Music to show off your system.
Posted by: Naimed-In-NY on 18 August 2003
My apologies in advance if this topic already has been covered.
Had a few opportunities recently to show off my system to guests. None of them had ever heard of Naim, and all of them probably would choke if they knew what I paid for my system (it is a relatively modest system by Naim standards). That's OK by me, as I bought my system for my own enjoyment and because it maximizes MY enjoyment of music in the home. However, when I do have a chance to play a few tunes for guests, I can't help but want to show off the system a little. I recently noticed that I rarely play my favorite music for guests, but, rather, tend to pick selections that sound the best on my system (all of which I like, but are not necessarily among my favorites to listen to alone). I can't be the only forum member whose favorite albums are not necessarily the best recorded or best music to show off your system (or am I?).
It got me thinking - do forum members tend to play the same music to the uninitiated and, if so, what tracks and why? For instance, my favorite artist is Bruce Springsteen. I've loved his music for over two decades and I see him live whenever I get a chance (20 times and counting). However, Bruce's LPs and CDs never have been known for great sound quality, and I tend to play different music when demonstrating my system to others. My usual demonstration recordings:
Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon (predictable, I know)
Tutti, a Reference Recordings sampler of classical music that I think sounds superb
Track 3 (Battle) from the soundtrack to Gladiator - this track alone is worth the price of the CD; incredible dynamics
Cecilia from Simon & Garfunkel's remastered Bridge of Troubled Water - it just sounds great
Walking in Memphis - Mark Cohn; to me, excellent vocals
MBM
Had a few opportunities recently to show off my system to guests. None of them had ever heard of Naim, and all of them probably would choke if they knew what I paid for my system (it is a relatively modest system by Naim standards). That's OK by me, as I bought my system for my own enjoyment and because it maximizes MY enjoyment of music in the home. However, when I do have a chance to play a few tunes for guests, I can't help but want to show off the system a little. I recently noticed that I rarely play my favorite music for guests, but, rather, tend to pick selections that sound the best on my system (all of which I like, but are not necessarily among my favorites to listen to alone). I can't be the only forum member whose favorite albums are not necessarily the best recorded or best music to show off your system (or am I?).
It got me thinking - do forum members tend to play the same music to the uninitiated and, if so, what tracks and why? For instance, my favorite artist is Bruce Springsteen. I've loved his music for over two decades and I see him live whenever I get a chance (20 times and counting). However, Bruce's LPs and CDs never have been known for great sound quality, and I tend to play different music when demonstrating my system to others. My usual demonstration recordings:
Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon (predictable, I know)
Tutti, a Reference Recordings sampler of classical music that I think sounds superb
Track 3 (Battle) from the soundtrack to Gladiator - this track alone is worth the price of the CD; incredible dynamics
Cecilia from Simon & Garfunkel's remastered Bridge of Troubled Water - it just sounds great
Walking in Memphis - Mark Cohn; to me, excellent vocals
MBM
Posted on: 18 August 2003 by Minky
Dear MBM,
A few nights ago we had dinner guests. When they arrived Sonny Rollins "Collosus" was on (recorded 1956), which sounding pretty amazing. They bought a Martin Taylor doing Django CD which we put on. Sounded pretty amazing. After that was finished I put on Horace Silver "Song for my father" (1964). Amazing. To demonstrate how Steely Dan had "recycled" the bass line I put on "Pretzel logic". Sounded a bit compressed compared to what had preceded it (strange as it is a more modern recording) but amazing nonetheless.
Motto : don't bore the guests trying to make your system sound good. They should understand that some recordings sound better than others and that a good system is just going to emphasise that. If they don't or at any stage they make a derogatory comment about your system (no matter how innocent - where there's smoke, there's fire), ask them to leave and send the boys after them to give them a warning and a slap. If there is any danger of "loose lips" you may want to consider a more permanent solution.
A few nights ago we had dinner guests. When they arrived Sonny Rollins "Collosus" was on (recorded 1956), which sounding pretty amazing. They bought a Martin Taylor doing Django CD which we put on. Sounded pretty amazing. After that was finished I put on Horace Silver "Song for my father" (1964). Amazing. To demonstrate how Steely Dan had "recycled" the bass line I put on "Pretzel logic". Sounded a bit compressed compared to what had preceded it (strange as it is a more modern recording) but amazing nonetheless.
Motto : don't bore the guests trying to make your system sound good. They should understand that some recordings sound better than others and that a good system is just going to emphasise that. If they don't or at any stage they make a derogatory comment about your system (no matter how innocent - where there's smoke, there's fire), ask them to leave and send the boys after them to give them a warning and a slap. If there is any danger of "loose lips" you may want to consider a more permanent solution.
