My iPod suffers from multiple personality disorder. You would be as likely to queue up traditional Irish or Country, Pop Latino or Classical, and many other surprises in between. I have always had a particular fondness for unaccompanied vocals - whether Sacred, Barbershop, or pop. I downloaded a recording the other evening that did not disappoint. It is the Missa Cuiusvis Toni (a IV) performed by a group called Capella Alamire. While I do love the beautiful music of the Baroque period and its stunning orchestration (Bach in particular, of course) there is absolutely nothing like Renaissance polyphony. It is rich and unadulterated. What makes it so powerful for me is that the element of the human voice is so simple, yet it is woven in a tapestry of incredible complexity. If you have iTunes, be sure to check it out. If you're only willing to spring for one track I recommend the Agnus Dei. Wow.
I imagine that this type of repertoire is reserved most for professional or highly trained amateurs who really know what they're doing. Which is too bad, because I can't imagine how anyone could listen to it and not want to take part in recreating it.
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