#156
Metric “Dead Disco”
2004

In my mind, Metric is one of the best new New Wave bands of the decade and “Dead Disco” is a signature song for the band.

New Wave with a tinge of dance-punk and featuring Emily Haines’ slightly off-beat lyrics, it’s a super-tight song that really packs a punch.

#157
Alicia Keys “Fallin’”
2001

This is the song that launched Alicia Keys’ career and spawned countless cringe-inducing auditions on American Idol.

I get the sense that years from now Alicia Keys will be viewed in a more favorable light than some singers who experienced more commercial success during this time period (*cough* Beyonce *cough*).

#158
The Delgados “Coming In From the Cold”
2002

This is one that I don’t really have an explanation for. I don’t know too much about The Delgados other than they’re from Scotland and they disbanded a few years ago.

I don’t remember how I came across this song, but I do know that I liked it as soon as I heard it and that feeling still sticks with me years later. So there.

#159
We Are Scientists “After Hours”
2008

Standing out on an otherwise disappointing album, We Are Scientists’ “After Hours” is a well-crafted song about celebrating youth and life…keeping the night going by defying last call.

Although I’ve never had the chance to see We Are Scientists live, I really enjoyed watching their webcast from Glastonbury 2008, including Dev from Lightspeed Champion joining them for “After Hours.”

#160
Ben Folds “Bitches Ain’t Shit”
2005

Let me just say that uber-white comedic attempts at rap annoy the hell out of me, particularly when it’s a lame attempt at old school rap from the early 80s.

That said, I believe that Ben Folds’ take on “Bitches Ain’t Shit” is a bit different because (a) the reconstruction of the song creates something entirely new and (b) it showcases just how vulgar the original version was.

Also, seeing it “being retired” at Bonnaroo 2008 was pretty awesome.