/DCC Compact Disc - GZS-1046, Remastered by Steve Hoffman, 24K Gold Disc, US
Keb' Mo: Just like you - Okeh/Epic - CPDP 000460, US
Keb' Mo' - Okeh/Epic - EK 57863, US
LA 4: Just Friends - Concord Jazz - CCD-4199, US
Lee Ritenour: Overtime - Concord/Peak Records - PKD-8531-2, US
Lee Ritenour: Rio - GRP Digital Master - GRP-D-9524, Japan
Linda Ronstadt: For Sentimental Reasons - Asylum - 60474-2, DAD, US
Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington: Recording Together For The First Time / The Great Reunion - Roulette/Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab - UDCD 514, Ultradisc, AAD, 24K Gold Disc, US
Marlene: My Favorite Songs, CBS/Sony - CSCL 1308, JASRAC-Japan
Mickey Hart, Airto, Flora Purim: Däfos - Ryko - RCD 10108, AAD, US
Nat King Cole: Love is the thing - Capitol/DCC Compact Classics - GZS-1104, Remastered by Steve Hoffman, 24K Gold Disc, US
Norah Jones: Feels like home - Blue Note - 7243 5 90952 2 6, EU
Patricia Barber: Cafe Blue - First Impression Music, FIM CD010, HDCD, 24K Gold Disc, US
Rickie Lee Jones: Pop Pop - Geffen - MVCD-65, (GEF-D24426), JASRAC-Japan
Roger Waters: The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking - Columbia - CK 39290, Mastered by Doug Sax at the Mastering Lab, Japan
Salena Jones: Best Selection - JVC-VDP-1158, JASRAC-Japan
Shirley Horn: You won't forget me - Verve-847 482-2, Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk, DDD, US
The famous sound of three blind mice: Vol. 1 - Three Blind Mice - TBM CD 9001, Germany
Thom Rotella Band: DMP - Gold-9001, 20-Bit Remastered, 24K Gold Disc, US
Tori Amos: Hey Jupiter, Atlantic-82955-2, Tri-fold cover, US
The Ray Brown Trio Live at the LOA: Summer Wind - Concord Jazz - CCD4426, US
The Ray Brown Trio: Soular Energy, Concord Jazz - CCD-4468, US
Pink Floyd: The Wall, Columbia/Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab - UDCD 2-537, Ultradisc, AAD, 24K Gold Disc, 2 CDs,
Classical
Arnold Overtures: Beckus the Danipratt - Malcom Arnold, The London Philharmonic Orchestra, Reference Recordings-RR-48CD, DDD, (US)
Ernest Ansermet: The Royal Ballet - Gala Performances, RCA Victor/Classic Compact Discs - LDSCD 6065, Two Disc box Set, Gold Disc, UK
Gustav Holst: The Planets, Hyperion, SACDA67270, hybrid SACD, DSD, Gold Disc, DDD, EU
Mussorgsky: Pictures at the exhibition, Stravinsky: Three dances from Petrouchka, Dorian Recordings - DOR-90117, US
Kornet har sin vila: Now the Green Blade Riseth - Proprius - PRCD 9093, Sweden
Oscars Motettkör, Torsten Nilsson, Marianne Mellnäs, Alf Linder: Cantate Domino - Proprius - PRCD 7762, 24K Gold Disc, Sweden
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale - Living Stereo/BMG - 8287666377-2, SACD, DSD, Gold Disc, EU
Sortilèges De La Harpe Indienne: The Magic Of The Paraguayan Harp - Disques Pierre Verany - PV 782111, ADD, France
Folk
Belafonte: Belafonte Returns To Carnegie Hall - RCA/Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab - MFCD 782, AAD, US
Tish Hinojosa: Memorabilia Navidena - Watermelon Records - Watermelon CD 1006, US
The Weavers: Reunion at Carnegie Hall 1963 - Vanguard Records/Analogue Productions - APFCD 005, Mastered by Doug Sax with Tube Electronics, AAD, 24K Gold Disc, Japan
Test Discs
Chesky Records Jazz: Sampler & Audiophile Test Compact Disc Vol 1 - Chesky Records - JD37, DDD, US
Test CD 4.1: Depth of image - Timbre - Dynamics, Opus 3 - CD 99400, AAD, 24K Gold Disc Audiophile Version, Japan
The Absolute Sound: Hearts of Space - Hearts of Space - HS11103-2, US
The Sheffield Drum Record, The Sheffield Track Record: Sheffield Lab - CD-14/20, US
The Sheffield / Coustic: Test and Demonstration Disc - Sheffield Lab - 10040-2, The Audiophile Reference Series, US
XLO Reference Recordings: Test & Burn-In CD - XLO/Reference Recordings - RX-1000, HDCD, 24K Gold Disc, US
Standard Audiophile Quality
Jazz
Amanda McBroom: Dreaming - Gecko Records, Mastered by Bernie Grundman, US
Branford Marsalis: Trio Jeepy - Columbia - CK 44199, US
Carol Kidd: All my Tomorrows - Aloi Records - AKCD 005, AAD, UK
Carol Kidd: When I Dream - The hit label - AHLCD 5, UK
Chet Atkins: Pickin' my way - RCA/Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab - MFCD 2-787 (red label), AAD, two discs, US
Count Basie meets Oscar Peterson: The Timekeepers/JVC - JVCXR - 0206-2, JVC XRCD2, 20bit K2, Japan
Diana Krall: The Look of love - Verve/UMC - 314 549 846-2, US
Eva Cassidy: Live at Blues Alley, Blix Street Records - G2-10046, US
Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors: Totem - Raven - LC 5565, US
Harry Connick, Jr: We are in love - Columbia - CK 46146, DDD, UK
Ingram Washington - What A Difference A Day Makes, STS Digital - STS 6111143, MW Coding Process, 24K Gold Disc, DDD, Gatefold Cover, Netherland
Jennifer Warnes: The Hunter - Private Music/BMG - BVCP-7442 (01005-82089-2), JASRAC - Japan
JVC XRCD Sampler - JVC - JVCXR-0001-2, XRCD 20bit K2, Book Cover, Japan
