Boston/Boston (1976)

An American rock band centered on Tom Scholz, Boston's debut album (#3 on the US album charts). Melodic and pop-oriented rock based on UK hard rock and progressive rock. Massive sound by 12-track recording. Tom Scholz wrote most of the songs, played most of the instruments except drums and Brad Delp's vocals, and he also arranged, engineered and produced it. An early example of the late 1970s and the 1980s commercial rock called later 'arena rock'. Includes singles, 'More than a Feeling' (#5 on the US charts), 'Foreplay/Long Time' and 'Peace of Mind'. Digitally remastered by Tom Scholz and released on CD in 2006.

Basement Jaxx/The Singles (1996-2005)

A UK house/electronica duo formed in London in 1994, Basement Jaxx's single compilation album (#1 on the UK album charts). R&B/hip hop/Latin music-oriented house featuring guest vocalists' powerful vocals and catchy melodies. Includes three #1 singles on the US dance charts, "Red Alert", "Rendez-Vu" and "Bingo Bango", and other hit singles such as "Where's Your Head At?", "Lucky Star" and "Good Luck". "Good Luck" was used in Japanese 3-D CG anime film "Appleseed". The special edition included a second disc "bonus traxx" featuring remix/live/acoustic versions and previously unreleased tracks. The Japanese limited edition consisted of 2 CDs and a DVD featuring videos and live images.

The Beta Band/Heroes to Zeros (2004)

A musical group from Scotland, the Beta Band's third and final studio album (#18 on the UK album charts). Strange electronica pop with a mix of melodic folk, rock and trip hop. Includes two singles, "Assessment" and "Out-Side". Mixed by Nigel Godrich. Recommended to those who like the Beach Boys, the High Llamas and Stereolab.

The Beau Brummels/Triangle (1967)

An Anerican rock band formed in San Francisco in 1964, the Beau Brummels' fourth album. A good psyche folk rock album with earthy country flavor. The guest musicians are Van Dyke Parks (harpsichord, keyboards) and others. "Old Kentucky Home" is a song written by Randy Newman. Produced by Lenny Waronker. Recommended to those who like the Lovin' Spoonful, 1960s pop of Warner Bros. Records, and Love's "Forever Changes".

Boards of Canada/Music Has the Right to Children (1998)

An electronic music duo (Michael Sandison and Marcus Eoin) formed in 1996 in Scotland, Boards of Canada's first album. Psychedelic and dreamy ambient techno/IDM (intelligent dance music) with hip-hop beats. Artificial, but gently encompassing sound. Peaceful and nostalgic melodies. A masterpiece of intelligent electronic listening music. Recommended to those who like Aphex Twin and Trip-Hop.

Tim Buckley/Goodbye and Hello (1967)

An American singer-songwriter who had worked from the late 1960s to the early 1070s, Tim Buckley's second album. Basically in a folk-rock style, but it has also psychedelic elements inspired by the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" released in the same year. A great psyche/acid folk rock album with wistful lyricism.

Bronski Beat/The Age of Consent (1984)

A British synth pop band formed in London in 1983, Bronski Beat's debut album. Danceable, soul/disco/Hi-NRG-oriented synth pop. Jimmy Somerville's soulful counter-tenor vocals with falsetto are impressive. The lyrics are political and communistic. Includes the debut single "Smalltown Boy" (#3 on the UK charts), "Why?" (#5 on the UK charts), "Ain't Necessarily So", and a cover of Donna Summer's dicso hit "I Feel Love". "Smalltown Boy" is a song about a gay boy (Jimmy Somerville was an openly gay man). With 6 bonus tracks, including the single version of "I Feel Love (medley with Marc Almond)" (Featuring Marc Almond from Soft Cell. #3 on the UK charts).

The Brand New Heavies/Trunk Funk Classics: 1991-2000 (1991-2000)

An acid jazz/funk group formed in London in 1985. In London acid jazz scene since the late 1980s, they created a new style mixing the funk grooves and urban soul of the 1970s with hip-hop idiom, and had a great influence on club music since the 1990s. An American compilation (different in tracks from British compilation 'Trunk Funk: Best of the Brand New Heavies') that features the singles, 'Dream Come True [Heavies Mix]', 'Never Stop', 'Stay This Way', 'Dream On Dreamer', 'Brother Sister', 'Sometimes [Remix]', 'Saturday Nite' and others. 'Finish What You Started' is a newly recorded track with American vocalist N'Dea Davenport.

