This is a listening map for the issue, not a playlist tied to one preferred release. Spotify links open searches so readers can choose the edition, remaster, or regional listing available to them.
The catalogue includes explicit named artists, albums, tracks, compositions, playlists, and reviewed recordings in the editorial text. Hardware brands and generic music mentions are left out. Where the source extraction was incomplete, an entry keeps only the details that can be stated reliably.
Letters - Uplifting music
- Alice Sara Ott - Field: Nocturnes Type: album/work · Herb shared his feelings about the Field Nocturnes performed by Alice Sara Ott. I agree with Herb: I find this music sublime. Why it appears: Reader correspondence: comparison, recommendation, or personal recollection.
- Elizabeth Joy Roe - Field: Nocturnes Type: album/work · Elizabeth Joy Roe performed them on a CD issued by Decca in 2016, a high-rez version of which can also be streamed on Qobuz. Why it appears: Reader correspondence: comparison, recommendation, or personal recollection.
- Three Dog Night Type: artist · A reader from Haddonfield, New Jersey thanked Robert Baird for prompting a flashback to Three Dog Night. Why it appears: Reader correspondence: comparison, recommendation, or personal recollection.
Gramophone Dreams - Trip Wild: Crossing the Dateline
- Various Artists - Oh! My Penang Type: album · The writer used the beautifully packaged Oh! My Penang CD while learning more about Malaysian music and culture. Why it appears: Travel/cultural reference illustrating music encountered during the trip.
Brilliant Corners - In the grooves and in my ears
- Harold Budd - Pavilion of Dreams Type: album · While listening to “Bismillahi ’Rrahmani ’Rrahim” from Harold Budd’s Pavilion of Dreams, a Brian Eno–produced minimalist classic, the interplay between Richard Bernas’s celeste and Marion Brown’s alto saxophone was rendered in ultrahigh resolution, the instrumental halos and reverberant trails sounding palpable enough to touch. Why it appears: Listening test used to judge treble quality, detail, texture, or resolution.
- Harold Budd - Bismillahi 'Rrahmani 'Rrahim Type: track · While listening to “Bismillahi ’Rrahmani ’Rrahim” from Harold Budd’s Pavilion of Dreams, a Brian Eno–produced minimalist classic, the interplay between Richard Bernas’s celeste and Marion Brown’s alto saxophone was rendered in ultrahigh resolution, the instrumental halos and reverberant trails sounding palpable enough to touch. Why it appears: Listening test used to judge treble quality, detail, texture, or resolution.
- Harold Budd - Two Songs: Let Us Go into the House of the Lord / Butterfly Sunday Type: track · While listening to “Bismillahi ’Rrahmani ’Rrahim” from Harold Budd’s Pavilion of Dreams, a Brian Eno–produced minimalist classic, the interplay between Richard Bernas’s celeste and Marion Brown’s alto saxophone was rendered in ultrahigh resolution, the instrumental halos and reverberant trails sounding palpable enough to touch. Why it appears: Listening test used to judge treble quality, detail, texture, or resolution.
