This was my gold standard for more than 10 years. It seems that on 90% of today's recordings the decibles are really jacked up, which reduces the dynamic range between the soft/normal passages and piercing highs. Not so here and Ms. Ronstadt's robust vocal range can be properly appreciated. This compilation contains all three Linda Ronstadt - Nelson Riddle albums.

I love her version of "Summertime." I think she was only 17 when this was recorded.

"Your Own Sweet Way." Featuring Mark Knopfler, this song is like floating on a lazy meandering river in the countryside.

"The Way I Am" - Ingrid's cute (but not annoying) rendition of a short and sweet pop song with clever lyrics.

How such a large man can do so tender a rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is beyond me. This recording has an emotional and visceral quality that is rarely achieved.

"Grandmother Song" is a surprise. Ms. Teng, better known for mellow piano ballads, has produced an original highly spirited song here. The one-take, garage style acoustic recording only adds to the edginess.

While Priscilla Ahn is a decent pop singer ("Dream") this superior recording really shines on the simple "Find My Way Back Home".

"Feeling Good." I think he comes closest to evoking Frank Sinatra's spirit.

"Stronger than me." Amusing, profanity free lyrics showcase Amy's talent. Enjoy, because who knows how long she'll last with her self-destructive behavior.

"Is you is or is you ain't" - A high quality cover of Dinah Washington's classic.

This new-age/jazz fusion artist recorded this disc in the short-lived "Q-Sound" which psycho-acoustically presented a 3-D soundstage with a standard two speaker stereo system. Check out the opening of "1942, From Russia" you'll swear the cello was playing behind you.

I admit I found about this from the iPod commercial. Her vocals, though limited, have character and is clear and up-front on "New Soul". I also like the french horn in the background.

Gabriela is like the S.T.O.M.P. of guitar. It's simply amazing the variety of percussive sounds she can coax out of her instrument while maintaining her rather unorthodox strumming style. "Diablo Raja" was named after a rollercoaster, and appropriately so. The bonus DVD has a tutorial that showcases her loco skillz. One negative is that the recording is a bit on the dull side.

Identified by Alison Krauss as someone with talent. I concur. Check out "pretend"

This girl can really jam. check out "Trying Times"

Lisa was a trailblazer in the British soul-pop category that is currently topped by Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse. "The Real Thing" best represents her unique brand of pop.

I'm not really a big fan of Chris Botti, but it's worth buying this Blu-ray just for his duet with Lucia Micarelli.

I actually loved Bjork's infamous swan dress, but I've never loved her music. And I still don't. The remix of note here is actually by french group Grisbi.

I'm not sure what category this falls in. Perhaps new-age/drum'n'bass. While not perfect, the mix on "Listen to the Music" has some interesting sound effects with the soothing bass rhythm.