Uncut

Key works of the first New Pop star of the '80s remastered. Must be learnt by heart

Era-bridging blues-soul, including rap sample regular "Dog"

Second album from '60s NY oddball, aka piano man Stephen Friedland

Intelligently compiled selection of mellow magic

By 1967, rock'n'roll's voracious appetite for new sounds had drawn it unexpectedly close to another countercultural phenomenon: the classical avant-garde. John Cale, a former student of LaMonte Young, was introducing minimalist drone to The Velvet Underground. Paul McCartney was becoming diverted by the musique concrète and collagist techniques that would eventually result in "Revolution 9".

Early reissue programme for monarchs of mournfulness

"Unassuming and grandiose" lost classic, according to producer Steve Albini

Twenty-five international cuts of late-'60s underground mod beat

Ian McLagan-compiled four-CD box from ultimate '70s boogie'n'ballads lad-band. Dedicated to Ronnie Lane

Noir is the hour...