Music

The Top Five Best Albums to use for reviewing hifi gear... or not.

Rafe Arnott | Nov 5, 2018

“What the… who the hell is this?” my friend asked as he gave me side-eye from the sofa.

Paráilisis Permanente I yelled over the din of ‘80s Spanish surf-punk inspired drumming, keyboards, guitar power-chords and vocals with liberal studio compression added in post.

The band was only around a couple years between ’81 to ’83 and put out a handful of EPs and LPs, of which El acto was one of the few I could track down on a streaming service (thank-you Qobuz!) and while it’s the not the kind of album an audiophile is supposed to use for critical listening (I love the track “Te gustara,”) I enjoy it and don’t care whether it would past muster with the more critical reviewers or self-proscribed arbiters of what is “acceptable” out there who have half-a-dozen albums that are sacrosanct in their review repertoire ”Do you hear that slight midbass-suckout at 2200Hz?”. That attitude just sucks the life and joy out of listening for me and most of the music lovers I carouse with.

I often get asked what music I use when I’m assessing components for review, so I thought it was time to commit to page space a small fraction of the many albums I call upon or discover in the course of reviewing gear. I think using the same LPs again and again to conduct reviews or even for critical listening is teaching people new to this hobby that that’s what you’re supposed to do if you want to get the full “audiophile” experience. Sorry, but I disagree. Then there’s the dumpster fire that is an Internet comments section telling anyone who’ll listen what they should be listening to. Pick and play whatever you want – one of the greatest joys of listening to music for me lies less in listening to the same cuts again and again and more in hearing new music. Most of my music friends tend to agree. That said, there is merit in comparing tracks you know well on new equipment, but not to the exclusivity of any other music.

I’ve been eschewing the usual fare of recordings that seem to slowly seep into the (un)consciousness of reviewers for a while now and have no plans on going back to any of those old one-trick ponies in reviews that I thought were important to include because they were albums everybody out there reading the review would already have, or could identify with. I’d rather turn my readers onto to new music and expand their music libraries, not dust off old stalwarts. There’s waaaaaay too much new, or lesser-known, music out there to still sit and listen to the same old tired playlist of safe recordings many in the hobby cling to like the debris Kate Winslet lets DiCaprio slide off following their shared nautical disaster.

And will it continue to be the default to always include a classical album in there for the proper tenor of a hi-fi component review? No offence to classical lovers out there (full disclosure: I enjoy many great classical albums), but I know fewer and fewer music lovers under the age of 40 (and 30 in most cases) who care about classical as anything more than something which gets played in the background – a sad discovery to be sure. I’ve even overheard people in their 50s at hi-fi trade shows say they buy classical so they can understand what “massed strings” are all about (because they’ve read about it in a review or were told it was ”critical” that they do this) and whether their system is capable of properly handling them, which to me indicates Audiophile Nervosa more than a love for a string quartet.

Anyone remember when someone started playing Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories at a trade show (AXPONA? RMAF?) a couple years ago? I watched and then saw the septuagenarian eyes roll and sensed the disdain in the hallway as attendees exited the rooms of those who initially jumped on the idea of playing Memories after realizing it really could be considered “audiophile” material and had raced down to the marketplace on the lobby level to procure copies from the vinyl booths to spin.

It seemed to be regarded as folly by hifi cognoscenti for several hours and then it was all you could hear blasting out from almost every room on every floor of the show the following day as it was finally embraced… I guess it was Famous Blue Raincoat all over again, but hipper, cooler, modern and thankfully a complete 90-degree turn from the usual fare of Tin Pan Alley, Julie is Her Name, Kind of Blue or Hugh Masekela’s “Stimela” (Coal Train) that always seems to be in heavy rotation because these are all well-known cuts that lay in the sweet spot of the Venn diagram of music choices for show goers to listen to.

On to the list

OK, so I prefer to use disparate, perhaps lesser-known albums for listening to gear when reviewing, but I’m sure many out there on the Internet have their own processes for similar tasks, again these are mine and you’re welcome to love them or dismiss them, but as The Beatles sang so eloquently on “With A Little Help From My Friends:”

What do you see when you turn out the light?

I can't tell you, but I know it's mine

So too, my thinking on approaching high-fidelity hardware reviews from a more oblique angle where the music is new, unknown, or not considered a “standard.” It is different, it is mine and I tend to focus foremost on the reproduction of what I consider to be the most enjoyable music, as opposed to some status quo of well-worn grooves that must be trotted out.

1) and 2) Radiohead, Amnesiac and Kid A

Recorded as part of some 20-odd songs that was first halved to become Kid A in October 2000 and then hit on again for Amnesiac in June 2001, the recording sessions took place some 18 months following lead singer Thom York’s mental breakdown after touring for and promoting 1997’s OK, Computer. These two flirt with the idea of being concept albums in many ways and are all about deconstructed emotional connections to me. They are albums that require the listener to dive deep. The better the sound system you experience their playback on, the deeper your dive into them both becomes. They are dense, layered and overdubbed, both chaotic, both feature York as a protagonist desperate to shift or transition his empathies between life’s brilliance and its most banal moments. Both LPs roil and inspire, fragment and reassemble, but both also calm and create a sense of uneasy balance following a listening session.

These are LPs as introspection for the sonic observer through the open window of the band’s creative process at their most disconsolate and brilliant peak in my opinion and I wouldn’t have them any other way. These albums will push your system to its limit and let you know exactly what it’s capable of reproducing with any aural believability. If there is a weak link in your chain between source and transducer these two albums shall lay them bare for all to hear. Unravelling some of the densest analog and digitally-created/enhanced musical passages with total resolution is the final goal for me. With the notes growling and braying like a pack of feral dogs residing amongst the highest and lowest octaves between your speakers, these LPs become wild animals in your well-kept home, so be prepared to deal with either hearing things mashed together or each instrumental and vocal thread clearly defined. Victory or defeat awaits.

3) Jimmy Smith, The Sermon

I don’t know about you, but unless a system can reproduce the lowest notes off a Hammond B-3 organ with believability I’ll always have doubts about how well it’s been curated. I’m a sucker for great piano, keyboard and especially organ playing and since Jimmy Smith, with one foot each firmly planted in soul and jazz almost single-handedly brought the two together like peanut butter and jelly on a slice of bread through his trademark noodling on the B-3, I use his albums to critically gauge every component I receive for review. The Sermon, recorded in the Manhattan Towers Hotel Ballroom on August 25, 1957 and February 25, 1958, is 40 minutes of Smith at his best. Overflowing with talent like a suitcase packed in a rush, this Rudy Van Gelder-engineered album is hot with both Art Blakey and Donald Bailey on drums, Lou Donaldson and George Coleman on alto sax, Tina Brooks on tenor sax, Lee Morgan blowing hard on trumpet and Kenny Burrell along with Eddie McFadden taking names on guitar; you simply could not ask for a better album to help judge how a component can handle pitch, timbre or tonal color/intonations and timing.

COMMENTS

Albums and/or cuts

Submitted by Richard D. George on November 5, 2018 - 3:49pm

I concur regarding "I Saved Latin"

Others (for me). Don't pre-judge by the artist unless you have heard the specific cut. Like these both for assessing systems and just for listening:

Zero 7 - "Simple Things"
Jazzanova - "Upside Down" and other albums
Bela Fleck & Flecktones - "Rocket Science"
Stanley Clark, Al Di Meola & Jean-Luc Ponty - "Rite of Strings"
Donald Fagen - "The Nightfly"
Jeff Beck - "Diamond Dust" on "Blow by Blow"
Steely Dan - "Aja" on "Aja"
Sting - "Never Coming Home" on "Sacred Love"

Great pics! My top 5 list.

Submitted by Shahram B on November 5, 2018 - 4:30pm

Great choices here Rafe. I love those two Radiohead albums. Will definitely check out the albums in your list I haven't heard (Tangerine Dream, Jimmy Smith). I listen to the music I love when I test out systems as well and they're definitely not audiophile standards. Here are some of my favorites:

- Mogwai - Come on Die Young
- Wilco - Being There
- Aphex Twin - Syro
- Bill Callahan - Dream River
- James Blake - James Blake

That's a fine list.

Submitted by Anton on November 6, 2018 - 5:58pm

Well done, Shahram!

Thanks!

Submitted by Shahram B on November 7, 2018 - 4:36pm

Thanks for the

Submitted by maelob on November 5, 2018 - 10:02pm

Thanks for the recommendations, really refreshing

Love and affection

Submitted by 24bitbob on November 6, 2018 - 4:53am

Joan Armatrading by ummmmm, ..... Joan Armatrading. The CD is a little bright compared to my vinyl copy, but it takes a really good system to reveal this wonderful album in all its glory.

