- Why?
- ...because I was wrong to write-off Green Day so quickly, lo, the many years ago
...because it has that great speed-hook, if you'll allow the term
...because it would be great fun to play in Guitar Hero
- ...to a track off of today's generation's Tommy
18) American Tune - Simon & Garfunkel
- Why?
- ...because I promise (threaten!) that there will be less Simon & Garfunkel in future lists, so you should get your fill now
...because I can't think of another writer who could write so wrenchingly about pilgrims
...because it's as meaningful today as it was when it was composed
- ...to the great key change at the end of each verse
19) Amie - Damien Rice
- Why?
- ...because if you don't know Rice yet, you're totally missing out
...because the string arrangement is gorgeous
...because Rice's voice sounds alternately so fragile and so powerful, so effortlessly
- ...to the way the harmonies slowly fill in as the song progresses, taking us from sparse to lush
20) Amos Moses - Jerry Reed
- Why?
- ...because every song on this list isn't a tear-jerker
...because Reed honestly sounds like he's having the time of his life in every song he performs
...because the lyrics are so delightfully absurd
- ...to the guitar style -- nobody sounds like Jerry Reed
( one more A list to go... sooner or later. ;) )