Top 10 must-have CDs, part 1

What follows is a list of my favorite sounding CDs of late, in no particular order. My preference is for realistic-sounding recordings, recordings that allow the band to sound "live." And sure, I like lots of recordings that are heavily processed, but I wouldn't by any stretch use them to "test" the naturalness of a speaker.

Here's the first half of the top 10 CDs; the second half will appear in the next Audiophiliac.

The best Costello album in years

Elvis Costello, "Secret, Profane & Sugarcane"

I love Costello, especially his first five albums, and this new one, produced by T-Bone Burnett, is a winner. Acoustic and country influences predominate, and Costello's voice is in great shape. The sound is free of digital grit and glare, so instruments and voices sound like themselves. The tunes are all good; there's not a weak one in the bunch.

Goosebump raising sonics!

Mark Olson & Gary Louris, "Ready For The Flood"

Mark Olson & Gary Louris of Jayhawks fame joined forces to make this gorgeous sounding album. The two voices' harmonies are something to hear, and maybe it's just me, but there's echoes of the Everly Brothers and maybe Simon & Garfunkel in there. "Doves And Stones" is the standout track, but the album's pretty good from start to finish.

Auerbach's solo record is a winner

Dan Auerbach, "Keep It Hid"

Have you heard Auerbach's band, The Black Keys? Anyway, his solo CD presents more varied music than the Keys' hard-core blues-based blasts. Check out the deep bass pounding through "Heartbroken, In Disrepair." Granted, Keep It Hid isn't exactly an audiophile disc, but it sounds great cranked to "11."

Mellencamp digs deep

John Mellencamp, "Life Death Love And Freedom"

Another T-Bone Burnette production, with Mellencamp in a stripped-down, contemporary blues mode. Tunes alternate between sweet unplugged and rough-hewn electric grit. But it's a very vivid sound, so Mellencamp and company sound like there right there in your room.

Chapin's take on Stevie is a wonder

Jen Chapin, ReVisions: Songs of Stevie Wonder

Jen Chapin's 12 covers of these wondrous songs will light up your hi-fi. Backed by just acoustic bass and saxophone Chapin reimagines these familiar tunes and makes them new again. The sound is thrillingly vivid and pure. This audiophile recording is from Chesky Records, a label I have worked with from time to time. See my disclosure statement.

[soundman45]

Gee Steve you must be a real T-Bone Burnett fan. Are you a believer in the Code audio standard he is peddling???

[waldolc]

Some of my favorite albums I like to use for reference work are Infrared Roses by the Grateful Dead, What's Going On? by Marvin Gaye, Passion by Peter Gabriel, Desert Lady / Fantasy by the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, Social Distortion by Social Distortion and Serpent's Egg by Dead Can Dance. From opening to closing tracks, these albums all contain great recordings of great emotion conveyed though voices and/or instruments. All make for excellent headphone listening but a nice sound system can really shine with these albums.

[susanshie]

Hi Steve. I finally became a CNET account person, so I can comment on your blogs. I love the Top 10 CD list you're doing. I want to get the Elvis Costello one, especially. I hate when CD sound is flat, and I'm glad you're pulling out the excellent ones for us!

Thanks a lot, Susi

[tipoo_]

Dark Side of the Moon.

[waldolc]

That's on my list too! In fact I just did a music listening room with a whole house sound system install and used my digital media player with Dark Side of the Moon in FLAC format and it sounded so good, the owner went out and bought a copy that day before I left.

[nessjoel]

I would have to say that Dungen's Ta Det Lungt recording is fantastic for really testing out a system's capabilities. Plus it's great music, think a french version of Jimi Hendrix.

[nessjoel]

Woops, Swiss actually and their latest album "4" is fantastic as well.

[kltron]

This little nugget is a permanent fixture on my "Deserted Island CD List" because of its deep themes and the way it all comes together musically:

Fritz Doddy - "The Feeling of Far"

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fritzdoddy

One reviewer used the term "Klaatu hijacked by Mellotron-wielding Brian Wilson". :-)