Pixies: Doolittle (1989)
Alongside the predecessor Surfer Rosa, the album that confirmed Pixies as one of the great rock bands, and trailblazing the way for the sound and style of scores of bands in their wake, notably Nirvana. Along with the intensity there was great pop (Here Comes Your Man) and the arresting Monkey Gone to Heaven. Essential rock.
Next: Pixies, Surfer Rosa; Nirvana, Nevermind and In Utero; Throwing Muses, The Real Ramona