Wire/Pink Flag (1977)

An English rock band formed in London in 1976, Wire's debut album. A peculiar, post punk-oriented music, as if to condense traditional rock song structure into brief and reconstruct it with mechanical/minimal rhythm, though it was released only a year after Sex Pistols' debut and based on art school punk. Wire's first three albums, especially this one had a wide-ranging influence on later music scenes, such as post-punk, the 1980s US indie rock, hardcore punk, the 1990s britpop and others. Produced by Mike Thorne. The digitally remastered CD was released in 2006. Recommended to those who like early Joy Division and the Cure.

The White Stripes/Elephant (2003)

An American alternative rock band formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan, duo of Jack White (guitar and vocals) and Meg White (drums), the White Stripes' fourth album (major label debut. #1on the UK, #6 on the US album charts). Simple and lo-fi sound based on garage rock, blues and punk. Minimal organization only with vocals, guitar, piano and drums. Includes singles, "Seven Nation Army" (#1 on the UK charts) and "The Hardest Button to Button" (#2 on the UK charts). Won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" is a cover of a song by Burt Bacharach and Hal David (sung by Tommy Hunt, Dusty Springfield and Dionne Warwick).

War/The World is a Ghetto (1972)

An American funk band formed in California in 1969, War's third album (#1 on the US album charts). Released after Eric Burdon (ex-the Animals) left the band. Fusion of jazz, funk, rock, R&B, Latin and reggae. A masterpiece of Latin soul/Caribbean funk. Features "The Cisco Kid" (#2 on the US charts) and "The World is a Ghetto" (#7).

Stevie Wonder/Songs in the Key of Life (1976)

One of Stevie Wonder's greatest works in the 1970s, when he has both musical ambition and popularity. Released as double LP with 4-track EP (21 tracks in total). Acclaimed as his magnum opus. Topped the US pop album charts for 14 weeks, and won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal and Album of the Year. Features lots of impressive songs such as "Love's in Need of Love Today", "Sir Duke", "I Wish", "Pastime Paradise", "Isn't She Lovely","As" and "Another Star". The guest musicians are George Benson (guitar, vocals), Herbie Hancock (keyboards) and others.

Wishbone Ash/Argus (1972)

One of the popular hard rock bands of England in the early 1970s, Wishbone Ash's third album. Lyrical and delicate sound featuring the instrumental ensemble influenced by jazz and progressive rock, especially the harmony of twin lead guitars by Ted Turner and Andy Powell.

The Who/Who's Next (1071)

Regarded as the best work of the studio-recorded albums by the Who, the UK rock band. The album released between the two 'rock opera' albums, "Tommy" and "Quadrophenia". Exhilarating hard rock featuring Pete Townshend's guitar, keyboards and ARP synth (sequencer), and Keith Moon's offbeat drumming. Includes "Baba O'Riley" and "Won't Get Fooled Again".

Scott Walker/Boy Child (1967-1970)

The collection of the solo works by Scott Walker (real name: Scott Engel), who was known as the vocalist of US idol pop group the Walker Brothers. With his deep bass voice and dark, introspective style, he had an influence on the UK artists such as David Bowie, Brian Eno, David Sylvian (Japan), Marc Almond (Soft Cell) and Julian Cope (The Teardrop Explodes).

Tom Waits/The Heart of Saturday Night (1974)

Blues and jazz styles. Thick-voiced vocals. 2nd album.

The Waterboys/This is the Sea (1985)

Influenced by Bob Dylan. Emotional and spiritual. Recommended to the fans of U2 and the Alarm. Includes "The Whole of the Moon".

Muddy Waters/The Chess Box (1947-1972) *

Chicago blues. One of the roots of rock music. A box set of 3 discs.

Weezer/Weezer (Blue Album) (1994)

The US alternative guitar pop band influenced by the power pop like Cheap Trick and the noisy guitar bands like the Pixies, Weezer's debut album. Formed in 1993 with Rivers Cuomo (vocals, guitar) as the leader. Sweet and wistful melodies, heavy guitar, punk beat and chorus harmonies like the Beach Boys. The individual sound also called "Geek Rock". Includes "Buddy Holly", "Undone-The Sweater Song" and "Say It Ain't So". Produced by former Cars frontman Ric Ocasek.

The Who/The Who Sings My Generation (1965)

A typical sound of UK beat groups in the early years. 1st album. Includes the covers of James Brown, "I don't Mind" and "Please, Please, Please".

Hank Williams/40 Greatest Hits (1947-1953?)

Bluesy country music. Fascinating yodel. A set of 2 discs.

Brian Wilson/Brian Wilson (1988)

The first solo album of ex-Beach Boys Brian Wilson, who miraculously came back alive from mental disease and drug intoxication after the absence of about 11 years. The melody lines are just like the Beach Boys in the middle of the 1960s. Russ Titelman, Jeff Lynne and Lenny Waronker joined as co-producers. Includes the single track 'Love and Mercy'.

Wire/Chairs Missing (1978)

2nd album. Punk, electronic sounds, avant-garde, acoustic-oriented pop... This album is symbolic of the post-punk era.

Stevie Wonder/Innervisions (1973)

Featuring the Moog synth. Includes a masterpiece "Livin' for the City".

The Wonder Stuff/Construction for the Modern Idiot (1993)

A powerful guitar pop band from England. Generally, the 1st album "The Eight Legged Groove Machine" (1988) is recommended, but this 4th is not so bad too.

The Woodentops/Wooden Foot Cops on the Highway (1988)

Acoustic-oriented sounds and speedy dance beats. 3rd album.

Robert Wyatt/Nothing Can Stop Us (1982)

Former Soft Machine vocalist and drummer. Includes lots of traditional folk songs in the world. "Red Flag" is a song in praise of the Communist Party.