Top Five CDs Everyone Should Own...

[BradJudy]

I discussed the country genre with my wife some (she largely listens to modern country) and we came up with a possible lineup for five here:

Johnny Cash Probably something like The Legend of Johnny Cash - classic singer that appeals to a lot of people. His newer "American" series is great stuff, but less country. (a Merle Haggard greatest hits album is probably more classic country than Cash and is another option).

Reba McEntire - she has three different Greatest hits albums and a 2-disc "#1's" set. If you can count "#1 Hits" as one album, it's probably the best choice

Garth Brooks - The Hits - requirement since he led a revival in interest in country music

Kenny Rogers - I grew up hearing a lot of Kenny Rogers, so I consider it a must have, but it can be pretty cheesy. Despite many greatest hits albums, few have all of the songs I consider key. "20 Great Years" looks like a decent set.

Martina McBride - Greatest hits A great singer with some good stuff, probably deserving of the list.

As with all of these, there are probably better options or alternate lists.

BTW: With the jazz list and this list, many of these CDs can be had on the cheap via Amazon used section or yourmusic.com.

[davef]

I discussed the country genre with my wife some (she largely listens to modern country) and we came up with a possible lineup for five here:

Hi Brad,

This is funny actually.. My wife has been listening to the new Carrie Underwood CD in her car (I think it is all she listens to now) It is starting to grow on me... Never thought I would say such a thing

[ebh]

Closest thing to modern country I ever listen to is Lyle Lovett, if that even counts. Otherwise, just can't do it. Some classic country and bluegrass I can also handle, but most modern country sounds too overproduced to me and the lyrics seem pretty vapid. I have a friend who loves it though.

Muzz, gonna have to pull out Pearl Jam--it's been a long time since I've played Ten, or any of their albums really.

Not a top 5 maybe, but recently I put on Van Morrison's Astral Weeks, and heard many things on the Ascends that I hadn't heard before. I think the most pleasing thing was really hearing the tone of the woodwind instruments on the album--I always knew the notes, but listening recently on my Ascends I was really able to hear the tone of the barry sax, the alto, and the flutes. It really added a lot to the album to have that texture in there.

I'm still looking for wonderfully-recorded music in genres I listen to. I love those very few albums where the speakers completely disappear (i.e. you don't perceive any sound directly coming out of the speakers) and you really get a holographic soundstage.

Also, I've been recently enjoying the Monk/Coltrane at Carnegie Hall--excellent live recording.