- Sonic Youth - Sonic Nurse Type: album · The delicate, meditative Budd record made an unbeatable case for the Allnic’s quiet, pellucid nature, but the chunk and noise on Sonic Youth’s wonderful Sonic Nurse shifted my preference to the Manley, which portrayed it as more propulsive, tonally dense, and menacing. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Paul Desmond - Desmond Blue Type: album · A Qobuz stream of “My Funny Valentine” from Paul Desmond’s Desmond Blue was one of the first listening tests through the Grimm. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Paul Desmond - My Funny Valentine Type: track · A Qobuz stream of “My Funny Valentine” from Paul Desmond’s Desmond Blue was one of the first listening tests through the Grimm. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Waylon Jennings - Dreaming My Dreams Type: album · This inspired me to play one of those records I rarely try to listen to on digital: Dreaming My Dreams, the song cycle Waylon Jennings recorded in 1975. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Waylon Jennings - Honky Tonk Heroes Type: album · It stands alongside Honky Tonk Heroes as one of his twin masterpieces. It also sounds like it was a blast to make: The credits list no fewer than nine guitarists. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Waylon Jennings - Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way Type: track · But on the album’s rollicking opener, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” the MU2 illuminated the song's structure without smothering its excitement or scrubbing away its messy energy and drive. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Waylon Jennings - Let's All Help the Cowboys (Sing the Blues) Type: track · This inspired me to play one of those records I rarely try to listen to on digital: Dreaming My Dreams, the song cycle Waylon Jennings recorded in 1975. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Beto Guedes - A Página do Relâmpago Elétrico Type: album · On the title track from Beto Guedes’s 1977 MPB landmark A Página do Relâmpago Elétrico, the A10 placed Zé Eduardo’s acoustic guitar and Guedes’s mandolin, panned far right and left respectively, well outside my ears. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Beto Guedes - Nascente Type: track · On the title track from Beto Guedes’s 1977 MPB landmark A Página do Relâmpago Elétrico, the A10 placed Zé Eduardo’s acoustic guitar and Guedes’s mandolin, panned far right and left respectively, well outside my ears. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
Silent Pound Bloom review - listening references
- Senking - Closing Eyes Type: track · The bass sweeps on Senking’s “Closing Eyes,” from Dazed (16/44.1 FLAC, Raster-Noton RN142EP), sounded unusually loud at the start, which is a bit over 100Hz. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Senking - Dazed Type: release · The bass sweeps on Senking’s “Closing Eyes,” from Dazed (16/44.1 FLAC, Raster-Noton RN142EP), sounded unusually loud at the start, which is a bit over 100Hz. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Aaron Parks - Peaceful Warrior Type: track · Aaron Parks’s “Peaceful Warrior,” from Invisible Cinema, made the presentation feel alive, an effect the reviewer attributed to the bass. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Aaron Parks - Invisible Cinema Type: album · Aaron Parks’s “Peaceful Warrior,” from Invisible Cinema, made the presentation feel alive, an effect the reviewer attributed to the bass. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Rodrigo y Gabriela - Satori Type: track · Roon Radio served up “Satori” from Rodrigo y Gabriela’s Live in Japan during the listening session. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Rodrigo y Gabriela - Live in Japan Type: album · Roon Radio served up “Satori” from Rodrigo y Gabriela’s Live in Japan during the listening session. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Iona Fortune - Xu Type: track · A track that has somehow stayed for years is Iona Fortune’s “Xu,” from Tao of I (16/44.1 FLAC, Optimo Music/Tidal). Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Iona Fortune - Tao of I Type: album · A track that has somehow stayed for years is Iona Fortune’s “Xu,” from Tao of I (16/44.1 FLAC, Optimo Music/Tidal). Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Daniel[i] & Purl - WHS 03 Type: release · Daniel[i] & Purl’s WHS 03 (16/44.1 FLAC, Whispering Signals/Tidal) sounds less like the dancefloor and more like the residual echo of a night out, a foggy dream you dream as your body realigns its chemical balance. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Ness - Reworked Type: release · Reworked (16/44.1 FLAC, The Gods Planet/Tidal) contains four tracks by Italian techno veteran Ness, remixed by four contemporaries. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Ness - Noumenon (Błażej Malinowski remix) Type: track · “Noumenon,” the opener reworked by Błażej Malinowski, feels like a night journey on a train through mining colonies in outer space. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Ness - Carex (Ruhig remix) Type: track · The closing track, “Carex,” gets an electro-rhythm treatment from personal favorite Ruhig and should not be missed. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Birds ov Paradise - Fog Type: track · Back to the sublime: Fellow Swede Birds ov Paradise has three environment-themed EPs on appropriately named Hypnus Records. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Birds ov Paradise - Bayou Type: EP · Back to the sublime: Fellow Swede Birds ov Paradise has three environment-themed EPs on appropriately named Hypnus Records. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Stan Getz and Eddie Sauter - Focus Type: album · Stan Getz and Eddie Sauter’s “I’m Late, I’m Late” from Focus (16/44.1 FLAC, Verve/Tidal) can sound shrill on some systems, but it didn’t here. Why it appears: Listening test used to judge treble quality, detail, texture, or resolution.
