Here is a huge work in progress where I list out albums that I find on "essentials" charts around the internet
You may be asking yourself, "What the fuck is the point of just having a giant list of albums?". A: I don't know! I guess the best use of this would be if you are looking for rock albums you can ctrl+f and search for rock albums. You could also do the same for more specific genres like Dream Pop, Math Rock, etc. but yes this idea as a whole is really dumb and takes away the (tiny) bit of context essential charts have in the first place.
Release date & label data primarily taken from Wikipedia. Images primarily taken from Discogs.
I am aware of the amount of "non-genres" I use on this page (conscious hip-hop, experimental hip-hop, etc) but I would simply rather list a lyrically driven genre that is representative of the whole album rather than; for example, describing 3 Feet High and Rising as "Jazz Rap" of which only about 50% is jazz rap. I'll tag it as conscious hip-hop as I think that is more integral to the identity of the album as a whole. Besides, arguing about genres is a job for RYM nerds anyways.
What constitutes an essentials chart? / Included Charts
| "Essential Albums" | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2Pac | Me Against the World | March 14, 1995 | Out da Gutta | Hip-Hop / Conscious Hip-Hop |
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2Pac | All Eyez on Me | February 13, 1996 | Death Row | Hip-Hop / G-Funk |
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Acid Bath | When the Kite String Pops | August 8, 1994 | Rotten | Metal / Sludge Metal |
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Agalloch | The Mantle | August 13, 2002 | The End | Metal / Folk Metal |
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Air | Moon Safari | January 16, 1998 | Source | Electronic / Downtempo |
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Alec Empire | The Destroyer | June 1996 | Digital Hardcore Recordings | Electronic / Breakcore |
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American Football | American Football | September 14, 1999 | Polyvinyl | Punk / Midwest Emo |
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Andrew Jackson Jihad | People Who Can Eat People Are the Luckiest People in the World | September 11, 2007 | Asian Man | Punk / Folk Punk |
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Animal Collective (Avey Tare and Panda Bear) | Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished | July 31, 2000 | Animal | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Animal Collective | Sung Tongs | May 3, 2004 | FatCat | Folk / Freak Folk |
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Animal Collective | Feels | October 18, 2005 | FatCat | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Animal Collective | Strawberry Jam | September 10, 2007 | Domino | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Animal Collective | Merriweather Post Pavilion | January 6, 2009 | Domino | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Antlers, The | Hospice | March 23, 2009 | Self-Released | Rock / Slowcore |
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Aphex Twin | Selected Ambient Works 85-92 | November 9, 1992 | Apollo | Electronic / Ambient Techno |
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Aphex Twin | Richard D. James Album | November 4, 1996 | Warp | Electronic / Drill and Bass |
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Arcade Fire | Funeral | September 14, 2004 | Merge | Rock / Indie Rock |
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At the Drive-In | Relationship of Command | September 12, 2000 | Grand Royal | Punk / Post-Hardcore |
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Athiest | Unquestionable Presence | August 30, 1991 | Active | Metal / Technical Death Metal |
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Atlas Sound | Logos | October 19, 2009 | Kranky | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Autechre | Tri Repetae | November 6, 1995 | Warp | Electronic / IDM |
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Avalanches, The | Since I Left You | November 27, 2000 | Modular | Hip-Hop / Instrumental Hip-Hop |
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Band, The | Music from Big Pink | July 1, 1968 | Capitol | Rock / Roots Rock |
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Bathory | Hammerheart | April 23, 1990 | Nosie | Metal / Viking Metal |
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Beach Boys, The | Pet Sounds | May 16, 1966 | Capitol | Pop / Baroque Pop |
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Beach Boys, The | SMiLE Sessions | October 31, 2011 | Captiol | Pop / Baroque Pop |
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Beach House | Bloom | May 15, 2012 | Sub Pop | Rock / Dream Pop |
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Beastie Boys | Licensed to Ill | November 15, 1986 | Def Jam | Hip-Hop / Mid-School Hip-Hop |
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Beastie Boys | Paul's Boutique | July 25, 1989 | Capitol | Hip-Hop / Experimental Hip-Hop |
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Beatles, The | Rubber Soul | December 3, 1965 | Parlophone | Rock / Pop Rock |
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Beatles, The | Revolver | August 5, 1966 | Parlophone | Rock / Pop Rock |
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Beatles, The | Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band | May 26, 1967 | Parlophone | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Beatles, The | Abbey Road | September 26, 1969 | Apple | Rock / Pop Rock |
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Beck | Odelay | June 18, 1996 | DGC | Rock / Alternative Rock |
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Belle and Sebastian | If You're Feeling Sinister | November 18, 1996 | Jeepster | Pop / Chamber Pop |
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Between the Buried and Me | Colors | September 18, 2007 | Victory | Metal / Progressive Metal |
