Originally a Goth-flavored post-punk outfit, the Cure evolved into one of the truly seminal bands of the '80s, and ultimately one of modern rock's most celebrated and influential acts. Guided by creative visionary Robert Smith, the Cure's signature sound balances a dreamy pop savvy with a dark, brooding majesty and fuses superbly crafted, literate songs with a feverish emotional intensity. The band's early catalog-newly remastered and expanded wtih a wealth of rarities-is a series of masterpieces that laid the groundwork for their phenomenal and enduring popularity.

如果有人想在80年代找一支带有90年代色彩的乐队，那么 Pixies 绝对是不二的选择。他们在签约于着名的英国唱片厂牌 4AD 之后推出的这张激进的《Surfer Rosa》以其严肃刺耳的音波为诸如 Nirvana 之类的乐队扫平了道路。在善于在制作中表现自我的制作人 Steve Albini 的协助下，乐队以吉它手 Joey Santiago 暴怒的吉它和主唱 Black Francis 的嘶吼确立了他们独特的风格：冷酷但不傲慢、充满创造性但并不故作晦涩、硬朗却不夸张。歌曲“Gigantic”、“Break My Body”、“Tony's Theme”、“Something Against You”、“Where Is My Mind”是公认的非主流摇滚必听之选。

Self-professed skate punk Avril Lavigne sings that she'd "rather be anything but ordinary" on her debut. While the fact that she had a record deal by the age of 16 separates her from the pack, too often Let Go's lyrical shortcomings drag the teenager's musically impressive recording entrée into the realm of the typical. The catchy choruses of Go are substantial, though, thanks to Lavigne's riff-driven melodies and powerful vocals, which at times adopt the unorthodox intonation quirks of fellow Canadian Alanis Morrissette. The nuanced, dynamic "Losing Grip," "My World" (which perfectly captures the ennui of suburbia), and the buoyant power-pop blast "Sk8er Boi" are the collection's highlights. But Lavigne's honest yet awkward words weigh down the likes of "Mobile," "I'm with You," and "Naked." "Nobody's Fool," which displays her Pink-like take-me-as-I-am credo, hints that someday Lavigne's lyrics will match the strength of her music. --Annie Zaleski