What 2-3 CD's or LP's do you consistantly return to really enjoy the music and especially why (doesn't have to be a critical why, mine aren't)? Can be newly recorded stuff, old stuff, whatever--maybe your latest and greatest. Of course most of us have more than 2-3 (or 20-30), but I'm looking for new music to obtain, so help a brother out

I'll start.

VIVALDI - FOUR SEASONS on Telarc with Seiji Ozawa.
I've heard just a handful of recordings of this and I'm always drawn back to the Telarc version. Quiet backgrounds and the instruments are soooo smooth. I'm not a classical afficianado, but I like this.

JOHN MAYALL - BLUES FOR THE LOST DAYS
I like almost all of John's stuff, but something about the song "Trenches" really touches me. Maybe the way he incorporates the harmonica in a somewhat sparse song.

STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN - COULDN'T STAND THE WEATHER
The opening riff of "Couldn't Stand the Weather" just sucks me in! Damn I wish I could play a decent shuffle.

DIANA KRALL -LIVE IN PARIS
Ok, I know most of you female vocal lovers don't put much stock in Krall's work, but I like it as I'm just getting into this type of music and it's easy to listen to. To really get the heretical badge out--I've listen to Billie and I just don't like it. After the fifth song sounding exactly like the first, music and vocals alike, I can't stand it anymore.

MEGADETH - SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION
Perfect playing! Not a screwup anywhere. This is my choice when I feel in the mood for metal. I like all the old Metallica stuff, too, but I prefer Megadeth.

The Silverstein/Ozawa version is a typical mid 1900's big band romantic rendition. Very smooth and polished. Nothing out of place. Tempi a bit slow.

If you are up for a bit of experimentation, get a hold of a copy of Giuliano Carmignola's version. This recording uses a small (less than 20) period instrument band with the continuo played of archlute and theorbo rather than just a harpsichord. Totally different sound. As a bonus, you get two concertos by Pietro Locatelli that are real eye openers.

Bob

I love to listen to John Lee Hooker Chill while I work. It's music that sits in the background until a particular phrase grabs your attention. Same is true of Townes Van Zandt.

I'm listening to more guys in general and Freddie Cole, whom I've written about is one. His CD Merry Go Round is a little evocative of his legendary older brother but his style is his own. That one's on Telarc.

The GBS's (Great Big Speakers) have me enjoying major orchestral stuff more than usual.Berlioz, especially Les Troyens and Simphonie Funebre et Triomphale I have on Phillips show off huge forces in excess of 200 players on the latter.

And all three of the Dvorak Symphonies 7,8, and 9 that I've played myself many times. (I'm old enough to remember them being numbered 3, 4and 5!) I can do more than just hum along now that I've got an "axe" again. If you'd like to try major Romantic and Brahms is too long-haired, the 3rd movement of the Dvorak Eighth is almost "pop" while the whole work really flows and holds your attention without effort. Really fun to listen to.

For Jazz, I can listen to Sonny Rollins all day long. Alfie, the soundtrack he wrote for the movie is often on the turntable. And I have a new fascination with Sarah Vaughan. I immediately found Billie Holliday boring, too.

Then for period music I listen to Blackmore's Knight and Ghost of a Rose .

I Play The Best of Warren Zevon when I need a laugh or two. That man put out some really funny songs in a dark sorta way If you can listen to Mr. Bad Example and not smile then there's something wrong with you Or Werewolves of London.

Wayne -TOOL ROCKS!!!! I really dig the fact that the drummer is playing in a different time than the rest of the band. My brother knows the guy --he's from Kansas City, and he was telling him on some songs he plays in a 3/4 time while the rest of the band plays in 4/4. Gives it that strange syncopated sound.

Another great blues album is Paul Butterworth/Mike Bloomfield and East-West. Their rendition of Walkin Blues has never been equalled IMO.

Lightning Hopkins is in a league of his own. He's about the only Delta Blues artist I can listen to for more than one song. It's not that the others are bad, it's just I'm not a slow blues fan most of the time and he has a way of drawing you in.

If I want female vocals I go with my favorite and Maddy Prior in the group Steeleye Span. Now there is a voice.

For background I like either Gerry Rafferty or Herbie Mann. His Memphis Underground is a classic album.

Here's a link to it.

I'll check out some of the female vocalists you have mentioned.

KEEP EM' COMING!!!!!!!

• Room to Move Chronicles