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Between the Buried and Me | The Great Misdirect | October 27, 2009 | Victory | Metal / Progressive Metal |
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Big Black | Songs About Fucking | September 10, 1987 | Touch and Go | Punk / Pigfuck |
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Big L | Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous | March 28, 1995 | Columbia | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Binary Star | Masters of the Universe | October 31, 2000 | Subterraneous | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Björk | Homogenic | September 22, 1997 | One Little Independent | Electronic / Trip-Hop |
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Black Sabbath | Paranoid | September 18, 1970 | Vertigo | Metal / Heavy Metal |
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Black Sabbath | Master of Reality | August 6, 1971 | Vertigo | Metal / Heavy Metal |
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Black Star | Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star | September 29, 1998 | Rawkus | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Blind Guardian | Nightfall in Middle-Earth | April 28, 1998 | Virgin | Metal / Power Metal |
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Blur | Parklife | April 25, 1994 | Food | Rock / Britpop |
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Boards of Canada | Music Has the Right to Children | April 20, 1998 | Warp | Electronic / Downtempo |
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Bob Dylan | The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan | May 27, 1963 | Columbia | Folk / Contemporary Folk |
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Bob Dylan | Bringing It All Back Home | April 1965 | Columbia | Rock / Folk Rock |
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Bob Dylan | Highway 61 Revisited | August 30, 1965 | Columbia | Rock / Folk Rock |
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Bob Dylan | Blonde on Blonde | June 20, 1966 | Columbia | Rock / Folk Rock |
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Bob Dylan | Blood on the Tracks | January 20, 1975 | Columbia | Rock / Folk Rock |
 |
Boris | Boris at Last -Feedbacker- | December 25, 2003 | Diwphalanx | Metal / Drone Metal |
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Boris | Pink | November 18, 2005 | Diwphalanx | Rock / Noise Rock |
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Brand New | The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me | November 21, 2006 | Interscope | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Brian Eno | Another Green World | November 14, 1975 | Island | Experimental / Ambient |
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Brian Eno | Ambient 1: Music for Airports | February 1979 | E.G. | Experimental / Ambient |
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Brian Wilson | SMiLE | September 28, 2004 | Nonesuch | Pop / Baroque Pop |
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Bright Eyes | I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning | January 25, 2005 | Saddle Creek | Folk / Indie Folk |
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Broken Social Scene | You Forgot It in People | October 15, 2002 | Arts & Crafts | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Bruce Springsteen | Born to Run | August 25, 1975 | Columbia | Rock / Heartland Rock |
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Built to Spill | Perfect from Now On | January 28, 1997 | Warner Bros. | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Burial | Untrue | November 5, 2007 | Hyperdub | Eletronic / Future Garage |
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Burzum | Burzum | March 1992 | Deathlike Silence Productions | Metal / Black Metal |
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Burzum | Det Som Engang Var | August 1993 | Cymophane Productions | Metal / Black Metal |
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Burzum | Filosofem | January 31, 1996 | Cymophane Productions | Metal / Atmospheric Black Metal |
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Byrds, The | Sweetheart of the Rodeo | August 1968 | Columbia | Rock / Country Rock |
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Can | Tago Mago | August 1971 | United Artists | Rock / Krautrock |
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Candlemass | Epicus Doomicus Metallicus | June 10, 1986 | Black Dragon | Metal / Epic Doom Metal |
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caP'n Jazz | Analphabetaapolothology | January 8, 1998 | Jade Tree | Punk / Post-Hardcore |
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Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band | Safe as Milk | August 1967 | Buddah | Rock / Garage Psych |
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Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band | Trout Mask Replica | June 16, 1969 | Straight | Rock / Blues Rock |
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Carissa's Wierd | Songs About Leaving | August 6, 2002 | Sad Robot | Rock / Slowcore |
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Cemetary | An Evil Shade of Grey | June 1992 | Black Mark Productions | Metal / Death Metal |
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Charles Mingus | The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady | July 1963 | Impulse! | Jazz / Third Stream |
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Chemical Brothers, The | Dig Your Own Hole | April 7, 1997 | Freestyle Dust | Electronic / Big Beat |
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Clash, The | London Calling | December 14, 1979 | CBS | Rock / New Wave |
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Cocteau Twins | Heaven or Las Vegas | September 17, 1990 | 4AD | Rock / Dream Pop |
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Converge | Jane Doe | September 4, 2001 | Equal Vision | Punk / Mathcore |
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Creedence Clearwater Revival | Cosmo's Factory | July 8, 1970 | Fantasy | Rock / Swamp Rock |