I bought this album when it was first released in 1975 or '76. I liked it a lot the time, but it was only later I realised what a good test of a system it is. One time I was buying a new CD player (I ended up buying a two piece TEAC player with the VRDS mechanism) when the owner of the disappeared for half an hour leaving me in the shop alone - he went out and bought his own copy of the disc.

To top it all I just noticed that it's about to be released on SACD. It's a real gem.

Neat!

Submitted by funambulistic on November 6, 2018 - 6:53am

Great selection Rafe! I certainly agree with the Radiohead selections as they are my favorite albums from their body of work. Boards of Canada are awesome as well. I have not thought about Tangerine Dream literally in decades – perhaps I need to look at their back catalog - and am listening to I Saved Latin! as I write this (so far so good!). Here are some select works that I like to have on hand when I am demoing new components because 1) they sound awesome and 2) I really enjoy them when I’m “just listening”:

Dead Can Dance – Spirit Chaser
Clint Mansell – Pi: Music from the Motion Picture
Massive Attack – Mezzanine
Thomas Newman – American Beauty: Original Motion Picture Score
Peace Orchestra (Peter Kruder) – Peace Orchestra
Various Artists – The Animatrix: The Album

Damn! Another fine list.

Submitted by Anton on November 6, 2018 - 5:59pm

Kudos!

One more cut...

Submitted by Richard D. George on November 6, 2018 - 8:56am

I have exceeded my limit but would like to add one more cut:

GoGo Penguin - "Hopopono" from "V2.0"

A piano, a stand-up bass and a drum set.
On a good system this cut is exquisite.

Here goes

Submitted by foxhall on November 6, 2018 - 9:10am

Wynton Marsalis: The Magic Hour
Yellow: Toy
Thomas Dolby: Aliens Ate My Buick
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 (Manfred Honeck/Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
Kyle Eastwood: Timepieces

Fantastic selections, I would

Submitted by djstoogie on November 6, 2018 - 9:13am

Fantastic selections, I would add the following:

Wretches & Jabberers is musically one of the best compilation records I own with too many fantastic performances to mention. The sound quality is amazing, recorded on an all analog McIntosh system, mastered by Bob Ludwig, cut by Bernie Grundman

The re-issue of Masterpieces by Ellington re-defines how great a 60 yr old mono recording can sound and rewards with fantastic extended playing from this brilliant band

And finally the most revealing, natural, warm acoustic recording I've heard is Ry Cooder & V. M. Bhatt's A Meeting by the River on Water Lily. Improvised recording with no overdubs from two disparate musical cultures that together sound of one voice. Recorded on an all analog tube system, the sonics are just breathtaking. And to think these two masters met for the first time mere hours before this session. Inspirational

I think mine are off the beaten path

Submitted by Chuckles304 on November 6, 2018 - 6:38pm

If These Trees Could Talk - Red Forest (entire album)
The Birthday Massacre - Goodnight
Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Adeste Fidelis
Gladiator: Music From the Motion Picture - The Battle (track 3)
Delain - The Glory and the Scum

A few tracks for emotional involvement

Submitted by SLH on November 7, 2018 - 7:06am

Amnesiac ("Life in a Glass House) contains a wonderful clarinet solo by Jimmy Hastings. As Yorke sings "Once again it's time for a lynching," Hastings quotes "Strange Fruit." On tenor sax, flute, and clarinet, Jimmy Hastings cradles each note as if it were a separate composition (I've had the pleasure to have heard him live twice). His work with Caravan is (for me) essential audition material, but I'm going to recommend his long, legato (thanks to circular breathing) flute solo on Hatfield and the North's "Rotter's Club"

Jimmy Hastings, "It Didn't Matter Anyway"

Lol Coxhill's soprano sax solo on "Red, Green, and You Blue" from Kevin Ayers and the Whole World's "Shooting at the Moon"

Three female vocals:

The Unthanks' cover of "Starless" on "Last"

Anna Järvinen "Vals för Anna" from Anna Själv Tredje

Connie Smith, "Burning a Hole in My Mind" from "I Love Charley Brown"

My recommendations ...........

Submitted by Everclear on November 7, 2018 - 6:17pm

Thanks Rafe for your album recommendations ......... All of your recommended albums sound excellent :-) ....

Here are some of my album/track recommendations ........

Pink Floyd .......... The Dark Side of the Moon ......... Favorite track "Money" .....
Stanley Clarke ......... At the Movies ......... Several favorite tracks ..........
Blue Man Group ....... The Complex .......... Several favorite tracks .........
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Doc Severinson et al ........... Unforgettably Doc - Music of Love & Romance ...... Favorite track "Memory" .........
Daft Punk ........ Tron: Legacy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) ......... Several favorite tracks ......
David Garrett, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra et al ........ Explosive (Deluxe) ......... Several favorite tracks ........
Eagles ......... Eagles Live ........... Several favorites tracks ........
Enigma ......... The Platinum Collection ......... Several favorite tracks ..........

More of my album/track recommendations are coming soon .........

In the mean time, here is one track for the road :-) ...........

DNCE .......... "Cake By the Ocean" :-) ..........

Happy listening :-) ...........

"Unconventional" test tracks

Submitted by keggeron on November 8, 2018 - 6:20am

Great article, Rafe. I had to chuckle at Radiohead because I've been playing those albums almost continuously on my new LS50w system in my office and absolutely love it. Some albums I love to audition equipment with are:
1. Rush - A Farewell to Kings. This album has great range and is well mastered.
2. Depeche Mode - The Singles 86>98. Though many decry the compression applied to all music of this genre, I (and many others) listen to this type of music quite a lot.
3. Steve Miller Band - Fly Like An Eagle.
4. Amadeus - OST. Though not the best mastering, "Die Zauberflote Aria" is an incredible track for classical female vocals mixed with deep string instruments.
5. Paul Simon - The Rythm Of The Saints.

More of my recommendations ........

Submitted by Everclear on November 8, 2018 - 7:51pm

Here are more of my album/track recommendations :-) .......

Fleetwood Mac ......... The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac (Remastered) .......... Several favorite tracks ......
Foreigner ......... No End in Sight: The Very Best of Foreigner (Remastered) ........ Several favorite tracks ......
Frank Sinatra ......... Sinatra at the Sands (Live) ........ Several favorite tracks .........
Giorgio Moroder .......... Deja Vu .......... Sevral favorite tracks ........
Various Artists ......... Fifty Shades of Grey (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) .......... Several favorite tracks ...........
Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band ......... Act Your Age ........... several favorite tracks ........
Gotan Project ......... La Revancha del Tango (Bonus Track Version) ........... Several favorite tracks .........
Huey Lewis & The News ........... Greatest Hits (Remastered) ........... Several favorite tracks .........
Imagine Dragons ........ "Whatever it Takes" ...........
Imagine Dragons .......... "Believer" ..........
Imagine Dragons ........... "Thunder" ..........
Imagine Dragons .......... "Natural" .........
Kings of Leon .......... "Sex on Fire" .........
Lucas Graham ......... "Not a Damn Thing Changed" ...........

I'm gonna post some more of my album/track recommendations soon :-) ........

In the mean time here are two more track recommendations to celebrate with your favorite imported beverage :-) ............

Shinedown ......... "Second Chance" ............
The Cranberries ......... "Zombie" ........ Stars: The Best of 1992-2002 ........

Happy listening :-) ............

Even more of my recommendations ........

Submitted by Everclear on November 9, 2018 - 8:05pm

Here are some more of my recommendations :-) ...........

Bruce Hornsby ............ Greatest Radio Hits (Remastered) ............. Several favorite tracks ........
Creedence Clearwater Revival .............. Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits .......... Several favorite tracks ...........
Dire Straits ............. Private Investigations .......... The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler ........ Several favorite tracks ..........
Electric Light Orchestra .......... All Over the World: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra ........... Several favorite tracks .............
Journey ............ The Essential Journey ............. Several favorite tracks ...............
Meghan Trainor .......... "All About That Bass" ............
Meghan Trainor .......... "Bang Dem Sticks" ...........
Meghan Trainor .......... "Title" ..........
Meghan Trainor ........... "NO" ..........
Meghan Trainor ........... "Kindly Calm Me Down" ............
Michael Jackson ........... Bad ........... Favorite tracks ............ "Bad" .......... "Dirty Diana" .........
Michael Jackson ........... Thriller ........... Favorite tracks ....... "Beat It" ......... "Billie Jean" ..........

I'm gonna post some more of my album/track recommendations soon :-) ........

In the mean time here are a few tracks to enjoy with your favorite domestic beverage :-) ..........

A. R. Rahman & The Pussycat Dolls ............. "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny) [feat. Nicole Scherzinger]" .........
Alexandra Stan ............ "Mr. Saxobeat" ...........
Alexandra Stan ............ "1,000,000 (feat. Calprit)" ...........
Aqua .......... "Barbie Girl" ..........
Mark Ronson ........... "Valerie (feat. Amy Winehouse)" ...............
Tavares ............. "It Only Takes a Minute Girl" ...............
Tavares ............ "Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel" .............

