“Entertain,” - Sleater-Kinney
You know you’re good when what is widely considered the worst song on your greatest album would be the greatest song on any lesser band’s albums. A masterpiece of that combines the full throttled ambition with Sleater-Kinney’s unparalleled ability to play the game of “tension and release.” I know people have problems with the lyrics, and the message they contain does border a little on the trite, but the delivery and general wit of construction make up for much of that. But it’s the tidal-wave like musical construction that really puts this over the top. Starting with Lorna McFarlane’s drums, everything about this song is urgent and incendiary. The drums themselves call to mind some of John Bonham’s best moments as she pounds away furiously, and the caterwauling interplay of voice and guitar remains one of the most distinctively thrilling sounds in music. The way the band raises and releases the tension throughout is remarkable and makes it one of my favourite songs of the decade.