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Crystal Castles | II | April 23, 2010 | Fiction | Electronic / Synthpop |
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Cure, The | Disintegration | May 2, 1989 | Fiction | Rock / Gothic Rock |
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Cynic | Focus | September 13, 1993 | Roadrunner | Metal / Technical Death Metal |
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Daft Punk | Discovery | March 12, 2001 | Virgin | Electronic / French House |
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Daft Punk | Alive 2007 | November 19, 2007 | Virgin | Electronic / French House |
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Darkthrone | Transilvanian Hunger | February 17, 1994 | Peaceville | Metal / Black Metal |
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David Bowie | Hunky Dory | December 17, 1971 | RCA | Rock / Glam Rock |
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David Bowie | The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars | June 16, 1972 | RCA | Rock / Glam Rock |
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David Bowie | Aladdin Sane | April 13, 1973 | RCA | Rock / Glam Rock |
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David Bowie | Low | January 14, 1977 | RCA | Rock / Krautrock |
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De La Soul | 3 Feet High and Rising | February 6, 1989 | Tommy Boy | Hip-Hop / Conscious Hip-Hop |
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De La Soul | De La Soul Is Dead | May 14, 1991 | Tommy Boy | Hip-Hop / Conscious Hip-Hop |
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Deafheaven | Sunbather | June 11, 2013 | Deathwish | Metal / Blackgaze |
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Death | Human | October 22, 1991 | Relativity | Metal / Technical Death Metal |
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Death from Above 1979 | You're a Woman, I'm a Machine | October 26, 2004 | Last Gang | Punk / Dance-Punk Revival |
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Death Grips | Ex Military | April 25, 2011 | Self-Released | Hip-Hop / Industrial Hip-Hop |
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Death Grips | The Money Store | April 24, 2012 | Epic | Hip-Hop / Industrial Hip-Hop |
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Deerhunter | Microcastle | August 19, 2008 | Kranky | Rock / Indie Rock |
 |
Deltron 3030 | Deltron 3030 | May 23, 2000 | 75 Ark | Hip-Hop / Abstract Hip-Hop |
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Derek and The Dominos | Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs | November 9, 1970 | Polydor | Rock / Blues Rock |
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Devo | Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! | August 28, 1978 | Warner Bros. | Rock / New Wave |
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Dinosaur Jr. (Dinosaur) | You're Living All Over Me | December 14, 1987 | SST | Rock / Slacker Rock |
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Dirty Projectors | Bitte Orca | June 9, 2009 | Domino | Pop / Indie Pop |
 |
Dismemberment Plan, The | Emergency & I | October 26, 1999 | DeSoto | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Dizzee Rascal | Boy in da Corner | July 21, 2003 | XL | Electronic / Grime |
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DJ Shadow | Endtroducing..... | September 16, 1996 | Mo' Wax | Hip-Hop / Instrumental Hip-Hop |
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Doors, The | The Doors | January 4, 1967 | Elektra | Rock / Psychedelic Rock |
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Dr. Dre | The Chronic | December 15, 1992 | Death Row | Hip-Hop / G-Funk |
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Dr. Dre | 2001 | November 16, 1999 | Aftermath | Hip-Hop / Gangsta Rap |
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Dr. Octagon | Dr. Octagonecologyst | May 7, 1996 | Bulk | Hip-Hop / Abstract Hip-Hop |
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Earth | Earth 2: Special Low Frequency Version | February 5, 1993 | Sub Pop | Metal / Drone Metal |
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Electric Wizard | Dopethrone | September 25, 2000 | Rise Above | Metal / Stoner Metal |
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Elliott Smith | Either/Or | February 25, 1997 | Kill Rock Stars | Folk / Indie Folk |
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Elvis Costello | My Aim Is True | July 22, 1977 | Stiff | Rock / New Wave |
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Emperor | In the Nightside Eclipse | February 21, 1994 | Candlelight | Metal / Symphonic Black Metal |
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Eric B. & Rakim | Paid in Full | July 7, 1987 | 4th & B'way | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Fall, The | This Nation's Saving Grace | September 23, 1985 | Beggars Banquet | Punk / Post-Punk |
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Fennesz | Endless Summer | July 3, 2001 | Mego | Electronic / Glitch |
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Flaming Lips, The | The Soft Bulletin | May 17, 1999 | Warner Bros. | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Flaming Lips, The | Embryonic | October 13, 2009 | Warner Bros. | Rock / Space Rock Revival |
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Fleet Foxes | Fleet Foxes | June 3, 2008 | Sub Pop | Folk / Chamber Folk |
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Fleetwood Mac | Rumours | February 4, 1977 | Warner Bros. | Rock / Pop Rock |
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Flying Lotus | Cosmogramma | May 3, 2010 | Warp | Electronic / Wonky |
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Frank Ocean | channel ORANGE | July 10, 2012 | Def Jam | R&B / Alternative R&B |
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Frank Sinatra | In the Wee Small Hours | April 25, 1955 | Capitol | Jazz / Vocal Jazz |
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Frank Zappa | Hot Rats | October 10, 1969 | Bizarre | Rock / Jazz-Rock |