Happy listening :-) .............

Recommendations

Submitted by spartree on November 10, 2018 - 8:27am

Great to see “real” albums rather than the typical pristine yet emotionally lacking audiophile recordings. Props for that. Radiohead is one of my favourite bands (even went to Iceland to see them - it was awesome) and I totally agree with your two recommendations. While I love their latest record, for me the density of the arrangements and the emotional impact on Kid A is unrivalled. That album takes me to another universe. Also a big fan of Boards of Canada.

So the albums below are some of what I use when evaluating. I mean in general I use whatever I’m listening to at the time, but these represent a good reference for me. All music that I love, all emotionally involving, and all capable of holding a system to task. I’ll refrain from listing any Radiohead and Boards of Canada albums as you are clearly already familiar.

Nicholas Jaar - Space is Only Noise
Genre: Electronic
Particularly the tack Colomb. This one allows me to really get a sense of soundstage width, depth, and projection into the room. Very cool sounds and songs that will transport you.

Timber Timbre - Selftitled
Genre: Folk/Blues
For me, this album will quickly reveal how a system is voiced. Taylor Kirk’s vocals occupy a frequency range that can either sound bloated or too thin depending on the system’s disposition. In a balanced setup his vocals project from an isolated blackness that is moving and even a bit spooky.

Mount Kimbie - Maybes EP / Sketch on Glass EP
Genre: Post-dub
These are zone-out records. I particularly like the track Vertical on the Maybes EP for the mix of percussive sounds. Musically quite addictive as well. Sketch on Glass gets a little more dubstepy, but not in a grimy way. Lots of deep bass on that one.

Andy McKee - Dreamcatcher and/or Art of Motion
Genre: Instrumental (acoustic guitars)
If you want to get a sense of what the full range of an acoustic guitar sounds like on a system, Andy McKee’s music will do it. Either of these albums will easily reveal how nimble the speakers are as Andy’s playing is lively and full of quick harmonics. On the right system these albums project a clear, huge, dynamic sound. Very impressive when played loud!

Ahmad Jamal - At the Pershing
Genre: Jazz
I imagine you’re familiar with this one already, but nevertheless here it is. For me this is like the everyday man’s jazz lounge record. Audiophiles love to tout Arne Domnerus’ Jazz at the Pawnshop because of the atmospheric qualities and the excellent recording/mixing/mastering - and it does sound great, but the music does nothing for me. By the third track I’m not even paying attention anymore. On the other hand, Jamal’s record still provides that “I’m there” sort of feeling, but it’s because I’m just way more into the music; tapping my foot and shakin my butt in my seat.

Just a few of my favourites.

Cheers,
Jon

Fantastic... my sincere thanks to all

Submitted by Rafe Arnott on November 11, 2018 - 10:37am

So many great musical listening picks here from so many readers, I thank you all with sincerity for taking the time to share your thoughts and such compelling material for all of us to look up and sample ourselves.

I know there's more than enough songs and LPs here to keep me busy for a full weekend!

Cheers all,

–Rafe

More of my recommendations, redux ........

Submitted by Everclear on November 12, 2018 - 7:57pm

Here are some more of my recommendations :-) .............

Amy Macdonald .............. "The Days of Being Young and Free" .............
Amy Macdonald ..............."This is the Life" ..........
Amy Macdonald .............. "A Wish for Something More" .............
Andy Grammer ................ "Honey I'm Good" .............
Andy Grammer ............ "Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah) ...............
Amy LaVere ............ "Rabbit" ............
Amy Winehouse ........... "Rehab" ...........
Audioslave ............ "Like a Stone" ...............
Audioslave ............ "I Am the Highway" .............
The Avett Brothers ......... "Live and Die" .............
The Avett Brothers .......... "February Seven" ..............
The Avett Brothers ........... "Shame" .............
The Avette Brothers .......... "I and Love and You" ...........
The Avette Brothers .......... "Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise" .............
The Avette Brothers ........... "Ain't No Man" ...............
Avicii .............. "Days" ............
The Band of Heathens ........... "Enough" ...............
The Band of Heathens ........... "Hurricane" ...............
Bebe Rexha .............. "Meant to Be (feat. Florida Georgia Line)" ................
Beck ........... "Blue Moon" ..............
The Beatles .............. The Beatles (White Album) ............ Many favorite tracks ...........
Jimi Hendrix ............. Axis: Bold As love ........... Several favorite tracks ..........

I'm gonna post some more of my album/track recommendations soon :-) ..........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks while enjoying 'Sex on the Beach' :-) ..............

Timbuk 3 ................ "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades" ................
Timbuk 3 ................ "Shame On You" ..............
MC Hammer .............. "U Can't Touch This" ..................
Dazz Band .............. "Let It Whip" .................

Happy listening :-) ...............

Here comes more of my recommendations, redux part 2 ........

Submitted by Everclear on November 14, 2018 - 8:25pm

Here are more of my album/track recommendations ............

After the Fire ........... "Der Kommissar (Re-Recorded / Remastered)" ...........
Alessia Cara ............. "Here" ............
Alessia Cara ........... "Wild Things" ...............
Alice Merton ........... "Lash Out" ..............
Alice Merton ........... "No Roots" .........
Alesso ............ "Heroes (we could be) [feat. Tove Lo]" .....
Allan Taylor ......... "Wheel of Fortune (feat. Chris Jones et al)" .................
Allan Taylor ........... "Colour to the Moon ( feat. Chris Jones et al)" ................
Beyonce ............. "Crazy in Love" ..............
Beyonce ............. "Halo" ..............
Bill Conti ............. "Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky)" ..................
Billy Davis Jr & Marilyn McCoo ........... "You Don't Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)" .............
Billy Ocean ........... "Get Outta my Dreams, Get Into My Car" ...............
Billy Ocean ............ "When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going" ...............
Billy Ocean ............ "Caribbean Queen (No More Love On the Run)" ..............
Billy Preston .......... "Will It Go Around in Circles" ..............
Billy Preston ........... "Nothing from Nothing" ................
Billy Ray Cyrus ........... "Achy Breaky Heart" .............
Blake Shelton ............ "I'll Name the Dogs" ..............
Blind Melon ............ "Change" ............
Blind Melon ........... "No Rain' .............

I'm gonna post some more of my album/track recommendations soon :-) ...........

In the mean time here are a few tracks while enjoying a 'Long Island Iced Tea' while visiting your vacation home in the Hamptons :-) ............

R.E.M. .............. "Losing My Religion" ................
Shinedown .......... "I'll Follow You" ...............
Yello ............... "The Rhythm Divine (Remastered)" .............

Happy listening :-) ..................

Even more of my recommendations, redux part 3 ..............

Submitted by Everclear on November 15, 2018 - 8:25pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations .........

blink-182 ............... "All the Small Things" ............
Boz Scaggs ............. "Lowdown" .............
Breakfast Club .............. "Right on Track" ...................
Blondie .............. "Sugar On the Side" ................
Breaking Benjamin ........... "I Will Not Bow" ..............
Brett Eldredge ............ "Lose My Mind" ............
Britney Spears ................ "Toxic" .............
Britney Spears ............. "Oops! .... I Did It Again" ...........
Britney Spears ........... ".... Baby One More Time" .............
Britney Spears ............. "(You Drive Me) Crazy (The Stop Remix)" .............
Britney Spears .............. "Do Somethin' " ............
Bruno Mars ............... "Locked Out of Heaven" ............

I'm gonna post some more my recommendations soon:-) .............

In the mean time here are few tacks while you are enjoying 'Pina Colada' with your significant other :-) .......

Rupert Holmes .............. "Escape (Pina Colada Song)" ..............
Five for Fighting ........... "I Just Love You" ...........

Happy listening :-) ................

More of my recommendations, redux part 4 .............

Submitted by Everclear on November 16, 2018 - 8:24pm

Here are more of my album/track recommendations :-) ..........

The Beach Boys ............... Sounds of Summer - The Very Best of The Beach Boys ............. Many favorite tracks ..........
Bill Withers .......... "Lean On Me" ...........
Blue Oyster Cult ........... "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" ............
Blue Oyster Cult ............. "Burnin' for You" .............
Blues Traveler ............... "Run-Around" ..............
Blues Traveler ............... "Regarding Steven" ..............
The Calling .................. "Wherever You Will Go" ...............
Calloway .............. "I wanna Be Rich" ..............
Calvin Harris ..........."This Is What You Came For (feat. Rihanna)" ...............
Cam ............... "Burning House" ..............
Cameo ............. "Word Up (Original 12" Club Mix) ................
Camila Cabello .......... "Havana (feat. Young Thug) .............
Capital Cities ............. "Safe and Sound" .............
The Cardigans ............ "Lovefool" ..............
The Cardigans ............. "Erase/Rewind' ...............
The Cardigans .............. "My Favourite Game" ..............
Carl Douglas ............. "Kung Fu Fighting" ..............
Carly Pearce ........... "Every Little Thing" .............
Carly Rae Jepsen .......... "Call Me Maybe" ..............
Carol Bach-Y-Rita ........... "Morning Coffee" ................
Carol Bach-Y-Rita ............ "Nature Boy" ..............

