1) "Electric Avenue" - Eddy Grant
Even for someone who generally doesn't like synthesizers in his music, this groove cannot be denied.
2) "Gasoline Alley" - Rod Stewart
This song at points (like the beginning) sounds like "Rock N' Roll Never Forgets" by Bob Seger - which is a crap song. Somehow, this similar-sounding tune does what the Seger song does wrong right. Really grateful that this tune exists so I don't have to accept "Rock N' Roll Never Forgets" as a guilty pleasure.
3) "Telegraph Road" - Dire Straits
Like a lot of Straits songs, this one calls for your patience - but it pays off tremendously if you're willing to put in the time.
4) "Denmark Street" - The Kinks
Musical wizards. Somehow manages to be a ragtime song and a Stones-circa-Exile-on-Main-Street kind of rock song at once. Hats off to Ray Davies and the boys.
5) "Heartattack & Vine" - Tom Waits
I guess this is cheating because the song is named for an intersection. Or maybe this entry should count as two. I dunno. BUT take a listen and it'll convince you of its worthiness. The grit and ugliness in Tom Waits' voice a thing of beauty. Just go with it.
6) "Across 110th Street" - Bobby Womack
Named for one of the more important, non-fictional streets in the list, "Across 110th Street" is infused with soul. It is also featured in the opening credits of one of Quentin Tarantino's most underrated movies, Jackie Brown.
7) "Baker Street" - Gerry Rafferty
A great song all-around, but that sax riff is the keystone. Straight
8) "Pony St." - Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello gets on a lot of people's nerves with his straining, sometimes whining, vocals. Yeah, OK. I sorta see your point. But 1) it's still a strong singing voice and 2) How can you ignore everything that surrounds it? The bass, the drums, the lyrics, etc. DON'T.
10) "Alloway Grove" - Paolo Nutini
Not at all my kind of music, but I would advise others who feel the same way and are turned off: this is one of those "swallow-your-pride" songs. From opening snare-roll to infectious chorus, it's just structured beautifully. Give props where props are due!
11) "Penny Lane" - The Beatles
The non-fictional street is nice every once in a while (i.e. 110th Street, Alloway Grove), but is no match for the wonder of make-believe. And you better
12) "Cyprus Avenue" - Van Morrison
More than any of the other songs on this list, "Cyprus Avenue" places you there. It doesn't drill the image of this street into your head. It slowly, but certainly, enraptures you with its mysticism, building something than even Van could have imagined.
