#TheN0ughtie5
Day 12
39. "Lillian, Egypt"
Josh Ritter
2006
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ❌
Some of Ritter's songs have clear narratives and some are like this, a compelling jumble of Americana & historical imagery referencing the Little Egypt region of southern Illinois and the silent film industry.
#TheN0ughtie5
Day 11
40. "No Epiphany"
Fucked Up
2008
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ✅
Yo dawg, I heard you like your hardcore rawstyle vocals coupled with art rock layered guitars & backup singers.
#TheN0ughtie5
Day 10
41. "If You Must"
Del the Funky Homosapien
2000
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ✅
Look, there are just some universal truths best captured in the language of music:
-We shall overcome someday
-All you need is love
-You gotta wash your ass
#TheN0ughtie5
Day 9
42. "O Valencia!"
The Decemberists
2006
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ✅
What if a tragedy of star-crossed lovers and bloody revenge were presented as an upbeat indie folk-rock anthem? Colin Meloy & the gang answer the question no one was asking.
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Day 8
43. "That's Not My Name"
The Ting Tings
2008
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ✅
This song should be nightmare fuel for people like me who can never remember anyone's name, but it's just too dang fun.
#TheN0ughtie5
Day 7
44. "Since I Left You"
The Avalanches
2001
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ❌
I have tracks from SINCE I LEFT YOU (the album) as 2001 since that's the album's U.S. release date. Everyone else has them as 2000. I'm finally vindicated because of the title track's single release in 2001 ha ha!
#TheN0ughtie5
Day 6
45. “Inside of Love”
Nada Surf
2003
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ❌
The ideal song (and album) for feeling miserable while going through a quarter-life crisis couple with a nasty breakup … allegedly!
#TheN0ughtie5
Day 5
46. "White Winter Hymnal"
Fleet Foxes
2008
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ❌
As I said for #Top20ShortSongs back in 2024: It takes just 2:27 to conjur up a dreamlike vision of childhood punctuated by shocking violence that's obscured by a singalong folk melody and beautiful harmonies.
#TheN0ughtie5
Day 4
47. "Us"
Regina Spektor
2004
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ✅
In case you were worried that '00s indie twee would be underrepresented in this challenge, worry no more, I've got you all covered.
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Day 3
48. "Float On"
Modest Mouse
2004
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ❌
Not sure it dawned on me (until I started prepping for this, at least) just how millennial indie kid coded this one is. I'd be one to know, I guess.
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Day 2
49. “Long Time Gone”
The Chicks (fka Dixie Chicks)
2002
Single ✅
JCC ✅
NKC ✅
The Chicks were well positioned for the neo-neo-traditionalist boom and leaned into it with an almost entirely acoustic album & a single that pulls no punches in criticizing country radio.
#TheN0ughtie5
Counting down my picks for favorite singles (and, yes, the maximum-allowed three non-singles) of the '00s.
50. "Toxic"
Britney Spears
2003
Single ✅
J. Cole Clause compliant ✅
Neil Kulkarni Clause compliant ✅
Look, I'm as incredulous as anyone that I haven't ranked this higher.