I'm gonna post more of my recommendations soon :-) ..............

In the mean time here are a few tracks to enjoy 'Between the Sheets' :-) ...............

ZZ Top .............. "Tush" ................
KC and the Sunshine Band ............. "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty" .............
Giorgio Moroder ............. "Back and Forth (feat. Kelis)" ...............

Happy listening :-) ................

Even more of my recommendations, redux part 5 ..............

Submitted by Everclear on November 19, 2018 - 8:01pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) .............

Ariana Grande ............... "Dangerous Woman" ............
Ariana Grande ............... "Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea)" .............
B.B. King ................ Deuces Wild ............ Several favorite tracks ............
Bachman-Turner Overdrive .............. "Let It Ride" ...............
Bachman-Turner Overdrive ............... "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" ...............
Backstreet Boys ................ "I Want It That Way" ............
Backstreet Boys ............... "Everybody (Backstreet Back) [Extended Version]" ..............
Backstreet Boys .............. "Larger Than Life" ..............
Bananarama ............... "Venus" ..............
Bananarama ............... "I Heard A Rumour" ...........
Bananarama ................ "Cruel Summer" ................
Bay City Rollers ............. "I Only Want to Be With You" ..............
Bay City Rollers .............. "You Made Me Believe In Magic" ..............
Bay City Rollers ............... "Saturday Night" ..............
Carrie Underwood .............. "Church Bells" ..............
Cassandra Wilson ............. "Red Guitar" .............
Cassandra Wilson ............ "Go to Mexico" .............
CeCe Peniston ............ "Finally" ............
CeeLo Green ............. "Forget You" ...............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ...........

In the mean time here are few tracks while enjoying 'Paradise' with your significant other :-) .........

Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong .............."Moonlight in Vermont" ..........
Christina Perri ............. "A Thousand Years (feat. Steve Kazee)" ..............
Ellie Goulding ............ "Love Me Like You Do" .............
The Chainsmokers ............... "Don't Let Me Down (feat. Daya)" ...........
Faith Hill ............. "I Need You (feat. Tim McGraw)" ..............

Happy listening :-) .................

Here's my 2 cents to the list

Submitted by kryten on November 19, 2018 - 10:59pm

I just signed up so I could add mine. Cool lists! Here's mine:

5 Albums:
Mike Oldfield - Ommadawn
Lisa Gerrard - Lisa Gerrard (couldn't pick any particular Dead Can Dance album, so this will do just fine. Tie between Sacrifice and The Host of Seraphim)
Klaatu - 3 A.M. (Little Neutrino will test your subwoofers)
Kate Bush - Hounds Of Love (2018 Remaster) The Ninth Wave
Philip Glass - Koyaanisqatsi

5 Individual Tracks:
Angelo Badalamenti - Mulholland Drive (Main Theme)
Madonna - Live To Tell
Clan Of Xymox - Theme I
Jean-Michel Jarre - Ethnicolor
Synergy - Warriors

I could add much more, but I'll keep it short. Enjoy!

More of my recommendations, redux part 6 ............

Submitted by Everclear on November 20, 2018 - 8:32pm

Here are more of my album/track recommendations :-) ..............

Celine Dion ............ "Power of Love" .............
Celine Dion ............. "Because You Loved Me (Theme From 'Up Close & Personal')" ...........
Celine Dion ............. "Love Can Move Mountains" .............
Celine Dion .............. "My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From 'Titanic')" ...............
The Chainsmokers .............. "Don't Let Me Down (feat. Daya)" ...........
The Chainsmokers .............. "This Feeling (feat. Kelsea Ballerini)" ...........
The Chainsmokers & Coldplay ............. "Something Just Like This" .............
Chaka Khan ............. "Ain't Nobody" .............
Charlie Puth .............. "One Call Away" ............
Charlie Puth .............. "Marvin Gaye (feat. Meghan Trainor)" ..........
Charlie Puth ............... "We Don't Talk Anymore (feat. Selena Gomez)" ...........
Chase Bryant .............. "Wayfarer Weather" .............
Chase Bryant ............... "Room to Breathe" ............
Cher .............. "Woman's World" ..............
Cher .............. "Take It Like a Man" ..............
Chic .............. "Le Freak" .............
Chic ............... " I Want Your Love" ..........
Chic ............... "Good Times" .............
Chicago ........... The Very Best of Chicago: Only The Beginning ........... Several favorite tracks .........
Chris de Burgh ............. "The Lady In Red" .............
Chris Janson .............. "Buy Me a Boat" ............
Chris Lane ................ "Cool" ..............
Chris Lane .............. "Fix" .............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ............

In the meantime, here are a few tracks while enjoying 'Highballs' with your audiophile friends :-) ..........

Justin Timberlake ................ "CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" ................
Pink ............ "Just Like Fire (From 'Alice Through the Looking Glass')" ................
Pharrell Williams ............... "Happy (From 'Despicable Me 2')" .................
Eagles ............. "Get Over It" ............
ZZ Top ............... "Sharp Dressed Man" ............
ZZ Top ................ "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" .............

Happy listening :-) .............

More of my recommendations, redux part 7 ............

Submitted by Everclear on November 21, 2018 - 8:48pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) .............

Chris Stapleton ............... "Broken Halos" ...........
Chris Stapleton ................ "Millionaire" .............
Chris Stapleton .................. "Parachute" .............
Chris Stapleton .................. "Outlaw State of Mind" ................
Chris Young ................... "Think of You (Duet with Cassadee Pope) .............
Christina Aguilera ............. "You Lost Me" ..............
Christina Aguilera ............... "Genie In a Bottle" ...........
Christine McVie ................. "Got a Hold On Me" ................
The Clash ................ "Should I Stay or Should I Go" ............
Clean Bandit .............. "Rather Be (feat. Jess Glynne)" ............
Colbie Caillat ............... "Brighter Than the Sun" ...........
Colbie Caillat ................ "What If" .............
Coldplay ............. "Hymn for the Weekend" .............
Coldplay .............. "The Scientist" ...........
Coldplay .............. "Clocks" .............
Collective Soul .......... "The World I Know" ............
Collective Soul ..........."December" ..........
Collective Soul ............ "Run" .............
Collective Soul ............ "Shine" .............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) .........

In the meantime here are a few tracks to enjoy while listening with 'Harvey Wallbanger' :-) .........

Sia ............. "Never Give Up ('Lion' Soundtrack)" ..........
The Script ........ "Hall of Fame (feat. will.i.am)" ..................
Nickelback ........... "Rockstar" ...............
Chicago ................ "I'm a Man" ...............

Happy listening :-) ............

More of my recommendations, redux part 8 ............

Submitted by Everclear on November 22, 2018 - 8:09pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ...........

Commodores .................. "Easy" ...........
Commodores ................... "Brick House" ...............
Commodores .................. "Sail On" ............
Commodores ................. "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" ..............
Conway Twitty ................ "Tight Fittin' Jeans" .................
Counting Crows .............. "Mr. Jones" ..............
Counting Crows ............... "A Long December' ..............
Counting Crows ............... "Hanginaround" ..........
Counting Crows ................ "Big Yellow Taxi" ............
The Cranberries ............... "Dreams" .............
The Cranberries ................ "Linger" ............
The Cranberries ................. "Zombie" ................
Creed ................ "With Arms Wide Open" ..............
Creed ................ "One Last Breath" .............
Crowded House ............. "Don't Dream It's Over" ...............
Crowded House ............... "Something So Strong" ..............
Cults ............... "Abducted" ..............
Cults ............. "Go Outside" ............
Cults ............. "You Know What I Mean" ............
Cults .............. "High Road" ..............
The Cure ........... "A Forest" ............
The Cure ............ "Lovesong" ............
The Cure ............ "Friday I'm In Love" ...............
Cyndi Lauper ........... The Essential Cyndi Lauper ......... Several favorite tracks ...........
Daniel Powter ............. "Bad Day" ..............
Daughtry ............ "It's Not Over" .............
Daughtry ............. "Home" ...........
Daughtry ............ "Feels Like Tonight" ............
Daughtry ............ "What About Now" ............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ............

In the meantime here are a few tracks to enjoy while listening with 'Tom Collins' :-) .......

