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KATE BUSH CD SET

Mo-Fi CD Al Stewart "Year of the Cat" 1st of many CD's in my collection

Probably not his best, but I have a real soft spot for Van Morrison's "Veedon Fleece." I have it on vinyl and CD. It seems to be his least-talked-about album as well, and I can't believe I'm the only person who is moved to tears listening to it.

I guess that I would have a favorite. I have bought a cd of choice over ten times due to scratches. I take very good care of my cds, unfortunatly this favorite is played quite often.

I don't have one, I have several. Which one is the crown jewel depends on my mood.

Have two copies of the the Stones' "Beggars Banquet," purchased when released in '68? (memory is going!) Only opened one so far!

I would have to say my favorite LP is an original 1977, still-in-the-plastic-when-I-bought-it pressing of the Crosby, Stills & Nash album "CSN." Before I heard this album I was a tried and true "perfect sound forever" man. After hearing what that little groove could do, I went out and spent about $600 on a Rega 'table (which was more than my entire system cost at the time ). The following week I bought a pair of K-Horns and some Adcom gear. I almost cried the first time I heard "Cold Rain" played thru that system. Since then my passion for sound reproduction has been in constant battle with my bank account, and that record still sets me in the studio every time I listen to it.

The Church - Sing Songs EP

the kinks - face to face...LP, of course

the kinks - face to face...LP, of course

I saved the album covers to my entire Joni Mitchell collection when I went digital 12 years ago. Listening to the new HDCD versions on my Rotel and having the 12x24 artwork made me realize the only thing I miss about vinyl is the packaging.

LP of 10cc's "Sheet Music"---first LP I ever owned!

Yes, I still have my first LP, "Closer to Home," by Grand Funk Railroad on the OLD lime-green Capitol Label. To this day I can still remember riding my bicycle 15 miles to the record store to get it and paying TOP DOLLAR too . . . $5.24! It has been through many turntables, including my parents' classic Telefunken!!! I know Michael Fremer would "barbecue" me for doing this, but I once attempted to clean it by washing it in the kitchen sink using dish detergent!!! (Hey,have mercy on me . . . I was only 14 yrs old at the time!) The amazing truth to this story: Considering everything that this LP has been through, it STILL blows away the CD version as far as sound quality!!!! I kid you NOT!!!

Original pressing of Frank Zappa's "We're Only In It for the Money." This record both turned me on to Zappa as well as introduced me to rare record collecting.

I would almost give my left arm for a new copy of The Electric Prunes' "Underground." There is something about that psychedelic stuff that they did that I just can't get enough of. I was so happy when I located a CD of their "Mass in F Minor." I can't figure how a label could release that and not follow it up, or actually precede it with "Underground." There are many other favorites in my collection, both LP and CD, but "Underground" always brings me back to earth after a bad day.

My first CD ever and favorite album ever, "Van Halen II." It rocks, has the best guitar I've ever heard, and I never get sick of it. A very close second is my Mobile Fidelity Ultradisc of "Frampton Comes Alive!," maybe my favorite album ever.

Willis Allen Ramsey's first (and only, I think) LP. c. '73.

LP of Buddy Rich doing West Side Story

Dublin to Dakar from Putumayo World Music. Celtic music fused with African, Arabic, and Reggae elements performed by the top artists of their genres. It's an upbeat, creative fusion that I just can't stop playing.

Communique by Dire Straits. Track 3 on the CD remains my reference test of new equipment, as well as being great music.

Martha Argerich playing the hell out of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto on Philips, with the Rachmaninoff Third as well, in a live performance.

The Soul of B.B. King on United is the first LP I ever bought. It didn't even come with an inner sleeve. I got it for $0.49 at Woolworth's.

One of my favorite albums as far as a collection piece is the advance promotion copy of the late Dennis Wilson's "Pacific Blues." On the front of the plain white cover is a hand-written note addressed to "Dear Alan." It goes on to say that this is his first solo album away from the Beach Boys, that he is nervous, and he would be very interested in any comments or suggestions. It's signed and has a PS of where to reach him. It was a great find, and I have enjoyed it much over the years. Hey, Michael, what would this be worth? I love collecting records; there is always the thrill of discovery.

There was. Until "Highway Call" by Dickey Betts (from the Allman Brothers Band, for you youngsters) was removed from my LP collection, it was one of my absolute favorites. Released on Capricorn Records, it is now impossible to find. Country rock, and more, at its best. It is a tough loss.

The Franck Sonata in A, played by Francescatti and Casadesus.

Weezer (self-titled)

Santana's "Abraxas." "Black Magic Woman." The congas have to be about three feet behind and just inside the left speaker. Besides, I love the sound of Carlos Santana's guitar and the tightness of the band in that whole LP. The only salsa music I ever liked. But then, Carlos' guitar ain't salsa, it's more like hot chiles burning up yer mouth: yayayayyayayayaaaaayyya!!

An Ultimate must-have for anyone who digs rockabilly is the "Johnny Burnette and the Rock and Roll Trio" CD on Bear Family. If you are into this style and don't have this in your collection . . . you should question your existence.

Elvis' Christmas Album, US pressing, 1957. This is a one-of-a-kind, very rare release---a dream album because of its value . . .

Nine Inch Nails' "The Downward Spiral"