21. “The KKK Took My Baby Away,” The Ramones, 1981

There are approximately eight million great songs in the Ramones catalogue, but of their singles, this is my favorite, even more so than “Blitzkrieg Bop” or “I Wanna Be Sedated” or even “Pet Sematary”. It’s just a great little pop song. The Ramones were ugly and awkward and everything that a pop band isn’t supposed to be, but goddamn could they pump out some great little songs. Joey Ramone was something special.

Favorite Lyric: “Ring ring ring the President; find out where my baby went.”

Favorite Musical Moment: Just that simple, repeated guitar chord.

Would It Make Good Karaoke? If you can find a place that has this song as an option, by all means: belt it the hell out. Everybody will thank you.