Laurindo Almeida: Virtuoso Guitar - Laserlight Digital - 15 296, US
MCA Master Series: Guitar Stars - MCA Master Series - MCAD-42126, ADD, US
Mighty Sam McClain: Give it up to love - Audioquest/JVC - JVCXR-001-2, XRCD 20bit K2, Book Cover, Japan
Nat King Cole: Greatest Love Songs - EMI - 7 2435 34463 2 1, XRCD2, 20bit K2, Book Cover, Japan
Nils Lofgreen: Acoustic Live - Vision Music - VMCD 1005, US
Oleta Adams: Circle of one - Fontana - 846346-2, Mastered by Bob Ludwig, AAD, US
Poncho Sanchez: Conga Blue - Concord Picante - CCD-4726, US
Randy Crawford: The Collection - Warner Bros. - 9548-30200-2, Germany
Randy Crawford: Don't say it's over - Warner Bros. - 9 45381-2, US
Rosemary Clooney: Sings Ballads - Concord Jazz - CCD-4282, US
Ry Cooder: Jazz - Warner Bros. - 3197-2, US
Terry Evans: Puttin' it down - JVC - JVCXR-0014-2, XRCD, 20bit K2, Book Cover, Japan
The Blue Rider Trio: Preachin' the Blues - Jazz Heritage/Mapleshade - 512696W, US
Wynton Marsalis Quartet: The Magic Hour - Blue Note - 7243 5 91717 2 2, US
Blues
Big Joe Mahler/Jeff Sarli: Mojo - Wildchild!/Mapleshade - MS 02352, US
Blues Masters: Various - Audioquest Music - AQ 1034, US
Jimmy Rodgers: Bluebird - Analog Productions Originals - APO 2001, Mastered by Doug Sax at the Mastering Lab, AAD, US
Joan Armatrading - A&M - CD 3228, AAD, Audio Masters Plus Series, US
Joan Armatrading: Show some emotion - A&M - CD 3273, Audio Masters Plus Series, US
Tracy Chapman: Elektra - 7559-60774-2, DDD, Germany
Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble: Couldn't Stand The Weather - Epic - EK 39304, Japan
Sonny Boy Williamson: Keep it to ourselves - Alligator Records - ALCD 4787, Mastered by Tom Coyne at DMS, US
Classical
Aaron Copland: Fanfare for the common man rodeo - Analogue Productions - APCD 004, Mastered by Doug Sax at the Mastering Lab using Tube Electronics, AAD, US
Britten Noye Fludde: The golden vanity - London Classics - 436 397-2, ADRM (Analogue to digital remaster), ADD, Germany
Erich Kunzel: Tchaikovsky 1812 - Telarc - CD-80041, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, DDD, US
Erich Kunzel: Time Warp - Telarc - CD-80106, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, DDD, US
J. S. Bach: Orchestral Suites 1-4, Academy of St Martin-in-the-fields, Neville Marriner - London Classics - 430 378-2, ADRM (Analogue to digital remaster), ADD, US
Leonard Slatkin: Vaughan Williams, Satie, Barber, Faure & Grainger, St Louis Symphony Orchestra - Telarc - CD-80059, DDD, US
Folk
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: So Far - Atlantic - 250 023, Germany
Dan Fogelberg: The very best of - Epic/Legacy - EK 85280, 20K Gold, HDCD, Book Cover, US
James Taylor: Classic Songs - CBS/WEA - 241089-2, Digitally Remastered by Lee Herschberg, Germany
Joni Mitchel: Blue - Reprise - 244 128, Germany
Sheila Jordan + Harvie Swartz: Songs from within - M-A Recordings - M014A, Book Cover, US
Peter, Paul, and Mary: Warner Bros. - WPCP-3411, JASRAC - Japan
Various Artists: A Woman's Heart - DARA/RTE - DARTE CD 158, UK
POP
Eagles: Their Greatest Hits - Elektra/DCC Compact Classics - GZS-1039, Remastered by Steve Hoffman, 24K Gold Disc, US
Eagles: Hotel California - Asylum/DCC Compact Classics - GZS-1024, Remastered by Steve Hoffman, 24k Gold Disc, US
Elvis Presley: 24 karat hits! - RCA Victor Living Stereo/Analogue Productions - CAPP 2040 SA, SACD, DSD, Gold Disc, Austria
Shelly Manne & his Friends: My Fair Lady - CR/JVC - VTCJ-60216, XRCD, 20bit K2, Book Cover, JASRAC- Japan
Soundtrack
Braveheart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - London Classics - 448 295-2, DDD, US
Casino Royale: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - Varese Sarabande - VSD-5265, US
Cry Freedom: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - MCA Records - MCAD-6224, ADD, US
Dying Young: Original Soundtrack Album - Arista - 07822-18692-2, US
RUSH: Music from the motion picture soundtrack - Reprise Records - 9 26794-2, Original Score Composed and Performed by Eric Clapton, US
Music Streaming
Singles playlist
Reference Audiophile Quality
Acoustic
Blackbird - Club for Five, (Single), Club for Five
Billy Jean - The Civil Wars, (Between the Bars - EP), Sensibility Recordings/Columbia
Birds - Dominique Fils-Aime, (Nameless), Ensoul Records
Collide - Howie Day, (Stop All The World Now - Special Edition), Epic/Round Hill Music
Everything is free - Father John Misty, (Spotify Singles), Sub Pop Records, (Recorded at Spotify Studios NYC)
Everything is free - Gillian Welch, (Time - The Revelator), Acony Records/Universal Music/Wixen Music
I ain't got nothing but the blues - Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass, (Fitzgerald & Pass... Again), Fantasy Records
Let her go - Passenger, (Acoustic version), (All the lights), Black Crow Records
Life on Mars? - Sau Jorge, (The Life Aquatic Exclusive Studio Sessions), Hollywood Records
