The Official Demo Song Thread

AsSiMiLaTeD

I thought this thread might be a good idea, we'll see if the idea catches on.

Yes I know we already have demo material threads created in the past, but those typically revolve around an album and commonly turn into statements like "Anything by Steely Dan" ranging all the way to "Anything by lady Gaga". Leaving the (in)accuracy of those statements aside, they're not always that helpful.

So the point of this thread is to create a usable list of demo SONGS. I'm not the boss of you, but it would be great if we could keep this thread nice and tidy so that it can serve as a good reference. Ideally your post would contain the following elements:

- Artist
- Album
- Track
- Any note about a special pressing or special version
- Application, used for speakers, headphones or both
- Why you selected this track for demo material and what you're listening for.

If we do this right this could be a tool not only for us but with enough activity may get some internet traffic as well so let's try not to muck it up.

Erik Tracy

Ok, I'll bite and start first. One 'song' per post.

Media: SACD

Artist: Doobie Brothers

Album: Captain and Me

Track: South City Midnight Lady

Note: Mobile Fidelity Remaster

Application: Overall system demo

Reason: Superb mix and clean sonics. Great for showcasing what separation, detail and spacious soundstage is all about.

codyc1ark

I'll bite on this one, I use Lad... Uhh...

Old Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show
Tear it down
All I own is the CD
Don't do head-fi
Love this, great blend of instruments, good vocals, very good flow to the track.
I love most of the middle of this CD, the whole album is great although, a little rockin' bluegrass. There is some great back round mandolin, or guitar, that on lesser systems I've had a hard time picking out (PUN!) - If you've never heard this band or CD, I'd really recommend them, some good time music!

Ahhh.. Erik - Nice post, a lot cleaner then mine, but I'm too lazy to clean it up, I can't wait to get an SACD player, soon enough...

Erik Tracy

Media: CD

Artist: Bryan Ferry

Album: Boys and Girls

Track: Stone Woman

Note: none

Application: Overall system demo

Reason: Very clean CD. This song is very layered with different sounds and nuanced sonics. Great for using to see if system components can resolve each layer distinctly with detail, or if details get 'mushed' - you should be able to push in and out of each layer and hear each separately, yet part of the whole. Good driving bass line, too.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Media: CD

Artist: Hans Zimmer

Album: Gladiator

Track: Barbarian Horde

Reason: This one is a tough track for many systems, but is a great test of dynamics, it'll let you know real quick how well your system can handle dynamics. It's one of the first tracks I always use to demo gear.

Erik Tracy

Media: CD

Artist: Larry Carlton

Album: Collection

Track: High Steppin'

Note: none

Application: Overall system demo

Reason: Another very clean CD. This track has soft and loud passages - good for demo'ing system reactions to track details when the music levels go very soft, then punch louder. Good sonics top to bottom - sublime guitar work w/ spacious sonics.

leftwinger57

I'll take a turn here also
Media :cd
Artist:Jimi Hendrix
Album:Axsis Bold As Love
Track:Bold As Love
Note:Stereo Seperation ,Instrument phasing
Aplication:Demo app for speakers
Reason: CD has effects never used on albums before and the phasing shifting of feedback was controlled and deliberate.Guitar work beyond reproach only to be copied never to be surpassed.

deronb1

Def Tom Petty "Wildflowers" the whole CD sounds awsome. Also, Collective Soul and eventhough it's old "Talking Heads" Little Creatures.

SDA1C

Media- Youtube..but I'm sure a CD would totally sound better.

Artist- Grace Potter, Joe Satriani, Steve Kimock, Reed Mathis, Willy Waldman and Stephen Perkins

Album- Cover @ the Jammy's

Track- Cortez the Killer

Note- Just go listen to it!

Application- Vocal and Instrumental Sm?rg?sbord

Reason- Grace Potter is easy on the eyes...and the music is good too!

AsSiMiLaTeD

Media: CD

Artist: Massive Attack

Album: Heligoland

Track: Splitting The Atom

Application: Great for speakers and Headphones

Reason: Very good bass, great dynamics, great range of vocals. This track WILL test your system. It'll sound good on alot of gear, but to get the most out of this track you'll need a well rounded system.

deronb1

Clapton's "Pilgram" will give your system's low end a total workout. Still stays smooth and it sounds like he is in the room playing.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Please read the first post, let's try to stick to the formula

deronb1

Ok...i could never really follow directions

JimAckley

Media: CD/SACD

Artist: The Eagles

Album: Hell Freezes Over

Track: Hotel California (Live)

Application: Speakers & Headphones

Reason: In short, Midbass, Imaging, "liveness" (is that even a word?)

