Country Joe and the Fish/Electric Music for the Mind and Body (1967)

A rock band led by Country Joe McDonald (vocals, guitar), Country Joe and the Fish's debut album. A masterpiece of psychedelic, acid and bluesy folk rock. Distorted sounds of guitar and organ. One of the earliest psychedelic albums of the San Francisco Bay Area rock bands. Recommended to those who like Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead and Love.

Carpenters/Yesterday Once More: Greatest Hits 1969-1983 (1969-1983)

A brother/sister duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter, the #1 hit maker of American pop music of the 1970s, Carpenters' double-CD best compilation. Features Karen's melancholy vocals by full use of low voices and Richard's classical arrangement. Includes "Yesterday Once More" (#2 on the US charts), "Top of the World" (#1 on the US) and many other good A&M pop/soft rock tunes. "Ticket to Ride" is a cover of the Beatles. "(They Long to Be) Close to You" (#1 on the US) is a cover of Burt Bacharach. "Please Mr. Postman" (#1 on the US) is a cover of the Marvelettes. Originally released in 1985. The 24-bit digitally-remastered CD was released in 1998 with the addition of an extra track "I Just Fall in Love Again".

Elvis Costello/The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years (2007/1977-1986)

An English singer-songwriter who debuted in the pub rock/punk scene in the mid-1970s, Elvis Costello's best comilation album. Includes 22 tracks from the first 11 albums, chosen by Costello himself. Features many good pop songs, such as "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes", "Alison" (a great song in his early days), "Watching The Detectives" (a good song in reggae style), "Pump It Up", "Radio, Radio", "Accidents Will Happen", "Oliver's Army" (#2 on the UK charts), "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding" (a cover of a song written by Nick Lowe for his band Brinsley Schwarz), "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down" (#4 on the UK), "Good Year For The Roses" (composed by Jerry Chesnut. #6 on the UK), "Everyday I Write the Book", "Shipbuilding" (a song composed by Clive Langer and written by Elvis Costello for Robert Wyatt). Recommended to those who like British pop such as Nick Lowe, XTC and Squeeze.

Johnny Cash/At Folsom Prison (1968)

An American singer/songwriter who had been one of the most influential figures in post-World War II country music, with his deep, resonant baritone voice, rhythmic, percussive guitar, and distinctive songs based on country, rockabilly, rock and roll, blues, folk and gospel. A live recording at Folsom State Prison in Folsom, California on January 13, 1968. A hit album reaching #1 on the US country album charts and #13 on the US pop album charts. Backed with June Carter (vocals), Carl Perkins (guitar), and Cash's band, the Tennessee Three. Includes "Folsom Prison Blues". The original LP has 16 tracks. The 1999 re-released CD has 19 tracks including three additional tracks. There is also the three-disc set (2 CDs and a DVD) released in 2008.

The Cars/Complete Greatest Hits (1978-1987)

The most commercially successful American new wave band in the late 1970s to the early 1980s, the Cars' comprehensive greatest-hits album (20 tracks). Pop-oriented sound featuring Ric Ocasek on vocals and songwriting, Elliot Easton on guitar and Greg Hawkes on keyboards and synths. Includes "Just What I Needed", "My Best Friend's Girl", "Shake It Up", "You Might Think", "Magic", "Drive" (#3 on the US charts) and others.

Petula Clark/The Ultimate Petula Clark (1964-1971)

An English female singer/actress known for her lots of popular international hits of the 1960s. A handy one-CD best compilation that includes her major 21 songs from the early 1960s to the early 1970s, such as 1994 hit "Downtown" (#1 on the US charts, #2 on the UK), "I Know a Place", "You're the One", "Call Me", "A Sign of the Times" and "Don't Sleep in the Subway". Orchestrated pop like Burt Bacharach. Almost all the songs are written, arranged and produced by Tony Hatch, and their relationship was like Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick in the US. Tony Hatch's catchy melodies and gorgeous arrangement are great.

Coldplay/A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)

An English alternative rock band led by Chris Martin (vocals, guitar and piano). This second album (#1 on the UK charts. #5 on the US charts) sold over 10 million copies in the world, and won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album, as well as their debut album 'Parachutes'. Introspective and melancholy sound like Radiohead and Travis. Simple, but delicate and beautiful melodies. Includes a ballad classic 'In My Place'.