Living with the blues - Hans Theessink, (Wishing Well), Blue Groove
My girl - Tiago Iorc, (Let yourself in), Som Livre
Nothing's changed - Passenger, (Whispers), Black Crow Records
Rain - Samantha James, (Om Acoustic Sessions), Om
St. James Infirmery - Hans Theessink, (Songs from the Southland), Blue Groove
Walking the Dog - Hans Theessink, (Journey On), Blue Groove
Whiskey and You - Chris Stapleton, (Traveller), Mercury Nashville
Ballads
Brothers in arms - Club for five, (Kaikki Parhaat - Best of 2003-2016), WM Finland
Falling - Harry Styles, (Fine Line), Columbia, Universal Music Publishing
Look Back Again - Zhao Peng, (Moonlight Woods), Tuya
Lovers never say goodbye - Weeping Willow, Anna Ternheim, (The Time Has Come), Razzia
The Blower's Daughter - Damien Rice, (O), Vector Records/Warner Records
When I fall in love - Lisa Lovbrand, (Embraceable), Playground Music
Why - Clare Teal, (Hey Ho), MUD Records
You are so beautiful - Sunwoojunga, (It's Okay, Dear), Magic StrawBerry Sound
Blues
A change is gonna come - Brian and Thomas Owens, (Single 2018), Sweet Soul Records
A fool no more - Peter Green, (In the Skies), Sanctuary Records
A hundred and ten in the shade - Janiva Magness, (Change In The Weather), Blue Elan Records
All true man - Big Head Todd and The Monsters, Ronnie Baker Brooks, (All True Man), Big Records
As the years go passing by - Gary Moore, (Still Got The Blues), Virgin Records
Blackheart blues - Melissa Forbes, (No More Mondays), Kitten Kong Records
Death letter - Eric Johanson, (Covered Tracks Vol 2), Son House
Give me one reason - Tracy Chapman, (Greatest Hits), Rhino/Elektra, (2015 Remastered)
Gravity - John Mayer, (Continuum), Aware/Columbia
Heaven's here on earth - Tracy Chapman, (New Beginning), Elektra Records
I'd rather go blind - Etta James, (Live From San Francisco), Private Music
It's a man's man's man's world - Etta James, (At Last, The Best of Etta James), RCA Victor/Legacy
Its probably me - Sting, Eric Clapton (The Best of Sting 1984-1994), A&M
Letter from Bluewater Man - Christone "Kingfisher" Ingram, (Single), Rockstar Games
Looking for a home - Keith Greeninger, (Wind River Crossing), Wind River Music
My woman - Henrik Freischlader, (Night Train To Budapest), Alive
New Beginning - Tracy Chapman, (New Beginning), Elektra Records
Pussycat Moan - Katie Webster, (Hits Of Louisana Blues), X5 Music Group
She's got her ticket - Tracy Chapman, (Collection), Elektra Records
Thanks to you - Boz Scaggs, (Dig), Concord Records/Spirit Music Group
While my guitar gently weeps - Santana, India.Arie & Yo-Yo Ma, (Guitar Heaven), Arista
Classical
IV. Finale, Presto – Complete works for piano Trio Vol. VI - Swiss Piano Trio - Audite
Aveline Gram – Works by Bach, Chopin – Schero No 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op 31, Traxfree
Bagatelle In A Minor, WoO 59, Für Elise - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, Finghin Collins, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
Carmen Suite No. 2: Habanera - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, David Parry, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 39: III. Presto, Katherine Bryan, Royal Scottish Orchestra, Paul Daniel, Linn Records
Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2, RV 315 "L'estate": III, Presto - Alexander Titov, (Vivaldi: The Four Seasons: Violin Concerto RV.522, 565, 516), Infinity Digital
Concerto No. 21 In C Major For Piano And Orchestra, K. 467: Andante – The Greatest Relaxing Pieces, The London Philharmonic Orchestra, Finghin Collins, X5 Music Group
Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: Cum Sancto Spiritu (Chorus) - The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner, SDG
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64, MWV 014: I.Allegro molto appassionato - Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur, Maxim Vengerov, (Single), Rhino
Messa Da Requiem: Dies Irae - Tuba Mirum - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, David Parry, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
Mozart: Sonate in D-Dur Fur Zwei Klaviere Kv 448: Allegro Con Spirito – Dena Piano Duo, 2L The Nordic Sound
Night on Bald Mountain - Alan Gilbert, New York Philharmonic, (Musorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov), New York Philharmonic
North Country II - Ola Gjeilo, Tom Barber, Johannes Martens, 2L The Nordic Sound
On The Beautiful Blue Danube, Op. 314 - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, David Parry, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: In The Hall Of The Mountain King - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, David Parry, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: I.Allegro molto Moderato - Libor Pesek, Slovac Philharmony, (Grieg Piano Concerto-Peter Gynt-Holberg Suite), Denon
Quarter Chicken Dark: The Goat Rodeo Sessions, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile, Yo-Yo Ma – Sony Classical