Posted on: 18 August 2003 by Naimed-In-NY
Minky - Never had to put any tone deaf guests out of commission ... yet.
What I was getting at - probably poorly - is whether people tend to play their favorite "desert island" music with guests around or, if different, their favorite recordings which really make the system shine. If the latter, just curious as to what and why.
MBM
What I was getting at - probably poorly - is whether people tend to play their favorite "desert island" music with guests around or, if different, their favorite recordings which really make the system shine. If the latter, just curious as to what and why.
MBM
Posted on: 19 August 2003 by Minky
I know what you are asking. I hate to say it but I used to be a bit selective about what I allowed my guests to hear. These days I just put on what I think would suit the mood. I guess that I realised that trying to convince most people that a great system represents value for money is a pointless exercise (because it's so personal) that if anything, only serves to create doubts in my own mind. Also, once you get the 552 up to full steam, everything sounds good.
Having said that, I seem to recall that anything by Cassandra Wilson usually does the trick. Beck Mutations too. And ..
Having said that, I seem to recall that anything by Cassandra Wilson usually does the trick. Beck Mutations too. And ..
Posted on: 19 August 2003 by Pete
What goes on is what I think people would like to hear for the most part. Every then and now discussion will get to hi-fi, usually on the back of an "I wouldn't know what to get, I don't know anything about it" sort of comment, and only then do I go into "demo mode", though the primary point then is not so much to show off the system as show those concerned that all they need to know is to listen and that what they like to hear is the important bit. But if someone asks what my system will do that something a tenth the price wouldn't, I'll pop on something like the Propellerheads OHMSS and give them a dose of serious driving rhythm and low end control. And then we go back to more sociable volume levels afterwards...
Pete.
Pete.
Posted on: 19 August 2003 by BLT
Propellerheads OHMSS
Get's my vote, too. You really need music that will sound totally different and obviously much better than on the typical Comet bought mini-system. I have also found "Man in the Long Black Coat" by Bob Dylan, off "Oh Mercy" to be effective.
A friend once took round a "Best of Vangelis" CD and that was pretty good, too as most people have only ever heard these tracks over the telly or on the radio and the contrast between that and what a decent Naim system can do with it is immediately apparent.
Get's my vote, too. You really need music that will sound totally different and obviously much better than on the typical Comet bought mini-system. I have also found "Man in the Long Black Coat" by Bob Dylan, off "Oh Mercy" to be effective.
A friend once took round a "Best of Vangelis" CD and that was pretty good, too as most people have only ever heard these tracks over the telly or on the radio and the contrast between that and what a decent Naim system can do with it is immediately apparent.
Posted on: 19 August 2003 by HTK
I spent far too long listening to other people's favourite music on their systems to wish to subject my guests to the same treatment. On the rare occasion when someone wants to hear our system I ask them to nominate an albumn, or failing that, an artist. Our collection can usually oblige and it's unlikely that the listener will be unimpressed. Most of our mates arn't into Hi-Fi so it's usually a treat for them. The biggest shock comes during discussions when I tell them that by audiophile standards, the system that just blew their minds is classified as Mid-Fi.
Posted on: 19 August 2003 by the other nickc
I find 'Desire' by Ryan Adams, from 'Demolition' usually does the trick.
Posted on: 19 August 2003 by Minky
quote:
Originally posted by the other nickc:
I find 'Desire' by Ryan Adams, from 'Demolition' usually does the trick.
Absolutely, but for maximum Ryan goosies how about "La Cienega Just Smiled" from "Gold" ?
Another one from the same bag : "One monkey" from the new Gillian Welsh. There's a line in it that goes "here comes a freight train" which perfectly describes the way the track builds in intensity. Yeeeeehaaaaaa !!!!!!
Posted on: 20 August 2003 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
Yep.
Cantata Mixteca (?); from the album "Paris, Texas", by Ry Cooder. This has actually bought a tear to my eye.
Kate Bush: The Warm Room, Kashka from Baghdad, Fullhouse; Army Dreamers, from Lionheart and Never Forever ( just buy them. )
Pink Floyd; Meddle
Viv Stanshall; Sir Henry at Rawlinson End. Beautiful voice.
Prefab Sprout; "Jordan, the Comeback".
Beatles: In My Life.
Bloody hell, I'm off to listen to that again
Regards
Mike
On the Yellow Brick Road and happy
Cantata Mixteca (?); from the album "Paris, Texas", by Ry Cooder. This has actually bought a tear to my eye.