- Stan Getz and Eddie Sauter - I'm Late, I'm Late Type: track · Stan Getz and Eddie Sauter’s “I’m Late, I’m Late” from Focus (16/44.1 FLAC, Verve/Tidal) can sound shrill on some systems, but it didn’t here. Why it appears: Listening test used to judge treble quality, detail, texture, or resolution.
- Domkraft - Sonic Moons Type: album · Their 2023 album Sonic Moons (16/44.1 FLAC, Magnetic Eye Records/Tidal) is a force of nature. Why it appears: Listening test used to assess dynamics, transient speed, and physical impact.
- Mari Boine - Goaskinviellja Type: track · I played Sami chanteuse Mari Boine’s “Goaskinviellja” (16/44.1 FLAC ripped from CD, Verve World 521388–2). Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Clarice Jensen - From A to B Type: track · I must have played Clarice Jensen’s “From A to B,” from In Holiday Clothing out of the Great Darkness (24/96 FLAC, 130701/Tidal), 15 times already. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Clarice Jensen - In Holiday Clothing, Out of the Great Darkness Type: album · I must have played Clarice Jensen’s “From A to B,” from In Holiday Clothing out of the Great Darkness (24/96 FLAC, 130701/Tidal), 15 times already. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Olivier Messiaen - Turangalîla-Symphonie - Gustavo Gimeno / Toronto Symphony Orchestra / Marc-André Hamelin Type: work/recording · Olivier Messiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie has been invoked in many Stereophile reviews because it is musically dense, colorful, and spectacular. Why it appears: Listening test used to assess tonal color, vocal/instrumental naturalness, and presence.
- Zoltan Fecso and Anna Morley - Desire Path Type: album · I’ll offer a soft landing: Zoltan Fecso and Anna Morley’s Desire Path (24/48 FLAC, Oxtail Recordings/Tidal) is a sonic cushion of meditative vibraphone and resonant synths. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Zoltan Fecso and Anna Morley - A Pooled Reflection Type: track · I’ll offer a soft landing: Zoltan Fecso and Anna Morley’s Desire Path (24/48 FLAC, Oxtail Recordings/Tidal) is a sonic cushion of meditative vibraphone and resonant synths. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
Ampsandsound Yellowstone review - listening references
- Various Artists - Deutsche Elektronische Musik, Volume One Type: compilation · Deutsche Elektronische Musik, Volume One was among the records used to compare the amplifier’s bass weight and rhythmic drive. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- The Jazz Trio of Hank Jones Type: album · The Jazz Trio of Hank Jones was among the records used to compare the amplifier’s bass weight and rhythmic drive. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- John Abercrombie, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette - Gateway 2 Type: album · Gateway 2’s heated improvisations landed with force and dimension. Tower of Power’s “Only So Much Oil in the Ground” hit warmly and clearly, with a well-focused midrange punch. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Richard Davis - Fancy Free Type: album · Now I could trace every ripping, snorting line of Richard Davis’s acoustic bass and follow the hyperactive conversation between Billy Cobham’s toms and bass drum. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Richard Davis - The Wine of May Type: track · Session opener “The Wine of May” is a sambafunk-to-swing romp, Cobham charging through the performance like his pants and hands are on fire. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Source Direct - Stars Type: track · A remix of Source Direct’s “Stars,” assembled on early samplers and computers in the 1990s, proved the point. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Tower of Power - In the Slot Type: album · Tower of Power’s “Only So Much Oil in the Ground” hit warmly and clearly, with a well-focused midrange punch. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Tower of Power - Urban Renewal Type: album · Tower of Power’s “Only So Much Oil in the Ground” hit warmly and clearly, with a well-focused midrange punch. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Tower of Power - Only So Much Oil in the Ground Type: track · Tower of Power’s “Only So Much Oil in the Ground” hit warmly and clearly, with a well-focused midrange punch. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Neu! - Hallogallo Type: track · Neu!’s “Hallogallo” sounded less substantial but remained driving and head-thumping. Bass detail improved while the midrange lost some creaminess. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Aphrodite Type: artist · Aphrodite’s electronic textures spread across a generous soundfield, subbass reaching deep enough to make my stomach churn. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
Wharfedale Super Linton review - listening references
- ZZ Top - Tres Hombres Type: album · The listening session included remastered editions of ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres, Keith Jarrett’s Standards Live, Roger Sessions’s The Black Maskers, and the John Scofield Quartet’s Meant to Be. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Keith Jarrett - Standards Live Type: album · Keith Jarrett’s Standards Live swung hard through the Super Lintons, with plenty of emotional weight. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Roger Sessions - The Black Maskers Type: work/recording · With this system, Roger Sessions’s The Black Maskers was awash in tone and color. This system delivered the musical message in a way that was less than literal and more lifelike, as in life force. Why it appears: Listening test used to assess dynamics, transient speed, and physical impact.
