The five hundred ninety-fifth song: A New England - Billy Bragg
Brief and simple, A New England hits its relationship commentary, makes its point and gets out. It's good, and it does exactly what it wants to.
The five hundred ninety-sixth song: Blister in the Sun - Violent Femmes
Blister in the Sun feels like a straight forward, basic punk song with meaning that even according to the writer aren't too meaningful. It hits its beats and sounds good doing it, but I'm not sure it felt that notable to me either.
The five hundred ninety-seventh song: Let’s Dance - David Bowie
Going back through Bowie's catalogue, after having hit the albums before, really highlights some of the biggest tracks. Let's Dance is instantly recognisable and its hook gets into you straight away. It's just a joy to listen to.
The five hundred ninety-eighth song: This Charming Man - The Smiths
This track feels so much more upbeat than the later album we covered yesterday, which partially makes you look at the undertones of it. Here, though, it's also nice, simple bluesy rock song.
The five hundred ninety-ninth song: Relax - Frankie Goes To Hollywood
There's a real polish to this song, a real contrast to the raucousness that sexual tracks were often dealt with in this era. It's a good, strong track, its memorable line and riff supported by noises that build to their own crescendo, not leaving that much to the imagination. It's still strong and it works with everything it tries to do.
The six hundredth song: Song to the Siren - This Mortal Coil
Simple, with a bit of extra production, the song's focus on its maudlin feeling vocals works well for its mood and set up.
The six hundred first song: Everything Counts - Depeche Mode
As a more subdued synth pop album, Everything Counts puts its message front and centre, a clear commentary on greed and capitalism and a track that builds on that feeling. It's not a simple track, but contains a more introspective feeling than what new wave usually brings.
The six hundred second song: Dear Prudence - Siouxsie & the Banshees
The ethereal sound of this track adds a different undertone to the song, elevating a love song in a way I struggle to find a place. It's psychedelic rock, out there a fair bit, with a real feeling of floating through the story.