Kate Bush: The Warm Room, Kashka from Baghdad, Fullhouse; Army Dreamers, from Lionheart and Never Forever ( just buy them. )
Pink Floyd; Meddle
Viv Stanshall; Sir Henry at Rawlinson End. Beautiful voice.
Prefab Sprout; "Jordan, the Comeback".
Beatles: In My Life.
Bloody hell, I'm off to listen to that again
Regards
Mike
On the Yellow Brick Road and happy
Posted on: 20 August 2003 by matthewr
The only record I've got that "shows off" my system is some God awful nonsense by Stevie Ray Vaughan called "Tin Pan Alley" IIRC. Its even a special gold edition!
The only reason I have this record is because a friend of mine was coming to visit and he hates my musical tastes but was very keen to hear my stereo as it has a certain amount of infamy amongst my friends. I consequently secured this CD as John Channing (I know DJ Channing with a rock guitar God CD -- I was surprised to say the least) had played it at some recent gathering and I remembered thinking at the time this is just the sort of stuff my mate Simon likes.
As it happens my mate Simon never did make it down to London and to date I've only ever played it once when Rico and James Jong came round and were all over it like a bad suit in some sort of bad hair and denim jacket two sizes too small grew up New Zealand with no access to proper record shops frenzy.
Having said all that it does sounds very good and shows off my system to great effect.
If you want an option that won't immediately destroy your credibility carefully won by leaving a copy of "Trout Mask Replica" and the two Slint albums lying about like you actually listen to the things when not just trying to out-muso your mate Adrian (who has an original copy of the firdt Throbbing Gristle album and is a 4AD completist) -- try Howe Gelb's "The Listener" which is not only a fantastic recording that'll wow your guests but is a fab record record as well.
Matthew
The only reason I have this record is because a friend of mine was coming to visit and he hates my musical tastes but was very keen to hear my stereo as it has a certain amount of infamy amongst my friends. I consequently secured this CD as John Channing (I know DJ Channing with a rock guitar God CD -- I was surprised to say the least) had played it at some recent gathering and I remembered thinking at the time this is just the sort of stuff my mate Simon likes.
As it happens my mate Simon never did make it down to London and to date I've only ever played it once when Rico and James Jong came round and were all over it like a bad suit in some sort of bad hair and denim jacket two sizes too small grew up New Zealand with no access to proper record shops frenzy.
Having said all that it does sounds very good and shows off my system to great effect.
If you want an option that won't immediately destroy your credibility carefully won by leaving a copy of "Trout Mask Replica" and the two Slint albums lying about like you actually listen to the things when not just trying to out-muso your mate Adrian (who has an original copy of the firdt Throbbing Gristle album and is a 4AD completist) -- try Howe Gelb's "The Listener" which is not only a fantastic recording that'll wow your guests but is a fab record record as well.
Matthew
Posted on: 20 August 2003 by bdnyc
Naimed in NY-
Here are some of my favorites that just seem to gell particularly well with my system and tastes.
1) Lyle Lovett- Step Inside This House.
2) Robbie Robetson and the Red Road
Ensemble- Music For The Native Americans.
3) Ricki Lee Jones- Traffic From Paradise.
4) Nils Lofgren- Acoustic Live.
5) Tommy Flanagan Trio- Sunset and the
Mockingbird.
6) Ralph Towner and Gary Peacock- A Closer
View on ECM. A related album by
Ralph's ensemble, Oregon, on the Chesky
label, titled "Beyond Words" is a
spectacular recording on one of the best
of the perfectionist recording labels.
7) Of Bruce's many recordings, give Tunnel
of Love a new listen. It is a wonderful,
immediate recording, done in his home, if
I am not mistaken.
8) Ry Cooder and V. M. Bhatt- A Meeting By
The River on Water Lily Acoustics.
9) Rachmoninoff- Symphonic Dances, Etudes,
etc. on Reference Recordings in HDCD.
Kieth Johnson is perhaps the most praised
of any of the perfectionist, boutique
label recordists. Stunning recordings,
mostly of classical music, with natural
tonalities, stunning dynamics, and state
of the art soundstaging if your room
allows for the development of a large
"stage". Try other RR CD's if you can.
10) Bruce Cockburn- Nothing But A Burning
Light. If you enjoy Marc Cohn, I would
bet you will enjoy Bruce Cockburn, if you
don't already have his recordings...
That's it for tonight's hit list, tomorrow would doubtlessly bring another ten...
Good listening!