Requiem: Lacrymosa - Sigurd Islandsmoen, Kristiansand Symfoniorkester, 2L The Nordic Sound
Requiem, Op. 48: Pie Jesu, Benjamin Isachsen, Magne H. Draagen, (Canto Ergo Sum - Jeg Synger - Altsa Er Jeg), Lawo Classics
Slavonic Dance No. 2, Op. 72 - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, David Parry, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20: Scéne - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, David Parry, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor, K. 550: I. Allegro Molto - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, David Parry, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67, "Fate": I. Allegro Con Brio" - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, David Parry, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
The Four Seasons, Op. 8, "Spring": Allegro - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music, David Parry, Warner Music Group-X5 Music Group
The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Act III: Flight of the Bumblebee - Alexander Titov, St. Petersburg Orchestra, (Russian Opera), Warner Music Group - X5 Music Group
The Works - Stravinsky Firebird Suite (1919): Internal Dance of King Kaschei – Orchestre de l’opera Bastille, Myung-Whun Chung, Deutsche Grammophon
Toccata and Fugue in d monor, BWV 565, London Pops Orchestra, Nelson Corbin, (Music form Fantasia), Michele Records
Ubi Caritas - Ola Gjeilo, Voces8, (Ola Gjeilo), Decca Music Group
Variations on one string – on a theme by Rossini: Moses Fantasie, Janos Starker: Virtuoso music for cello, Denon
Yulunga (Spirit Dance) - Dead Can Dance, (Into the Labyrinth), 4AD, (Remastered)
Country
Wayfaring Stranger - Emmylou Harris, (Roses In The Snow), Rhino/Warner Records, (2002 Remastered)
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss, (Hits Alive), Arista Nashville
Jazz
A love that will last - Renee Olstead, (Renee Olstead), 143/Reprise/peermusic
Always on my mind - Benni Chawes, (Up Close), Stunt Records
Always on my mind - Inger Marie Gundersen, (Make This Moment), Kultur & Spetakkel
Are you Lonesome Tonight? - Pual Buchanan, Chris Botti, (To Love Again - Holiday Gift Pack), Columbia
Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered - Ella Fitzgerald, (First Lady of Song), GRP/Concord Music
Beyond the sea - Halie Loren, (After dark), White Moon Productions
Besame Mucho - Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, (Natalie Cole En Espanol), Universal Music Group
Blackbird - The fool on the hill - Tok Tok Tok, (Revolution 69), ZYX Music
Blue Moon - Emi Fugita, (Camomile Smile), Leafage
Call me - Eliane Elias, Rob Mathes, (Dreamer), Bluebird
California Dreamin' - Clare Teal, (Orsino's Songs), Candid Productions
California Dreaming - Susan Wong, (Steps into my Dreams), evosound
Can't take my eyes off you - Simone Kopmajer, (Nothing's Gonna Change), Hitman
Choux Pastry Heart - Corinne Bailey Rae, (Like a Star), EMI Records
Colour to the Moon - Allan Taylor, (Colour to the Moon), Stockfisch Records
Dry my tears - Anne Bisson, (Tales from the Treetop), Camilio Records
Everybody's Kissing in Paris - Anne Bisson, (Tales from the Treetop), Camilio Records
Fading Sun - Terje Isungset, Lena Nymark, (Winter Songs - icemusic), All Ice Records
Feel Like Making Love - Woong San, (Fall in Love), Universal Music
Fever - Peggy Lee, (Things are Swingin'), Blue Note Records
Fever - Malia, Boris Blank, (Convergence), Boutique
For me, formidable - Anne Bisson (Keys to my heart), Carmilio Records, (Radio Edit)
I could write a book - Johnny Hartman, (Once in every life), Photoplay Records
I don't want to talk about it - Inger Marie Gundersen, (By Myself), Stunt Records
I live in a treehouse - Anne Bisson, (Tales from the Treetop), Camilio Records
I see your face before me - Johnny Hartman, (Once in every life), Photoplay Records
Isn't it a little late? - Eleanor McEvoy, (Yola), Moscodisc
Just the way you are - Diana Krall, (Live in Paris), Impulse!
Let it Be Me - Inger Marie Gundersen, (Make This Moment), Kultur & Spetakkel
Look of Love - Tok Tok Tok, (Love Again), Universal Music
Long is the Time, hard is the Road - Chris Rea, (Fool if you think it's over), The Definitive Greatest Hits, earMUSIC
Losing My Religion - Jacqui Naylor, (You don't know Jacq), Ruby Star Records
Mercy Now - Mary Gauthier, (Mercy Now), Lost Highway Records
Misty - Lady Kim, (Left Alone), Sony Music Artists Inc
Misty - Carmen McRae, Shirley Horn, (Sarah - Dedicated to you), RCA Bluebird, (Remastered 2003)
Moondance - Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, (Slow), Shanachie
One fine day - Natalie Merchant, (Retrospective 1990-2005), Elektra Records, (Remastered)
Overjoyed - Nnenna Freelon, (Tales of Wonder), Universal Music Group
People - Marlene, (Initial), Sony Music Labels
Raleigh and Spencer - Tony Furtado, (Tony Furtado Band), What are Record?