LINKIN PARK ................ "Heavy (feat. Kiiara)" ..........
George Harrison ........... "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" ...............
George Ezra ............ "Budapest" .............
ZAYN & Taylor Swift ............. "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" ..............

Happy listening :-) ...........

More of my recommendations, redux part 9 ............

Submitted by Everclear on November 23, 2018 - 8:43pm

Here are more of my album/track recommendations :-) ...........

David Foster .............. "Love Theme from St. Elmo's Fire (Instrumental)" .............
David Guetta & Sia ............. "Flames" .............
David Guetta .............. "Dangerous (feat. Sam Martin)" ................

David Guetta ............... "Hey Mama (feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack)" ...........
David Guetta .............. "Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)" ................
David Guetta ............... "Without You (feat. Usher)" .............
David Guetta ............... "Titanium (feat. Sia)" .............
Daya ............ "Hide Away" ..............
Dazz Band .......... "Let It Whip" ...........
Dead or Alive ............. "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" ...............
Debbie Gibson .............. "Losin' Myself (12" Masters At Work Version)" .............
Declan McKenna ............ "Brazil" ...............
Deee-Lite ............. "Groove Is In the Heart" ..............
Deep Blue Something ............... "Breakfast at Tiffany's" ................
Deep Blue Something .............. "A Water Prayer" ...........
Deep Purple ............... "Smoke On The the Water" ................
Deetron ............ "A Path ... Fingers Inc." ................
Def Leppard ......... "Love Bites (Live) ................
Del Amitri .............. "Roll to Me" ..............
Demi Lovato ............ "Heart Attack" ..............
Demi Lovato ............. "Neon Lights" ............
Demi Lovato ............. "Give Your Heart a Break" ...........
Des'ree ............. "You Gotta Be" ..................
The Diamonds .......... "Little Darlin' " ...............
Dido ........... "Here With Me" ..............
Dido ............. "Hunter" ..............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ..........

In the meantime here are a few tracks to enjoy while sayin' 'Damn the Weather' :-) .............

John Mellencamp ............... "Small Town" ............
John Mellencamp .............. "R.O.C.K. In the U.S.A" ..............
Lynyrd Skynyrd ............... "Simple Man" ................
Glenn Frey ................ "The Heat Is On" ............

Happy listening :-) ............

More of my recommendations, redux part 10 ............

Submitted by Everclear on November 26, 2018 - 8:18pm

Here are more of my album/track recommendations :-) ..........

Dierks Bentley ............... "Somewhere on a Beach" .............
Dierks Bentley ............... "Different for Girls (feat. Elle King)" ............
Dierks Bentley ................ "I Hold On" ................
Dion & The Belmonts ............. "A Teenager in Love" ............
Dion & The Belmonts .............. "The Wanderer" ..............
Dj Hit n Mix ........... "There's No Place I'd Rather Be" ..............
DNCE ............. "Cake By the Ocean" ...............
Dolly Parton .......... "I Will Always Love You" ................
Don Henley ............ "The Boys of Summer" ..............
Don Henley ............. "The End of the Innocence' ............
Don Henley .............. "New York Minute" ...............
Don Henley ............... "The Heart of the Matter" ............
Drake White .............. "The Simple Life" ...............
Drake White ............... "Makin' Me Look Good Again" .............
Drake White ............... "Livin' the Dream" .............
Duran Duran ............... "Come Undone" ..............
Dustin Lynch .............. "Hell of a Night" ...........
Dustin Lynch .............. "Mind Reader" ..............
Eagle-Eye Cherry ........... "Save Tonight" .............
Earth, Wind & Fire ............ Greatest Hits ............ Several favorite tracks ...........

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ...........

In the meantime here are a few tracks while enjoying your favorite 'Champagne' with your significant other :-) ............

David Guetta .......... "Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)" ............
Steve Winwood ............ "Higher Love" .............
Vicci Martinez & CeeLo Green ........... "Come Along" ...............

Happy listening :-) ..............

More of my recommendations, redux part 11 ............

Submitted by Everclear on November 27, 2018 - 8:42pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ..............

Ace of Base ........... Greatest Hits ........... Several favorite tracks ............
Easton Corbin ........... "A Girl Like You" ..............
Echosmith ................. "Cool Kids" ............
Echosmith ................. "March Into the Sun" .................
Echosmith .............. "Talking Dreams" .............
Echosmith ............... "Surround You" ...............
Ed Sheeran ............... "Photograph" ..............
Eddie Money ............ "Take Me Home Tonight" ................
Eddie Money ............. "Think I'm In Love" ............
Eddie Money .............. "Baby Hold On" ............
Eddie Money ............. "I Wanna Go Back" ...............
Eddie Rabbitt ............. "I love a Rainy Night" .................
Eddie Rabbitt .............. "Drivin' My Life Away" ...............
Eddie Rabbitt .............. "Step By Step" ..............
Edwin McCain ........... "I'll Be" ...........
Edwin McCain .............. "Solituide" ............
Edwyn Collins ............. "A Girl Like You" .............
Eiffel 65 ............... "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" .................
Ella Henderson .............. "Ghost" ..............
Elle King ............... "Where the Devil Don't Go" .............
Elle King ............... "Ex's & Oh's" ...........
Elle King ............... "Under the Influence" .............
Ellie Goulding .......... "Something in the Way You Move" ..............
Ellie Goulding ............ "On My Mind" ................
Ellie Goulding ............... "Love Me Like You Do" .............
Ellie Goulding .............. "Burn" ............
Ellie Goulding ............... "Lights" .............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ..........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks while enjoying with 'Dark 'n' Stormy' :-) .............

Eddie Rabbitt ........... "I Love a Rainy Night" .............
Geri Halliwell ............. "It's Raining Men" ...............
Creedence Clearwater Revival ................. "Who'll Stop the Rain" ..............
Creedence Clearwater Revival ................ "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" ............
Phil Collins ................ "I Wish it Would Rain Down" ............

Happy listening :-) ...............

More of my recommendations, redux part 12 ............

Submitted by Everclear on November 28, 2018 - 8:12pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) .............

AC/DC ................. "T.N.T." .............
AC/DC ................ "Highway to Hell" ..................
AC/DC ................. "Thunderstruck" ..............
Elton John ............... Diamonds ........... Several favorite tracks ..........
Elvin Bishop ............. "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" ..............
Empire of the Sun ............. "Alive" ................
Empire of the Sun ............... "Walking On a Dream" ..............
Empire of the Sun ................ "We Are the People" ..............
En Vogue ................. "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" .................
En Vogue ................ "Don't Let Go (Love)" ...............
Enrique Iglesias ............. "Bailamos" ..............
Enrique Iglesias .............. "Be With You" ............
Enrique Iglesias ............... "Taking Back My Love (With Ciara)" ............
Enrique Iglesias ................. "Rhythm Divine" ............
Eric Church .............. "Record Year" .............
Eric Church ............... "Give Me Back My Hometown" ................
Eric Paslay.............. "Song About a Girl" ..............
Europe .............. "The Final Countdown" ..............
Evanescence ............ "Bring Me to Life" .............
Evanescence ............ "My Immortal" ..............
Evanescence .............. "Hello' ..............
Evelyn "Champagne" King ............... "Shame (12" Version)" ............
Everything But the Girl .............. "Missing" .............
Extreme .............. "More Than Words" ...........
Extreme ............. "Hole Hearted" ............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ..........

In the meantime here are a few tracks to enjoy while swinging with 'Singapore Sling' :-) ...........

Falco ............... "Rock Me Amadeus' ..............
Yello ................ "Rubberbandman" .............
will.i.am ............. "#thatPOWER (feat. Justin Bieber)" ...............

Happy listening :-) ............

More of my recommendations, redux part 13 ............

Submitted by Everclear on November 29, 2018 - 8:44pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ...............

Amy Grant ............... "Takes a Little Time" ...........
Amy Grant ................ "Baby, Baby" ..............
Amy Grant ............... "Every Heartbeat" ............
Amy Grant ................ "Good for Me" .............
Amy Grant ............. "I Will Remember You" .............
Amy Grant .............. "Find a Way" ..............
The Alan Parsons Project ................ "I Robot" ...............
The Alan Parsons Project ............... "I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You" .............
The Alan Parsons Project ............... "Some Other Time" ..............
The Alan Parsons Project ............... "Lucifer" ...............
The Alan Parsons Project ................. "Time" .............
The Alan Parsons Project ................. "Eye In the Sky" .............
Alanis Morissette ............... "Thank You" ...........
Alanis Morissette ............... "Head Over Feet" ..............
Alanis Morissette ................ "Ironic" ................
Alanis Morissette ................ "Uninvited" .............
Alanis Morissette ................ "Hand In My Pocket" ..............
Alanis Morissette ................. "So Unsexy (Vancouver Sessions 2004)" ...............
Faith Hill ................. "I Need You (With Tim McGraw)" ..............
Faith Hill ................ "There You'll Be" ..............
Faith Hill ............... "Breathe" ..............
Faith Hill ................ "This Kiss" ................
Falco .............. "Rock Me Amadeus" ............
Falco .............. "Der Kommissar" .............
Falco .............. "Jeanny" ................
Fall Out Boy ............. "Uma Thurman" .............
Fastball ................ "The Way" ............
Fastball ............... "Fire Escape" ............
Fastball .............. "Out of My Head" ...........
Fastball .............. "Nowhere Road" .............
Fastball .............. "Sweetwater Texas" ............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) .............

