- Why?
- ...because sometimes it takes a cover to prove just how good a song can be
...because the transition from lo-fi is beautifully unexpected, even when you know it's coming
...because I can tell a Postal Service tune from 100 paces, and that's a good thing
Listen:
- ...to the way a change in instrumentation and syncopation can move us from saccharine to heart-felt
6) Airport Song - Guster
- Why?
- ...because "Glad you made it; welcome to the farm / Who's your daddy? I'm your daddy now" is a freakily catchy first line
...because it showcases Brian Rosenworcel's drumming
...because it ends with ping-pong
Listen:
- ...to the way the song ultimately builds into a disorienting disintegration
7) AKA Driver - They Might Be Giants
- Why?
- ...because a song about time and space has never sounded so good
...because the "big hand's on 120 / little hand's on E" -- awesome
...because it's about NyQuil, dude!
Listen:
- ...and bounce up and down, as you should during any good TMBG song
8) Alice Childress - Ben Folds Five
- Why?
- ...because Ben Folds does isolation and alienation better than most
...because every Ben Folds Five song has a deeper meaning, if you pay attention
...because it gives me chills, and I'm the one making the list
Listen:
- ...to any Ben Folds album, in its entirety, when this song is finished