I feel like with each passing year these kinds of lists get harder and harder for me to make. After a couple decades, even my favorites among favorites start to seem a little worn and I realize I haven’t listened to them in ages. Here are ten that have withstood a decade or more for me, in sort of a half-assed order:
David Garza—”Discoball World”
Simple, beautiful, bittersweet and also gorgeously produced.
Ministry—”Breathe”
This was probably my favorite song was I was 14 and I still think it’s pretty fantastic. Such an amazing rhythm here and the production still sounds fantastic.
Professor Longhair—”Tipitina”
There’s just some about the dancing melody and lurching low end of the keyboard that has grabbed me from the first time I heard this.
Scratch Acid—”Monsters”
Few songs capture absolute craziness the way this one does.
My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult—”A Daisy Chain 4 Satan”
I have so many favorites by these guys that it was a little hard to choose, but I’ve been loving the campy, druggy evil of this track for about 21 years and it still sounds fresh and vibrant every time I listen.
Swans—”Killing for Company”
This song gives has got to be one of the most dread-filled pieces of music ever created. Seriously, I get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach every time I listen to it. Amazingly powerful stuff.
The Church—”Under the Milkyway”
Even though these guys have been one of my favorite bands for nearly 20 years, their most popular song is still probably the one I’d rate the highest. It’s just that damn good.
Killing Joke—”Mathematics of Chaos”
The ultimate album closer. Music to get **** done to. This track kicks in the door and pound you until it unravels gorgeously.
Tears for Fears—”Sowing the Seeds of Love”
Laugh all you want, but I think this is one of the best pop songs ever written. It has so much to it that it’s like a mini-symphony but every second is incredibly catchy and perfectly executed.
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs—”El Matador”
Complex, beautiful, powerful
and it makes you want to dance. The only thing better than this song is this song live. This may very well be #1 for me.