In the meantime here are a few tracks to enjoy while listening with 'Tom and Jerry' :-) ..........

lovelytheband ................ "Broken" .............
Mark Knopfler ............... "Postcards from Paraguay" .............
Mark Morrison ............... "Return of the Mack" ................
Maroon 5 ................ "Moves Likes Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)" ................

Happy listening :-) .................

More of my recommendations, redux part 14 ............

Submitted by Everclear on December 4, 2018 - 8:39pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) .............

Fifth Harmony ............. "Worth It (feat. Kid Ink)" ..............
Fifth Harmony .............. "Work from Home (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)" ...........
Fine Young Cannibals ............ "She Drives Me Crazy" ..............
Firefall .............. "Livin' Ain't Livin' " ..................
Firefall .............. "You Are the Woman" .............
Firefall ............... "Just Remember I Love You" ............
Firefall ................ "Strange Way" ..............
Firefall ................. "Love That Got Away" .............
Firefall .................. "Headed for a Fall" ..............
Firefall ................. "Break of Dawn" ..............
Five for Fighting ............. "Superman (It's Not Easy)" ...............
Five for Fighting .............. "100 Years" .............
Five for Fighting .............. "The Riddle" ............
Five for Fighting ............... "I Just Love You" ............
The Five Stairsteps ............. "O-O-H Child" ............
Flo Rida .............. "Right Round" ............
Flo Rida .............. "Whistle" ...............
Flo Rida .............. "Wild Ones (feat. Sia) ..............
Flo Rida ............... "Let It Roll" .............
Flo Rida ............... "Good Feeling" ..............
A Flock of Seagulls ........... "I Ran (So Far Away)" .............
Florence + The Machine .......... "Shake It Out" ...........
Florence + The Machine ............ "Ship To Wreck" ..........
Florence + The Machine ............. "Cosmic Love" .............
Florence + The Machine ............ "Wish That You Were Here (From Soundtrack)" ............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ..........

In the meantime here are a few tracks to enjoy while listening with 'Boilermaker' :-) ..........

Falco ............ "Der Kommissar" .............
Yello ............. "Blender" .............
Flo Rida ............ "Good Feeling" .............

Happy listening :-) .............

More of my recommendations, redux part 15 ............

Submitted by Everclear on December 6, 2018 - 7:59pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ............

Florida Georgia Line ............... "H.O.L.Y" .............
Foghat ............. "Slow Ride" .............
Foster the People .................. "Pumped Up Kicks" .............
The Fray ................ "You Found Me" .............
The Fray .............. "Never Say Never" ..............
The Fray ............... "Over My Head (Cable Car)" ..............
The Fray ............... "How to Save a Life (New Version)" .............
The Fray ................ "Heartbeat" ..............
Fun .............. "Some Nights" .............
Fun ............... "We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae) ..........
Genesis ........... Platinum Collection ........... Several favorite tracks .........
George Ezra ............ "Budapest" ...........
George Harrison ........... Let It Roll: Songs of George Harrison ........... Several favorite tracks .........
George McCrae ............. "Rock Your Baby" ..............
Geri Halliwell ........... "It's Raining Men" .............
Gillian Welch ............ "The Way It Goes" ..............
Gin Blossoms .......... "Till I Hear It from You" ..........
Gin Blossoms ........... "Hey Jealousy" ..........
Gin Blossoms ............. "Allison Road" .............
Gin Blossoms ............. "Until I Fall Away" ............
Gin Blossoms ............... "Found Out About You" ...........
Gin Blossoms .............. "Follow You Down" ............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ...........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks while enjoying 'Vodka Martini' shaken, not stirred :-) ........

The Lumineers .............. "Ho Hey" ..........
Nirvana .......... "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ............
Chris Smither ......... "The Blame's on Me" .............
Tom Petty .............. "I Won't Back Down" ..............

Happy listening :-) ...............

More of my recommendations, redux part 16 ............

Submitted by Everclear on December 7, 2018 - 8:26pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ...........

Gino Vannelli ............. "I Just Wanna Stop" ............
Gladys Knight & The Pips ........... "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" ..............
Gladys Knight & The Pips ............ "Midnight Train to Georgia" ...........
Glass Animals ............ "Gooey" ..........
Glass Tiger ............. "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)" .............
Glass Tiger ............. "Someday" .............
Glenn Frey ............. "The One You Love" ..........
Glenn Frey .............. "Smuggler's Blues" ..............
Glenn Frey ............. "The Heat Is On" ..............
Glenn Frey .............. "You Belong to the City" ...........
Glenn Frey ........... "True Love" ...............
Glenn Frey ............ "River of Dreams" .............
Gloria Gaynor ........... "Never Can Say Goodbye" ..........
Gloria Gaynor ........... "I Will Survive" ............
Gnarls Barkley .......... "Crazy" .............
Go West ............ "The King of Wishful Thinking" ...........
The Go-Go's ............. "We Got the Beat" ............
The Go-Go's ............... "Our Lips Are Sealed" ............
The Goo Goo Dolls .......... "So Alive" ...........
The Goo Goo Dolls ........... "Slide" ..............
The Goo Goo Dolls ............ "Name" ..........
The Goo Goo Dolls ............. "Broadway" ...........
The Goo Goo Dolls ............. "Black Balloon" ...........
The Goo Goo Dolls ............. "Iris" ..............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ............

In the meantime here are a few tracks to enjoy while doing 'Hanky-Panky' :-) ..............

Genesis ............... "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" .............
Florence + The Machine .......... "Cosmic Love" ............
Glass Animals ............. "Gooey" ............
Glenn Frey ............. "You Belong to the City" ..............

Happy listening :-) ..............

More of my recommendations, redux part 17 ............

Submitted by Everclear on December 10, 2018 - 8:15pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ...........

Gordon Lightfoot ............ "Sundown" .............
Gordon Lightfoot ............ "If You Could Read My" ............
Gordon Lightfoot ............. "Carefree Highway" .............
Gotye ............ "Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra)" .............
Gotye ............. "Hearts a Mess ('The Great Gatsby' Soundtrack)" ...............
Grand Funk Railroad .............. "We're an American Band" .............
Grand Funk Railroad .............. "Some Kind of Wonderful" ............
Grand Funk Railroad ............... "Closer to Home (I'm Your Captain)" ..............
Grand Funk Railroad .............. "Inside Looking Out" ..............
Granger Smith .............. "Backroad Song" .............
Great Big Sea ................ "Road to Ruin" ................
A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera .............. "Say Something" ..............
Greg Kihn Band ............ "Remember" ...........
Greg Kihn Band ............. "The Break Up Song" ...............
Greg Kihn Band .............. "Jeopardy" .............
Guns N' Roses .............. "Sweet Child O' Mine" ..............
Guns N' Roses ............ "Paradise City" ................
Gwen Stefani .......... "Baby Don't Lie" ..............
Gwen Stefani ............ "The Sweet Escape (feat. Akon)" ..............
Gwen Stefani .............. "Misery" .............
Hailee Steinfeld .......... "Love Myself" ...........

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ...........

In the meantime here are a few tracks while enjoying your favorite 'wine' with your significant other :-) .......

Goo Goo Dolls ............. "Iris" ............
Glenn Frey ............. "The One You Love" .............
Glenn Frey ............... "True Love" ..........
Gladys Knight & The Pips .............. "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" .............

Happy listening :-) ................

More of my recommendations, redux part 18 ............

Submitted by Everclear on December 13, 2018 - 8:35pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ...........

Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam ............ "In a Black Out" ............
Harry Chapin ............... "Cat's in the Cradle" ............
Heart ............ Greatest Hits 1985-1995 ............ Several favorite tracks .........
Heatwave ........... "Boogie Nights" ..........
Heatwave ............ "The Groove Line" ..........
Heatwave ............ "Always and Forever" .............
Hoobastank ........... "The Reason" ..........
Hootie & The Blowfish ........... "Hold My Hand" ...........
Hootie & The Blowfish ........... "Only Wanna Be With You" .........
Hootie & The Blowfish ............. "Time" ...........
Howard Jones .......... "New Song" ...........
Howard Jones .......... "Things Can Only Get Better" ............
Howard Jones ............ "Like to Get to Know You Well" ..........
Howard Jones ............. "Life In One Day" ............
Howard Jones ............. "You Know I Love You, Don't You?" ...........
Howard Jones ............ "No One Is to Blame" ..........
Howard Jones ............. "Everlasting Love" .............
The Human League ..........."Don't You Want Me" ............
The Human League ............ "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" ..........
The Human League ............. "Human" ...........
The Human League .............. "One Man In My Heart" ............
Iggy Azalea ........... "Fancy (feat. Charli XCX)" ............
Incubus ............ "Drive" .........
Indigo Girls ........... "Share the Moon" ...........
Ingrid Michaelson ......... "Be OK" ...........
Ingrid Michaelson ........... "Everbody" ...........
Ingrid Michaelson ............ "Maybe" .........
Ingrid Michaelson ............ "Girls Chase Boys" .........
Ingrid Michaelson ............. "Afterlife" ...............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) .............

In the meantime here are a few tracks while enjoying 'Green Vesper' :-) ............

Grand Funk Railroad ............ "Inside Looking Out" ...........
Chris Stapleton ............ "Outlaw State of Mind" .............
Fleetwood Mac ............ "I'm So Afraid (Live)" ..............

Happy listening :-) ................

More of my recommendations, redux part 19 ............

Submitted by Everclear on December 14, 2018 - 8:06pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) .........

Inxs ........... "Need You Tonight" ..........
Inxs ............ "By My Side" ..........
Inxs ............. "Taste It" ..........
Inxs ............. "New Sensation" .............
Inxs ............. "Never Tear Us Apart" ............
Jackson 5 ........... "I Want You Back" ...........
Jackson 5 ............"ABC" ...........
Jackson 5 ............ "I'll Be There" ...........
Jackson 5 ............. "It's Your Thing" ..........
Jackson 5 ............... "Never Can Say Goodbye" ............
Jackson 5 ............. "Rockn' Robin" ............
Jackson Browne ........... The Very Best of Jackson Browne ............ Several favorite tracks .........
Jake Owen ............ "Anywhere With You" ...........
Jake Owen ........... "Heaven" .............
Jake Owen ............ "Real Life" ............
Jake Owen ........... "Eight Second Ride" ...........
James Bay ............. "Hold Back the River" ............
James Bay ............. "Let It Go" ..............
James Gang ............ "Walk Away" ...........
James Gang .............. "Funk #48" ...........
James Gang .............. "Funk #49" ...............
James Morrison ........... "I Won't Let You Go" ...........
James Morrison ............ "You Make It Real" ............
James Morrison ............. "Broken Strings" ...........

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ...........

In the meantime here are a few tracks while enjoying the 'French Connection' :-) ..........

Foreigner .............. "Double Vision" ...........
Tom Petty ........... "Breakdown" ..........
Santana .............. "Smooth (feat. Rob Thomas)" ..............

Happy listening :-) .............

More of my recommendations, redux part 20 ............

Submitted by Everclear on December 17, 2018 - 7:15pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ..........

Janet Jackson .......... Number Ones ........... Several favorite tracks ........
Janis Joplin ............ "Me and Bobby McGee" ..........
Janis Joplin .............. "Mercedes Benz" ...............
Jason Aldean ........... "Tonight Looks Good On You" .............
Jason Aldean ............. "Lights Come On" ..........
Jason Mraz ............. "I'm Yours" ...........
Jay Ferguson ............ "Thunder Island" ............
JD Souther ............... "You're Only Lonely" ...........
Jean-Michel Jarre .......... Essential Recollection .......... Several favorite tracks ........
Jennifer Lopez ............ "Love Don't Cost a Thing" ...........
Jennifer Lopez ............ "Live It Up (feat. Pitbull)" ............
Jennifer Lopez ............ "On the Floor (feat. Pitbull)" .............
Jennifer Lopez ............ "Papi" ..........
Jennifer Lopez ............ "If You Had My Love" ...........
Jennifer Lopez ............. "Waiting for Tonight" ...........
Jessie J .............. "Price Tag (feat. B.o.B)" .............
Jessie J et al .......... "Bang Bang" ............
Jessie J et al ............ "Sorry To Interrupt" ........
Jet ............ "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" ...........
Jewel .......... Greatest Hits ........... Several favorite tracks ...........
Jigsaw ........... "Sky High" ............
Jim Croce ........... Photographs & Memories: His Greatest Hits ........... Several favorite tracks .........

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ...........

In the meantime here are a few tracks while enjoying 'Daiquiri' with your significant other :-) ..........

INXS .......... "Need You Tonight" .........
Jackson Browne ........... "Stay" ..............
Jake Owen .......... "Anywhere With You" .............
Keith Urban .......... "The Fighter (feat. Carrie Underwood)" ............

Happy listening :-) .............

More of my recommendations, redux part 21 ............

Submitted by Everclear on December 19, 2018 - 8:13pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ..........

Jimmy Eat World .......... "The Middle" .............
Jimmy Ray ........... "Are You Jimmy Ray?" ...........
Jo Dee Messina ............ 'Heads Carolina, Tails California" ...........
Jody Watley .......... "Looking for a New Love" ..........
Jody Watley .......... "Don't You Want Me" ...........
Joe Cocker ........... "You Are So Beautiful" ............
Joe Cocker ........... "Many Rivers to Cross" ..........
Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes ............ "Up Where We Belong" ..........
John Legend ........... "All of Me" ............
John Lennon ........... "Woman" .............
John Lennon ........... "(Just Like) Starting Over" .............
John Lennon ........... "Watching the Wheels" ...........
John Lennon ........... "Imagine" ............
John Mayer ........... "Waiting On the World to Change" ...............
John Mayer ........... "Gravity" ............
John Mayer ............ "Say" ............
John Mellencamp ............. Words & Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits ......... Several favorite tracks ............
John Sebastian .............. "Welcome Back (from Welcome Back, Kotter)" ..............
John Waite ............. "When I See You Smile" ..........
John Waite .............. "Missing You" .............
Johnnie Taylor ........... "Disco Lady" ...........
Johnny Hates Jazz .......... "Shattered Dreams" ..........
Johnny Hates Jazz ............ "Turn Back the Clock" ............
Johnny Lee ............. "Lookin' for Love" .............
Johnny Lee ........... "Hey Bartender" ...........

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) .........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks to enjoy while you 'Link Up' :-) ............

James Gang .............. "Funk #49" ..........
Queen ............. "Bohemian Rhapsody" ..............
Eric Church ............ "Desperate Man" ..............

Happy listening :-) ..............

More of my recommendations, redux part 22 ............

Submitted by Everclear on December 27, 2018 - 7:47pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ..........

Hans Zimmer .......... The Classics .......... Several favorite tracks ........
Henry Mancini ........... Greatest Hits: The Best of Henry Mancini (Remastered) ......... Several favorite tracks ..........
Andre Rieu .......... Andre Rieu: At the Movies ......... Several favorite tracks ..........
Jon Pardi ........... "Head over Boots" ...........
Jon Pardi ........... "Dirt on My Boots" .............
Jon Secada .......... "Just Another Day" ............
Jon Secada ............ "Do You Believe In Us" .............
Jordin Sparks .......... "Battlefield" ...........
Judy Collins .............. "Send in the Clowns" ............
K-Ci & JoJo .......... "All My Life" ...........
Kansas ............ "Carry On Wayward Son" ..........
Kansas ............ "Dust In the Wind" .............
Kansas ............ "Play the Game Tonight" ............
Katrina & The Waves ........... "Walking On Sunshine" ..........
Katy Perry ............. "Roar" ...........
Katy Perry ........... "Dark Horse (feat. Juicy J)" ..............
Katy Perry ............ "Firework" .............
Katy Perry ............ "Chained to the Rhythm (feat. Skip Marley)" ............
Katy Tiz ........... "The Big Bang" ...........
Katy Tiz .......... "Whistle (While You Work It)" .............
KC and the Sunshine Band ........... The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band ........... Several favorite tracks ..........

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ..........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks while enjoying 'Savoy Affair' with your significant other :-) ........

Jason Aldean ........... "Tonight Looks Good On You" ............
Joe Cocker ............. "You Are So Beautiful" ..........
Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes ............ "Up Where We Belong" .............
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers .............. "You Got Lucky" ............
Stevie Nicks ............. "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around (with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)" .........

Happy listening :-) ..........

More of my recommendations, redux part 23 ............

Submitted by Everclear on January 2, 2019 - 7:16pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ...........

