40. Pyramid Song – Radiohead
Pyramid Song (from the mediocre Amnesiac) was released right before Radiohead became hyper self aware, tossing out big ideas and excitement for tame blog critic approval. Inspired by a Thom Yorke dream of girlfriends past and the Charles Mingus song “Freedom”.
39. Rise Up With Fists – Jenny Lewis
Are you really that pure sir? Thought I saw you in Vegas, it was not pretty but she was
A breakthrough for Jenny Lewis. The Laurel Canyon sound with a bit of hick thrown in “whuuuut are you changing?”.
38. Glosoli – Sigur Ros
A summer arctic sounding work conjuring up a slow march and glints of sunlight out of the corner of the eye. Sigur Ros’s finest track.
37. Kids – MGMT
Catchy as hell danceable college dorm pop.
36. Jesus of Suburbia – Green Day
Green Day’s sprawling, never ending sonic tribute to youth confusion and melancholy in suburbia.
35. New Slang – The Shins
A few simple acoustic guitar lines and some haunting background vocals propel New Slang into what feels like an effortless piece.
34. Ashes of American Flags – Wilco
Before Jeff Tweedy tried to become the Eagles without the good melodies, he wrote this great song. Some of the finest lyrics of the decade.
33. Paul Simon – The Russian Futurists
One of the more under the radar pop acts of the 2k’s. The Russian Futurists forged a very modern pop sound but don’t really receive the credit for it. Paul Simon is a celebration.
32. Said the Spider to the Fly – Paper Chase
Foot stomping beats precede a demented piano which is hammered by ugly vocals. An out of tune string section swerves and collides with the other mess. In the end, the track is like a platypus swimming along the river bank – its parts are ugly, but the overall package is irresistible and beloved.
31. It’s Too Late – The Streets
A warm string section wraps around a spritely drum machine and a spotty, surging timpani. Mike Skinner seems lost in a web of dealers, lost lovers and social appointments.
