The Replacements — Let It Be (1984)

While not the album that owes the biggest debt to the boys from down South, this is far and away the best album from the band that immortalized Big Star in their song “Alex Chilton.” At times a messy, dirty rock album, these Minneapolis natives also display stunning moments of sensitivity that will leave you lying in tears on your bed. You want to talk about the perils of youth? Listen to any song on this masterpiece.

Jellyfish — Bellybutton (1990)

Big Star’s hometown of Memphis may be the home of soul music, Jellyfish makes the case for San Francisco as its new capital. This debut album is confident, with radio friendly songs that have a little more to them than their smooth and polished demeanor would have you think. Vocal harmonies and stunning instrumentation stand side by side on this modern rock gem.

Teenage Fanclub — Bandwagonesque (1991)

Famous for topping Nevermind as Spin Magazine’s 1991 “album of the year,” this Scottish standout has earned its place in history with some of the most compelling guitar lines in modern music and the uncanny ability to shift from introverted think piece to ballsy rocker on a whim. An emotional powerhouse that commands attention from the moment you press play. Try it out, and you’ll never forget it.

The Posies — Frosting on the Beater (1993)

Written both as a response to the overnight sensation grunge bands of their native Seattle and as a band at the peak of their talents flexing their creative muscles, Frosting is a catchy and physical album that stands as a landmark of 1990s power pop. As an added bonus, Posies members Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow have played in the reformed Big Star since the 1990s, so they have some cred.