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Chris Davis: March 13, 2011

Top 10 Side 1/Track 1’s 1979

This is a list of my favorite Side 1/Track 1’s from 1979 (expect similar lists for later years in coming weeks).

On the last few Top 10s, I’ve listed all songs that were in consideration. From now on, I’m just going to list the few that were the hardest to leave off of the list. I’d invite you to chime in with the ones that you’d have like to have seen make it. Here are the ones that, on a given day, might have edged one of the last few tracks out; Chelsea – “I’m On Fire” from Chelsea, The Cure – “10:15 Saturday Night” from Three Imaginary Boys, The Dickies – “Where Did His Eye Go?” from Dawn of the Dickies, The Last – “She Don’t Know Why I’m Here” from L.A. Explosion, Ruts – “Babylon’s Burning” from The Crack, and Simple Minds – “Real To Real” from Real To Real Cacophany.

What did I get wrong? What did I get right? As always, your feedback is both welcomed and encouraged.



  1. Joy Division – “Disorder”


    from Unknown Pleasures.




  2. The Clash – “London Calling”


    from London Calling.




  3. Gang of Four – “Ether”


    from Entertainment!.




  4. The Specials – “A Message To You Rudy”


    from The Specials.




  5. The Beat – “Rock N Roll Girl”


    from The Beat.




  6. The Damned – “Love Song”


    from Machine Gun Etiquette.




  7. XTC – “Making Plans For Nigel”


    from Drums and Wires.




  8. Talking Heads – “I Zimbra”


    from Fear Of Music.




  9. Elvis Costello – “Accidents Will Happen”


    from Armed Forces.




  10. Stiff Little Fingers – “Suspect Device”


    from Inflammable Material.