The Chameleons - "In Shreds" (1982)

While not dealing in gloom and despair to the same extent as some of their peers in the early ‘80s, there’s a fair bit of anguish to be found on this early single from The Chameleons. While the trademark dreamy guitars have a part to play, “In Shreds” is won over by some raw punk energy and angsty lyrics from the brilliant Mark Burgess.

2Pac - "So Many Tears" (1995)

As I suspected when I decided to start focusing on B-sides, the blog was becoming a bit “indie”-orientated. But what better way to break that up than with a bit of ‘Pac?

The Libertines - "Up The Bracket" (2002)

Much has been made of The Libertines’ effect on reviving indie music in the UK and the truth is that since their decline, nobody has taken up the punk mantle with the same kind of flair and assurance. A great example would be the title track from their debut album.

The Smiths - Hand In Glove (1983)

The Smiths’ first ever single was a wonderful demonstration of everything the band was about. Doomed love, working-class defiance, jangly guitars and general despair; it’s all right here.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - "In The Heat Of The Moment" (2014)

I’ve got to be honest - when I first heard the “na-na-na-na-nah” at the start of this song, I absolutely hated it. I had high hopes for Noel after a pretty solid solo debut, but this just sounded like he was going down a poppy route that I wasn’t ready to roll with.

Björk - "Pagan Poetry" (2001)

Hugely controversial for its video, featuring blurry lovemaking and a wince-inducing skin-piercing dress, “Pagan Poetry” is also one of the finest moments of Björk’s illustrious career. It’s hard to think of many other songs which perfectly capture the raw feeling of desire in the way this does.

Sex Pistols - "Pretty Vacant" (1977)

In amongst the explosive statements of anarchy and royal-bashing on a lot of the Sex Pistols’ work, “Pretty Vacant” is a lot less controversial yet has to be considered among the group’s finest work.

PJ Harvey - "A Perfect Day Elise" (1998)

This single came out when a lot of critical attention was being focused on the roughness and dark mood of PJ Harvey’s output; which is basically what you get here. Lots of distortion and compressed vocals as Polly tells a rather grim tale. But what’s not to love about it?

Oasis “Cigarettes & Alcohol” (1994)

“Cigarettes & Alcohol” has been the soundtrack to many a night of debauchery, but it’s so much more: as Alan McGee of Creation Records said upon hearing, "Is it worth the aggravation to find yourself a job when there's nothing worth working for?”, this song was one of the greatest social statements made in modern music.

Paul Weller "Wild Wood" (1993)

So I’m back writing, after too long. Maybe it’s a reflection of the times we live in, but I’m no longer reviewing albums. I still listen to them, but it’s such a chore to give a comprehensive verdict on one. So my new focus is singles. B-sides are something I have somewhat overlooked in my lifetime; only now do I realise that they can be the greatest outlet for an individual’s creativity.

I figured it was quite appropriate, considering my newest hairstyle, to kick things off with The Modfather himself. “Wild Wood” is a real highlight of Weller’s solo career and paints the picture of being caught in an urban jungle. Something about the way the song is structured consistently, throughout both the verse and chorus parts, really brings out how feelings of struggle can grow and overcome someone who’s “climbing... Forever trying.”