Depeche Mode/Violator (1990)

A British synthpop band, Depeche Mode's seventh studio album. The most commercially successful album to date (#2 on the UK album charts, #7 on the US). Considered their best work by lots of fans. Synthpop with a melancholy mood, like the previous two albums. Simple and strong melodies and sound production. Includes hit singles, "Personal Jesus" featuring bluesy guitar, "Enjoy the Silence" (#6 on the UK charts, #8 on the US), "Policy of Truth" and "World in My Eyes".

Depeche Mode/Music for the Masses (1987)

A British synthpop band, Depeche Mode's sixth studio album. Synthpop with a melancholy mood, like the previous album "Black Celebration". Solemn sound featuring effectively-used orchestration and acoustic instruments such as piano. Includes singles, "Strangelove", "Never Let Me Down Again", "Behind the Wheel" and "Little 15". This album reached #35 on ths US album charts and made a breakthrough in the US market.

Doves/The Last Broadcast (2002)

An English indie rock band formed in Cheshire in 1998, Doves' second album (#1 on the UK charts). Lyrical and dopey guitar rock with beautiful melodies, like Radiohead, the Verve and Coldplay, or more older, Manchester's dance-oriented rock bands such as New Order and the Stone Roses. Features three singles, 'There Goes the Fear' (#3 on the UK charts), 'Pounding' and 'Caught By the River'. 'M62 Song' is an adaptation of 'Moonchild' by King Crimson. The guest musicians are Sean O'Hagan from the High Llamas (arrangement) and others.

Digitalism/Idealism (2007)

A German electro duo from Hamburg, Digitalism's debut album. Released on French house label 'Kitsuné'. Punkish electro indie rock featuring Kraftwerk-like "pip-pip" electronic sounds and live drums. Disco beat like Daft Punk. The lyrics are English. Features single tracks, "Idealistic", "Zdarlight", "Jupiter Room" and "Pogo". "Pogo" is a melodic tune in New Order style. "Digitalism in Cairo" is a song reediting The Cure's "Fire in Cairo". Recommended to those who like rock-oriented dance/club sound such as the Prodigy, Underworld, the Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim and Daft Punk.

Der Plan/Geri Reig/Normalette Surprise (1996/1979-1980)

A music performance group from Düsseldorf and one of the mainstays of the 1980s Neue Deutsche Welle (German New Wave) scene. Features ex-DAF member Kurt Dahlke (aka Pyrolator). A CD reissued on Ata Tak label in 1996. Includes all the tracks of first two full-length albums, "Geri Reig" (1979), "Normalette Surprise" (1981) and three additional tracks from early singles. Experimental and quirky techno/underground pop full of humor and childishness. The 1st "Geri Reig" has experimental sounds inspired by the Residents. The 2nd "Normalette Surprise" has electronic pop-oriented sounds influenced by Kraftwerk.

Dr. Dre/The Chronic (1992)

Dr. Dre is a founding member of the gangsta rap group N.W.A., and after leaving the group he has worked as a producer (for Snoop Dogg, Eminem and others), solo artist and record executive. His solo debut album. The style of this album (hip-hop influenced by P-funk such as Parliament/Funkadelic. Slow grooves, deep bass, soulful female backing vocals and heavy use of synths) was later called "G-funk" and became the mainstream of hip-hop in the early 1990s. Featuring a rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg (later Snoop Dogg) in full scale. Includes hit singles, "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang", "Fuck Wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')" and "Let Me Ride".

Discharge/Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Say Nothing (1982)

The UK hardcore punk band, Discharge's first full-length album. Extremely loud, noisy and fast punk. Shouting vocals and simple guiter riffs. Bleak sound full of anger and restless urge. A hardcore classic that also influenced thrash metal bands such as Anthrax and Metallica.

Dick Dale/King of the Surf Guitar: The Best of Dick Dale & his Del-Tones (1961-1987)

The guitarist and originator of instrumental surf rock, nicknamed "King of the Surf Guitar", Dick Dale's best compilation. Breakneck staccato picking technique and exotic melodies in the Middle Eastern style. He had a great influence on lots of later guitarists, such as heavy metal ones like Eddie Van Halen. Includes 18 tracks, which are all the original versions of his best-known/hit songs such as "Let's Go Trippin'" and "Miserlou" (used in Quentin Tarantino's movie "Pulp Fiction").

Daft Punk/Homework (1997)

A techno duo from Paris, France. 1st album. Techno sound with disco style beat.

The Damned/Damned Damned Damned (1977) *

One of the London punk masterpieces. Produced by Nick Lowe.

The Spencer Davis Group/The Best of the Spencer Davis Group (1964-?)

The R&B-based rock band featuring Steve Winwood (guitar, vocals and keyboards). Includes "Gimme Some Lovin'" and other hits.

Dead Can Dance/Spleen and Ideal (1985)

The band led by guitarist Brendan Perry and vocalist Lisa Gerrard. Formed in Australia in 1981. The second album released on the UK indie label 4AD. Peaked at number two on the UK indie charts. Aesthetic and decadent sounds based on the style of European traditional folk music, particularly music from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The mood is like religious music.

Dead Kennedys/Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980)

A political hardcore punk band from San Francisco. Featuring Jello Biafra (vocals). Includes "Holiday in Cambodia".

Dead or Alive/"Youthquake" (1985)

Catchy electro-pop like Eurodance/Eurobeat. Includes No. 1 hit on the UK charts "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)".