Ray Charles/Ultimate Hits Collection (1953-1989)

The R&B singer/pianist from Georgia, the United States. Popular and flexible style merging gospel music and R&B with jazz, blues and country. A greatest-hits compilation (2 CDs, 36 tracks in total) released on Rhino in 1999. "Georgia on My Mind", "Hit the Road Jack", "I Can't Stop Loving You", "You Don't Know Me" and others. "Georgia on My Mind" is the official state song of Georgia.

Sam Cooke/The Man and His Music (1951-1964) *

The great soul singer who was once the vocalist of the gospel group Soul Stirrers, and then changed into a popular R&B singer as a solo, Sam Cooke's compilation album that includes his major 28 songs released on the RCA label. "Touch the Hem of His Garment" (1951) is a classic with the Soul Stirrers. "You Send Me" (1957) is his first big hit (#1 on the US R&B/pop charts). "A Change is Gonna Come" (1964) is a message song that answered Bob Dylan's hit song on the civil rights movement, "Blowin' in the Wind".

Can/Monster Movie (1969) *

An experimental rock band from Germany. Hypnotic repetitive beats. 1st album. Includes "Yoo Doo Right".

Can/Tago Mago (1971)

Featuring Damo Suzuki (Japanese vocalist). Introduced afro-beat and the method of contemporary music.

Captain Sensible/The Collection (1982-1984)

Ex-bassist/guitarist of the punk band the Damned. The best compilation that includes his early solo works on A & M Records, 18 tracks from 2 albums produced by Tony Mansfield and the single "There Are More Snakes Than Ladders". British systh-pop of good quality. Features hits, "Happy Talk" (a cover of the song from the movie "South Pacific". The No.1 on the UK charts), "Wot" and "Glad It's All Over".

The Cardigans/Life (1995)

An excellent pop band from Sweden. 2nd album. Includes "Carnival".

Carpenters/Now & Then (1973)

Includes "Yesterday Once More". The latter half is a medley of oldies.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds/Tender Prey (1988) *

A singer/songwriter from Australia. Ex-the Birthday Party vocalist. Blues/ballad style songs and gloomy, heavy sounds in the post-punk style. A masterpiece.

The Chameleons/Strange Times (1986)

A lyrical, psychedelic guitar pop band from Manchester. The third album released on major label Geffen Records.

Cheap Trick/Heaven Tonight (1978)

A Beatlesque rock'n'roll/power pop band from the US. The 3rd album. Includes "Surrender".

The Chemical Brothers/Exit Planet Dust (1994)

Rock-oriented techno/dance sounds by DJ duo from Manchester. 1st album.

Chic/The Very Best of Chic (1977-1982)

The most popular disco/dance band in the late 1970s. Funky and sophisticated sound featuring Nile Rodgers' scratchy rhythm guitar, Bernard Edwards' striking base lines, and Tony Thompson's razor-sharp drums. The best compilation album that includes "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)", "Le Freak", "Good Times" and their other essential tracks. Since the 1980s, Nile Rodgers produced blockbuster albums such as David Bowie's "Let's Dance" and Madonna's "Like a Virgin", and Chic's music style had a huge influence on popular music scene.

China Crisis/Diary - a Collection (1982-1989)

An electro/acoustic pop duo from the UK. Melodic and tuneful. Includes No. 9 on the UK charts "Wishful Thinking" and other major hits.

The Clash/The Clash (1977)

One of the London punks. Rough and rude sounds like garage-rock.

The Clash/London Calling (1978)

3rd album. More popular and rock-oriented sounds than 1st.

The Clash/Combat Rock (1982)

5th album. The final album by the original members. Sophisticated and danceable sound with introducing funk, dub and reggae. Reached #2 on the UK album charts and #7 in the US. Includes the hits, 'Rock the Casbah' and 'Should I Stay or Should I Go'. A masterpiece in the last days.

Cluster & Eno/Cluster & Eno (1977)

A collaboration between Cluster and Brian Eno. Ambient techno. Electronic, but tranquil sounds.

