Songs For Your Ipod: The List

31. Puttin' on the Ritz - Taco After Eight (1982) - 4:36

"Puttin' on the Ritz" was Taco's only hit during short career in the '80s. It was a faithful rendition of the Irving Berlin song and was on most North American radio stations back in 1982. The song itself is a catchy and upbeat telling of the nightlife of the rich during depression era of the '30s. It is difficult not to tap your toes or fingers while listening to the beat.

32. Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen - Santana Abraxas (1970) - 5:24

Santana's greatest single, "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen," was a psychedelic, latin-tinged masterpiece describing the charms that women have when attracting those of the opposite sex. Although Santana didn't write the song (Fleetwood Mac did), they made it their own with this rendition.

33. Mad World - Gary Jules Donnie Darko Soundtrack (2005) - 3:07

Originally, this song was one of Tears for Fears '80s hits off their first album: The Hurting. It was played at a quicker pace which lessened the impact of the lyrics written by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Gary Jules resolves this problem with his rendering. It is slow, black and depressing and gets across better what Tears for Fears had in mind with the lyrical content of the song. It tells of a depressed teen who can't figure out what is good in the world when he is surrounded by such darkness. It was a perfect song to end the brilliant movie.

34. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve Urban Hymns (1997) - 5:58

An incredilble mix of rock and classical music, "Bittersweet Symphony" became The Verve's breakthrough hit and greatest song. Its too bad they will never make any money off the thing as Richard Ashcroft borrowed from a symphonic interpretation of a Rolling Stones song that was owned by record label ABKCO. ABKCO fought and obtained 100% royalties for the song. The song itself is a lament on life and how the pursuit of money is th main concern of everyone up until their deaths.

35. Personal Jesus - Depeche Mode Violator (1990) - 4:55

Depeche Mode's most famous song, "Personal Jesus" is a satirical look at faith in the modern world of convienence. Why go to church and congregate with other believers when it it much easier to pick up a phone. A 976 number for true believers instead of sexually inadequate perverts. The corelation between the two is not lost and the song's bite is blood thirsty.

36. Crabbuckit - K-os Joyful Rebellion (2004) - 3:48

"Crabbuckit" made K-os fans out of those who don't even like hip hop, probably because it is one the catchiest songs of the last decade with great dance floor beat. It is also not bashful when mentioning where it comes from even if international listeners may lose the reference (mentioning Yonge St. and the Tragically Hip for example). K-os is Canada's greatest hip hop artist creating an interest in the genre not seen since the time Maestro's was telling everyone to let their backbone slide.

37. Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth Countdown to Extinction (1992) - 4:02

Megadeth's coolest song was "Symphony of Destruction." It had just enough thrash with a hook that grabs ya. Mustaine metal followed Metallica's forray into more radio friendly music (Metallica with the Black album, Megadeth with Countdown to Extinction) and although people mentioned "sell out" with both bands, "Symphony of Destruction" transcends the criticism as much as "Enter Sandman" ever did.

38. Head Like a Hole - Nine Inch Nails Pretty Hate Machine (1989) - 5:00

Industrial music that actually has structure and pop sensibilities is what Trent Reznor brought to the world. There isn't a plainer example of this than "Head Like a Hole." With a song cursing god money (ie. making money your idol of worship), Reznor throws in vocals as angry and harsh as anything put to music. It's powerful and beautifully angst-ridden giving you shivers down the spine when listening.

39. The End of the Rainbow - Richard and Linda Thompson I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight (1974) - 3:56

The Thompson's greatest song is the most harrowing and sad song to come out of British folk during the '70s. When the lyrical content concludes that it is pointless to grow out of childhood since the world will only crush your body and spirit there isn't much to do after listening except cry, drink and finally slit your wrists. This song is not recommended for the clinically depressed.

40. Respect - Aretha Franklin I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967) - 2:27

Originally a Otis Redding song first heard on his great album Otis Blue (1966), Franklin adapted it to meet a female perspective. It tells men in a direct and forthright manner that women are due respect from men at all times. With Franklin's powerful vocals the message was relayed loud and clear for a whole generation of men in the '60s. The song may have been a Redding original but Fraklin made it her own with the release of this single.

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