- The John Scofield Quartet - Meant to Be Type: album Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
Technics SL-G700M2 review - listening references
- Sly & Robbie - The Riddim Twins of Reggae Type: playlist/artist collection · The reviewer recommends the Qobuz playlist “Sly & Robbie: The Riddim Twins of Reggae” as an introduction to bassist Robbie Shakespeare and drummer Sly Dunbar. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
- Peter Tosh feat. Mick Jagger - (You Gotta Walk) Don't Look Back Type: track Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Michael Cain - Evidence of Things Unseen Type: album · For at least 30 years, one of my chief go-to discs for well-recorded solo piano has been Michael Cain’s Evidence of Things Unseen on an M·A Recordings CD (M031A). Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- John McCormack and Fritz Kreisler - Ave Maria Type: recording · But for me, the most haunting and poetic track is a 1914 acoustic recording of tenor John McCormack singing Schubert’s “Ave Maria” accompanied by violinist Fritz Kreisler. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- MJ Technical Disc vol. 4 - Great Performances on 78s Type: compilation · MJ Technical Disc, Vol. 4: Great Performances on 78s sounded immediate through the Falcon Gold Badge LS3/5a speakers and held the reviewer’s attention for more than two days. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- M·A Recordings - MA on SA Type: SACD sampler · I was using M•A Recordings’ MA on SA, Crystal Cable’s SACD sampler (Hybrid SACD, M•A Recordings, no catalog number). Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Mark Whitfield and Ben Allison - Live at the Jazz Standard Type: recording/search Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Thurman album (Technics headphone audition) Type: article reference; title unclear in extraction · With the Beyers, the Camille Thurman album displayed the most lifelike tone and transient action. Why it appears: Listening test used to assess dynamics, transient speed, and physical impact.
Linn Klimax Solo 500 review - listening references
- The Blue Nile - A Walk Across the Rooftops Type: album · Before encountering Linn equipment, the reviewer was already taken with the company’s first commercial recording: the Blue Nile’s A Walk Across the Rooftops. Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- The Blue Nile - From Rags to Riches Type: track · The reviewer admired the rhythmic counterpoint of the Steve Reich-like low-synth patterns driving “From Rags to Riches.” Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Aubrey Johnson - The Lively Air Type: album · Here’s a new example, from the outstanding New York–based soprano Aubrey Johnson, from her new album The Lively Air (Greenleaf Music GRE-CD-1119, 2026; full disclosure: Aubrey performed on my last recording). Why it appears: Listening test used to judge treble quality, detail, texture, or resolution.
- Aubrey Johnson - Chorinho Type: track · Here’s a new example, from the outstanding New York–based soprano Aubrey Johnson, from her new album The Lively Air (Greenleaf Music GRE-CD-1119, 2026; full disclosure: Aubrey performed on my last recording). Why it appears: Listening test used to judge treble quality, detail, texture, or resolution.
