CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS

Lobby => Music and Recordings => Topic started by: ROK on February 26, 2013, 06:20:50 AM

Title: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: ROK on February 26, 2013, 06:20:50 AM: So... I didn't know where to really go to ask for this, but usually I get crap recommendations from HF randies so...

I was wondering if you pirates could recommend me some well-recorded albums. I listen to female vocals like Diana Krall, Sophie Milman, Norah Jones.

I also like to listen to classical; mainly Piano/Violin sonatas/concertos, and anything with Oboe. I have a preference for Chopin and Beethoven but I'm not a picky person when it comes to composers, and would actually prefer to listen to many different composers for variety.

What I care most about though is emotion.

Thank you and cheers :)p7
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: Deep Funk on February 26, 2013, 06:36:54 PM: Joanna Newsom
Carole King
Soul Divas from the sixties and seventies
Among others...
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: Torpedo on February 26, 2013, 11:24:03 PM: You may wish to try some Viktoria Mullova's albums, she's a skilled and sensitive violinist. Her Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Sibelius concertos are a nice treat. Good sound quality too, specially on her ONYX (http://www.amazon.com/Vivaldi-5-Violin-Concertos/dp/B000QZTF4Q/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1361920400&sr=8-13&keywords=viktoria+mullova) label albums.

As for lovely lady singers, Melody Gardot is becoming lately a favorite of mine, along with Alice Russell Pot of Gold (http://www.amazon.com/Pot-Gold-Dig-Alice-Russell/dp/B001JL2V10/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1361920961&sr=1-1&keywords=alice+russell+pot+of+gold) is awesome.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: burnspbesq on February 27, 2013, 01:45:05 AM: Definitely check out the new recording of the Prokofiev violin concertos featuring Arabella Steinbacher (it's a hybrid SACD on PentaTone). Great performances, beautifully recorded.

A nice recent female jazz vocal recording is "Blossom & Bee" by Sara Gazarek. An audiophile delight: "You Are There," by Roberta Gambarini and Hank Jones. Just a great voice and a big ol' Bosendorfer, recorded in a converted church. And if you can find a decent copy for sale (good luck), the old Sheffield Lab direct-to-disc record by Thelma Houston.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: ROK on February 27, 2013, 07:07:41 PM: Thanks guys ill definitely check them out :)
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: Kirosia on February 27, 2013, 07:12:45 PM: Kirosia likes Anna Nalick

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8Ng-O7qnOY
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: ROK on February 27, 2013, 07:19:34 PM: Thanks Kirosia Ill definitely check it out.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: planx on March 01, 2013, 07:45:31 AM: +1 for Nalick.

Bjork- (most of them are very good, recording wise, varies)
Florence & The Machine- Lungs
Sarah McLachlan- Afterglow, Surfacing
Madeleine Peyroux- Bare Bones, Careless Love
Carla Bruni- Comme Si de Rien N'Etait
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: LFF on March 01, 2013, 06:27:26 PM: Quote from: planx on March 01, 2013, 07:45:31 AM
+1 for Nalick.

1. Bjork- (most of them are very good, recording wise, varies)
2. Florence & The Machine- Lungs
3. Sarah McLachlan- Afterglow, Surfacing
4. Madeleine Peyroux- Bare Bones, Careless Love
5. Carla Bruni- Comme Si de Rien N'Etait

1. OK
2. NO
3. OK
4. NO. They are brickwalled and some distortion is present. MoFi version is good though.
5. Haven't heard it.

My solid recommendations are for the following:

Classical:

1) Symphonic Dances, Vocalise (DSO, Johanos) (http://www.analogueproductions.com/index.cfm?do=detail&Title_ID=73774)
Reason: Minimalist recording with exceptional sound quality. The cheapest version sounds great. The more expensive SACD done by Kevin Gray is exceptional. Very dynamic!

2) Discoveries (Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, Dudamel) (http://www.amazon.com/Discoveries-Gustavo-Dudamel/dp/B002NOYX04/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362160906&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=dudmel+discoveries)
Reason: Fantastic music (like Danzon No. 2) which you might have never heard. Recording is VERY good. Subtlety in the sound with plenty of nuances to keep the most discriminatory ear happy. Mastered well.