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Fugazi | Repeater | April 19, 1990 | Dischord | Punk / Post-Hardcore |
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Funkadelic | Maggot Brain | July 12, 1971 | Westbound | Rock / Funk Rock |
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Future Sound of London, The | Lifeforms | May 23, 1994 | Virgin | Electronic / Ambient Techno |
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Gang of Four | Entertainment! | September 25, 1979 | EMI | Punk / Dance-Punk |
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Ghostface Killah | Supreme Clientele | February 8, 2000 | Epic | Hip-Hop / Abstract Hip-Hop |
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Global Communication | 76:14 | June 1, 1994 | Dedicated | Electronic / Chillout |
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Ghostface Killah | Fishscale | March 28, 2006 | Def Jam | Hip-Hop / Coke Rap |
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Godspeed You! Black Emperor | F♯A♯∞ | August 14, 1997 | Constellation | Rock / Post-Rock |
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Godspeed You! Black Emperor | Lift Yr. Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven! | October 9, 2000 | Constellation | Rock / Post-Rock |
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Goldie | Timeless | August 7, 1995 | FFRR | Electronic / Atmospheric Drum and Bass |
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Gorillaz | Demon Days | May 11, 2005 | Parlophone | Electronic / Trip-Hop |
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Guided By Voices | Bee Thousand | June 21, 1994 | Scat | Rock / Slacker Rock |
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GZA/Genius | Liquid Swords | November 7, 1995 | Geffen | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Have a Nice Life | Deathconsciousness | January 24, 2008 | Enemies List Home Recordings | Punk / Post-Punk |
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Helios | Eingya | June 15, 2006 | Type | Experimental / Ambient |
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Hold Steady, The | Separation Sunday | May 3, 2005 | Frenchkiss | Rock / Pub Rock |
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Human League, The | Dare | October 16, 1981 | Virgin | Electronic / Synthpop |
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Hüsker Dü | Zen Arcade | July 3, 1984 | SST | Punk / Post-Hardcore |
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Iggy Pop | Lust for Life | September 9, 1977 | RCA | Rock / Garage Rock |
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Interpol | Turn on the Bright Lights | August 19, 2002 | Matador | Punk / Post-Punk Revival |
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Iron Maiden | Powerslave | September 3, 1984 | EMI | Metal / Heavy Metal |
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Iron Maiden | Live After Death | October 14, 1985 | EMI | Metal / Heavy Metal |
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J Dilla | Donuts | February 7, 2006 | Stones Throw | Hip-Hop / Instrumental Hip-Hop |
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James Blake | James Blake | February 4, 2011 | ATLAS | R&B / Alternative R&B |
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James Brown and The Famous Flames | Live at the Apollo | May 1963 | King | R&B / Soul |
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Jay-Z | The Blueprint | September 11, 2001 | Roc-A-Fella | Hip-Hop / Chipmunk Soul |
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Jeff Buckley | Grace | August 23, 1994 | Columbia | Rock / Alternative Rock |
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Jesus and Mary Chain, The | Psychocandy | November 18, 1985 | Blanco y Negro | Rock / Noise Pop |
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Jesus Lizard, The | Goat | 1991 | Touch and Go | Punk / Pigfuck |
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Jethro Tull | Thick as a Brick | March 3, 1972 | Chrysalis | Rock / Progressive Rock |
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Jimi Hendrix Experience, The | Are You Experienced | May 12, 1967 | Polydor | Rock / Acid Rock |
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Jimi Hendrix Experience, The | Electric Ladyland | October 16, 1968 | Polydor | Rock / Acid Rock |
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Joanna Newsom | Ys | November 14, 2006 | Drag City | Folk / Chamber Folk |
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John Coltrane | Blue Train | January 1958 | Blue Note | Jazz / Hard Bop |
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John Coltrane | A Love Supreme | January 1965 | Impulse! | Jazz / Spiritual Jazz |
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Johnny Cash | At Folsom Prison | May 6, 1968 | Columbia | Country / Outlaw Country |
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Joni Mitchell | Blue | June 22, 1971 | Reprise | Folk / Contemporary Folk |
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Joy Division | Unknown Pleasures | June 15, 1979 | Factory | Punk / Post-Punk |
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Justice | † | June 11, 2007 | Ed Banger | Electronic / French Electro |
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KanYe West | The College Dropout | February 10, 2004 | Roc-A-Fella | Hip-Hop / Chipmunk Soul |
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KanYe West | Late Registration | August 30, 2005 | Roc-A-Fella | Hip-Hop / Pop Rap |
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KanYe West | My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy | November 22, 2010 | Roc-A-Fella | Hip-Hop / Pop Rap |
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Kate Bush | Hounds of Love | September 16, 1985 | EMI | Pop / Progressive Pop |
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Ken | By Request Only | 1976 | Self-Released | Gospel / Country Gospel |
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Kendrick Lamar | good kid, m.A.A.d city | October 22, 2012 | Top Dawg Entertainment | Hip-Hop / Conscious Hip-Hop |
