• 1. The Refreshments are far more known now as the creators of the “King of the Hill” theme song, but “Banditos” is still an unsung classic. And lead singer Roger Clyne is still around with his band The Peacemakers.

  2. With “Brimful of Asha,” Cornershop managed to create an simple-sounding but ultra-nuanced pop tune – there are dozens of obscure references to Bollywood cinema in this song.

  3. The Cardigans sounded destined to sit next to Sixpence None the Richer on the Radio, but they were far more interesting than that. Check out “Explode,” a solid attempt at electronica by them.

  4. “Closing Time” might be a perfect example of a one-hit wonder, but Semisonic didn’t deserve the fate. Songs like “Delicious” brim with songcraft. And singer Dan Wilson later won Grammys for his songwriting

  3. Fountains of Wayne started as a pretty awesome synthesis of power-pop when nobody cared about power-pop. Eventually “Stacy’s Mom” pigeonholed them, but “Leave the Biker” is still a funny ditty.

Posted by Ernie Smith • Permalink