We'll get back to sexy next week... today though, we're going with soppy. Or not, as many of these songs look at the darker side of Valentine's Day. Which is good because I've never been a fan. If you're not in a relationship, it's just another kick in the ribs. If you are... well, not everything's roses, is it?
10. The Humms - No One Wants To Be Alone On Valentine's Day
Goes without saying really.
9. The Killers - The Ballad Of Michael Valentine
More tarnished Vegas romanticism from Brandon Flowers Pops.
8. The Very Sexuals - Anti-Valentine
Sounding like the Jesus & Mary Chain playing Unchained Melody in a Twin Peaks bar, this track is available to download free (along with the rest of their excellent album, Post-Apocalyptic Love) from the Very Sexuals website.
7. Richard Hawley - Valentine
About the only truly romantic song on this countdown, but that's OK because it's Richard Hawley and that's allowed.
6. The Auteurs - Lenny Valentino
In another life, Luke Haines was the south coast's answer to Martin Scorcese. Or Oliver Stone...
5. Tom Waits - Blue Valentines
Guilt and betrayal haunt every line of Tom Waits' apocalyptic love letter. Just devastating.
4. Bruce Springsteen - Valentine's Day
Nobody writes "driving to see my baby" songs like Bruce and this is one of his most atmospheric. Like much of the Tunnel Of Love album, it's dark and dramatic.
Is it the sound of the leaves
Left blown by the wayside
That's got me out here on this spooky old highway tonight?
Is it the cry of the river
With the moonlight shining through?
That ain't what scares me baby
What scares me is losing you
3. Frank Sinatra - My Funny Valentine
Or you might prefer the Elvis Costello version. Depends what kind of day I'm having.
2. Ruth - Valentine's Day
Stay out of my way on Valentine's Day!
Ah, Ruth... with tunes this good, you should have been massive.
1. Billy Bragg - Valentine's Day Is Over
One of Billy's best. Damn, these lyrics take some beating...
Thank you for the things you bought me, thank you for the card
Thank you for the things you taught me when you hit me hard
That love between two people must be based on understanding
Until that's true you'll find your things
All stacked out on the landing, surprise, surprise
Valentine's Day is over
But which song were you hoping for in the post this morning?
