driving a tire iron through somebody's heart
I have to agree with Amelie: that's the first thing I'd do. To make sure that they won't come back as a zombie. Or a vampire. Or something. Plus, it would be wicked.

RE: earliest mock-Dylan voice. I'm gonna go with 'A Public Execution' by Mouse & The Traps, ca. 66.

Hat Trick
This seemed like a hard question initially, because no records immediately came to mind. But after thinking about it for a minute, I came up with three:

Promo CD's are good… but so is hypemachine.

I disagree, ricin. I think Kristofferson's version of 'Me & Bobby McGee' is better than the covers, too.

I'm sensing a real anti-circle jerk attitude to a lot of these comments.

Second.

Ebert said it's one of the best sci-fi movies he's ever seen, if that brightens any corners.

Pilgrim- It's just an expression.

The thing for me is that some of the best "power-pop" songs are done by groups that were not strictly PP groups. 'Pulling Muscles' or 'Is That Love?' are two songs I would definitely put on a power-pop compilation, even if they dwelt primarily in other genres.

I agree with Otto that the bounds of "power-pop" are transparent. I mean, what about the Jim Carroll Band? Too punk/new wave? Listen to 'Jealous Twins' and tell me that it isn't a brilliant power-pop song. (With explanation, please.) Or The Only Ones. Or The Smithereens.

I put on 'Hanging on the Telephone' after a read the article. Great song.

I'd fuck Pilgrim to fuck Keira Knightley. (Or, lacking Pilgrim, Gus Triandos.)

Sweet… sweet… sweet… can.

@ Owmar Little

Let It Fail

'Roll Another Number' and 'Motion Pictures' by Neil Young. The latter, not so much for it's lyrics, perhaps, but definitely for it's atmosphere.

Sunday Morning Coming Down…
is definitely the best hangover song. Although I prefer Kristofferson's version, Cash does an amazing job- one of his very best vocal performances. But I think that Kristofferson nails that sleazy, rock-bottom vibe better; Cash sounds like he's reveling in the glory of feeling like shit.

The distortion is an instrument like any other. I love it, personally. And, honestly, I find it amazing to listen to that song and think it's anything BUT accessible. It's catchy as fuck, and I can imagine people of all demographics pumping it in their car.

Plus it's got Omar Little in a supporting role.