Bill Bruford/One of a Kind (1979)

The British drummer who was the member of Yes, King Crimson and U.K. The second album of his own fusion band, named Bruford, with Dave Stewart (keyboards), Jeff Berlin (bass) and Allan Holdsworth (guitar). One of the greatest British jazz rock albums, along with the works from Canterbury scene. Recommended for those who like fusion and jazz-oriented progressive rock.

Basic Channel/Basic Channel (1995) *

Basic Channel is a minimal techno duo and record label formed by Moritz Von Oswald (aka Maurizio. Ex-Palais Schaumburg) and Mark Ernestus in Berlin, Germany in 1993. A compilation album that contains the edited versions of their 12-inch vinyl tracks. A classic of minimal techno in the ambient/dub style. Abstract sound in a hazy, misty tone.

Bad Company/Bad Company (1974)

The British hard rock band comprised of two ex-members of Free, Paul Rodgers (vocals) and Simon Kirke (drums), former Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs and ex-King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell. The debut album is an international hit. Simple and soulful heavy rock based on blues. Features the single "Can't Get Enough".

Brand X/Unorthodox Behaviour (1976)

The British jazz-rock/fusion band formed by Genesis drummer Phil Collins, Atomic Rooster guitarist John Goodsall, keyboardist Robin Lumley and bassist Percy Jones. The debut album. Instrumental music with odd time signatures. The highlight is Percy Jones' transcendent technique of fretless bass.

Black Uhuru/Red (1981)

Jamaican reggae band, Black Uhuru's 1981 masterpiece. The rhythm section and produced by Sly Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespear (bass). Features the reggae classics, "Youth of Eglington" and "Sponji Reggae".

Burt Bacharach/Classics Volume 23 (1967-1979)

A famous composer of A&M Records. A collection of his own play of his own writing. Includes lots of masterpieces. "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" and others.

Badfinger/Wish You were Here (1974)

Beatlesque power pop band. Pete Ham (vocals and guitar) put his heart and soul into this album. melodic and beautiful.

Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force/Planet Rock/The Album (1987)

The title track is the first hip-hop tune that sampled Kraftwerk.

The Band/Music from Big Pink (1968)

The interpretation of American music (R&B, blues and country) by Canadians. This 1st album is their masterpiece.

Bangles/Greatest Hits (1984-1989)

The 1960s-pop style girls rock band. Catchy melodies. Includes No. 2 hit on the US charts "Manic Monday" (composed by Prince).

Syd Barrett/The Madcap Laughs (1970) *

Ex-singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett's solo debut album, released after he left the band because of his mental instability. Introspective psych pop.

Bauhaus/In the Flat Field (1980) **

A gloomy and heavy gothic rock in a post-punk style. Peter Murphy's vocals are just like David Bowie. The debut album.

Bauhaus/Mask (1981) **

This second album is too dark, but it's really cool. I think this is their best work.

The Beach Boys/Endless Summer (1962-1966) **

A collection of the early singles. Includes "Surfin' U.S.A." All the 21 tracks are excellent.

The Beach Boys/Pet Sounds (1966) *

A product of studio works by Brian Wilson. Elaborate sounds.

The Beach Boys/Smiley Smile (1967)

Includes some pieces of materials for the uncompleted album 'Smile', such as 'Heroes and Villains', a collaboration between Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. Experimental psych-pop symphonies. Includes No. 1 hit on the US charts "Good Vibrations".

Beastie Boys/Licensed to Ill (1986)

White rap in hard-rock and punk style. 1st album. Includes "Fight for Your Right".

The Beatles/With the Beatles (1963) *

2nd album. Includes several covers of R&B and their original masterpieces, like "All My Loving".

The Beatles/A Hard Day's Night (1964) **

All the tracks are their original. The movie version (directed by Richard Lester) is recommended too.

The Beatles/Rubber Soul (1965) **

Characteristic sounds by using sitar, fuzz bass, slide guitar and so on.

The Beatles/Revolver (1966) **

Psychedelic sounds. Includes "Tomorrow Never Knows".

The Beatles/Sgt.Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) **

A masterpiece of the days they had stopped playing live and had been devoted to studio recordings.

The Beatles/Magical Mystery Tour (1967) **

The soundtrack to the TV movie (with several tracks released as singles). Includes "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Penny Lane".

