It occurs to me that I omitted all of the vinyl I practically wore out years ago. I've always been partial to live albums, warts and all, because they often do capture the feeling of being there.
Rolling Stones - Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! Every track is a winner but "Midnight Rambler" in particular is amazingly good. I only wish the Stones were as good when I've seen 'em, but their live shows range from spontaneous to sloppy.
Grateful Dead - Europe '72 Couldn't ask for a better taste of the Dead. "Jack Straw" and "Morning Dew" are standout tracks. I saw them live in 1973 and that was arguably their peak. Topless hippie chicks, smoke everywhere, the perfect summer outdoor concert.
Allman Brothers - At Fillmore East The quintessential Southern Rock & Blues album. Sadly, by the time I saw the Allmans live, at the same '73 concert with the Dead, Duane Allman and Berry Oakley were gone. The band seemed dispirited, and Dickie Betts, while a very good guitarist, really couldn't carry the band. Still, it was a great memory and the band perked up when jamming with the Dead.
Jimi Hendrix - Hendrix in the West Probably the best audio of any live Hendrix album. I really liked Band of Gypsies as well - the best version of "Machine Gun" Hendrix recorded - but the audio is muddy. Live at Monterey is damned good too. Most other Hendrix live tracks, bootlegs, etc., are sloppy with terrible audio.
The Doors - Absolutely Live Probably the first bit of vinyl I bought with my own money as a teenager, around '71 or so.
Claire Huangci - Live at Van Cliburn 2013 classical piano competition. Alas, only part of her performances are available now. It was streamed live and the video was maintained online for only a few weeks after the May 2013 competition. Claire is a speed demon but with touch and taste in addition to technique and heart. Her playful style is perfect for Schumann, Schubert and Mozart, but she handled Prokofiev beautifully and turned in the most amazing interpretation of "Birichino", a new piece by Christopher Theofanidis. Birichino was a jazzy piece that sounded best when interpreted as a cross between Vince Guaraldi and art/noise rock. It stumped most of the competitors but Claire nailed it. Doesn't hurt either that she's as adorable as any anime character.