1. The Cowsills, “Indian Lake”
2. The Smiths, “There Is a Light that Never Goes Out”
The alchemy of Morrissey’s lyrics and Johnny Marr’s cascading guitars beautifully captured the drama and romance of youth in a way no one else has been able to match. “And if a double-decker bus crashes into us / To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die.” As sentiments go, it’s overwrought and even risible, but I doubt there are many people out there who didn’t experience similar feelings while in the melodramatic throes of teenagerdom.
3. Belle & Sebastian, “I Love My Car”
4. Berlin, “Sex (I’m a …)”
Naughtiness in 1982. Terri Nunn, wherever you are, I’m still waiting for you.
5. Wheatus, “Desperate Songs”
6. Ivy, “Ocean City Girl”
7. The Ataris, “The Boys of Summer”
Respectable, if unexceptional, power-punk. But hey, at least you don’t have to hear Don Henley’s self-consciously gravelly vocals.
8. The Outsiders, “Time Won’t Let Me”
9. Johnny Cash, “Cry, Cry, Cry”
10. Husker Du, “Too Much Spice”
– Chase