Silver Rain - Marcus Miller, Eric Clapton, (Silver Rain), Dreyfus Jazz
Smile - Hugh Coltman, (Shadows - Songs of Nat King Cole), OKEH
So Nice - Stacey Kent, (Brazillian Sketches), Candid Productions
St. James Infirmary (Gambler Blues) - Louis Armstrong, (Satchmo Plays King Oliver), Audio Fidelity
Tainted Love - Stella Starlight Trio, Karen Souza, (Vintage Cafe Vol 2), PMB Music
Teach Me Tonight - Dinah Washington, (The Complete Dinah Washington on Mercury, Vol. 4 (1954-1956), Mercury records
The Girl form Ipanema - Rosa Passos, Ron Carter, (The world's greatest audiophile recordings), Chesky Records
This boots were made for walkin' - Emilie-Claire Barlow, (The beat goes on), Empress Music Group
Train song - Holly Cole, (Temptation), Blue Note Records
True Love Ways - Buddy Holly, (The Definitive Collection), Geffen
Walk on the wild side - Tok Tok Tok, (Love Again), ZYX Music
What Love is - Erin Boheme, (What Love Is), Concord Jazz
When did you leave heaven - Lisa Ekdahl, Peter Nordahl Trio, Patrick Boman, Ronnie Gardiner, (Sunday Morning), Sony Music
Your Smile - Anne Bisson, (Tales from the Treetop), Camilio Records
Folk
Both sides now - Jeanette Lindstrom, Steve Dobrogosz, (Feathers), Prophone
Crying in the rain - Art Garfunkel, James Taylor, (Simply the Best), Columbia
Don't think twice, it's all right (Pure... Voices) - Bob Dylan, Sony Music Entertainment
Feeling good - Ane Brun, (Songs 2003-2013), Balloon Ranger Recordings
House Carpenter - Nickel Creek, (This Side), Sugar Hill Records
Keep the Wolves Away - Uncle Lucius, (And you are me), eOne Music
Nackens Polska - Louise Hoffsten, (Kara Du), RCA Vistor
Photo of my mind - Song Ga In, (Crash Landing on You - Television Soundtrack), Genie Music Corporation
Somewhere over the rainbow - Jamie, (SBS K - Top 7), EP
Sound of silence - Susan Wong, (Step into my Dreams), Evosound
Sleeping by the Fyris river - Ane Brun (Live at Stockholm Concert hall), Universal Music Group
The wind - Yusuf/Cat Stevens, (Teaser and the Firecat), Universal-Island Records
Touma Ni Kelen/Needed Time - Habib Koite, Eric Bibb, (Brothers in Bamako), Contre-Jour
R & B
Feels So Good - Dianne Reeves, (Beautiful Life), Universal Music Group
I had a dream - Joss Stone, (The Soul Sessions), Virgin records
I say a little prayer for you - Paul Brown, Lina, (White Sand), Peak Records
Just the two of us - Jose James, (Lean on me), Blue Note
Killing me softly - Luther Vandross, (Songs), Sony Music Entertainment
Loving arms - Jo Harman, (Single 2020), Chief
Nothing gonna change my love for you - Simone Kopmajer, (Nothing's Gonna Change), Hitman
One Day I'll Fly Away - Randy Crawford, (Now we may begin), Rhino/Warner Records
The Ghetto - George Benson, (Absolute Benson), Universal Music Group
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack, (First take), Atlantic Records
POP
A Woman's Worth - Alicia Keys, (Pure...Voices), Sony Music Entertainment/Universal Music Publishing
Crush - Yuna, Usher, (Chapters), Universal Music Group
Father Please - Freshlyground, (Nomvula), Freeground Records
Hard to say I am sorry, Julienne Taylor, (Voice of Love 2), Evosound
High and Dry - Jamie Cullum, (Pointless Nostalgic), Candid Productions
Mandolin Rain - Music Travel Love (Covering the World Vol 2), Music Travel Love/Ree Hits, (Live on the Kok River)
No Sanctuary Here - Chris Jones, (Closer to the Music, Vol. 1), Stockfish Records
Streets of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen, (Greatest Hits), Columbia/Sony Music
Tennis Court - Lorde, (Pure Heroine), Universal Music
We can't stop - Boyce Avenue, Bea Miller, (Cover Sessions), 3 Peace Records
Whenever, Wherever, Whatever - Maxwell, (Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite), Columbia
Why - Claire Teal, (Single), Evosound
Instrumental
Air - Dominic Miller, Novecento, (Surrender), Nicolosi Productions/Soul Trade
Born to be Blue - Grant Green, (Born to be Blue), CM Blue Note (A92)
California Dreamin' - William Ellwood (Touchstone), Narada
Changes - Brian Bromberg, (Thicker than water), Artistry Music
Chocolate Chip Trip - Tool, (Fear Inoculum), RCA Records
Comme un tango - Vincent Belanger, Anne Bisson, (Conversations - XLO 25th Anniversary Edition), Camillio Records
Crazy Love - Jeff Golub, (Do it Again), GRP
Drums Stop, No Good - Vital Techtones, (Vtt2), Shrapnel Records
Duende - Bozzio Levin Stevens, (Black Light Syndrome), Magna Carta Records
Flight of the cosmic hippo - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, (Greatest Hits of the 20th Century), Warner Records
Harlem Nocturne - Illinois Jacquet, (Swing's the Thing), Verve Reissues
