Step Away from the Oldies Channel
If there's one thing several generations will agree on (well, okay, mostly) it's the beauty of the band known as The Beatles ... ooor John&Paul&George&Ringo. 'The Beatles 1' is a good introduction to their famous '60s singles, but more musically intellectual and inventive fare can be found on their other CDs, especially 'Abbey Road' and 'The Beatles (The White Album)'.

If you're into The Rolling Stones, skip their individual CDs (except for the classic 'Let It Bleed' if you so choose) and head straight for 'Forty Licks' to bypass the crap and get one fell swoop of hits. While you're browsing the "best of" aisle, check out 'The Who: The Ultimate Collection', 'Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix'.

Moving Into Modernity...
Now for some bands who sort of bridge the gap between classic and modern rock. My favorite? Pink friggin' Floyd. Grab a copy of 'The Wall (Deluxe Packaging Digitally Remastered)' for some scintillating commentary on society (and you may want to check out the movie for the full effect) and some amazing music to boot. In my opinion, 'Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition' is not quite as good, but it does offer some classics like "Money" and "Us and Them."

Nick Drake may not be considered "rock" per se, but his brand of '70s British folk is respected by true music connoisseurs of all ages and backgrounds. His hauntingly bittersweet vocals are rivaled only by his oh-so-skillful guitar-playing. Try 'Way to Blue: An Introduction to Nick Drake' for a well-rounded introduction. Similarly, Jeff Buckley is a singer-songwriter who has earned his cult status, as evidenced by his bluesy 'Grace'.

Pretty Music: An Introduction
If you have never heard the quintessential (formerly) indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie ... take heed. I would recommend their newest major-label release 'Plans' as a starting point, followed by the lush 'Transatlanticism', which is considered by many to be their best work.

Ben Gibbard's (of Death Cab) side project, The Postal Service, offers more accessible, electronic-pop flavor in their debut release 'Give Up'.

While you're on a Death Cab high, check out Snow Patrol's mellow 'Final Straw', Coldplay's 'Parachutes' and 'X&Y', Nada Surf's 'Let Go', Keane's 'Hopes and Fears', Badly Drawn Boy's 'About a Boy', and the award-winning 'Garden State'.

Now for some harder stuff...
Looking for something equally good, but less slick and pretty? Try some music of the Modest Mouse variety, specifically 'The Moon & Antarctica' and 'This Is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About'. Isaac Brock's voice is raw and kind of weird, but strangely melodic as well ... in other words, an acquired taste for some.

The Arcade Fire is the newest Montreal-based band to hit the hipster scene. Check out their whimsical but dynamic debut 'Funeral', which is not as depressing as the title suggests. Standout tracks? Pretty much all of them, but I am particularly fond of "Neighborhood #1," "Une Annee Sans Lumiere," "Wake Up," and "Rebellion (Lies)."

If you like Arcade Fire, check out The Flaming Lips' experimental masterpiece, 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots'.

If folk rock is your cup of tea...
If you were won over by Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley, I'd recommend Damien Rice's 'O', Iron and Wine's 'Our Endless Numbered Days', Belle and Sebastian's 'The Boy With the Arab Strap', and Sufjan Stevens' 'Illinois'. Technically, these CDs may be on the mellow side, but their lyrics are as sharp (and often brutal!) as those of any hardcore rocker.