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King Crimson | In the Court of the Crimson King | October 10, 1969 | Island | Rock / Progressive Rock |
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King Crimson | Larks' Tongues in Aspic | March 23, 1973 | Island | Rock / Progressive Rock |
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King Crimson | Red | October 1974 | Island | Rock / Progressive Rock |
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Kinks, The | The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society | November 22, 1968 | Pye | Rock / Pop Rock |
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KLF, The | The White Room | March 4, 1991 | KLF Communications | Electronic / Acid House |
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Knife, The | Silent Shout | February 17, 2006 | Rabid | Electronic / Electropop |
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Kraftwerk | Trans-Europe Express | March 1977 | Kling Klang | Electronic / Progressive Electronic |
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Kraftwerk | The Man-Machine | April 28, 1978 | Kling Klang | Electronic / Synthpop |
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Kyuss | Welcome to Sky Valley | June 28, 1994 | Elektra | Rock / Stoner Rock |
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LCD Soundsystem | Sound of Silver | March 12, 2007 | DFA | Punk / Dance-Punk Revival |
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Led Zeppelin | Led Zeppelin II | October 22, 1969 | Atlantic | Rock / Hard Rock |
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Led Zeppelin | Led Zeppelin IV | November 8, 1971 | Atlantic | Rock / Hard Rock |
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Leonard Cohen | Songs of Love and Hate | March 19, 1971 | Columbia | Folk / Contemporary Folk |
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LFO | Frequencies | July 22, 1991 | Warp | Electronic / Bleep Techno |
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Lil Wayne | Tha Carter III | June 10, 2008 | Cash Money | Hip-Hop / Pop Rap |
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Lou Reed | Transformer | November 8, 1972 | RCA | Rock / Glam Rock |
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Love | Forever Changes | November 1, 1967 | Elektra | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Macintosh Plus | Floral Shoppe | December 9, 2011 | Beer on the Rug | Electronic / Vaporwave |
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Madvillain | Madvillainy | March 23, 2004 | Stones Throw | Hip-Hop / Abstract Hip-Hop |
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Magnetic Fields, The | 69 Love Songs | September 14, 1999 | Merge | Pop / Indie Pop |
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Mars Volta, The | De-Loused in the Comatorium | June 24, 2003 | Gold Standard Laboratories | Punk / Post-Hardcore |
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Mars Volta, The | Frances the Mute | February 11, 2005 | Gold Standard Laboratories | Rock / Progressive Rock |
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Marvin Gaye | What's Going On | May 21, 1971 | Tamla | R&B / Progressive Soul |
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Massive Attack | Blue Lines | April 8, 1991 | Wild Bunch | Electronic / Trip-Hop |
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Massive Attack | Mezzanine | April 20, 1998 | Virgin | Electronic / Trip-Hop |
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Mastodon | Leviathan | August 31, 2004 | Relapse | Metal / Progressive Metal |
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Mastodon | Blood Mountain | September 12, 2006 | Reprise | Metal / Progressive Metal |
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Mastodon | Crack the Skye | March 24, 2009 | Reprise | Metal / Progressive Metal |
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maudlin of the Well | Bath | August 31, 2001 | Dark Symphonies | Metal / Progressive Metal |
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mclusky | mclusky Do Dallas | April 1, 2002 | Too Pure | Punk / Post-Hardcore |
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Megadeth | Rust in Peace | September 24, 1990 | Capitol | Metal / Thrash Metal |
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Megadeth | Endgame | September 15, 2009 | Roadrunner | Metal / Thrash Metal |
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Melvins | Houdini | September 21, 1993 | Atlantic | Metal / Sludge Metal |
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Meshuggah | Nothing (Remaster) | November 3, 2006 | Nuclear Blast | Metal / Djent |
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Metallica | Ride the Lightning | July 27, 1984 | Megaforce | Metal / Thrash Metal |
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Metallica | Master of Puppets | March 3, 1986 | Elektra | Metal / Thrash Metal |
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Metallica | ...And Justice for All | September 7, 1988 | Elektra | Metal / Thrash Metal |
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Michael Jackson | Thriller | November 29, 1982 | Epic | Pop / Dance-Pop |
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Microphones, The | "The Glow" Pt. 2 | September 11, 2001 | K | Folk / Psychedelic Folk |
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Miles Davis | Kind of Blue | August 17, 1959 | Columbia | Jazz / Cool Jazz |
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Miles Davis | Bitches Brew | March 30, 1970 | Columbia | Jazz / Jazz Fusion |
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Minutemen | Double Nickels on the Dime | July 3, 1984 | SST | Punk / Post-Punk |
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Mobb Deep | The Infamous | April 25, 1995 | Loud | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Modest Mouse | The Lonesome Crowded West | November 18, 1997 | Up | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Modest Mouse | The Moon and Antarctica | June 13, 2000 | Epic | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Morbid Angel | Altars of Madness | May 12, 1989 | Earache | Metal / Death Metal |