3)The Four Seasons (Connecticut Early Music Ensemble, Kipnis) (http://www.amazon.com/Vivaldi-Seasons-Concerto-Gardellino-Harpsichord/dp/B000003GDQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362161635&sr=1-1&keywords=Chesky+vivaldi)
Reason: Famous, well liked music. The flute concerto drops some SERIOUS BASS. Well recorded and well mastered. Get it while it's still cheap!

Female Vocals:

1) Various - Casino Royale OST (http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/15327/Dusty_Springfield-Bacharach_Casino_Royale_Soundtrack-HDAD_2496_24192)
Reason: The Look of Love as sung by Dusty Springfield is to DIE for! The best version to get is the one I linked to. The entire soundtrack is great for audiophile demo reasons but that one track is mastered very well and the sound quality of Dusty's voice comes across as being realistic on good speakers/headphones.

2) Billie Holiday - Songs For Distingue Lovers (http://www.amazon.com/Song-Distingue-Lovers-Billie-Holiday/dp/B0088R9KQM/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362161564&sr=1-2&keywords=billie+holiday+songs+for+distingue+lovers)
Reason: Aside from the awesome music, this particular stereo recording sounds very realistic and the sense of space on the recording is fantastic. Billie sounds on top of her game on this album and on the right system, she sounds like she is in the room. The stock pressing sound great but the version I linked to is just in another league.

3) Ella Fitzgerald - Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie (http://www.amazon.com/Clap-Hands-Here-Comes-Charlie/dp/B00AYJQBSC/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362161781&sr=1-2&keywords=Ella+Clap+Hands)
Reason: Terrible cover art BUT....Amazing recording...and..it's Ella. 'Nuff said. Serious demo quality as far as vocals and music are concerned.

4) Heart - Greatest Hits (http://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Hits-Heart/dp/B005CVTV84/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362162214&sr=1-1&keywords=heart+greatest+hits+audio+fidelity)
Reason: Great music to rock out to (Crazy on you)!! headbang Their vocals sound very natural on this mastering and it's definitely one you can crank up and enjoy. Great recordings from when artists could actually sing and perform live without the aid of post-process fixes.

I think that should be enough hurt on your wallets for now.... :)
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: Maxvla on March 01, 2013, 07:58:56 PM: Luis can you take a listen to Ceu - Vagarosa and give me your critique? You probably don't have it, so I can send you a sample in flac when I get home this weekend. I simply can't stop listening to it. Any time I come home or sit down at the computer after being away for a while I grab for it right away. I haven't tossed it into any audio programs to check for clipping or dynamic range, just enjoy listening to it too much to get around to it I guess.

Here's my favorite track from the album, quality is so-so: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erd4LpzHXtA
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: LFF on March 01, 2013, 08:05:25 PM: Quote from: Maxvla on March 01, 2013, 07:58:56 PM
Luis can you take a listen to Ceu - Vagarosa and give me your critique? You probably don't have it, so I can send you a sample in flac when I get home this weekend. I simply can't stop listening to it. Any time I come home or sit down at the computer after being away for a while I grab for it right away. I haven't tossed it into any audio programs to check for clipping or dynamic range, just enjoy listening to it too much to get around to it I guess.

Here's my favorite track from the album, quality is so-so: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erd4LpzHXtA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erd4LpzHXtA)

Send me a flac and I'll give it a listen. I'll be tracking and mastering an album this weekend, so do send it over. It should be a nice cleanser. :)
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: Maxvla on March 01, 2013, 08:13:47 PM: Ok will do. I'll send it over Sunday night when I get home from Austin.

Found this combo with Ceu and Herbie that was particularly interesting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2QBmBYvVfE
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: ROK on March 01, 2013, 08:59:24 PM: Then post here :D
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: Kirosia on March 02, 2013, 03:55:14 AM: I'm a fan of A Fine Frenzy, though their albums tend to be recorded (at least I think) quite poorly. The most recent seems to be better though:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTiWGOYEUyM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwqeEhs5v-o

EDIT: I like Kina Grannis, I'm almost positive her album is decently recorded possibly maybe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOu0DuxFAT0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGLB3riejJU
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: shipsupt on March 02, 2013, 03:14:33 PM: Someone needs to wake Florence up and get her someone who can do some justice to her work. I dig her stuff, but I think I could master it better! :-0

