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You could argue all day about what is and what is not "power pop," a discussion that might ill-advisedly convince you to attempt an exhaustive list of the genre's finest songs. I have neither the time nor the energy to make such a list, but I do enjoy me some of what Wikipedia calls "a popular musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and rock music. It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are usually kept to a minimum, and blues elements are largely downplayed. Recordings tend to display production values that lean toward compression and a forceful drum beat. Instruments usually include one or more electric guitars, an electric bass guitar, a drum kit, and sometimes electric keyboards or synthesizers."
1. The Undertones - "Teenage Kicks"
Teenage Kicks EP (1978)
Late, legendary DJ John Peel called this his favorite song, once playing it back-to-back on his radio show. Whereas he normally awarded songs between one and five stars, he gave "Teenage Kicks" 28. Bet you can't listen just once:
2. The Exploding Hearts - "Sleeping Aides and Razorblades"
Guitar Romantic (2003)
The story of these Portland, Ore. rockers is a tragic one. Just months after the band's first (and only proper) album was released, on the heels of critical acclaim, three of the group's five members were killed in a van accident. Although the Exploding Hearts ceased to exist after the harrowing incident, an excellent compilation (Shattered) was released posthumously and the two surviving members went on to form The Nice Boys.
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Yes! Squeeze! I can never be 100% sure whether my love for their song is really just overblown nostaligia--my dad loved them and played their records incessantly--but every time I hear a song I'm more and more certain it's not just that--they were so on top of their game in that era. Great list, thought provoking.
I would argue that "I Wanna Be With You" is the definitive Raspberries song. Either way, it's certainly much better than "Go All the Way." And though I'm not crazy about either band, your list is missing two thirds of the "holy trinity" in Badfinger and Big Star.
The Records' "Starry Eyes" is an essential tune for any power pop novice, to be sure, while the Pointed Sticks provide a much better alternative to the punkier side of power pop than do the Buzzcocks.
The most glaring omission, however, is "Shake Some Action" by the Flamin' Groovies, a ditty which many would call the definitive power pop song.
20/20, the Shoes, the Romantics (pre-National Breakout), Pezband, and Milk 'n' Cookies are some more good ones while the Toms are absolutely essential.
Moving the the more modern side of things, the Electric Shadows' "Break the Rules" is probably the best power-pop song of the last decade. The Busy Signals and Clorox Girls are more on the punk side, but again very good. The Perfect Fits are on the rise, as well.
I'm not a huge Squeeze fan...in fact, I have nightmares of driving to Tennessee from Philadelphia as a young adolescent with my father and uncle listening to them. With that being said, "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)" remains one of my all-time favorite songs.
Great list - I'd add a relatively more recent song: "Use It" by the New Pornographers.
I'm also not crazy about Badfinger or Big Star, hence their non-inclusion. Great other suggestions, though!
No Jellyfish? Huh?
I've had that same conversation with your nameless co-worker about Squeeze. Just glad to know I've got an ally in the good fight.