30 for 30: Music

In honor of my 30th birthday (today), I'll be posting an assortment of best-of lists covering the past 30 years. Each best-of category will feature 30 items, though categories will be subdivided differently. The music category, for example, includes two top fifteen lists. More lists will follow in the coming week(s). Enjoy.

Top 15 Albums of the Past 30 Years



1. This Year's Model, Elvis Costello and the Attractions (1978)



2. The Bends, Radiohead (1995)



3. Siamese Dream, Smashing Pumpkins(1993)



4. Doolittle, The Pixies (1989)



5. In Utero, Nirvana (1993)

6. Pinkerton, Weezer (1996)

7. And Out Come the Wolves, Rancid (1995)

8. Whitechocolatespaceegg, Liz Phair (1998)

9. Girlfriend, Matthew Sweet (1991)

10. Midnite Vultures, Beck (1999)

11. Mama Said, Lenny Kravitz (1991)

12. Ramones Leave Home, The Ramones (1977)

13. Rockin' the Suburbs, Ben Folds (2001)

14. Monster, R.E.M. (1994)

15. The Low End Theory, A Tribe Called Quest (1991)



Top 15 Songs of the Past 30 Years



1. "Just Like Heaven," The Cure (1987)



2. "Can't Truss It," Public Enemy (1991)



3. "So Lonely," The Police (1978)



4. "Radio," Rancid (1994)



5. "Evangeline," Matthew Sweet (1991)

6. "My Best Friend's Girl," The Cars (1978)

7. "Heaven Tonight," Hole (1998)

8. "London Calling," The Clash (1979)

9. "Me and Yr Sister," Verbena (2003)

10. "Doo Wop (That Thing)," Lauryn Hill (1998)

11. "Modern Love," David Bowie (1983)

12. "Hungry Heart," Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (1980)

13. "Oliver's Army," Elvis Costello and the Attractions (1979)

14. "Mayonaise," Smashing Pumpkins (1993)

15. "You Gave Your Love to Me Softly," Weezer (1995)