In light of the relatively recent Sad Songs thread, I've been thinking about how fascinating it is that the right song can short circuit your emotional balance. Certainly, some songs strike you because of a memory or sensation you associate with them. But others? The right chord, the right lyric, the right riff can make you sad or happy or reflective for no other reason than it is what it is. So, as the flipside to the aforementioned Sad Songs thread, I'd like to hear what songs my fellow chewers find make them irrepressibly joyful. What songs make you feel good for the 3 and 1/2 minutes they play no matter how terrible things are in your life? What songs--when you hear the opening chords--are guaranteed to make you smile, make you want to get out of your seat and, for lack of a better term, snoopy dance?
To kick things off, I'll list four that make me absolutely (and somewhat inexpicably) stoked for the few minutes they play:
"Modern Love" - David Bowie. The second I hear Bowie's quiet "I know when to go out and when to stay in", it's all I can do to stay in my seat. Silly, I know.
"The Good Life" - Weezer. Oh, that cruncy guitar riff. Oh, that Rivers Cuomo, "When I look in the mirror..." Oh, that "Pinkerton" (what a freakin' great album).
"Let's Go Crazy" - Prince. "Dearly beloved, we are here today to get through this thing called life. Electric word, life. It means forever and that's a mighty long time, but I'm here to tell you there's something else: the afterworld. A world of neverending happiness. You can always see the sun, day or night. So, when you call up that shrink in Beverly Hills. You know the one, Dr. Everything'll-Be-Alright. Instead of asking him how much of your time is left, ask him how much of your mind, baby. 'Cuz in this life, things are much harder than in the afterworld. In this life, you're on your own. And if the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy..." God, I love this song. No apologies.
"Sheena is a Punk Rocker" - The Ramones (and the Dead Milkmen, to a lesser extent) were my gateway drug to the wonderful world of punk rock. And while pretty much every song in their catalogue is guaranteed to get you pogoin', this one does it for me more than any other. Also, fun "Pet Sematary" tie-in. Take that, Gage!
*Sorry if there's a similar thread. I looked, but couldn't find anything.
