75. The Sadness of Things by Momus (The Philosophy of Momus)
This song has so many memories packed into it that if someone walked up to me on the street and whispered, "I called you 'dancing queen' at the Quai des Brunes," I think I'd burst into tears—a bit ironic, given that the line is someone else's memory. Or maybe that's appropriate for what might be the most philosophical pop song in history.
76. Bea's Song (River Song Trilogy: Part II) by Cowboy Junkies (Lay It Down)
Years ago, in the middle of a weekday, I went to an in-store appearance that Margot and Michael Timmins (the singer and guitarist, respsctively) made in Midtown, and I walked in praying they'd play this song, my favorite by the band. They played it first, and it's still the loveliest version I've ever heard. I've always thought the first song in the "River Trilogy" had to be their cover of Neil Young's "Powderfinger," but I'm just guessing.
77. Pullin' Back the Reins by K.D. Lang (Absolute Torch and Twang)
K.D. Lang's songs tend to be lyrically weak—one metaphor worked to death—and "Pullin' Back the Reins" is no exception. It succeeds anyway, mostly due to her singing. If I remember correctly, she sang it when she appeared on "Saturday Night Live," and it was amazing.
78. Sundown by Elwood (The Parlance of Our Time)
When I first heard this, I had no idea it was a cover of a Gordon Lightfoot song. (I only just now listened to the original online, actually.) I love Elwood's version, with its late-90s, Beck-lite vibe—especially the surprisingly soulful singing in the final 45 seconds.
79. Our Lips Are Sealed by the Go-Gos (Beauty and the Beat)
Best convertible song ever. Some people think the Fun Boy Three version is better, which is absurd. P.S. "Beauty and the Beat" was the first real record I bought, along with "Wild Planet" by the B-52's.
80. Reality Used to Be a Friend of Mine by P.M. Dawn (Of the Heart, Of the Soul, and Of the Cross)
When I say that "the reality here seems to be a bit hazy," I never quite understand why people don't get the reference.
81. Less Talk More Action! by Tim Deluxe (The Little Ginger Club Kid)
Why isn't more dance music funny? This would make the perfect Lady Gaga B-side (if people still made B-sides).
82. Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells (Treats)
I admit that I find most modern pop music pale in comparison to what came before. "Rill Rill," however, is awesomely catchy.
83. At the River by Groove Armada (Vertigo)
Another great convertible song—one sampling Patti Page, no less—although that could just be because I remember driving around the Hamptons years ago, sitting in the backseat of a convertible, listening to "At the River" on the stereo, and joking about being "fags on the half shell."
84. When I Was Drinking by Hem (Rabbit Songs)
A modern standard.
85. Hometown Glory (Live) by Adele
Adele is a hell of a singer, but I wish she wouldn't write her own songs. Imagine her singing "When I Was Drinking." Or maybe this next song....
86. Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover by Sophie B. Hawkins
In the early 90s, every other song had the same beat; it feels like home to me. The breakdown (from 2:20) is the best. Who comes up with the line "Give me an hour to kiss you"?
87. If You Let Me Stay by Terence Trent D'Arby (Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby)
The whole album is spectacular, and "Wishing Well" was the big hit, but if you ask me, "If You Let Me Stay" is the classic—a perfect match of singer and song.
88. Going Down to Liverpool by the Bangles (We Are the 80s)
Another slice of retro pop—by which I mean it was retro when it was first released.
89. Patience by Guns N' Roses (Greatest Hits)
Despite everything.
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