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Morbid Saint | Spectrum of Death | September 2, 1990 | Avanzada Metálica | Metal / Thrash Metal |
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Mos Def | Black on Both Sides | October 12, 1999 | Rawkus | Hip-Hop / Conscious Hip-Hop |
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Mountain Goats, The | The Sunset Tree | April 26, 2005 | 4AD | Folk / Indie Folk |
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My Bloody Valentine | Loveless | November 4, 1991 | Creation | Rock / Shoegaze |
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Nas | Illmatic | April 19, 1994 | Columbia | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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National, The | Alligator | April 12, 2005 | Beggars Banquet | Punk / Post-Punk Revival |
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Neil Young with Crazy Horse | Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere | May 14, 1969 | Reprise | Rock / Country Rock |
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Neil Young | After the Gold Rush | September 1970 | Reprise | Rock / Folk Rock |
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Neil Young | Harvest | February 15, 1972 | Reprise | Rock / Country Rock |
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Neu! | Neu! | March 1972 | Brain | Rock / Krautrock |
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Neurosis | Through Silver in Blood | April 2, 1996 | Relapse | Metal / Atmospheric Sludge Metal |
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Neutral Milk Hotel | In the Aeroplane Over the Sea | February 10, 1998 | Merge | Folk / Indie Folk |
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New York Dolls | New York Dolls | July 27, 1973 | Mercury | Punk / Glam Punk |
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Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds | Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! | March 3, 2008 | Mute | Punk / Post-Punk |
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Nick Drake | Pink Moon | February 25, 1972 | Island | Folk / Contemporary Folk |
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Nine Inch Nails | The Downward Spiral | March 8, 1994 | Nothing | Rock / Industrial Rock |
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Nirvana | Nevermind | September 24, 1991 | DGC | Rock / Grunge |
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Nirvana | In Utero | September 13, 1993 | DGC | Rock / Grunge |
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Notorious B.I.G., The | Ready to Die | September 13, 1994 | Bad Boy | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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N.W.A. | Straight Outta Compton | January 25, 1989 | Ruthless | Hip-Hop / Gangsta Rap |
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Olivia Tremor Control, The | Music from the Unrealized Film Script: Dusk at Cubist Castle | August 6, 1996 | Flydaddy | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Opeth | Blackwater Park | March 12, 2001 | Music for Nations | Metal / Progressive Metal |
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Orb, The | The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld | April 2, 1991 | Big Life | Electronic / Ambient House |
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Otis Redding | Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul | September 16, 1965 | Volt | R&B / Deep Soul |
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Outkast | Aquemini | September 29, 1998 | LaFace | Hip-Hop / Conscious Hip-Hop |
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Outkast | Stankonia | October 31, 2000 | LaFace | Hip-Hop / Experimental Hip-Hop |
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Oval | 94diskont. | 1995 | Mille Plateaux | Electronic / Glitch |
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Panda Bear | Person Pitch | March 20, 2007 | Paw Tracks | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Patti Smith | Horses | November 10, 1975 | Arista | Rock / Garage Rock |
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Paul Simon | Graceland | August 25, 1986 | Warner Bros. | Rock / Worldbeat |
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Pavement | Slanted and Enchanted | April 20, 1992 | Matador | Rock / Slacker Rock |
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Pavement | Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain | February 14, 1994 | Matador | Rock / Slacker Rock |
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Pavement | Wowee Zowee | April 11, 1995 | Matador | Rock / Slacker Rock |
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Pentagram | Pentagram (Relentless) | 1985 | Pentagram | Metal / Traditional Doom Metal |
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Pharcyde, The | Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde | November 24, 1992 | Delicious Vinyl | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Phil Spector | Back to Mono | November 12, 1991 | ABKCO | Pop / Brill Building |
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Pink Floyd | The Dark Side of the Moon | March 1, 1973 | Harvest | Rock / Progressive Rock |
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Pink Floyd | Wish You Were Here | September 12, 1975 | Harvest | Rock / Progressive Rock |
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Pink Floyd | Animals | January 21, 1977 | Harvest | Rock / Progressive Rock |
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Pink Floyd | The Wall | November 30, 1979 | Harvest | Rock / Rock Opera |
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Pixies | Surfer Rosa | March 21, 1988 | 4AD | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Pixies | Doolittle | April 17, 1989 | 4AD | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Portishead | Dummy | August 22, 1994 | Go! Beat | Electronic / Trip-Hop |
