Well, that's the title of the forum, so hey - let's talk about it!

Now here are some recordings that I truly think are rave, because of both quality of sound and performance. Maybe they have been discussed before - haven't had a chance to check the archives...

1. Mercury Living Presence 432 000-2 (CD): Balalaika Favorites, Osipov Balalaika Orchestra (recorded 1958 in Moscow by Mercury on valve Ampex recorders and Westrex film recorders using three Telefunken 201 mics). Fabulous sound. The CD version has been re-mixed. The original three channel recording has had the persussion parts brought way forward in the mix, in contrast to the original stereo LP version on Phillips, which is less detailed, but warmer.

2. Sheffield LAB 7 (LP): Wagner excerpts. Los Angeles Phil conducted by Eric Leinsdorf. The LP wins over the CD re-issue every time. Siegfreid's Funeral March is absolutely stunning. Quite a dry sound, but that means that every detail is there in glaring nudity. Nice! All the Sheffield direct disc CD re-issues are actually made from tapes recorded at the same time. On Thelma Houston's "I've Got the Music in Me", you can hear distortion on the female backup singers in certain parts. Obviously, the levels went way into "red" and that was permanently recorded. Only the LP versions are blemish free.

3. EMI CDM 7 64019 2 (CD): Ralph Vaughan Williams, Symphonies No 4 and 6. Recorded in 1968 in stereo (careful, they were also done in the 1950's in mono by the same conductor - Sir Adrian Boult, on the same label - EMI). The stereo versions of these incredible symphones are truly astonishing for their dynamic range, balance and front to back depth. The orchestral drum rolls at the beginning of Symph No 6 (track 5) are a test for any bass system. Sub-woofers beware!!!

4. Linn AKD 104 (CD): Jack Jones Paints a Tribute to Tony Bennett. Lovely close miked Linn recording done in 1999. Simple spacious sound. Piano, double bas, drums and Jack. I suspect the horns are just a little synthetic - not sure about that. Jack Jones in fine voice - one of the great singers of the world. Singing songs that Tony Bennett has made famous over his incredible career, and he is still going strong as well. When Sinatra died, they all got "re-born". Whilst he was alive, all the other male singers definitely played second fiddle.

5. EMI / RADA (CD): When Love Speaks. These are all graduates from RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) speaking excerpts from dramatic text, interspersed with songs. The jewel in the crown (no pun intended) is track 16, a song called "Come Again", by the 16th Century English composer, John Dowland. Just tenor voice, soprano sax, lute and double bass. Beautifully recorded with such detail. It's like they are all in the room with you. The title of the song means exactly what it says. She is in bed with him. They have made love. She wants more - lots more.

Well, there are five to consider. Anyone got some opinions on these? Go check them out if you are interested. Love to hear your suggestions on others. In case you are wondering, my music collection spans all music styles, except Country and Western. Please don't be offended if you are a C&W fan. It's just that I haven't had a chance to investigate it much. Feel free to educate me.

Cheers
Tony (Australia)