[This message was edited by bdnyc on THURSDAY 21 August 2003 at 03:49.]
Here are some of my favorites that just seem to gell particularly well with my system and tastes.
1) Lyle Lovett- Step Inside This House.
2) Robbie Robetson and the Red Road
Ensemble- Music For The Native Americans.
3) Ricki Lee Jones- Traffic From Paradise.
4) Nils Lofgren- Acoustic Live.
5) Tommy Flanagan Trio- Sunset and the
Mockingbird.
6) Ralph Towner and Gary Peacock- A Closer
View on ECM. A related album by
Ralph's ensemble, Oregon, on the Chesky
label, titled "Beyond Words" is a
spectacular recording on one of the best
of the perfectionist recording labels.
7) Of Bruce's many recordings, give Tunnel
of Love a new listen. It is a wonderful,
immediate recording, done in his home, if
I am not mistaken.
8) Ry Cooder and V. M. Bhatt- A Meeting By
The River on Water Lily Acoustics.
9) Rachmoninoff- Symphonic Dances, Etudes,
etc. on Reference Recordings in HDCD.
Kieth Johnson is perhaps the most praised
of any of the perfectionist, boutique
label recordists. Stunning recordings,
mostly of classical music, with natural
tonalities, stunning dynamics, and state
of the art soundstaging if your room
allows for the development of a large
"stage". Try other RR CD's if you can.
10) Bruce Cockburn- Nothing But A Burning
Light. If you enjoy Marc Cohn, I would
bet you will enjoy Bruce Cockburn, if you
don't already have his recordings...
That's it for tonight's hit list, tomorrow would doubtlessly bring another ten...
Good listening!
[This message was edited by bdnyc on THURSDAY 21 August 2003 at 03:49.]
Posted on: 21 August 2003 by Naimed-In-NY
BDNYC - Thanks for the recommendations. I obviously have Bruce's Tunnel of Love, which is one of his better recordings. (Which, unfortunately, isn't saying all that much - God, I'd love better-recorded versions of his first five albums). Agree with the Nils recommendation. Don't have any Bruce Cockburn recordings, but am willing to give it a try - I do like Marc Cohn, and he is one of missus' favorites.
MBM
MBM
Posted on: 21 August 2003 by NaimThatTune
Quite a mix!
To answer the original question - I *used* to pick stuff out a few years ago - my system was good but biased towards sounding better (IMO) with guitar-oriented rock. Now I've upgraded it a bit and sounds great with anything so I tell my friends to bring along some CDs. So I get anything from Leonard Cohen to Rammstein to, er, Daphne and Celeste.
If I was to chose a handful of tracks that really show the system off:
1) Joe Satriani - Flying in a Blue Dream
2) Tears for Fears - Shout (yes, really)
3) Propellorheads - OHMSS (fantastic!)
4) Blue Nile - Tinseltown (classic)
5) Alison Krauss & Union Station - It Doesn't Matter (readily available on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer s/track album)
6) Pretty much anything from Madonna's Ray of Light (that omshanti chanting is a bit iffy though)
7) Plunkett and Macleane soundtrack (Craig Armstrong) esp. 'Business', 'Escape' and 'Houses in Motion'
8) Main Title Theme from Vangelis' Blade Runner s/track album (followed by Rutger Hauer's final monologue in 'Tears in Rain')
9) Bach's T & F (popular with some others I notice)
10) Geddy Lee's solo album 'My Favourite Headache' last track Grace to Grace.
11) So much other stuff that I can't write it down...
Off to have a listen... bye!
Richard.
To answer the original question - I *used* to pick stuff out a few years ago - my system was good but biased towards sounding better (IMO) with guitar-oriented rock. Now I've upgraded it a bit and sounds great with anything so I tell my friends to bring along some CDs. So I get anything from Leonard Cohen to Rammstein to, er, Daphne and Celeste.
If I was to chose a handful of tracks that really show the system off:
1) Joe Satriani - Flying in a Blue Dream
2) Tears for Fears - Shout (yes, really)
3) Propellorheads - OHMSS (fantastic!)
4) Blue Nile - Tinseltown (classic)
5) Alison Krauss & Union Station - It Doesn't Matter (readily available on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer s/track album)
6) Pretty much anything from Madonna's Ray of Light (that omshanti chanting is a bit iffy though)
7) Plunkett and Macleane soundtrack (Craig Armstrong) esp. 'Business', 'Escape' and 'Houses in Motion'
8) Main Title Theme from Vangelis' Blade Runner s/track album (followed by Rutger Hauer's final monologue in 'Tears in Rain')
9) Bach's T & F (popular with some others I notice)
10) Geddy Lee's solo album 'My Favourite Headache' last track Grace to Grace.