The Beatles/The Beatles (1968)

The double album called the 'white album'. Sounds like a compilation gathering members' solo works, but includes lots of good tunes, such as 'Back in the U.S.S.R.', 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da', 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' (Eric Clapton guests on guitar) and 'Helter Skelter'.

The Beatles/Abbey Road (1969) *

The last recorded album. Simple and refined sounds.

Beats International/Excursion on the Version (1991)

Club music with reggae/dub beats. Catchy melody lines.

Be Bop Deluxe/Modern Music (1976)

A British pop/art-rock band with convoluted musical structure. Featuring Bill Nelson (guitar, vocals). The 4th album that has softly sophisticated sounds (aimed at the US market?).

Beck/Odelay (1996)

Based on roots music (country, blues, folk, soul and so on), but up-to-date in sound (hip-hop, sampling and alternative).

Jeff Beck/Blow by Blow (1975)

The solo debut album by the guitarist Jeff Beck (ex-the Yardbirds/Beck, Bogert and Appice). A monumental masterpiece of instrumental guitar rock in the fusion/jazz-rock style. Includes "Cause We've Ended as Lovers", a hit ballad composed by Stevie Wonder. Produced by George Martin.

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band/Trout Mask Replica (1969)

One of avant-garde works of the Frank Zappa family. Influenced by blues and free jazz.

Ben Folds Five/Ben Folds Five (1995) *

The guitarless trio of piano, bass and drum, Ben Folds Five's debut album. Formed in 1994 with Ben Folds (piano and vocals) as the leader. Piano-based melodic pop, like Todd Rundgren, Elton John and Joe Jackson, with popping rhythm, buzzing fuzz-bass and wailing, overflowing melodies. They themselves call it "punk rock for sissies". Features "Underground".

Chuck Berry/The Anthology (1955-1973)

One of the great originators of rock & roll. A set of 2 CDs that features 50 tracks including all the hits recorded on the Chess label. Pop-oriented sound influenced by white music such as country and hillbilly. A gold mine of guitar riffs. Includes lots of rock & roll classics such as "Maybellene", "Thirty Days", "You Can't Catch Me", "Brown Eyed Handsome Man", "Roll over Beethoven", "Too Much Monkey Business", "School Day", "Rock and Roll Music", "Sweet Little Sixteen", "Johnny B. Goode", "Carol", "Memphis, Tennessee", "Little Queenie" and "Back in the U.S.A."

The B-52's/The B-52's (1979) *

A danceable pop band from Athens, Georgia. Influenced by '60s pop and the British New Wave bands. Catchy melodies.

Big Black/Songs About Fucking (1987)

The US underground noise-rock band led by Steve Albini (vocals, guitar). The last album. Noisy and heavy sound with metallic guitars and machinelike beats by Roland drum machine. Includes covers of Kraftwerk's "The Model" and Cheap Trick's "He's a Whore". The pictures on the album jacket are quoted from Japanese X-rated graphic novel "The Rapeman" (written by Keiko Aizaki, drawn by Shintaro Miyawaki).

Big Brother & the Holding Company/Cheap Thrills (1968)

The 2nd album of Big Brother & the Holding Co., an ordinary psych band in San Francisco, featuring Janis Joplin as the lead vocalist. Janis' vocals in the blues/R&B style like squeezing out are awesome. Mainly consisted of the live recordings in Fillmore East, New York. The Number one in the US album charts for 8 weeks in a row. Includes 'Summertime', 'Piece of My Heart' and 'Ball and Chain'.

Big Star/Third/Sister Lovers (1978/1992)

A cult band featuring Alex Chilton (vocals, guitar and keyboards). Includes "Holocaust".

Bill Nelson's Red Noise/Sound on Sound (1979)

Ex-Be Bop Deluxe frontman, Bill Nelson's solo work. The solid new-wave sound like early XTC is cool.

Jane Birkin/The Best of Jane Birkin (1969-1996)

French actress/vocalist. The whispering/heavy-breathing vocalism is cute. Almost all the songs composed by Serge Gainsbourg. Includes her masterpieces such as "Je T'Aime Moi Non Plus". The original of "Baby Alone in Babylone" is the 3rd movement of Brahms' Symphonie No.3.

Björk/Homogenic (1997)

Ex-Sugarcubes vocalist, Bjork's third solo album. Massive music fusing electronica sounds with classical strings. Emotional and resounding vocals. LFO's Mark Bell and DJ Howie B joined.