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Primal Scream | Screamadelica | September 23, 1991 | Creation | Rock / Alternative Dance |
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Prince and The Revolution | Purple Rain | June 25, 1984 | Warner Bros. | Rock / Pop Rock |
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Prodigy, The | Music for the Jilted Generation | July 4, 1994 | XL | Electronic / Big Beat |
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Public Enemy | It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back | June 28, 1988 | Def Jam | Hip-Hop / Political Hip-Hop |
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Queens of the Stone Age | Songs for the Deaf | August 27, 2002 | Interscope | Rock / Stoner Rock |
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Radiohead | The Bends | March 13, 1995 | Parlophone | Rock / Post-Britpop |
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Radiohead | OK Computer | May 21, 1997 | Parlophone | Rock / Alternative Rock |
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Radiohead | Kid A | October 2, 2000 | Parlophone | Electronic / IDM |
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Radiohead | In Rainbows | October 10, 2007 | Self-Released | Rock / Alternative Rock |
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Raekwon | Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... | August 1, 1995 | Wu-Tang | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Raekwon | Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II | September 8, 2009 | Ice H20 | Hip-Hop / Mafioso Rap |
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Ramones | Ramones | April 23, 1976 | Sire | Punk / Pop Punk |
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Refused | The Shape of Punk to Come | October 27, 1998 | Burning Heart | Punk / Post-Hardcore |
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R.E.M. | Murmur | April 12, 1983 | I.R.S. | Rock / Jangle Pop |
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Replacements, The | Let It Be | October 2, 1984 | Twin/Tone | Rock / Alternative Rock |
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Ride | Nowhere | October 15, 1990 | Creation | Rock / Shoegaze |
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RJD2 | Deadringer | July 23, 2002 | Definitive Jux | Hip-Hop / Instrumental Hip-Hop |
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Rolling Stones, The | Beggar's Banquet | December 6, 1968 | Decca | Rock / Roots Rock |
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Rolling Stones, The | Let It Bleed | November 28, 1969 | Decca | Rock / Blues Rock |
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Rolling Stones, The | Sticky Fingers | April 23, 1971 | Rolling Stones | Rock / Blues Rock |
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Rolling Stones, The | Exile on Main St. | May 12, 1972 | Rolling Stones | Rock / Blues Rock |
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Roots, The | Things Fall Apart | February 23, 1999 | MCA | Hip-Hop / Jazz Rap |
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Röyksopp | Melody A.M. | September 13, 2001 | Wall of Sound | Electronic / Downtempo |
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Run-D.M.C. | Raising Hell | May 15, 1986 | Profile | Hip-Hop / Mid-School Hip-Hop |
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Rush | Moving Pictures | February 12, 1981 | Anthem | Rock / Progressive Rock |
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Sasha & John Digweed | Northern Exposure: Expeditions | June 21, 1999 | INCredible | Electronic / Progressive Trance |
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Serge Gainsbourg | Histoire de Melody Nelson | March 24, 1971 | Philips | Pop / Baroque Pop |
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Sigur Rós | Ágætis Byrjun | June 12, 1999 | Fat Cat | Rock / Post-Rock |
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Simon & Garfunkel | Bridge Over Troubled Water | January 26, 1970 | Columbia | Pop / Folk Pop |
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Slayer | Reign in Blood | October 20, 1986 | Def Jam | Metal / Thrash Metal |
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Sleep | Sleep's Holy Mountain | November 1992 | Earache | Metal / Stoner Metal |
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Slint | Spiderland | March 27, 1991 | Touch and Go | Rock / Post-Rock |
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Slowdive | Souvlaki | June 1, 1993 | Creation | Rock / Shoegaze |
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Sly & The Family Stone | There's a Riot Goin' On | November 1, 1971 | Epic | R&B / Funk |
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Smashing Pumpkins | Siamese Dream | July 19, 1993 | Virgin | Rock / Alternative Rock |
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Smiths, The | The Queen Is Dead | June 16, 1986 | Rough Trade | Rock / Jangle Pop |
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Snowing | Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit | July 1, 2009 | Square of Oppositions | Punk / Midwest Emo |
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Sonic Youth | Daydream Nation | October 18, 1988 | Enigma | Rock / Noise Rock |
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Sparks | Kimono My House | May 1, 1974 | Island | Rock / Glam Rock |
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Spiritualized | Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space | June 16, 1997 | Dedicated | Rock / Space Rock Revival |
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Squarepusher | Hard Normal Daddy | April 28, 1997 | Warp | Electronic / Drill and Bass |
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Steely Dan | Aja | September 23, 1977 | ABC | Rock / Jazz-Rock |
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Stevie Wonder | Innervisions | August 3, 1973 | Tamla | R&B / Progressive Soul |
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Stone Roses, The | The Stone Roses | May 2, 1989 | Silvertone | Rock / Baggy |
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Stooges, The | Fun House | July 7, 1970 | Elektra | Rock / Garage Rock |
