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A Brit-rock primer

The last quarter-century has proven to be fertile ground for British rock/pop, which has always taken its cue from America, then placed a unique spin on the sonic outcome. The year 1987 seemed to usher in a sea change, as bands moved away from the heavy guitars of 1970s stalwarts such as The Who toward the alternative, off-kilter sounds that would define the next era. Many of the groundbreaking albums that surfaced back then are enjoying a renaissance via re-issues and collectors' editions. Here are three of the best:

1) The Stone Roses, "The Stone Roses" (debuted in 1989; 20th-anniversary edition available now): This album, above, was Britain's first experience with a true "counter-culture" work that also had enough meat to resonate with the general public. After scoring with American college radio, the Roses did the "rock thing" and imploded, only releasing one more disc. But, as debuts go, you can't do much better than hits such as "Made of Stone" and "She Bangs the Drums."

2) New Order, "Technique" (debuted in 1989; collectors' edition available now): A band in real flux after the death of singer Ian Curtis, this outfit decided to follow trends and craft a dance album that will always cite the influence of the Ibiza disco crowd. "Round and Round" remains timeless.

3) Manic Street Preachers, "Everything Must Go" (debuted in 1996; 10th-anniversary edition available now): This Welsh band rebounded from the death of lyricist Richey Edwards to foist such songs as "A Design for Life" and "Kevin Carter" upon an unsuspecting-yet-grateful public.

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