1. “Dadje Von O Von Non” by Gnonnas Pedro et ses Dadjes (Amazing hot funky soul call and response from the West African nation of Benin, circa 1966. If real life were like a movie, and we all had theme songs that played when we entered the scene, this would be my walk-on music. In fact, you should just imagine this song playing in the background any time you see me from now on).

2. “Cursed to Crawl” by Napalm Death (My favorite extreme grindcore/metal band, hands down, and probably the group I’ve listened to more than any other over the past five years or so, since they’re my favorite thing to listen to at the gym, where I typically spend at least five nights a week. This is one of their more accessible numbers, because I love you).

3. “Summer” by Octopus (Psychedelic English pop-rock from 1968, featuring Nigel Griggs and Malcolm Green, who went on to great international fame and success with Split Enz in the 1980s. This one coulda shoulda been a contender, but it was wrapped in one of the stupidest album covers ever, which you can look at throughout this song’s run on the link).

4. “Wondering” by Reverend James Cleveland (A super soulful song from one of my all-time favorite gospel singers, with the greatest church organ accompaniment ever recorded. It’s like going to church in a skating rink! Amen! Couple’s Skate!)

5. “Madonna’s Bombing Sarajevo” by Alice Donut. (A spazzy, muscular, smart rock epic from 2006, with an awesome sense of dynamics and musical drama; the riff explosion at 5:30 is mighty, especially after the quieter trombone solo. Really! Paired with a wow video to boot, though with some disturbing animated imagery, so be careful who’s looking over your shoulder).