My Top 2000 Songs #1012: If

British indie pop band The Darling Buds only stuck around for three records, but they were all pretty damn great. And while I especially love the power pop fizz of their 1988 debut, their 1992 swan song Erotica was every bit as vital. In lieu of the boisterous three-chord rockers, they offered a more well-rounded sound, shimmering gloss and gauzy dream pop, yet still full of catchy hooks. Album closer "If"--a bittersweet wrap-up to that brief, wonderful run of records--blended both, quieter verses building into an ecstatic, anthemic chorus. Yet again, it's one of those songs you hear and figure, wow, this will be the biggest song to ever hit the radio! And nobody you know has ever heard it. Damn.