#80
Portishead “The Rip”
2008

Portishead mesmerized the music scene in the 90s, spearheading the trip-hop movement and then disappearing into a long hiatus.

In 2008, they returned to dazzle again…with an updated sound and an incredible album Third.

#81
Rilo Kiley “Portions for Foxes”
2004

“Portions for Foxes” might be THE definitive Rilo Kiley song.

It features their trademark pop-folk sound and describes a tempting, yet destructive relationship…something Jenny Lewis turns to quite often in her lyrics.

#82
OutKast “B.O.B.”
2000

OutKast used the kitchen sink approach to “B.O.B.”, tossing in a gospel choir, funky keyboards, ridiculous drum fills and an absolute breakneck beat.

People have tried to draw some added (and misguided) meaning to the song since the Iraq War launched in 2003. Tennis player Jennifer Capriati requested the song to be played before her matches a few years ago to “support the troops”, which is just fucking weird.

#83
Simian Mobile Disco “I Believe”
2007

One of the finest electronic songs of the decade just happens to sound like some of the finest electronic bands of the 80s (namely Erasure).

After making their name through remixes, Simian Mobile Disco released their debut Attack Decay Sustain Release in 2007 to much acclaim.

#84
Phoenix “Long Distance Call”
2006

Although they didn’t reach widespread success until this year, Phoenix has been making great pop music for years, including 2006’s It’s Never Been Like That and “Long Distance Call.”

#85
My Morning Jacket “One Big Holiday”
2003

My Morning Jacket has been carrying the Southern rock torch for a few years now, although their sound expands quite a bit beyond that.

“One Big Holiday” is their big, sprawling tour de force.

#86
Bloc Party “Helicopter”
2005

This is Bloc Party at their most aggressive.

With the strength of their great debut album Silent Alarm, Bloc Party was part of a wave of British bands that broke through around 2005 including Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys and Kaiser Chiefs.

They were probably the head of that pack with Silent Alarm, but their follow-up releases haven’t reached that standard.

Here’s hoping that the band can find their way and release more material of this quality.