To stretch it out a little bit: The percussion section is mixed well with the shaker using both speakers. The kick drum has a nice, strong midbass attack that precedes a hearty tuned thump, instantly giving you an idea of a system's bass tightness/boominess. I also love the way the guitars are detailed, but not overly detailed to the point where they're edgy and annoying. I particularly enjoy the guitar solo at the end, as that really gives you an idea of the imaging of the system. Typically they sit just a hair inward from each speaker, but I've had systems present them outside of them, which absolutely blows my mind. The vocals are fantastic as well. Even the audience cheering comes through excellently.

Erik Tracy

Media: CD

Artist: Chris Botti

Album: Night Sessions

Track: All Would Envy

Note: Standard initial release

Application: Overall system demo

Reason: Scoff if you will - smooth jazz...so be it - but this track will make you weep at the composition and the clarity. Sure - redbook cd, but this is a clean track top to bottom and left to right. Female vocals by Shawn Colvin will reveal if your speakers have what it takes. Great demo track.

KellyMic

Media: Flac / CD

Artist: The Crystal Method

Album: Vegas

Track: High Roller

Application: Low-end (Bass) test

Reason: I use this song to demo every singe speaker before I buy it. At the 00:34 second mark a very low drum kicks in. Many many systems I have auditioned the speaker rattles and distorts badly when this note hits. If a speaker can't handle it then I move on. My LSi25's handle it perfectly!

PrazVT

Media: FLAC / CD / SACD

Artist: Dire Straits

Album: Brothers in Arms

Track: Brothers in Arms

Application: Overall

Reason: I actually created a CD of demo tracks last year when I went to audition the KEFs. I found that this song, more than the others, helped me assess the overall capabilities of the speakers (other demo gear being different aside). I find that the song's intro (before the drums kick in) is a great indicator for clarity / higher frequencies. While it's not a fast song, there is a solid bass drum 'thump' and if a speaker can hit it solidly, it's a good sign. Finally I like to gauge the midrange based on the guitar riffs and Knopfler's voice itself. It's one of my favorite songs and (at least to me), that album is well recorded. It's probably one of the most frequently played tracks on my Q900s.

trans am

- Artist: TEARS FOR FEARS
- Album: SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR
- Track: THE WORKING HOUR
Vinyl

I listen to this song or ROXY MUSIC Avalon SACD when testing new rigs.

hochpt21

Media: Vinyl

Artist: Pink Floyd

Album: Meddle

Track: Fearless

Reason: Lot's of great detail. Nice bass line. Good vocals. Acoustic guitar parts should really snap.

drummer86

Media: CD

Artist: Jack Johnson

Album: In Between Dreams

Track: Better Together/Never Know

Application: 2.1

Reason: Both tracks are super smooth and easy on the ears even at high levels. Better Together has a great descending bassline that will make whether or not you've chosen the correct crossover setting painfully obvious. Never Know has great kick drum sounds that are punchy but not too in-your-face. I actually used these two tracks when integrating my sub.

drummer86

Media: CD

Artist: Radiohead

Album: Amnesiac

Track: Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Box

Application: 2.1

Reason: It was really hard to follow the rules with this album. I could have listed nearly every track for a variety of reasons. Instrument separation is fantastic. Great full range demo track. It's amazing how the synth sounds can seem super forward, but never overpower the vocals in this track.

Runner up here was the next track on the album, "Pyramid song." Love the way the drums sound after they come in around 2:00. I've also used "Hunting Bears" for more than one speaker demo.

drummer86

Media: CD

Artist: NIN

Album: The Fragile

Track: Even Deeper/The Pilgrimage

Application: 2.0 or 2.1

Reason: Even Deeper: If you have a nice subwoofer and aren't sure around the structural integrity of your home proceed with caution here. Even in 2 channel this is a fun one to watch the drivers bounce.
The Pilgrimage: The soundstage in this is positively enormous. It makes my baby Totems sound like 6 foot tall towers. I'd love to hear it on an actual set of 6 foot towers...

bthogan

Media: CD

Artist: David Bowie

Album: Station To Station (Bowie remaster)

Track: TVC15

Application: imaging/dynamics

It's a very well-produced cd; on this particular track, there's a significant difference in dynamics between the "chorus" and the rest of the song; there should be an effect of the entire track projecting more aggressively during that chorus. If it's there, you're good.

Mikey081057

Media: CD

Artist: Steely Dan

Album: Everything Must Go

Track: Everything Must Go

Note: Tone out the wazz... the intro tells it all

Application: Test Complete Audio Spectrum

Reason: From bass to female vocals, cymbals, vocals, sax,piano,percussion and guitars are all spot on and the mix is perfect as you would expect from the guys who named the band after a sex toy.