Music & dance, dance & music. Which comes first? Who is to say. Ask the chicken… or the egg. Either way an understanding and appreciation of tango music is part of the dance.
This is no way an exhaustive or definitive list. It is intended as a starting point. I have focused on composer albums over compilations due to two weaknesses in compilations. 1, compilations usually try to give too broad a range. 2, they usually have a handful of good tracks padded out with some dross. I have also recommended particular tracks should you not wish to purchase the entire album.
Florindo Sassone
I am quite partial to Florindo Sassones polished style, especially for teaching.
From Argentina to the World [Amazon, CD & MP3]
Carlos Di Sarli
Serie de Oro Vol 1 [iTunes]
- La Cumparsita
- El Once
- El Choclo
- A la Gran Muñeca
- Organito de la Tarde
Serie de Oro Vol 2 [iTunes]
- El Recodo
- La Morocha
- El Incendio
- El Ingeniero
Osvaldo Pugliese
Grandes Del Tango 2 [iTunes]
- Recuerdo
- La Yumba
- Malandraca
Grandes Del Tango 9 [iTunes]
- Farol
Grandes Del Tango 19 [iTunes]
Milonga
Various Artists: ¡Milonga! [iTunes]