Old audiophile stand bye... Holly Cole.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: ROK on March 02, 2013, 10:13:34 PM: Anyone want to rip their suggestions and send them over to me? :)p1
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: planx on March 07, 2013, 01:25:09 AM: Hey LFF, what do you think about the albums Safe Trip Home, No Angel, and Life For Rent by Dido?
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: burnspbesq on March 26, 2013, 04:39:31 PM: If you're a Dawn Upshaw fan, definitely check this out.

http://www.artistshare.com/v4/Projects/OfferDetails/1/435/2110/1/6
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: LFF on March 26, 2013, 05:46:18 PM: This is a FOUR (4) CD set and it contains some damn fine music that is well mastered. (http://www.amazon.com/Club-Verboten-Various-Artists/dp/B0000001AY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364319921&sr=8-1&keywords=club+verboten)

The last CD is nothing but classical pieces.

GET IT! :)p2
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: CEE TEE on March 26, 2013, 07:29:28 PM: These two come to my mind:
Joni Mitchell- Hejira
Shelby Lynne- A Little Lovin' (If you like lots of plate reverb for that particular, warm sound)
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: ROK on March 26, 2013, 07:33:44 PM: I wonder if I need special equipment to rip it into wavs properly without degradation. Gawsh I gotta buy a CD reader for the rMBP. Damnit. facepalm
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: burnspbesq on March 26, 2013, 09:55:54 PM: Quote from: LFF on March 26, 2013, 05:46:18 PM
This is a FOUR (4) CD set and it contains some damn fine music that is well mastered. (http://www.amazon.com/Club-Verboten-Various-Artists/dp/B0000001AY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364319921&sr=8-1&keywords=club+verboten)

The last CD is nothing but classical pieces.

GET IT! :)p2

Actually, no, don't get it, unless you can get it without Disc 4. There are better performances of nearly every piece on that disc that are readily available. Just a few examples:

The Polyphony/Stephen Layton recording of the Poulenc Gloria is definitive.

The Philadelphia Orchestra/Ormandy recording of the Barber from the 1970s is much better than the NYP/Bernstein, and the Bergen Philharmonic/Litton recording from last year is even better than the Ormandy.

The SFS/Tilson Thomas Copland is better.

I prefer the recent LSO/Gergiev recording of the Tchaikowsky.

The selections on Disc 4 are weighted heavily toward Bernstein/NYP recordings, regardless of artistic merit, because it's a gay-themed set and Bernstein was gay. That's fine, but you should at least acknowledge that that was part of the selection criteria.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: LFF on March 26, 2013, 10:09:37 PM: Quote from: burnspbesq on March 26, 2013, 09:55:54 PM
Quote from: LFF on March 26, 2013, 05:46:18 PM
This is a FOUR (4) CD set and it contains some damn fine music that is well mastered. (http://www.amazon.com/Club-Verboten-Various-Artists/dp/B0000001AY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364319921&sr=8-1&keywords=club+verboten)

The last CD is nothing but classical pieces.

GET IT! :)p2

Actually, no, don't get it, unless you can get it without Disc 4. There are better performances of nearly every piece on that disc that are readily available. Just a few examples:

The Polyphony/Stephen Layton recording of the Poulenc Gloria is definitive.

The Philadelphia Orchestra/Ormandy recording of the Barber from the 1970s is much better than the NYP/Bernstein, and the Bergen Philharmonic/Litton recording from last year is even better than the Ormandy.

The SFS/Tilson Thomas Copland is better.

I prefer the recent LSO/Gergiev recording of the Tchaikowsky.

The selections on Disc 4 are weighted heavily toward Bernstein/NYP recordings, regardless of artistic merit, because it's a gay-themed set and Bernstein was gay. That's fine, but you should at least acknowledge that that was part of the selection criteria.

FYI...this isn't head-fi.

The opinion as to which performance is better/definitive is strictly subjective.

The thread title DOES NOT ask for opinions of DEFINITIVE performances but rather, it asks for classical and female vocals that are well recorded.

This ENTIRE set was mastered by Steve Hoffman and fits the requirements of this thread perfectly as most, if not all, of the singles on these four CD's are demo quality.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: Marvey on March 26, 2013, 10:16:50 PM: 40 lashes from the quartermaster!
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: twifosp on March 27, 2013, 02:43:36 AM: The San Fran Tilson Thomas is not one of my favorite copland recordings. The whole orchestra sounds on top of each other. I really don't know how well it was mastered, but I really prefer the Louis Lane by Telarc / Jack Renner http://www.amazon.com/Copland-Appalachian-Spring-Fanfare-Common/dp/B000003CSW/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1364352116&sr=1-1&keywords=louis+lane+copland All though unfortunately t's not the full suite like the Tilson Thomas.

