ALL, "Long Distance"
A thing you can say about ALL is how incredibly consistent the sound of the band was across records. The guitar, bass, and drums all sound exactly the same across every record. They had the sound they liked, and they stuck with it.
Girl Talk, "Let It Out"
I know random verses from a bunch of songs just due to their presence on All Day, which is always a little jarring when I hear the songs removed from this context. There's always a disorienting moment of "why do I know this song?"
Also, "Mr. Big Stuff" rules. And dig that Soul Train video, try not to smile, it's impossible.
Tortoise, "The Taut and Tame"
A cut from the best Tortoise album, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, which therefore might also be the best post-rock album. Hmm. I guess it depends on how you define post-rock. I suppose it might be Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven. Whatever, this album rules.
The Magnetic Fields, "I'm Sorry I Love You"
Sometimes, I'm sorry I own this record.
Fastbacks, "Hung on a Bad Peg"
First time for the Fastbacks! Forgotten at this point, the Fastbacks were on the leading edge of the Seattle scene in the 80s, with founding member Kurt Bloch not only in this band but a member of the Young Fresh Fellows and producing a bunch of records for bands. But focusing on Bloch misses out that the Fastbacks could write a mean punk-pop tune, with all of their records being a good time, but this one (Zücker) being as good a choice as any to start out.