My Morning Jacket “Two Halves”
Americana meets doo-wop on this wistful, harmony-laden tribute to youth and being old enough to miss it.
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Weezer “Pork and Beans”
Rivers Cuomo mocks Top 40 success on this wry cut, but with charging guitars and a singalong chorus, he’s already got a big power-pop hit.
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The Ting Tings “Shut Up and Let Me Go”
With its sassy disco-funk strut, this ode to independence is perfect for dumping your boyfriend or your record label.
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N.E.R.D. “Spaz”
Banking on weird synth hooks and a skittery groove, this club anthem proves the Neptunes save the best beats for themselves.
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Fleet Foxes “He Doesn’t Know Why”
Airy pop melodies, soaring “ahs” and lyrics about “hair grown long” make this pretty tune a modern hippie classic.
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