B-sides are one of my favorite things about music. I’m afraid they might be a dying art along with physical singles however. There’s something special about a b-side - everyone has an artists album but a true fan takes the time to hunt down and collect the b-sides. It’s a little something extra that not every fairweather fan gets to hear. I don’t know if I could ever truly pick my absolute favorite b-sides cause there are just so many that I love - but here are five that I really enjoy.

1. Anastacia - Get Ready

It’s a hard choice between this and “Twisted Girl” which were both b-sides from Anastacia’s self titled “sprock” album. Honestly it’s probably a tie. I went ahead and went with “Get Ready” because she says “shit” in it a lot and that makes me want to be her best friend. She also mentions masterbation which automatically gives this song high marks in my book! I know I’ve said it many times but this “era” in Anastacias career was nothing short of flawless and these two b-sides prove it.

2. Kylie Minogue - Love Takes Over Me

I was completely blown away by this song the first time I heard it. I don’t even know from what era of Kylie career this song comes from. I randomly discovered it during her “Fever” era but I know it came out much before that. My favorite sub-genre of pop is pop/rock and this song takes Kylie in a direction that she’s never really been and really shows her diversity in what sounds she’s willing to try. It’s pop, it’s rock, it’s dark and it’s a bit dirty.

3. Natalie Imbruglia - Shikaiya (For Billy)

Natalie is pretty well known for turning out some superb b-sides, out of any pop artist I would have to say that she has the higest quality ones. They all could easily be album material. I don’t even know what this song is about but it’s a beautiful pop song.

4. Geri Halliwell - Breaking Glass

Geri is known for being a true pop song writer and time and time again when Geri fans are asked what their favorite b-side is Breaking Glass is the answer 9 times out of 10. This song is a classic pop song and should have been on her album “Scream If You Wanna Go Faster” rather than left to be a b-side at the end of her waning career.

5. Pink - Heartbreaker

This was a b-side to her “I’m Not Dead” era which put her back on the map. Another example of a song that I am down right appauled that it was not included on the album. This song is a damn anthem. Another example of my mad love for pop/rock. The best line from the song is, “There’s always this one question that keeps me up at night/Are you my greatest love or disapointment in my life?” It seems mundane reading it but when you hear the passion as her voice soars over the music you get it. But don’t take my word on it… have a listen…

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Tags: Anastacia, Geri Halliwell, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, Pink

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