Mercury Living Presence Olympian series

The Mercury Living Presence mono Olympian "MG" series are consistently excellent. These can often be found in the $1 bin, and can be as strong or even more satisfying than the more collectible stereo "SR" series.

Here's one that really wowed me last night, requiring multiple spins. This is actually a photo of someone else's LP from eBay that's going for about $8 shipped. Mine was $6.50. Both on the steep side.

Reviewer Leonard Norwitz of Enjoythemusic.com wrote an insightful profile of various titles. He also noted a preference for first or third pressings (dead wax stamper shows 1st pressing MR, 2nd FR, 3rd is RFR). And if you've a lightweight stereo arm (as I do) recommends the last pressings (RFR). My copy of the Ravel La Valse is a MR, and previously I'd always thought to seek out the earliest pressings.

As you'll see from Norwitz's profile, the cover art is another draw, typically details from colorful paintings. Also see this encyclopedic review of Wilma Cozart Fine's engineering along with more cover art (mainly at the bottom of the page). The single mic 12 feet above conductor Paul Paray conveys a simplicity, and even a binaural effect with headphones.

The famous stereo titles with the gauche ribbon announcing "stereo" are far less appealing. Here are a selection on AcousticSounds. To get a close up look, click on the cover and click again for a big image. Curious how the more collectible titles aren't as visually appealing or inspiring as the neglected monos.

Ravel's La Valse is stunning and forceful, with Paray driving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a delirious waltz-time.

Many of Paray's performances are now also on SACD, but I think without exception these are stereo (in fact, three channel).