From the dawn of punk in the late ’70s to the post-punk/new wave/goth and modern rock revolution in the early-mid ’80s, Rhino has feverishly documented the ascent of the alternative music and youth culture movements throughout the last 30 years. With The Brit Box, the label brilliantly chronicles the heralded Brit-pop and indie rock invasion at the end of the 20th century (from 1984–1999).

“Kite” by Nick Hayward

The four-disc anthology mines the era’s vast sonic expanse, including everything from explosive indie rock and introspective “shoegazing” to psychedelic alt-pop and euphoric acid house. Featuring selections from transatlantic heavyweights (Smiths, Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Stone Roses, Suede, My Bloody Valentine, Primal Scream), minor league stars (Saint Etienne, Elastica, Cornershop, Lush) and the almost-forgotten (Felt, Babybird, Gene, the Family Cat,) the 78-track set vibrantly highlights the artists that dominated the landscape. Despite some surprising omissions from acts like Kitchens of Distinction, Radiohead and Pop Will Eat Itself, the retrospective is essential ear-candy for any true anglophile.

”Only Shallow” by My Bloody Valentine

”Lorelei” by Cocteau Twins