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Stooges, The | Raw Power | February 7, 1973 | Columbia | Rock / Garage Rock |
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Strokes, The | Is This It | July 30, 2001 | RCA | Rock / Garage Rock Revival |
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Sufjan Stevens | Illinoise | July 4, 2005 | Asthmatic Kitty | Pop / Chamber Pop |
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Sunny Day Real Estate | Diary | May 10, 1994 | Sub Pop | Punk / Midwest Emo |
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Swans | Soundtracks for the Blind | October 29, 1996 | Young God | Rock / Post-Rock |
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T. Rex | Electric Warrior | September 24, 1971 | Fly | Rock / Glam Rock |
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Talk Talk | Laughing Stock | September 16, 1991 | Verve | Rock / Post-Rock |
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Talking Heads | Remain in Light | October 8, 1980 | Sire | Rock / New Wave |
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Tallest Man on Earth, The | The Wild Hunt | April 13, 2010 | Dead Oceans | Folk / Contemporary Folk |
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Tame Impala | Lonerism | October 5, 2012 | Modular | Rock / Psychedelic Rock |
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Tangerine Dream | Phaedra | February 20, 1974 | Virgin | Electronic / Berlin School |
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Tegan and Sara | Sainthood | October 26, 2009 | Sire | Pop / Indie Pop |
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Television | Marquee Moon | February 8, 1977 | Elektra | Punk / Post-Punk |
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Thin Lizzy | Live and Dangerous | June 2, 1978 | Vertigo | Rock / Hard Rock |
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Throbbing Gristle | 20 Jazz Funk Greats | December 1979 | Industrial | Electronic / Minimal Synth |
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Tom Waits | Swordfishtrombone | September 1, 1983 | Island | Rock / Blues Rock |
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Tom Waits | Rain Dogs | September 30, 1985 | Island | Rock / Blues Rock |
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Tom Waits | Bone Machine | September 8, 1992 | Island | Rock / Blues Rock |
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Tribe Called Quest, A | The Low End Theory | September 24, 1991 | Jive | Hip-Hop / Jazz Rap |
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Tribe Called Quest, A | Midnight Marauders | November 9, 1993 | Jive | Hip-Hop / Jazz Rap |
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Tricky | Maxinquaye | February 20, 1995 | 4th & B'way | Electronic / Trip-Hop |
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TV on the Radio | Return to Cookie Mountain | July 6, 2006 | 4AD | Rock / Indie Rock |
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TV on the Radio | Dear Science | September 16, 2008 | Touch and Go | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Ultramagnetic MCs | Critical Beatdown | October 4, 1988 | Next Plateau | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Underworld | Dubnobasswithmyheadman | January 24, 1994 | Junior Boy's Own | Electronic / Progressive House |
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UNKLE | Psyence Fiction | August 24, 1998 | Mo' Wax | Electronic / Trip-Hop |
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Van Morrison | Astral Weeks | November 29, 1968 | Warner Bros. | Folk / Chamber Folk |
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Vangelis | Blade Runner | June 6, 1994 | East West | Electronic / Progressive Electronic |
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Velvet Underground & Nico, The | The Velvet Underground & Nico | March 1967 | Verve | Rock / Psychedelic Rock |
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Velvet Underground, The | White Light/White Heat | January 30, 1968 | Verve | Rock / Noise Rock |
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Velvet Underground, The | Loaded | November 1970 | Cotillion | Rock / Pop Rock |
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Venetian Snares | Rossz Csillag Alatt Született | March 14, 2005 | Planet Mu | Electronic / Breakcore |
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Violent Femmes | Violent Femmes | April 13, 1983 | Slash | Punk / Folk Punk |
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Ween | The Mollusk | June 24, 1997 | Elektra | Pop / Psychedelic Pop |
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Weezer | Weezer (Blue Album) | May 10, 1994 | DGC | Rock / Power Pop |
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Weezer | Pinkerton | September 24, 1996 | DGC | Rock / Power Pop |
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White Stripes, The | White Blood Cells | July 3, 2001 | Sympathy for the Record Industry | Rock / Garage Rock Revival |
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Who, The | Tommy | May 19, 1969 | Track | Rock / Rock Opera |
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Who, The | Who's Next | August 2, 1971 | Track | Rock / Hard Rock |
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Wilco | Yankee Hotel Foxtrot | September 18, 2001 | Self-Released | Rock / Indie Rock |
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Windir | 1184 | November 19, 2001 | Head Not Found | Metal / Melodic Black Metal |
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Wire | Pink Flag | November 1977 | Harvest | Punk / Punk Rock |
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Wu-Tang Clan | Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) | November 9, 1993 | Wu-Tang | Hip-Hop / Boom Bap |
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Yes | Close to the Edge | September 8, 1972 | Atlantic | Rock / Symphonic Prog |
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Yo La Tengo | I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One | April 22, 1997 | Matador | Rock / Indie Rock |