- Aubrey Johnson - Help Me Type: track · Here’s a new example, from the outstanding New York–based soprano Aubrey Johnson, from her new album The Lively Air (Greenleaf Music GRE-CD-1119, 2026; full disclosure: Aubrey performed on my last recording). Why it appears: Listening test used to judge treble quality, detail, texture, or resolution.
- Béla Bartók - Concerto for Orchestra - Antal Doráti / London Symphony Orchestra Type: work/recording Why it appears: Listening reference used to reveal the component’s overall tonal balance, musical flow, and engagement.
- Frank Sinatra - I've Got You Under My Skin Type: track · Blue Note has delivered a one-two punch now of deliciously remastered Frank Sinatra in their Tone Poet vinyl series. Why it appears: Listening test focused mainly on bass weight, impact, timing, or rhythmic drive.
Technics SL-1200/1210GME review - listening references
- Tony Rice - Tony Rice Type: album · Tony Rice (Rounder CR01032, Craft Recordings AAA reissue). There’s legitimate criticism of where Rice ended up: a technically astounding player of “New-Grass” NPR concert hall sorta-jazz. Why it appears: Listening test used to assess imaging, layering, scale, and soundstage organization.
- Joni Mitchell - Court and Spark Type: album · Joni Mitchell, Court and Spark (Asylum/Rhino High Fidelity RHF1 1001). Vinyl playback Technics SL-1200MKV with KAB 3-speed mod, fluid damping, and tonearm wiring; Hana SL MK II, Nagaoka MP-700, Ortofon 2M Bronze and Blue, Shure V15 Type III, and Audio-Technica AT-VM95 cartridges. Why it appears: Listening test used to assess dynamics, transient speed, and physical impact.
- Joni Mitchell - Help Me Type: track · Joni Mitchell, Court and Spark (Asylum/Rhino High Fidelity RHF1 1001). Vinyl playback Technics SL-1200MKV with KAB 3-speed mod, fluid damping, and tonearm wiring; Hana SL MK II, Nagaoka MP-700, Ortofon 2M Bronze and Blue, Shure V15 Type III, and Audio-Technica AT-VM95 cartridges. Why it appears: Listening test used to assess dynamics, transient speed, and physical impact.
- Joni Mitchell - Raised on Robbery Type: track · “Help Me” was the hit; “Raised on Robbery” should have been. I also thoroughly enjoyed spinning the new Rhino High Fidelity reissue of Workingman’s Dead by the Grateful Dead, Universal VinylPhyle’s two-LP (mono and stereo versions) Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys, and my Bob Ludwig original cuts of David Bowie’s Let’s Dance and the Rolling Stones’ Tattoo You. Why it appears: Listening test used to assess tonal color, vocal/instrumental naturalness, and presence.
Features - Sonny Rollins
- Sonny Rollins Type: artist · The feature remembers Sonny Rollins, noting both his art and his famous endurance as a performer. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus Type: album · They include Saxophone Colossus (Prestige), A Night at the “Village Vanguard” (Blue Note), Way Out West (Contemporary), and The Bridge (RCA Victor). Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Sonny Rollins - A Night at the Village Vanguard Type: album · They include Saxophone Colossus (Prestige), A Night at the “Village Vanguard” (Blue Note), Way Out West (Contemporary), and The Bridge (RCA Victor). Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Sonny Rollins - Way Out West Type: album · Way Out West is listed among the landmark Sonny Rollins albums highlighted by the feature. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Sonny Rollins - The Bridge Type: album · The Bridge is listed among the landmark Sonny Rollins albums highlighted by the feature. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
Features - Weir Science / Bob Weir
- Bob Weir Type: artist · A musician describes repeatedly returning to Bob Weir’s work and asking how Weir might stretch a song during a live performance. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Grateful Dead Type: artist · The feature places Bob Weir within the Grateful Dead’s history of open-ended experimentation and extensive touring. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Bob Weir - Ace Type: album · The feature revisits Bob Weir’s Ace while considering his approach to stretching songs in performance. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Grateful Dead - Workingman's Dead Type: album · The Bob Weir retrospective names Workingman’s Dead while tracing the Grateful Dead’s experimentation and touring history. