Alison Krauss and Union Station - Live
which source on that Furthur show?
Livedownloads.com matrix, burned to CD from FLAC
They suck for not giving it away, fwiw.
Double for charging for Phil's Birthday show, but I digress.
Although visceral impact is important, I think that I have developed my ears to critically listen and can apply my consciousness to the process.
Spacial sense is important, but tonal balance is even more so as it affects our spacial queues in significant ways.
I don't buy on "feeling" alone.
I find that I can hear, and know, what I like, but sometimes am at a loss for expression.
That one sounds "greener!", "the D-8 off the board sounds Wonky", "I like the sparkle in those speakers", "damn did that mod make those mics sound spitty!", ... stuff like that.
One thing that time has taught me is to remain as ignorant of the claims that a tweak is supposed to improve before listening, and then trusting my own ears.
I am also aware of my own state of health and the weather when I check gear out.
I hear very differently on thick, funky, rainy days than on crystal clear dry ones.
I put Stone Flower in my mix over the Allison Krauss as I like the music better.
For female vocals, I'd grab Norah Jones' Feels Like Home
If I want to grab only one CD for "all around test", Charlie Hunter's Songs from the Analog Playground is a difficult one to beat.
It really has it all. Big bass, butt-kicking drums, male vocals, female vocals, well-recorded guitar... enchilada en entero.