Best Rock Vinyl to test system

[jkrider]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to Rock Albums I can use as Reference recordings to test my system. Particularly Hard Rock. When I play my Jazz albums (Miles Davis, Coltrane, etc.) with my wife the sound is very smooth and natural, but when alone I like to listen to Harder Rock like Black Sabbath and AC/DC. But the Rock albums seem to sound muddy and somewhat unfocused. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

James

[2772]

Hey there James,

This is a tough one (so subjective) - i certainly dont presume to KNOW what you would like - but i've a few suggestions.

If you like Jazz and Rock, why not combine the two into a sonic pleasure bath?

70's Jazz-Rock - the best stuff is well recorded, and rocks hard.

John Abercrombie - "Timeless" ECM records - great test album. Not all ECM albums are introverted space noodles - this one gets very intense - a favourite on these forums.

Mahavishnu Orchestra - "Visions of the Emerald Beyond" - recorded at Electric Lady studios - HUGE sound

The New Tony Williams Lifetime - "Believe It" - engineered/produced by Bruce Botnick, who also recorded The Doors, Love. Beautiful Soundstage/Depth.

but as you say.....
Black Sabbath - Paranoid is awesomely recorded/Engineered - if your system is not satisfying you with the sound on this - then you need to tweak something.

Cheers, Mike 2772

[jkrider]

Thanks Mike,

I guess I wasn't looking for something I would listen to on a regular basis, but music I could test my system out with. Something that was recorded/engineered well and Paranoid does seem to fit the bill. I do have an old copy of Paranoid with a lot of pops and crackle even when cleaned with my Nitty Gritty. I'm going to look for a better copy and try out my system with that.

James

[jake]

Play a clean copy of the Clash 12" single of ROCKING THE CASBAH. Strummer's vocal is a little muddy, if you can pick out all the lyrics easily would be a good test of your system. Also, the record rocks all over, you can check out your transient response.

[Jimod99]

Play a clean copy of the Clash 12" single of ROCKING THE CASBAH. Strummer's vocal is a little muddy, if you can pick out all the lyrics easily would be a good test of your system. Also, the record rocks all over, you can check out your transient response.

Its Rock The Casbah!

[Brick]

MY primary reference album is Boston's debut album, it has alot of depth and new thngs seem to always be there if I make good changes. Who's Next is what I use for harder guitars and drums, and Sweet's Desolation Boulevard. I'll have to check out Paranoid

[sjam]

[quote="jkrider"]

I guess I wasn't looking for something I would listen to on a regular basis, but music I could test my system out with. Something that was recorded/engineered well and Paranoid does seem to fit the bill.

Hi James,

I understand your quest is for a sort of reference album that covers the whole spectrum of your likings. My opinion is that sometimes this kind of listening leads to listening to sounds which is different from listening to music. As with any reference you have know how the music sounded when recorded. An almost impossible task. Anyway, to be of assistance I can only tell you which are the 'hard rock'records I listen to, when listening critically to my system. As for dynamics and a clear voice I suggest you try the first Free album "Tons of sobs" Island isl 9089. (listening to Paul Rodgers voice will tell you if you got inner groove distortion) As for punch and bass try the first Led Zeppelin Atlantic SD8216, the combination 'You shook me' and 'Dazed and confused' on the first side should tell you everything about how a fender bass sounds and how a bassdrum can be real punchy. And for a well pressed record with an nice overall sound and still avaible (not sure) in a 180 gram pressing 'Fireball' from Deep Purple on FridayMusic / FRM2564. Enjoy the music , Sam

[TheArc]

Yeah, I'd concur that Paranoid, indeed the first few Sabs albums are beautifully recorded. Really natural sounding, noting too mucked about with. Amazing really when you consider how quickly they were laid down. If you're not feeling it from those then, yes, you probably need ot tweak something.

Also try Led Zep II - great dynamics and nice production.

I'll also always vote for Wishbone Ash's Pilgrimage - again a beautifully produced record. Fantastic sounding bass and drums.

[jtore]

Gary Moore - After Hours.
It's not exaclty rock but I'm sure you'll love it!

[Chapter24]

I like to use Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" for testing/comparing speakers and things. One of the parts I especially like is the start of Welcome to the Machine, with the low synthesizer drone and then the slow and clear acoustic guitar strums come in...

I brought the CD to the music store when I was shopping for studio monitors and I think it really helped.

[Fred Fredrix]

It may not be hard rock enough for you but I've been using Quadrophenia lately. It has guitars ranging from chunky distorted to trebly twangy, synths all over the place in tonal range, that killer bass on The Real Me, ocean and rain sound effects, and Keith Moon's manic drumming tying it all together. I hadn't listened to this album in years and put it on about a month ago and can't stop listening to it. It helps to have 4 sides and not a bad song on the album. I've been supplementing it with The Wall and Exile on Main Street. Hmm... all double albums...

[lofijunkie]

Try "Montrose" since most of it is basic 4 piece rock band. It was produced by Ted Templeman who did countles albums that sounded "BIG" Screaming guitar by Ronnie Montrose and vocals by some young guy named Sammy Hagar. I believe he was about 19-20ish WAY before becoming VanHagar. You can still find good used pressings
that will sound as good/better than the reissue. Everything sounds HUGE on the album. A clean issue will put the drum kit and guitar in your room. Also early Yes, Drama and earlier for "busy" instrumental music. That Montrose album ,is
a great example of early 70s American rock nearing its peak.

[Jorlsafar]

Uprising by Bob Marley & the Wailers isn't exactly rock but the original pressing is stunning in any conceivable way. Those musicians!!!

Try to get hold of the original pressings of any of Serge Gainsbourg's reggae LPs, Aux Armes Etc and Etoiles, that has Sly & Robbie backing him. They're on Phillips, which means that the quality of the vinyl and the pressing can't be any better. They sell cheap as they aren't regarded as "serious", but in fact they're wonderful.

[awty]

Santana's debut Album of the same name.
Excellent bass, lead and drums

Honestly most heavy rock bands werent big on clarity.
I just turn it up load!