- Come And Buy My Toys (For most listeners, this is the most obscure song of Bowie's that I've listed. Lyrically, it's a nice memory of childhood through the eyes of a toy store proprietor trying to drum up business. He seems to be saying, "Enjoy your childhood while you have it. Come in and buy a toy to make yourself happy." In keeping with its throwback feel, I've always thought it's appropriate that whenever I hear this song, it's on an LP.)
- Golden Years (This is Bowie's most appealing song, in my opinion. Its infectious enjoy-life-while-you're-at-your-peak vibe should lift almost anyone's spirits. Vocally and instrumentally, everything clicks. Bonus points for using hand claps so effectively.)
- Modern Love (Bowie's most infectious '80s hit, to my ears. Name another song that begins similarly and draws you in this way. Still thinking?)
- Space Oddity (Very few people know what it's like to float in space. Although Bowie wasn't an astronaut, the lyrics might convince you that he was. Natalie Merchant's live, unexpected cover of this is worth hearing, also.)
- Suffragette City (As with "Modern Love," name another song that throws you right into the action this way. It's an odd compliment to say that you can enjoy the tune without even listening to the lyrics, but that's the case here. The feel of it is that strong. I've never heard any radio station or online service segue "Suffragette City" with Chicago's "Once Or Twice," but it would be a great pairing, stylistically.)
And, with that nod of appreciation, it's time to listen to "Golden Years."
