Wow, every crank on the planet is going to want to weigh in here!
So, assuming that all these emails don't get directed straight to the trash bin, here are a few of my votes for recordings I would love to hear in something approximating their original form:
Harry Belafonte: Belafonte at Carnegie Hall RCA "Living Stereo" LSO 6006 (1959) (Yeah, I know-good 'friggin luck dealing with BMG...)
Joan Armatrading: Joan Armatrading A&M L 35967 (1976) I haven't listened to this for years-just for the hell of it, I threw it on the turntable the other night, and was really pleasantly surprised. Glyn Johns did a great job capturing the emotion and dynamics of Joan's voice, and despite some vinyl flaws, the dynamics were very impressive, especially for a pop album. This is good stuff, and I think it deserves some consideration as a possible candidate for tape. I have no idea how complicated the licensing rights might be, though.
Joan Baez: Farewell Angelina Vanguard VSD 79200 OK, this isn't going to everyone's cup of tea, but it's a great album nonetheless.
Muddy Waters: Folksinger Chess 1483 (1963) Chess didn't exactly have state-of-the-art facilities, but somehow this recording came out pretty well. Worth the effort to get it on tape.
Respighi: Pines of Rome (Fritz Reiner) RCA LSC-2436 You know what I'm talkin' about.
That's all for now. I've got plenty more to add later!