Black Sabbath/Paranoid (1970)

UK hard rock band. Heavy and uncanny sounds of guitar by Tony Iommi.

Blondie/The Best of Blondie (1977-1981)

A punk/new wave band from New York. Featuring Debbie Harry (vocals). Lots of catchy pop songs. Includes 3 #1 hits in the US/UK charts: 'Heart of Glass', 'Call Me' and 'The Tide is High'.

Blood, Sweat & Tears/Blood, Sweat & Tears (1969)

Jazz/classical-oriented blues rock featuring the brass section. The second album that includes the original hit "Spinning Wheel", "Variations on a Theme by Erik Satie", "God Bless the Child" (cover of Billie Holiday), "You've Made Me So Very Happy" (cover of Brenda Holloway), "And When I Die" (cover of Laura Nyro) and "Smiling Phases" (cover of Traffic).

The Bluebells/"Sisters" (1984-1985)

An acoustic-oriented guitar pop band from Scotland. Tuneful and melodic. Includes hits, "I'm Falling" and "Young at Heart".

Blur/Modern Life is Rubbish (1993)

The second album. The sound that succeeds to the tradition of British pop such as the Kinks and XTC.

Blur/Parklife (1994)

The third album and the No.1 on the UK album charts. More influenced by old British pop (the Kinks, the Jam, Gary Newman, XTC, Echo & the Bunnymen...). One of the 'Britpop' masterpiece, taking rank with Oasis' 'Definitely Maybe'.

Bonzo Dog Doo/Dah Band/Gorilla (1967)

One of the origins of UK style pop. Very influential in Deaf School, They Might Be Giants and the like.

Bootsy/Ultra Wave (1980) *

Bootsy Collins' solo album. A masterpiece of P-Funk.

David Bowie/The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) **

A masterpiece in a glam-rock style. Lots of catchy tunes.

David Bowie/Low (1977)

Recorded in Berlin. Progressive sounds by use of synths. Brian Eno joined.

David Bowie/"Heroes" (1977)

The sound in a prog-rock style, like the previous album "Low". Brian Eno and Robert Fripp (guitar) joined. A masterpiece in the late 1970s.

David Bowie/Scary Monsters (1980)

An album of the time he was a cult hero. New-wave style sound. Includes "Ashes to Ashes".

David Bowie/Let's Dance (1983)

A smash hit album in the US. Co-produced by Nile Rogers.

James Brown/The CD of JB (Sex Machine & other soul classics) (1956-74) **

Contains 18 masterpieces of James Brown, the originator of funk. Satisfactory selection.

James Brown/Star Time (1956-84) **

Contains JB's major tracks all, from gospel-based R&B to funk. A box set of 4 discs.

Buffalo Springfield/Buffalo Springfield (1966) **

The country/folk-rock band featuring Stephen Stills and Neil Young, Buffalo Springfield's debut album.

Buffalo Springfield/Buffalo Springfield Again (1967) **

Excellent. Miscellaneous elements (like country, folk and rock) and high musicality.

Buffalo Springfield/Last Time Around (1968) **

Their three albums are all recommended. I recommend the second album "Again" especially.

Buggles/The Age of Plastic (1979)

Featuring Trevor Horn. 1st album. Includes a hit "Video Killed the Radio Star".

Buggles/Adventures in Modern Recording (1981)

An innovative sound by use of sampling and orchestra hit.

Kate Bush/The Kick Inside (1978)

A smash hit album in Europe. 1st album. Includes No. 1 hit on the UK charts "Wuthering Heights".

Kate Bush/The Dreaming (1982) **

Kate Bush's most controversial work. Overwhelmingly aggressive pop with over-dubbing in 72 tracks and full use of Fairlight (sampler) and Synclavier. A product of elaborate studio works. Excellent and highly recommended.

Butthole Surfers/Psychic...Powerless...Another Man's Sac (1985)

An underground noise-rock band from San Antonio, Texas. The debut album released on Chicago's indie label 'Touch and Go'. Noisy and avant-garde guitar rock taking over the traditions of Texas psychedelia of the 1960s, such as the 13th Floor Elevators, and punk/new wave of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Buzzcocks/Operators Manual (1977-80)

A punk band from Manchester. A compilation of their best tracks. Melodic and catchy.

The Byrds/Mr. Tambourine Man (1965) **

A masterpiece of melodic folk rock. The title track is a cover of Bob Dylan.