75. No Age - Teen Creeps
While some might prefer the slow build to the cathartic release of Eraser, I find that No Age's great single of 2008 is Teen Creeps. The brilliance of this track didn't really hit me until it came on right after Sonic Youth's Teen-age Riot on my iPod; the combination of dissonance and community the band offers is undeniable.
74. T.I. - Whatever U Like
Every year, a blatantly commercial hip-hop song comes along and surprises me with its warmth and gentility. Last year, T-Pain appeared with Buy You a Drank, and now T.I. takes up the mantle with Whatever U Like. Although it's much more risque than the T-Pain track (I mean, I still can't believe brain so good could've sworn you went to college gets played on Z100), it never feels sexist or disgusting. T.I. sincerely wants to give his lover the world, and his efforts gain nothing but my admiration.
73. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
72. Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart
The album version of I Will Possess Your Heart is perhaps the most ambitious thing this band has ever done: sweeping, labyrinthine in its structure. It's not, however, necessary, for a song as simple as this - a song that sticks close to the Death Cab lyrical toolbox. This is why the single version is better - and why a stronger, less unfettered song ranks a lot higher.
71. Feist - Sea Lion Woman
Feist's powerhouse interpretation of Nina Simone's classic really morphs into something special when seen live; the sight of Cat Power and Mary J. Blige snapping their heads to this made me reconsider everything.