Love Goes On! (1988) – The Go-Betweens

One of many pearls left behind by the recently departed Grant McLennan (12th February 1958 – 6th May 2006), “Love Goes On” conveys its yearning in strides constructed of the happy-go-lucky buoyancy of twee pop, burdened with the gravity of carnivorous longing. With drums and bass buried far below in the mix, percussive showers of acoustic guitar carry the insistent rhythm which flaunts a melody that pines for want of experience, elevated by the optimism of its “badabopbopbadadabow!”s and a violin jig that recalls the fingered birdsong of a flute. McLennan understands the theoretical paradigm of love, but he is also familiar with love’s sinister complexion. He knows that despite its incongruities, love goes on.

Listen to "Love Goes On!" and purchase from iTunes Music Store.

Thank You For The Music (1978) – ABBA

In the tradition of Barry Manilow’s “I Write The Songs” and Yes’ “Our Song,” “Thank You For The Music” relishes the performer’s perspective, celebrating the power of music to transform the entertainer and enhance one’s joie de vivre. Although Agnetha Fältskogat’s sentiments are at times silly and self-absorbed, “Thank You For The Music” regales as it builds from a reflective stroll across a stage to a vaudevillian chorus line. Playful figures of upright piano meander and gallivant throughout like marionettes, while mandolin trills and vivid keyboards grace a chorus built around a chord progression composed equally of melancholy and gratitude, mirroring the realization that music is the sine qua non of life, such that to be without it is truly an impoverished existence.

Listen to "Thank You For The Music" and purchase from iTunes Music Store.

See also "Dancing Queen" (1978) – ABBA.