The tunes, they keep on rolling along. Something like that.
"Catch a Star" by Men at Work (1982)
I don't think I ever lingered on this non-single before but it's pretty good! The song almost sounds like it's doing reggae. This is the kind of song I keep this list going for.
"Low Rider" by War (1975)
A classic bass line. I also feel like the horns are just barely behind the beat. Intentional or not, it works.
"Turn a Square" by The Shins (2003)
More early 2000's retro-alt-rock or whatever this is. Choice lyric: "Have I left my home to whine in this microphone?"
"Only the Lonely" by The Motels (1982)
The better of the two Motels songs I have. I feel like a band with "motel" in its name is obligated to do a song about loneliness.
"Get Lucky" by Daft Punk (2013)
This track deserves the popularity it has, is SO catchy, and has some great Nathan East bass lines woven in.
"Poison in the Well" by 10,000 Maniacs (1989)
This band wears its REM influences on its sleeve but manages to be more melodic.
"Watching You Without Me" by Kate Bush (1985)
One of the non-singles from "Hounds of Love", from the concept album-like second side of the LP. The song is a fun mix of strings, including a prominent acoustic bass line, and electronics. And it wasn't featured on a hit Netflix show.
"Take Me As I Am" by October Project (1993)
A little self-serious in the tone but a good cut from a band that's mostly forgotten now.
"The Boys of Summer" by Don Henley (1984)
The drumming, such as it is on this 80s hit album, pretty much proves that Henley was more of a singer than a drummer.
"Baba O'Riley" by The Who (1971)
This one needs no compliments from me but I always think of the great show, "Freaks and Geeks" when I hear this where Jason Segal keeps correcting one of the other guys who keeps referring to this song as "Teenage Wasteland".
"Wild Honey Pie" by The Beatles (1968)
It's far from the best track from The White Album but it may be the FUNNEST.
"It Keeps You Runnin'" by The Doobie Brothers (1976)
The one where the Brothers take a trip on the Yacht of Rock.
"Don't Cry" by Seal (1994)
Seal's over the top production strikes again!
"What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" by REM (1994)
An interesting contrast to the previous 1994 song. This one is supposed to be about Gen X'ers not being understood by the older folks. Hahahahaha.
"Steppin' Out" by Joe Jackson (1982)
Joe sure made a good pop song using his keyboards and Korg drum machine.
"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (1982)
I swear I didn't plan back to back same-year songs. This is one of Jackson's best songs, IMO.
"Only Human" by Human League (1986)
Another old hit recorded here in the Twin Cities (Flyte Time, now demolished).
"Fire in the Hole" by Steely Dan (1972)
This is the only Vietnam-referencing Dan song I can think of (it could be a killer trivia question). The earlier Steely Dan stuff has aged much better than I would have thought. The combination of jazzy chords/sarcastic lyrics with the almost country rock sound this first album had is unlike anything else.
"West End Girls" by The Pet Shop Boys (1984)
This is probably the one song I think of when I think of this group. An 80s classic.
"Rebel Prince" by Rufus Wainwright (2001)
Rufus has a very unique voice and musical style, very distinct from his Dad's.
"Supernatural Thing" by Ben E. King (1975)
One of the best and funkiest uses of "Supernatural" in a song, unless there's a Parliament song I'm forgetting about.
"Heard Somebody Cry" by Oingo Boingo (1985)
Danny's singin' about dead people again.
