It’s a shame that some of the best music ever made is not particularly well recorded. On the other hand, some of the worst music ever made is exceptionally well recorded. I’m thinking of the likes of Linn Records, Naim Records, Reference Recordings etc. You know, ‘Audiophile recordings’, the ones where the technical standards are high, and the ‘dull’ factor is even higher. There are fantastic recordings out there though, that will highlight your system’s performance and send a little shiver of delight up your spine, while still being produced by someone who has the music front of mind. These albums are not released on some ‘audiophile’ label, rather they just happen to be produced and recorded by a team that cared about the quality of sound. There are a few standards of this breed we all know such as Jennifer Warnes (of ‘The Hunter’ fame) and all sorts of things Donald Fagen and Walter Becker have been involved with over the years. I’m always on the lookout for new, less well-worn quality recordings, whilst also avoiding other old chestnuts such as Boz Scaggs ‘Dig’ and Dianna Krall (any album).

Below, I have compiled a list of 10 alternatives. These recordings are all still first class and will make any decent stereo system sing. Musical taste is a very personal thing of course. You may not like a few or even most of the choices, but I hope you find at least something you like that you are not familiar with. I have included tracks from various styles, countries of origin and eras. Feel free to comment below on what you think of my choices. All the tracks are available on Tidal and no doubt elsewhere. Tidal’s version will sound the best (if you are streaming) due to their CD quality files. Google away and I’m sure you can dig these artist’s albums up in other places. Possibly even in the bargain bin at the local JBs. Enjoy.

1.

Bill Morrissey – You’ll Never Get To Heaven – Track 8 – Different Currency. So here goes with my first suggestion. A difficult choice as I don’t want you basing your conclusions of my musical taste only on my first selection. They are all a bit different, but this one is definitely a folky, country, kind of thing. An amusing tune with Bills gravelly vocals beautifully captured. If you enjoy track 8 you will almost certainly enjoy the whole album. It’s all very well recorded with a clean, open, full sound.

2.

Gino Vannelli – Wilderness Road – Track 3 – Older N’ Wizer. Hey maybe its not the tune of the century, and Mr Vannelli is surely not everyone’s cup of tea with his somewhat corny songs. However the opening bars of this are a delight (and some would say that the closing bars are even better…). A delicious recording, a must listen, even if for only 30 seconds.

3.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – Mustt Mustt – Track 1 – Mustt Mustt. The Pakistani legend is in fine form here with interesting tunes that perhaps ‘crossover’ more successfully than most of his material. The recording quality is very high. His voice is spectacular, there is a great sense of ‘air’ and the bottom end goes very deep on some tracks (try track 6 – ‘Sea of Vapours’). Mustt Mustt is the most immediately catchy track though. The Massive Attack remix of Mustt Mustt (the last track – 11) is worth a listen, especially for those wanting to run in a new subwoofer!

4.

k.d. lang – All you can eat – Track 10 – I Want It All. k.d’s incredible voice is on display here in full colour but is backed up by some cracking drums as well. The whole album is a gem. Try track 2, ‘Maybe’, if you would like a slower pace with a touch of country. An all-round magnificent album with a clean sound and strong, taut bottom end.

5.

Skunkhour – Feed – Track 3 – Up to our necks in it. Once again a nicely recorded vocal, a hooky tune coupled with some cool bass and quite a sense of space. There are other tracks on the album that are also enjoyable but the style moves around quite a bit. Some tracks you will love would be my guess, while others…

6.

Méav – Méav – Track 10 – One I love. A spectacular and delicate voice. This suggested track is pretty much all about her Irish lilt. There is little instrumental backing and really nothing else is required. Worth a listen for the purity of her voice and what is a very clean, open and lifelike recording. When it comes to Irish female vocalists I’m also a fan of Mary Black. Mary has been somewhat overplayed in audio circles but If you aren’t familiar take a listen. ‘Babes in the Wood’ is a great album to kick off with.

7.

Quincy Jones – Q’s Juke Joint – Track 9 – Do nothin’ till you hear from me. The production legend is at his best here as he tackles a studio follow-up to ‘Back on the Block’. I’m not going to tell you who sings on the suggested track, just take a listen and soak up the atmosphere so successfully recorded here. If you are looking for something to listen to just before bed…. then take in tracks 11 and following it up immediately with 12. Best listened to with your partner…

8.

Gyan – Gyan – Track 3 – Straight Lines. There are more than hints of straight ahead old Aussie pop/rock here… BUT it is very nicely recorded and with some serious style. Lets not forget Gyans impressively sweet and capable voice as well. This album makes you wonder why one artist has a hit album and the next completely flies under the radar, as this album largely did.

9.

Jeff Lang – Chimerdour – Track 12 – The Janitor. This track starts off so light and delicate and somewhere in the middle breaks into a tour de force of Jeff’s guitar prowess. They also managed to turn the amps up to 12 (not just 11). The first time I heard this I was standing in front of him at a music festival with a handful of others (mid afternoon). I took a few steps backwards mid tune, forced towards the back of the paddock by an enormous wall of sound. Very impressive for a 3 piece outfit! I was sold and bought the album there and then, off the man himself. A much passed over Australian singer, songwriter and master guitarist. Perhaps if he received more airtime like those in the inner circle of ABC favourites… Ironically this album was recorded at the ABC..?? Listen to all of this album and enjoy him flitting between slightly thrashy, fast moving guitar driven rock tunes and thoughtful, at times a bit scary, lyric driven slower tunes.

10.

Lucky last. Lucinda R – no album yet – Kentucky Star – In my opinion this track shows off not just great songwriting but an impressive voice and a nice touch on the guitar. Whoever did the recording also knew exactly what they were doing. She is a Brisbane local (Redcliffe to be exact) so gains some extra brownie points from me. One can hope Lucinda knocks out a complete album sooner rather than later. This track is a great ‘taster’, check it out.

Please don’t forget to comment on my choices and add your own! Thanks for reading, Andrew.

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