Heart - Bo Stief Dream Machine, (Heart & Destiny), Feat. Paul Halberg, Annika Askman, Music Mecca
Hibernaculum - Mike Oldfield, (The Songs of Distant Earth), WM UK
Jamaica Heartbeat - Acoustic Alchemy (Original version), (The Digital Master Company 30th Anniversary), Concord Records
Know what I mean? (Take 12) - Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans (Know what I Mean?) Original Jazz Classics, Remastered
La Belle Dame Sans Regrets - Chris Botti, (When I Fall in Love), Columbia
L.A. by Bike - Lee Ritenour, (Rhythm Sessions), Concord Records
London Paris Cardiff - Dominic Miller, (Fourth Wall), Q-various Music
Love for Sale - Cannonball Adderley, (Somethin' Else), Blue Note Records/Warner Chappell Music, Remastered
Matsuri - Kitaro (Kojiki), Domo Records, 20-Bit Digitally Remastered
Moon Light on spring river - Zhao Cong, Hans Nielsen, (Sound of China), Focus
My one and only love - Grant Green, (Born to be blue), CM Blue Note (A92)
New Dawn - Dominic Miller, Neil Stacy (New Dawn), Naim Records
Opus One - Emmet Cohen, (Masters Legacy Series Volume 2: Ron Carter), Cellar Live
Pathway, Marilyn Mazur, Jan Garbarek, (Elixir), ECM Records
People Make the World go 'Round - Ramsey Lewis, (Ivory Pyramid), GRP
Raindance - Tony Elman feat. Mike Marshall, (Earthtones), Acorn Music
Round Midnight - Ginger Tunes, (Instrumental Jazz Music), Smoke City
Say it (Over and over again) - John Coltrane Quartet, (Ballads), Impulse!, Rudy Van Gelder Remaster
Schack Matt - Riltons Vaneer, (Har ar passion), Gason
Sex in a Pan - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, (UFO Tofu), Warner Records
Strasbourg St. Denis - Roy Hargrove, (Earfood), Universal Group International
Til Eline - Svaneborg Kardyb - (Heaven), Blikflak
The Black Messiah (Part Two) - George Duke, (Face the Music), BizarrePlanet Entertainment
The shadow of your smile - Scott Hamilton, (The shadow of your smile), Blau Records
The shape of my heart - Novecento, Dominic Miller, (Surrender), Crisler Music
Voices - Chill Select, Easy Deviance, Taloha Beats, (Voices), Chill Select
Who cares? (Take 4) - Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans (Know what I Mean?) Original Jazz Classics, Remastered
Standard Audiophile Quality
Acoustic
Baby just let me go - Chlara, (Single), evosound
Big in Japan - Ane Brun, (Live at Stockholm Concert Hall), Universal Music Group
Collide - Howie Day, (Stop all the world - Special Edition), Epic
If I ain't Got You - James Bay, (Single - Spotify Sessions 2015), Universal Music Group
Since I fell for you - George Benson, (Guitar Man), Concord jazz
Songbird - Chlara, (Voices of Love 2), Evosound
Sorry Seems to be the Hardest word - Lydia Gray, (In my eyes), Bliss Tavern Music
Sound of silence - Susan Wong, (Step into my Dreams), evosound
Thinking out loud - Ed Sheeran, (X Wembley Edition), Atlantic Records UK/BDi Music
Winter Birds - Ray LaMontagne, (Gossip in the Grain), RCA Records
With or without you - Kina Grannis, (New Acoustic Sessions), 3 Peace Records
Blues
Baby Can I Hold You - Tracy Chapman, (Greatest Hits), Rhino/Elektra, (2015 Remastered)
Fast Car - Tracy Chapman, (Greatest Hits), Rhino/Elektra, (2015 Remastered)
I can't quit you baby - Willie Dixon, (I am the blues), Legacy/Columbia
I'd Rather Go Blind - Koko Taylor, (From the Heart of a Woman), Alligator Records
Its my own fault - Johnny Winter, (Second Winter - Live), Columbia/Legacy
It's Probably Me - Sting, Eric Clapton, (Best of Sting 1984 - 1994), A & M
Secrets - Friend 'N Fellow, (Lady), Doctor Heart Music
Serves Me Right To Suffer - Jimmy Johnson, (Living Chicago Blues Vol. 1), Alligator Records
Stand By Me - Tracy Chapman, (Live at the late show with David Letterman), (Greatest Hits), Rhino/Elektra, 2015 Remastered
Still Got The Blues - Eric Clapton, (Old Sock), Polydor Records
Talkin' Bout a Revolution - Tracy Chapman, (Greatest Hits), Rhino/Elektra, 2015 Remastered
Tennessee Whiskey - Judah Kelly, (Count on me), Universal Music Australia
The Thrill is Gone - B.B. King, Tracy Chapman, (Deuces Wild), Geffen
The Promise - Tracy Chapman, (Greatest Hits), Rhino/Elektra, 2015 Remastered
(Watching You) Cherry Red Wine - Luther Allison, (Songs for the road), Ruf Records
Classical
Petite Suite, L.71 (arr. Busser): III Menuet: III. Menuet - Claude Debussy, Phiharmonia Chorus, Jeoffrey Simon - (Debussey: Night on Granada), Signum-Cala
Country
Dust to Dust - The Civil Wars, (The Civil Wars), Sensibility Recordings/Columbia
Hands of Time - Margo Price, (Midwest Farmer's Daughter), Third Man Records