Cocteau Twins/Treasure (1984)

Formed in Scotland in 1979. Ambient dream pop. The ethereal, atmospheric sound featuring Elizabeth Fraser's angelic vocals. This third album, which was released on the UK indie label 4AD, is noted as a masterpiece. The sound is more open-doored than the second 'Head Over Heels' (1983) with a feeling of closeness, and filled with uplifting/mind-blowing feelings.

Leonard Cohen/The Songs of Leonard Cohen (1968)

The folk-oriented singer/songwriter from Canada, also known as a poet/novelist, Leonard Cohen's debut album. He is very popular in Europe, and has earned a cult following among musicians. Vocalism like speaking with the accompaniment of acoustic guitar. Features the self-cover of 'Suzanne', known as a smash hit sung by folk singer Judy Collins.

Lloyd Cole and the Commotions/Rattlesnakes (1984)

The guitar pop band from England, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions' debut album. Acoustic sound with folk-rock-based melodies. Features 'Perfect Skin', 'Rattlesnakes' and 'Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?'.

Ry Cooder/Paradise and Lunch (1974)

4th album. Hillbilly blues style. The chorus in gospel style. Exquisite arrangement. Humorous and delightful.

Elvis Costello/My Aim is True (1977)

A singer & songwriter from England's punk scene. Influenced by American music in the 1950s. 1st album.

Cowboy Junkies/The Trinity Session (1988)

Acoustic-oriented band from Canada. Country, blues, folk and so on. Live recording at a church.

The Cream/Disraeli Gears (1967)

Featuring Eric Clapton (guitar). 2nd album. Includes "Sunshine of Your Love".

Creedence Clearwater Revival/Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits (Vol. 1) (1968-1970)

A best compilation album that includes the early hits of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the rock & roll band featuring John Fogerty (vocals, guitar and songwriting). Simple and earthy sound based on the American roots music such as country, swamp, rockabilly and R&B. It's reminiscent of country towns in the good old days of America. Lots of good songs such as 'Susie Q', 'Proud Mary', 'Bad Moon Rising', 'Lodi', 'Green River', 'Down on the Corner', 'Who'll Stop the Rain', 'Up Around the Bend', 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' (the album version. A cover of the Motown hit by Gladys Knight & the Pips) and 'Have You Ever Seen the Rain?'.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young/Déjà Vu (1970)

The quartet of David Crosby (ex-the Byrds), Stephen Stills (ex-Buffalo Springfield), Graham Nash (ex-the Hollies) and Neil Young. Country-ish folk-rock sound with harmonic chorus.

The Cult/Electric (1987)

Originally a post-punk goth rock (called "positive punk" by NME) band named 'the Southern Death Cult', but this third album is simple and straight-ahead, clear and crisp hard rock, like Led Zeppelin or AC/DC. Produced by Rick Rubin, who also produced Run D.M.C., Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Reached No.4 on the UK charts and No.38 on the US charts. Includes the cover of Steppenwolf's 'Born to Be Wild'.

Culture Club/This Time (1982-1986)

The white soul group featuring Boy George (vocals). A greatest hits CD. Includes No. 1 hit on the US and UK charts "Karma Chameleon".

The Cure/Staring at the Sea/the Singles (1979-1985)

The new wave band featuring Robert Smith (guitar, vocals). The single hits collection. Simple sounds in a post-punk style (1979-80), introspective psychedelia (1981-84), and colorful pop (1983-). Includes "Killing an Arab", "Boys Don't Cry", "A Forest", "Play for Today", "Primary", "Let's Go to Bed", "The Lovecats", "In Between Days".

The Cure/The Top (1984) *

The album released in 1984. A masterpiece. Dark psych with pop melodies. Includes 'Shake Dog Shake', 'The Caterpillar' and 'Bananafishbones'.

Holger Czukay/Movies (1979) *

Ex-Can bassist, Holger Czukay's solo album. Avant-garde pop. The sound is like Brian Eno-David Byrne's 'My Life in the Bush of Ghosts'. Sound collage sytle with samples from film, TV and shortwave radio. Includes "Persian Love".