Deaf School/2nd Honeymoon (1976) **

UK style pop. This 1st album is so cool. Featuring Clive Langer (guitar).

Deee-Lite/World Clique (1990)

The New York based club/dance music trio, Deee-Lite's debut album. Featuring DJ Towa Tei (Korean from Japan). Includes "Groove Is in the Heart".

Deep Purple/Machine Head (1972)

One of the established classics of hard rock. Includes "Highway Star" and "Smoke on the Water".

De La Soul/3 Feet High and Rising (1989)

A witty and delightful hip-hop/rap group from the US.

Martin Denny/The Very Best of Martin Denny: The Exotic Sounds (1956-1969) *

Summer resort style, the South Pacific style, Oriental style and so on.

John Denver/Definitive All-time Greatest Hits (1966-1983)

The US country-folk singer/songwriter who was popular all over the world in the 1970s. A best compilation album featuring his original recordings digitally remastered. Includes his 20 masterpieces such as the famous smash hit "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Sunshine on My Shoulders", "Rocky Mountain High", "Annie's Song", "Back Home Again", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and "I'm Sorry", plus four bonus tracks previously unreleased. Lots of earthy and friendly tunes with pop melodies. "Leaving, on a Jet Plane" is John Denver's original song, also known as Peter, Paul, and Mary's hit.



There is also the UK edition.

Depeche Mode/Speak & Spell (1981) *

1st album featuring Vince Clark (synths, songwriting). Bubblegum electro-pop.

Depeche Mode/A Broken Frame (1982) *

2nd album released after Vince Clark left the band. Martin Gore started to exercise his ample songwriting talents since this album. Includes "See You".

Depeche Mode/Construction Time Again (1983) **

A gem of British electro-pop. Includes "Everything Counts".

Depeche Mode/Some Great Reward (1984) **

Remarkable for its aggressive and solid sounds. Includes a smash hit in the UK and US "People Are People".

Depeche Mode/Black Celebration (1986) *

Icy and moody sounds. The melody lines are excellent. Includes "Stripped".

Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft/Die Kleinen und die Bösen (1980)

The first album from the Mute Records. The members are Robert Görl (drums), Gabi Delgado (vocals), Chrislo Haas (synth) and Wolfgang Spelmans (guitar). The first half is a studio recording produced by Conrad (Conny) Plank. The latter half is a live recording at London's Electric Ballroom. Queer and violent elecrtro/industrial punk.

Deutsche Amerikanische Freundschaft/Alles Ist Gut (1981)

The 3rd album by the duo of Robert Görl (drums/synths) and Gabi Delgado (vocals). Simple sounds by synth bass, live drums and vocals. One of the roots of electronic body music. Produced by Conny Plank. Includes "Der Mussolini".

Devo/Q;Are We Not Men? A;We are Devo! (1978) **

Queer synth-pop band from the US. This 1st album is punky. Produced by Brian Eno. The cover of the Rollong Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" is cool.

Dinosaur Jr./Green Mind (1991)

An American alternative rock band. Featuring J. Mascis (guitar, vocal). The major-label debut album. Melodic songwriting with guitar noise and feeling of ennui.

Dire Straits/Brothers in Arms (1985)

The UK rock band led by Mark Knopfler (guitar, vocals). The sound greatly influenced by American root music like country and blues. The vocal style is like Bob Dylan. A best seller album that racked up sales of over 25 millions in the world. Includes No.1 on the US charts 'Money for Nothing' (featuring Sting on backing vocals).

Thomas Dolby/The Best of Thomas Dolby: Retrospectacle (1981-1992)

Danceable electro-pop. A best compilation that includes "She Blinded Me With Science" and "Hyperactive!".

The Doors/The Doors (1967) **

Featuring Jim Morrison (vocals). One of the bands which had a great influence on later new wave/post-punk movement. The debut album. Includes "Light My Fire". Dark, heavy and moody tone. Jazzy improvisations of electronic organ. "Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)" is a cover of Kurt Weill.

The Doors/Strange Days (1968) **

This second album is almost as excellent as the first. Includes 'People are Strange'.

The Doors/Waiting for the Sun (1969) **

3rd album. No. 1 on the US album charts. The hit "Hello I Love You" is just like the Kinks' "All Day and All of the Night".

Dr. John/Dr. John's Gumbo (1972)

A masterpiece of New Orleans R&B by Dr. John/Mac Rebennack. Happy and cheerful sounds. Includes 'Iko Iko'.

Nick Drake/Five Leaves Left (1969)

A singer/songwriter from England. 1st album produced by Joe Boyd. Introspective, gloomy and sensitive folk songs.

The Dukes of Stratosphear/Chips from the Chocolate Fireball (An Anthology) (1985/1987) **

The pseudonymous band of XTC. Excellent parodies of the late 1960s psychedelia/guitar-pop. A single CD including all the tracks of the EP '25 O'Clock' (1985) and the full album 'Psonic Psunspot' (1987). Highly recommended.

Duran Duran/Decade (1981-1989)

One of the UK New Romantic bands. A compilation of their hits. Includes "The Reflex".

Bob Dylan/Highway 61 Revisited (1965)

Released when he formed a rock band and switched to a folk-rock style. Includes "Like a Rolling Stone".

Bob Dylan/Blonde on Blonde (1966)

His masterpiece in the 1960s and noted as the greatest work. Released as a double album on vinyl. Rock/blues-oriented sounds. Lots of good tunes such as 'Rainy Day Women #12 & 35', 'Just Like a Woman', 'Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands' and 'Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine'.