Hobo's Meditation - Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmy Lou Harris, (Trio), Rhino/Warner Records, 2016 Remaster
I'll get over you - Crystal Gayle, (Certified Hits), Capitol Nashville, Remastered
Let Me Touch You for Awhile - Alison Krauss & Union Station, (Live from the Louisville Palace, Kentucky), New Rounder
The Barricades of Heaven - Jackson Browne, (Looking East), Elektra Records
The Tennessee Waltz - Alan Taylor, Chris Jones, Grischka Zepf, (Behind the Mix), Stockfisch Records
Folk
All you have is your soul - Tracy Chapman, (Greatest Hits), Rhino/Elektra, 2015 Remastered
Alexandra Leaving - Leonard Cohen, (Ten New Songs), Columbia/Legacy/Sony Music
Blowin' in the Wind - Habib Koite, Eric Bibb, (Brothers in Bamako), Contre-Jour
Forever Young - Rhiannon Giddens, Iron & Wine, From NBC's Parenthood, (Single), Nonsuch
Into My Arms - Ane Brun, (Leave Me Breathless), Balloon Ranger Recordings
Make you Feel My Love - Ane Brun, (Leave Me Breathless), Balloon Ranger Recordings
Moon in the Glass - Paul Stephenson, (Closer to the Music, Vol. 1), Stockfish Records
Take this Hammer - Willie Watson, Fairfield Four, (Folksinger Vol. 2), Acony Records
The Moon Represents My Heart - Zhao Peng, (The Greatest Basso), Tuya
The Ragpicker's Dream - Mark Knopfler, (The Ragpicker's Dream), EMI
Vincent - Don McLean, (American Pie), Capitol Records
Without Blame - Ismael Lo, Marianne Faithful, (Jammu Africa), Universal Music Division/Capitol Music
Instrumental
A Glimpse of Hope - Kryptic Minds, (Can't Sleep), Black Box
Autumn in Berlin - William Claeson, (Single), Epidemic Sound
Blues Force - Fourplay, (...Yes, Please), evosound
Chant - Fourplay, (Between the Sheets), evosound
Drifting - Lee Ritenour, Andy McKee, (6 String Theory), Concord Records
Fading Sun - Terge Isungset, Lena Nymark, (Winter Songs (icemusic), All Ice Records
Georgia on my mind - Oscar Peterson Trio, (Night Train), Verve
Get up, Stand up - Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, (The very best of...), GRP
I got it bad and that ain't good - Oscar Peterson Trio, (Night Train - Expanded Version), Verve
Jean Pierre - Marcus Miller, (Free), Dreyfus Jazz/Downtown Music
Moonlight Sonata - Marcin, (Moonlight Sonata), Sony Classical
My funny valentine - Miles Davis Quintet, (Cookin' with The Miles Davis Quintet), Prestige, 2007 Remastered
Oceania - Mike Oldfield, (The Songs of Distant Earth), WM UK
September Morning - Warren Hill, (Love Songs), Narada
Sunday Morning - Fourplay, (X), Bluebird
Sunrise - Larry Carlton, (The Paris Concert - Live), 335 Records
Jazz
A Battle Between - Blue Tofu, (Blue Tofu), Dubious Recordings
Autumn Leaves - Paula Cole, (Greatest Hits - Postcards from East Oceanside), Rhino/Warner Records, Remastered
Brick House - Sara K., (Hobo), Chesky Records
Brother can you spare a dime? - George Michael, (Songs from the Last Century), Sony Music UK/ Warner Chappell Music
Celestial Echo - Malia, Boris Blank, (Convergence), Boutique
Close to you - Hailey Tuck, (Single - So in Love), Hailey Tuck Music
Empty Hearts - Rigmor Gustasfsson, (I will wait for you), ACT Music
Fever - Michael Buble, (Michael Buble), 143/Reprise
In my secret life - Leonard Cohen, (The Essential Leonard Cohen), Columbia/Sony Music
I'm All Right - Madeleine Peyroux, (Half the Perfect World), Universal Music Group
Iron man - Nico Vega, (Nico Vega), Nico Vega
I've got you under my skin - Diana Krall, (The very best of... UK version), Universal Music
Killing me softly - Anne Bisson, (Keys to my Heart), Camilio Records
Let's Waste Some Time - Molly Johnson, (If you know love), Universal Music Canada
Light my Fire - Lisa Lovbrand, (Embraceable), Playground Music
Long after you are gone - Chris Jones, (Moonstruck), Stockfisch Records
Mr Bones - Steve Strauss, (CLoser to the Music, Vol. 1), Stockfish Records
Oh my love - Kat Edmonson, (The Big Picture), Masterworks, Big Branch Music
The Bitter and the Sweet - Cecile Verny Quartet, (The Bitter and the Sweet), Minor Music
This Guy's in Love You - Steve Tyrell, (This Guy's in Love You), Columbia
This Masquerade - Cheryl Bentyne, (Songs of Our Time), evosound
Upside Out - Viktoria Tolstoy, (Shining on You), ACT Music
Us and them - Anne Bisson, (Portraits & Perfumes), Camilio Records
What a wonderful world - Eva Cassidy, (The best of....), Blix Street Records
While my guitar gently weeps - Carmen Cuesta-Loeb, Chuck Loeb, (One Kiss), SKIP Records
Will you still love me tomorrow - Inger Marie Gundersen, (Make this Moment), Kultur & Spetakkel
Wish you were - The Milk Carton Kids, (Single), Anti/Epitaph
Wonderful Life - Katie Melua, (Wonderful Life - Single), BMG Rights Management (UK)