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Grateful Dead - American Beauty Type: album · American Beauty has a similarly extensive reissue history, minus (so far) the reel tape and Blu-ray disc. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Grateful Dead - Europe '72 Type: album · The Bob Weir retrospective names Europe ’72 while tracing the Grateful Dead’s experimentation and touring history. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- Grateful Dead - Live/Dead Type: album · The Bob Weir retrospective names Live/Dead while tracing the Grateful Dead’s experimentation and touring history. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
Aural Robert - John Prine's legacy
- John Prine Type: artist · The feature surveys albums, a BBC release, and books celebrating John Prine’s life and music. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- John Prine - John Prine Type: album · The feature revisits John Prine’s self-titled debut while surveying releases and books about his life and music. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- John Prine - Sam Stone Type: track · “Sam Stone” is named while the feature revisits John Prine’s debut and legacy. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- John Prine - Hello in There Type: track · “Hello in There” is named while the feature revisits John Prine’s debut and legacy. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- John Prine - Angel from Montgomery Type: track · “Angel from Montgomery” is named while the feature revisits John Prine’s debut and legacy. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
- John Prine - Paradise Type: track · “Paradise” is named while the feature revisits John Prine’s debut and legacy. Why it appears: Career-retrospective reference used to identify a defining artist, album, or song.
Sound Chaser - The Claypool Lennon Delirium
- The Claypool Lennon Delirium Type: artist · The feature introduces the Claypool Lennon Delirium through the distinctive sound suggested by the band’s name. Why it appears: Background discography used to place the featured band and new work in context.
- The Claypool Lennon Delirium - South of Reality Type: album · South of Reality is included while placing the Claypool Lennon Delirium’s new work in the band’s discography. Why it appears: Background discography used to place the featured band and new work in context.
- The Claypool Lennon Delirium - Monolith of Phobos Type: album · Monolith of Phobos is included while placing the Claypool Lennon Delirium’s new work in the band’s discography. Why it appears: Background discography used to place the featured band and new work in context.
ReVinylized! - John Coltrane mono box
- John Coltrane - Coltrane Mono Type: box set/search · The mono box anchors the review’s survey of John Coltrane’s Atlantic recordings and related reissues. Why it appears: The release under review or a key title used to frame the reissue/rediscovery.
- John Coltrane - Giant Steps Type: album · Giant Steps is one of the six albums collected in the reviewed mono box. Why it appears: The release under review or a key title used to frame the reissue/rediscovery.
- John Coltrane - My Favorite Things Type: album · Set highlights include a quieter, tighter-bassed “Giant Steps”; a sumptuous remastering of the ballad “Naima”; and the nearly 14-minute “My Favorite Things,” where Coltrane turns a Broadway show tune into a hypnotic modal statement. Why it appears: The release under review or a key title used to frame the reissue/rediscovery.
- John Coltrane - Olé Coltrane Type: album · Olé Coltrane is one of the six albums collected in the reviewed mono box. Why it appears: The release under review or a key title used to frame the reissue/rediscovery.
- John Coltrane - Coltrane Plays the Blues Type: album · Included are six albums: Giant Steps, Coltrane Jazz, My Favorite Things, Olé Coltrane, Coltrane Plays the Blues, and Coltrane’s Sound. Why it appears: The release under review or a key title used to frame the reissue/rediscovery.
- John Coltrane - The Avant-Garde Type: album · Collaborating with trumpeter Don Cherry on The Avant-Garde (which sounds decidedly un–avant-garde today), Coltrane, along with Yusef Lateef, helped introduce the “drones” common in Indian classical music. Why it appears: The release under review or a key title used to frame the reissue/rediscovery.
