The Mountain Goats photo by D.L. Anderson

We asked Philadelphia Magazine News Editor Brian Howard to hand over five songs for XPN’s 885 Greatest Songs of the New Millennium, and he more than rose to the occasion with an excellent selection of songs. You may recognize Howard’s name from his byline, as he’s written for the Philadelphia City Paper, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Magnet Magazine and others. He’s one of the most knowledgeable music fans and writers we know; any list with a song as incredible as “The Best Ever Death Metal Band In Denton,” gets our two thumbs up. You can follow along to the countdown here or listen to our Spotify playlist here.

“Letter From An Occupant” by The New Pornographers

“The Best Ever Death Metal Band In Denton” by the Mountain Goats

“Here’s Your Future” by The Thermals

“A More Perfect Union” by Titus Andronicus

“Wham City” by Dan Deacon