POP
Better Be Home Soon - Andrea Zonn, (Love Goes On), Compass Records
Black Flies - Ben Howard, (Every Kingdom (Deluxe Version), Universal Music Group
Catch & Release - Matt Simons, (Single - Deepend Remix), (PIAS) Recordings Holland
Fields of Gold - Michael Bolton/Eva Cassidy, (GEMS: The Duets Collection), Legacy Recordings
Find Someone who cares - Charlie Hole, (Single), TCBYML
Ghost Town - Derrin Nauendorf, (Live at the Boardwalk), Rising Records
Happier - Ed Sheeran, (Divide), Atlantic Records UK
He's the one - Susan Wong, (Single), evosound
Home - Michael Buble, (It's Time), 143/Reprise
How it feels - Sophie Zelmani, (Sing and Dance), Columbia
I can't make you love me - Bonnie Raitt, (A luck of the draw), Capitol Records
I choose You - Sara Bareilles, (The Blessed Unrest), Epic
I don't care anymore - Phil Collins, (Hello, I Must Be Going! - Deluxe Edition), Rhino, 2016 Remastered
Jar of hearts - Christina Perri, (Single), Ms. Perri Lane Records
La Lola - Cafe Quijano - (La Extraordinaria Paradoja Del Sonido Quijano), WM Spain
Official Missing You - Tamia, (Into you), Warner Music Group - X5 Music Group
Shape of you - Ed Sheeran, (Single), Atlantic Records UK/Spirit Music Group/Universal Music
Skin - Jamie Woon, (Making Time), Polydor Records
Slow dancing in a burning room, John Mayer, (The Village Sessions), Aware/Columbia
Something about us - Daft Punk, (Discovery), Daft Life/ADA France
Tell Him - Babara Striesand, Celine Dion - (Higher Ground), Columbia
The way it is - Sharon Robinson, (Sharon Robinson EP1), Sharon Robinson Music, fboo Music
When I fall in love - Michael Buble, (Love - Deluxe Edition), Reprise
When the party's over - Billie Eilish, (When we all fall asleep, where do we go?), Darkroom/Interscope Records
Wicked Game - Chris Isaak, (Best Of...), Wicked Game/Reprise, Remastered
When we were young - Adele, (Single), XL Recordings
You're my hero - Chantal Chamberland, (Voices of love 2), Evosound
R & B
A Women's Worth - Alicia Keys, (Pure...Voices), Sony Music/Universal Music
A whole new world - Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, (Passion), Columbia
I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly, (Pure...Voices), Sony Music
So Amazing - Luther Vandross, (Pure... Voices), Sony Music
Streets Of Philadelphia - Molly Johnson, (If you know love), Universal Music Canada
My picks of a dozen iconic Audiophile albums
must-have, to-die-for, my go-to for evaluations
In the following list, audiophile quality labels of re-masters made by renowned mastering engineers and produced with today's technology may be sonically better than the first pressings in the country of origin. Buyer beware, at the end of the day, buy the best pressings sonically available which is all that matters.
In alphabetical order:
Aaron Neville: Warm Your Heart - Soul Pop
Arne Domnerus: Jazz at the Pawnshop - Progressive Jazz
Cat Stevens: Tea for the Tillerman - Folk
Harry Belafonte: Belafonte At Carnegie Hall, (The complete concert) - Calypso Folk
Jennifer Warnes: Famous Blue Raincoat (The songs of Leonard Cohen) - Folk Pop
Mary Black: No Frontiers - Irish Folk
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue - Classical Jazz
Muddy Waters: Folk Singer - Delta Blues
Rickie Lee Jones: Pop Pop - Contemporary Jazz
Rob Wasserman: Duets - Contemporary Jazz
The Dave Brubeck Quartet: Time Out - Classical Jazz
Willie Nelson: Stardust - Country Folk
Other RESOURCES for reference recordings
The late great Harry Pearson who was with ‘The Absolute Sound’ (TAS) made a list of good (audiophile quality) recordings for most genres in his annual Super LP List (aka SuperDisc List). He has perhaps contributed to the longevity of vinyl, skyrocketing the prices of his recommendations, and today many of them have become collectors' items. Moreover, record production houses are also trying to acquire the analog tapes of his recommendations for re-mastering and re-issues. www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/2019-tas-super-lp-list
Stereophile magazine “Records to Die For,” 2020 includes 45 recommendations from 23 writers - www.stereophile.com/content/records-die-2020-2
Michael Fremer needs no introduction, our international analog ambassador that runs the ‘Tracking Angle’ offers 100 recommended all-analog LP reissues worth owning.
https://www.analogplanet.com/content/100-recommended-all-analog-lp-reissues-worth-owning
Paul McGowan, founder & CEO of PS Audio shares with you, his playlist (Paul’s Picks). PS Audio is an American company specializing in high-end audio components.