11) So much other stuff that I can't write it down...
Off to have a listen... bye!
Richard.
Posted on: 21 August 2003 by Mekon
Delta Goodrem - Lost Without You
Posted on: 22 August 2003 by ET
all of the Dave Grisman acoustics stuff, tone poem stuff and with Garcia.
T-Bone Burnett, criminal under my own hat
Brian Bromberg - Wood (i think thats it)
my favorite crank it up sample is a Tom Petty song called Honey Bee, that is very nice a raw rock
T-Bone Burnett, criminal under my own hat
Brian Bromberg - Wood (i think thats it)
my favorite crank it up sample is a Tom Petty song called Honey Bee, that is very nice a raw rock
Posted on: 26 August 2003 by KT66
Dave Brubeck - Time Out -esp the classics reissue
Neil Young - Harvest Moon from Unplugged
XTC - the man who sailed around his soul from Skylarking
Neil Young - Harvest Moon from Unplugged
XTC - the man who sailed around his soul from Skylarking
Posted on: 28 August 2003 by Not For Me
Great selection of Dad Rock!
What if another generation, or children's friends, or niblings come round?
What about Kylie or somethiong they would have heard of ?
DS
OTD - Sheep on Drugs - Greatest Hits (esp. 'Motorbike')
What if another generation, or children's friends, or niblings come round?
What about Kylie or somethiong they would have heard of ?
DS
OTD - Sheep on Drugs - Greatest Hits (esp. 'Motorbike')
Posted on: 28 August 2003 by ErikL
David Slater: "Great selection of Dad rock!"
TRRK: "I suggested Ben Harper and Rage Against the Machine... Metallica, Limp Bizkit... Sublime..."
Great selection of bottom-of-the-barrel rock!
TRRK: "I suggested Ben Harper and Rage Against the Machine... Metallica, Limp Bizkit... Sublime..."
Great selection of bottom-of-the-barrel rock!
Posted on: 29 August 2003 by Madrid
I begin with minute 3 of "Nardis" from Patricia Barber´s "Cafe Blue". This is where the soft guitar instrumentals segway into the powerful drum solo.
Posted on: 29 August 2003 by Paul Ranson
'From four until late', Robert Johnson.
Paul
Paul
Posted on: 31 December 2003 by 70sguy
If you were to sit in the seat of a Ferrari F1 cockpit the world, as you know if would change significantly. Why does a high octane Hi Fi system not deserve the same respect? As I listen to the best of Naim, Cheskey and XRCD I know why a great Venetian wine glass cannot make a British Shiraz taste like heaven...
Posted on: 01 January 2004 by rch
Richard Galliano & Michel Portal: "Blow up"
Christian
Christian
Posted on: 04 January 2004 by Olly
I agree you need to play music your guests will enjoy to have any hope of them "getting it".
We have just had my mother & stepfather staying for New Year and items in the CDP included
Tschaikowsky - Ballet Suites (Rostropovich on DG)
Turin Brakes - The Optimist LP
Paddy McAloon - I trawl the Megahertz
Frank Sinatra - Songs for Swinging Lovers
Katie Melua - Call off the Search
(S)Norah Jones - Come Away with Me
The first three I thought showcased the system particularly well, especially Turin Brakes, but I think they liked Sinatra & Jones best.
Olly
We have just had my mother & stepfather staying for New Year and items in the CDP included
Tschaikowsky - Ballet Suites (Rostropovich on DG)
Turin Brakes - The Optimist LP
Paddy McAloon - I trawl the Megahertz
Frank Sinatra - Songs for Swinging Lovers
Katie Melua - Call off the Search
(S)Norah Jones - Come Away with Me
The first three I thought showcased the system particularly well, especially Turin Brakes, but I think they liked Sinatra & Jones best.
Olly
Posted on: 04 January 2004 by anselm
Shoogleniftys' "Venus in Tweeds" album gets me toe tapping
Yes 90125
Pink floyds "dark side of the moon"
Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington
Marilyn Mansons "mOBSCENE" amazing
Anselm
all art is contemporary; it is the way we look at it that changes...
Yes 90125
Pink floyds "dark side of the moon"
Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington
Marilyn Mansons "mOBSCENE" amazing
Anselm
all art is contemporary; it is the way we look at it that changes...
Posted on: 04 January 2004 by Basil
Verdi Requiem
Georg Solti
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Spectacular!
Georg Solti
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Spectacular!