ReDiscoveries - Carla Bley
- Carla Bley - A Joyful Noise Type: recording/search · A Joyful Noise is a newly issued Carla Bley concert performance featuring long-time collaborators including Steve Slagle, Steve Swallow, and Victor Lewis. Why it appears: The release under review or a key title used to frame the reissue/rediscovery.
- Carla Bley Type: artist · The feature presents Carla Bley as a musician who bridged Duke Ellington’s grandeur and Thelonious Monk’s subversion. Why it appears: The release under review or a key title used to frame the reissue/rediscovery.
Record Reviews - Recording of the Month
- Anne Sofie von Otter - Berlin! Berlin! Berlin! Kabarett und Exil Type: album · BERLIN! BERLIN! Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Mein Gorilla hat 'ne Villa im Zoo Type: song · First up is Walter Jurmann and Bronislaw Kaper’s 1933 instrumental “Mein Gorilla hat ’ne Villa im Zoo” (“My Gorilla has a Villa in the Zoo”); this segment of the album extends through Friedrich Hollaender’s “Illusions,” from the 1948 movie A Foreign Affair. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Friedrich Hollaender - Illusions Type: song · First up is Walter Jurmann and Bronislaw Kaper’s 1933 instrumental “Mein Gorilla hat ’ne Villa im Zoo” (“My Gorilla has a Villa in the Zoo”); this segment of the album extends through Friedrich Hollaender’s “Illusions,” from the 1948 movie A Foreign Affair. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Michael Jary and Paul Kirsten - Der Onkel Jonathan Type: song · As I listened to Michael Jary and Paul Kirsten’s 1938 song “Der Onkel Jonathan” (“Uncle Jonathan”), I marveled at von Otter’s masterful deployment of her voice. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Hanns Eisler - Über den Selbstmord Type: song · The reviewed program includes Hanns Eisler’s setting of Brecht’s sobering “Über den Selbstmord” from the 1943 Hollywooder Liederbuch. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
Record Reviews - Jazz
- Jim Snidero - Best of the Trio Recordings Type: album · Jim Snidero’s trio collection features Peter Washington on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Nils Petter Molvær - Be Quiet Type: album · The review covers Nils Petter Molvær’s Be Quiet, auditioned as WAV and also released on CD and LP. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Adam O'Farrill - For These Streets Type: album/search Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- The Oscar Peterson Trio - At Baker's Keyboard Lounge Type: album · The review covers the Oscar Peterson Trio at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, with Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet - A Blue Time Type: album · Joe Syrian leads the 12-piece Motor City Jazz Octet from the drums on A Blue Time. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- The Beatles - Norwegian Wood Type: track · “Norwegian Wood,” as done by the Beatles, was a gentle, lilting, somewhat mysterious waltz. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Santana - Black Magic Woman Type: track · “Black Magic Woman” is another tune embedded in pop cultural history. Brian Stark’s arrangement turns it into hard-edged jazz. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Nature Boy Type: song · “Nature Boy,” normally an immersion in minor-key eeriness, is reimagined with an Afro-Cuban throb by arranger John Fedchock. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
Record Reviews - Classical
- Terry Riley - The Holy Liftoff - Claire Chase / JACK Quartet Type: work/recording · Claire Chase and JACK Quartet perform Terry Riley’s The Holy Liftoff, realized by Samuel Clay Birmaher. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Antonín Dvořák - Symphony No. 9 - Manfred Honeck / Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Type: work/recording Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- French Conversations - Trio Boccherini Type: album · Trio Boccherini’s Conversations à Trois presents works by Jean Cras, Eugène Ysaÿe, and Jean Françaix. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Jean Cras - Trio pour violon, alto et violoncelle Type: work · The recording begins the Trio pour violon, alto et violoncelle by a composer whose music you’ve likely never heard, Jean Cras. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Eugène Ysaÿe - Trio à cordes Le Chimay Type: work · The program includes Ysaÿe’s posthumous Trio à cordes “Le Chimay”. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Jean Françaix - Trio à cordes Type: work · The program also includes Jean Françaix’s Trio à cordes. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Debussy - Clair de lune - Trio Boccherini arrangement Type: work/recording · Then comes the bonus, a trip back in time to the gorgeous, languid harmonies of Debussy’s seminal Clair de lune, masterfully arranged for string trio by Nicholas Shardlow. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Alban Gerhardt - Dvořák and Elgar Cello Concertos Type: album/work · Alban Gerhardt performs the Elgar and Dvořák cello concertos with the WDR Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Manze. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
