Perfect Pop Songs

I spend a lot of time listening to music on shuffle. You know the sort of thing, where your iPod (other generic music playing devices are available) plays some Duke Ellington, followed by a Bach Cantata, then a Slade song from 1972. Every now and then, a song from the charts will turn up which is absolutely stunning. These are songs that are not particularly long, they are rarely significant, but they just do whatever they do really well. I thought I’d post a few of them here, to see your reaction.

I’ve given myself a few basic rules. The songs have to be short (which rules out the full version of Layla – and the short version isn’t half as good) and they have to have been in the charts (which rules out everything by Led Zeppelin). What they don’t have to be is musically outstanding or culturally important. They just have to be three minutes of pop perfection. If the list concentrates on the 1970s, blame my age. Some of them are a bit rude and one has the sort of occult references which were popular among Tolkien fans who drunk too much cider in the early seventies.  They are listed in no particular order (and I may come back and change the list later).

The Beach Boys: Good Vibrations (perhaps the best of the lot)

The Beatles: Get Back (the video isn’t of the single, but this is the best version)

T. Rex: Ride a White Swann

Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse: Valerie

Manfred Mann: Fox on the Run

Maria Muldaur: Midnight at the Oasis

Dr. Feelgood: Back in the Night

Genesis: I Know What I Like (ok, it is a bit weird)

REM: Shiney Happy People

Chic: Le Freak

I realise that my choice of music will surprise some and possibly outrage others; but I like these. Why not suggest alternatives in the comments? Anyone who suggests the Bay City Rollers will end up in moderation hell!

If you pick up Kouyanet by email, you probably won’t have seen the videos that I’ve linked to; but you can get them if you visit the site itself.