Decade Top 40: Bleed to Love Her #4

[michelej1]

Telegraph Herald Online (Dubuque, Iowa), 12-28-09http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=268086

We loved songs of all kinds

Rock, R&B and even hip-hop made this list of the Top 40 of the 2000s
BY JIM SWENSON TELEGRAPH HERALD FEATURES EDITOR

Anyone's Top 40 songs of a decade will be very subjective. Even high-paid music critics, though they might not admit it, like certain types of songs better than others.

I believe music in the 1960s and 1970s was better and more fun to listen to than that in the '80s and '90s. But I must admit, the 2000s have provided some fantastic songs and groups.

And, I'm proud to say that music lovers of almost all ages and styles will find something in this list to like or hate. Some ranked high on Billboard's annual lists; others were ranked high by Rolling Stone magazine. Others probably weren't ranked by anyone else but me.

The one exception is in the genre of country music. I'm a big fan of old-time country music, but not so much the contemporary style. That's why I invited Ken Peiffer, of WJOD Radio, to provide his list, also on this page.

MY Top 40 songs of the decade

1. "Yankee Bayonet," The Decemberists (2006) It's just such a pretty song with a wonderful melody and interesting, Civil War-inspired lyrics. Perfect for a nostalgic fan of 1970s pop. I love their voices. I love this group.

2. "Bohemian Like You," The Dandy Warhols (2000) A much more upbeat rocker, this love song draws you in and builds like a locomotive, then slams on the brakes. The drawn-out "wahoos" in the chorus are great.

3. "Steady As She Goes," Raconteurs (2006) As the title suggests, this song about settling down into the married life has a steady beat that just won't stop. Great jogging song. (The group is pictured above in the globe.)

4. "Bleed to Love Her," Fleetwood Mac (2003): Yes, one of my favorite all-time groups released a very good CD in the 2000s, despite the absence of Christine McVie. Lindsey Buckingham rocks on this tune.

5. "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)," Blu Cantrell (2001) The first time I heard this catchy pop song was a rare moment watching MTV. It's the tale of creative revenge on a cheating man. I can sing the "Oops!" real well.

6. "Roll Over D.J.," Jet (2003) A pure, old-fashioned, in-your-face rock 'n' roll song about a D.J. stealing a singer's time. I'll pick up a tennis racket and play air guitar to this one anytime.

7. "Last Nite," The Strokes (2001) A fun, quick rock song about walking out the door on a girlfriend. Featured on Rolling Stone's No. 2 album of the 2000s, "This Is It."

8. "Eddie's Ragga," Spoon (2007) This group ranks second only to the Decemberists as my 2000s favorites, and this tune about a short-lived acquaintance oozes with soul.

9. "Float On," Modest Mouse (2004) A song about moving on despite bad luck, lead singer Isacc Brock's voice is not for everyone. It reminds me a little of "Come On Eileen," by the Dexys Midnight Riders (1983).

10. "Hey Ya!," Outkast (2004) I'm not a big hip hop/R&B fan, but this one makes me almost want to "shake it, shake it like a Polaroid Picture." Picked up my spirits during a tough time.