LFF, do you know anything about Renner?
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: Marvey on March 27, 2013, 03:15:28 AM: Quote from: Divine Sushi of the Gods on March 02, 2013, 10:13:34 PM
Anyone want to rip their suggestions and send them over to me? :)p1

Absolutely not. We do not condone copyright infringement here. LFF and I have always paid for music in our collections. Seriously. I also believe that enjoying music which one does not pay for is bad karma. Seriously.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: LFF on March 27, 2013, 03:34:46 AM: Quote from: purrin on March 27, 2013, 03:15:28 AM
Quote from: Divine Sushi of the Gods on March 02, 2013, 10:13:34 PM
Anyone want to rip their suggestions and send them over to me? :)p1

Absolutely not. We do not condone copyright infringement here. LFF and I have always paid for music in our collections. Seriously. I also believe that enjoying music which one does not pay for is bad karma. Seriously.

Indeed.

I have a massive PHYSICAL collection. This includes 78's, 45's, LP's, Cassettes, 8-Track, CD's, DVD's, DVD-A's and SACD's. I own up to 38 versions of one album. If you enjoy the music, please buy it so the artist can keep making more.

If you enjoy it and the artist is dead, buy it so the record company releases more.

It's that simple.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: zerodeefex on March 27, 2013, 03:38:20 AM: It makes me cringe to think about how many people are willing to pay hundreds or thousands for their gear but don't pay for music.

I don't know about everyone else, but my music collection dwarfs the rest of my audio gear in cost by far.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: LFF on March 27, 2013, 03:40:24 AM: Quote from: zerodeefex on March 27, 2013, 03:38:20 AM
It makes me cringe to think about how many people are willing to pay hundreds or thousands for their gear but don't pay for music.

I don't know about everyone else, but my music collection dwarfs the rest of my audio gear in cost by far.

You have NO idea....
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: ROK on March 27, 2013, 04:10:48 AM: Then... How about I buy the CDs and have them shipped to someone who CAN rip it for me and send them over to me. I have zero storage space for CDs nor the hardware to properly rip it... You can... I dunno, sleep with it afterwards, or use it as paper weight. Or donate it to charity like good pirates.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: LFF on March 27, 2013, 04:55:18 AM: Quote from: DSoG on March 27, 2013, 04:10:48 AM
Then... How about I buy the CDs and have them shipped to someone who CAN rip it for me and send them over to me. I have zero storage space for CDs nor the hardware to properly rip it... You can... I dunno, sleep with it afterwards, or use it as paper weight. Or donate it to charity like good pirates.

Here you go... (http://www.ripshark.com/)

I would offer to do it BUT I haven't even done my collection yet...tagging and art also take forever. Spent 2 hours last night restoring the cover to Film Spectacular! Vol. 2 by Stanly Black.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: Maxvla on March 27, 2013, 05:24:41 AM: Quote from: zerodeefex on March 27, 2013, 03:38:20 AM
It makes me cringe to think about how many people are willing to pay hundreds or thousands for their gear but don't pay for music.

I don't know about everyone else, but my music collection dwarfs the rest of my audio gear in cost by far.
My gear dwarfs my music collection, but my collection is really small because I'm really not too into music. I don't consume it like most people do, I am quite content with a very small collection that I repeat often.
Title: Re: [Request] Classical and Female Vocal albums that are well recorded
Post by: ROK on March 27, 2013, 05:48:38 AM: Quote from: LFF on March 27, 2013, 04:55:18 AM
Quote from: DSoG on March 27, 2013, 04:10:48 AM
Then... How about I buy the CDs and have them shipped to someone who CAN rip it for me and send them over to me. I have zero storage space for CDs nor the hardware to properly rip it... You can... I dunno, sleep with it afterwards, or use it as paper weight. Or donate it to charity like good pirates.

Here you go... (http://www.ripshark.com/)

I would offer to do it BUT I haven't even done my collection yet...tagging and art also take forever. Spent 2 hours last night restoring the cover to Film Spectacular! Vol. 2 by Stanly Black.

This is GENIUS. Time to buy all these CD suggestions. Moar suggestions are welcome with bear hugs. :D