Record Reviews - Rock/Pop
- Yard Act - You're Gonna Need a Little Music Type: album · The review covers Yard Act’s You’re Gonna Need a Little Music, produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Yard Act - Empty Pledges Type: track · “Empty Pledges” moves from a Howard Devoto pun into an observation about table service and shouting for attention in bars. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Yard Act - Cherophobe Rock Type: track · In a parallel universe, “Cherophobe Rock” would be a huge international hit. It sounds like bubble-gum pop would sound if the bubble-gum came rolled in a cigarette. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Yard Act - Janey Said Type: track · “Janey Said” takes a sideways look at a relationship souring and closes one thought with an intentionally awkward half-rhyme. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Fruit Bats - The Landfill Type: album · Fruit Bats’ 2026 album The Landfill, released by Merge Records, was auditioned on CD. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Fruit Bats - Think Aboutcha Type: track · Songs like “Think Aboutcha” bloom with tubular guitars that twist into a cosmic swirl without losing their acoustic folk-rock footing. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Fruit Bats - That Goddamn Sun Type: track · “That Goddamn Sun” echoes the melodic warmth and widescreen emotional pull of classic Flaming Lips recordings, balancing intimacy and grandeur in a way that feels effortless. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Fruit Bats - Silverfish in the Sink Type: track · “Silverfish in the Sink” appears on Fruit Bats’ 2026 album The Landfill. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Fruit Bats - Wild Pony Tower Moment Type: track · Songs like “Wild Pony Tower Moment” reflect both Johnson at cruising altitude and a sound that seems lived-in and warm. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Hiss Golden Messenger - I'm People Type: album · Hiss Golden Messenger’s I’m People, released by Chrysalis Records, was auditioned on LP. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Hiss Golden Messenger - Mercy Avenue Type: track · “Mercy Avenue” appears on Hiss Golden Messenger’s I’m People. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Aaron Lee Tasjan - Get Over It, Underdog Type: album · Aaron Lee Tasjan’s Get Over It, Underdog, released by Blue Élan Records, was auditioned on CD. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Aaron Lee Tasjan - The Real Type: track · “The Real” appears on Aaron Lee Tasjan’s Get Over It, Underdog. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
- Aaron Lee Tasjan - Science Friction Type: track · “Science Friction” carries the observational humor of signature John Prine; other moments lean into a melodic Americana more associated with Pete Droge. Why it appears: Reviewed recording; cited as a representative track, composition, or performance.
Re-Tales - Tasty tunes
- Daft Punk Type: artist Why it appears: Event-playlist reference used to illustrate how music supported the demonstration.
- L'Impératrice - Pulsar Type: album · French music dominated this part of the event playlist, including Daft Punk and L’Impératrice’s latest album, Pulsar. Why it appears: Event-playlist reference used to illustrate how music supported the demonstration.
My Back Pages - Music and AI
- Brad Mehldau Type: artist · Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau responded on Substack: If making music were unpleasant, musicians would stop. Why it appears: Anecdotal example in the discussion of music, taste, and AI.
- Daft Punk Type: artist Why it appears: Anecdotal example in the discussion of music, taste, and AI.
- Infected Mushroom Type: artist · Infected Mushroom appears in a list of music used during listening demonstrations, alongside Yello, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Daft Punk. Why it appears: Anecdotal example in the discussion of music, taste, and AI.
- Jack White Type: artist · Jack White is quoted arguing that ease of use in technology can diminish emotion and truth in creative work. Why it appears: Anecdotal example in the discussion of music, taste, and AI.
Sources
- Stereophile, Vol. 49 No. 8, August 2026.