Ke$ha ............. "Tik Tok" ..........
Ke$ha ............. "Die Young" ...........
Ke$ha ............... "We R Who We R" .............
Keith Richards .......... "Words of Wonder" ........... Good test track to test bass frequencies and impact ........
Keith Urban .......... "Wasted Time" ...........
Keith Urban ........... "The Fighter (feat. Carrie Underwood)" ............
Kelly Clarkson .......... "Since U Been Gone" ...........
Kelly Clarkson ............. "Love So Soft" ...........
Kelly Clarkson ........... "Heartbeat Song" ..........
Kelly Clarkson ............ "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" .............
Kelsea Ballerini ........... "Peter Pan" ..........
Kelsea Ballerini ............ "Love Me Like You Mean It" ...........
Kenny G ........... The Essential Kenny G ........... Several favorite tracks ...........
Kenny Loggins ............ The Essential Kenny Loggins .......... Several favorite tracks ............
Kenny Rogers ......... Number Ones ........... Several favorite tracks .........
Kid Rock ............ "Born Free" .............
Kim Wilde ........... "You Keep Me Hangin' On" ...........

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) .........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks to enjoy while doing 'Moonwalk' :-) ...........

Keith Richards .......... "Words of Wonder" ...........
LOCASH .............. "I Love This Life" ............
Kenny Loggins ......... "I'm Alright (Theme from 'Caddyshack')" .............
Kid Rock .......... "Born Free" ..............

Happy listening :-) .............

More of my recommendations, redux part 24 ............

Submitted by Everclear on January 3, 2019 - 8:19pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) .............

King Harvest .............. "Dancing in the Moonlight (Remastered)" ...............
Kings of Leon ............ "Closer" ............
Kings of Leon ............ "Sex On Fire" ..........
Kings Of Leon ........... "Use Somebody" ............
The Kinks .......... "Sunny Afternoon" ........
Kiss .......... "I Was Made for Lovin' You" ...........
Klymaxx .......... "I Miss You" .............
The Knack ........... "My Sharona (Re-Recorded)" ..............
Kool & The Gang ........... "Celebration" ............
Kool & The Gang ............ "Ladies Night" .........
Kool & The Gang ............ "Cherish" .........
Kool & The Gang ........... "Joanna" ............
Kool & The Gang ............ "Misled" ............
Kool & The Gang ........... "Victory" ...........
Kool & The Gang ........... "Get Down on It" ...........
Kool & The Gang ............ "Fresh" ..........
Kool & The Gang .......... "Too Hot" ............
KT Tunstall .............. "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" ...........
KT Tunstall ........... "Suddenly I See" ..........
Lady Antebellum ......... "You Look Good" ...........
Lady Antebellum ............. "I Run to You" ..........
Lady Antebellum ............ "Need You Now" ...........
Lady Antebellum ............ "Bartender" ...........
Lana Del Rey ........... "Summertime Sadness" ...........
Lana Del Rey ........... "Young and Beautiful ('The Great Gatsby' Soundtrack)" ...............
Lana Del Rey .......... "Once Upon a Dream ('Maleficent' Soundtrack)" ............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ..........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks to enjoy with the 'Stinger' (not the missile) :-) ...........

Kurtis Blow ............ "The Breaks" ...........
Jackson Browne ............. "Running On Empty" .............
Tom Petty ............ "Free Fallin' " ...............

Happy listening :-) ..............

More of my recommendations, redux part 25 ............

Submitted by Everclear on January 9, 2019 - 7:56pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ..........

Laura Branigan ............ "The Lucky One" ............
Laura Branigan ............. "Self Control" ..........
Laura Branigan ............. "Gloria" ..........
Lauren Alaina ........... "Road Less Traveled" ............
Lauren Daigle .......... "Almost Human ( From Soundtrack 'Blade Runner 2049')" ..............
Lauren Daigle ............. "How Can It Be" ..............
Lauren Daigle ................ "You Say" .............
Lenny Kravitz ............. "Fly Away" ...........
Lenny Kravitz ............. "It Ain't Over Till It's Over" .............
Lenny Kravitz .............. "Can't Get You Off My Mind" ............
Lenny Kravitz .............. "I Belong To You" ...........
Lenny Kravitz ............ "The Chamber" ..............
Leo Sayer ........... "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" ............
Leo Sayer ............ "When I Need You" ............
Leo Sayer ............ "Raining In My Heart" ...........
Leo Sayer ............ "More Than I Can Say" .........
Leonard Cohen ........... "Hallelujah (Live in London)" ...............
Lera Lynn ............ "Standing on the Moon" ...............
Lindsay Ell ............ "By the Way" ...........
LINKIN PARK ......... "In the End" ...........
LINKIN PARK .......... "Numb" ..............
LINKIN PARK .......... "What I've Done" .............
LINKIN PARK ........... "Heavy (feat. Kiiara)" ...............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ..........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks to enjoy with the 'Incredible Hulk' :-) ........

Chris Janson ............ "Fix a Drink" .............
Chris Janson .......... "Buy Me a Boat" ...........
Chris Lane ........... "Cool" ............

Happy listening :-) ..............

More of my recommendations, redux part 26 ............

Submitted by Everclear on January 10, 2019 - 8:50pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ...........

Lionel Richie ........... "My Love" ............
Lionel Richie ........... "All Night Long" ............
Lionel Richie ........... "Hello" ............
Lionel Richie ............. "Say You, Say Me" ............
Lionel Richie ............. "Dancing On the Ceiling" .............
Lionel Richie .............. "Deep River Woman" ............
Lionel Richie ........... "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" ............
Lionel Richie & Diana Ross ............ "Endless Love (Soundtrack Version)" ................
Lipps, Inc ............ "Funkytown" .............
Lipps, Inc .......... "Designer Music" ...........
Lipps, Inc ........... "Addicted to the Night" ...........
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam ............ "Something 'Bout Love" ...........
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam ........... "Head To Toe" ...........
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam ............ "Lost In Emotion" ............
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam ........... "Can You Feel the Beat" ..........
Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories ............ "Stay (I missed You)" ..........
Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne ........... "Close My Eyes Forever" .............
Little River Band ............ "Help Is On It's Way" .............
Little River Band ............ "Reminiscing" ............
Little River Band ............. "Lonesome Loser" ............
Little River Band ............ "Lady" ...........
Little River Band .......... "Cool Change" ............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ..........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks to enjoy while having the 'Last Word' :-) ...........

Lipps, Inc ............ "Addicted to the Night" .............
Little River Band ........... "Cool Change" ...........
Imagine Dragons ........... "Believer" ..............

Happy listening :-) ...............

More of my recommendations, redux part 27 ............

Submitted by Everclear on January 17, 2019 - 8:39pm

Here are some more of my album/track recommendations :-) ............

LMFAO .......... "Party Rock Anthem" ..........
LOCASH .......... "I Love This Life" ..........
LOCASH ........... "I Know Somebody" ............
Londonbeat ......... "I've Been Thinking About You" ..........
Londonbeat ........... "You Bring On the Sun" ...........
Lonestar ............. "Amazed" ..........
Looking Glass ......... "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" ...........
Looking Glass .......... "One By One" ............
Lorde .......... "Green Light" ...........
Lorde ......... "Royals" ..........
Lorde .......... "Team" ...........
Los del Rio ......... "Macarena" ........
Lou Bega .......... "Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of...)" ..................
Lou Bega ........... "Can I Tico Tico You" .........
Lou Bega .......... "I Got a Girl" ...........
Lou Bega ........... "The Trumpet, Pt. II" ...........
Lou Bega ........... "Mambo Mambo" ...........
lovelytheband ....... "Broken" ...........
Loverboy .......... "Turn Me Loose" ...........
Loverboy ........... "Working For the Weekend" ..........
Loverboy (Mike Reno) ........ "Almost Paradise (Theme From 'Footloose' feat. Ann Wilson)" ..........
Loverboy ......... "Heaven In Your Eyes" ............

I'm gonna post some more of my recommendations soon :-) ...........

In the meantime, here are a few tracks to enjoy while riding on the 'Sidecar' :-) ..........

Dierks Bentley ............ "I Hold On" ...........
Drake White ......... "The Simple Life" .........
LOCASH ............. "I Love This Life" .........

Happy listening :-) .............

Classical

Submitted by Ulfilas on November 10, 2019 - 3:34pm

Well, only slightly offended, being in my mid-30s, and a happy subscriber to Primephonic.

I'd propose the following 5 as particularly good:

1. Majestus: The Great Organ of Washington National Cathedral/Scott Dettra (Loft Recordings)

2. Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 3/Anne Sofie van Otter, Wiener Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez (Deutsche Grammophon)

3. Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas/Igor Levit (Sony Classical)

4. Colin Currie & Steve Reich Live at Fondation Louis Vuitton (Colin Currie Records)

5. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Last Concerto, 1791/Joyce DiDonato, Eric Hoeprich, Orchestra of the 18th Century, Frans Brüggen (Glossa)

Search form

Music

The Top Five Best Albums to use for reviewing hifi gear... or not.