Count Five: VHS or Beta Singer Craig Pfunder's Top Hooky Rock Songs

Posted on Jul 25th 2007 5:00PM by Steve Baltin
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Despite the loss of guitarist Zeke Buck prior to the recording of their soon to be released 'Bring On the Comets,' Louisville, Kentucky's VHS or Beta have relinquished none of their sonic power on the new album. The energetic, engaging dance beats that made the band a breakthrough act with 2004's 'Night On Fire' are once again working at full capacity. Surrounding those beats again, though, are great pop hooks, the kind that joyfully bounce around your head all day. Where do VHS or Beta's superb pop songs come from? Lead singer and guitarist Craig Pfunder provided a clue with this list of his top five hooky, poppy rock songs of all time.

1. 'Making Plans for Nigel,' XTC: This song starts out so simply, but as you become more familiar you understand how thought-out it really is. Nonetheless, the melody and beats are classic to me.

2. 'Radio Free Europe,' R.E.M.: What do I need to say? This song speaks for itself.

3. 'Can't Hardly Wait,' the Replacements: The opening riff of this song is instant for me. Paul [Westerberg] is the chronic, and to me is one of the great pop songwriters.

4. 'Love Will Tear Us Apart,' Joy Division: Again, the opening of this song is instant. I've heard this song one million times and the melodies still hold up.

5. ' Just Like Heaven,' the Cure: Despite popular opinion of the similarities of our voices, I carry no shame in recognizing the brilliance of this song. I think its perfect. Seriously.