by James Di Fiore

Created on: April 16, 2008

Alternative music tends to be branded as angst music. Not surprisingly, this label makes the genre's love songs come off more effective than your traditional rock and roll ballads. There is something special about a hard edged rocker belting out emotion next to a sweet guitar riff and steady drums. The contrast is almost can't miss but still very rare in the indie scene. The following is a list of some of the most memorable alternative love song of all time.

LAST KISS - PEARL JAM

It is rare to find a remake of a song from 1962 on a list of best alternative love songs, but Pearl Jam's rendition of Wayne Cochran's 'Last Kiss' more than hits the sweet spot. Eddie Vedder's vocals make him seem almost vintage, and the guitar tracks are layered perfectly, respecting the original while still having that edge that makes Pearl Jam the legendary band people have grown to appreciate.

TO THE END - BLUR

Some love songs are a testament to being able to get through the little problems a relationship can produce. Blur's 'To the End' is a tribute to this concept, and one of the best make up songs ever made. Damon Albarn has that voice that can make even his harsh tracks sound lovely, so much so that it was rumored his girlfriend needed to hear this song play on her answering machine while the band was on tour. That behind the scenes tidbit is what love songs are made of, and this memorable track fits the mold to a tee.

1 2 3 4 - FEIST

Canadian crooner Feist is one member of the Broken Social Scene Collective and the first to reach international recognition. 1 2 3 4 is one of those simple ballads you can't, and don't wan't to get out of your head. The track's simplicity is what makes it so effective, and Feist's honest vocals compliments the simple riffs seamlessly, especially the acoustic version. The song was nominated at this year's Grammy awards as Fesit performed live, a first for a Canadian alternative act.

STEM - HAYDEN

Hayden is one of those artists that very few people know and even fewer abandon once they get a taste. 'Stem' is a one and a half minute, heart wrenching performance about a boy who buys a rose for his love, only to watch the petals blow away in the wind...leaving him with just a stem which he hands to his girlfriend with shame. A hidden gem for most, and a classic tune for those in the know.

FRIDAY I'M IN LOVE - THE CURE

The Cure has a natural ability to make people look into the past and wonder what could have been, partially because of their stellar, emotionally laced chord progression and partly sue to the fact that their best songs are at least 15 years old. Another testament to how some bands just can't miss - the recording was accidentally sped up, resulting in the chord being halfway between D major and E flat major, resulting in one of the most unique sounds ever heard in an alternative love ballad.

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