Given the fascinating discussion on perfect albums I thought it might be interesting to consider the topic of "perfect songs." These are songs that for me work perfectly, both musically and (when relevant if the song is not purely instrumental) lyrically. My admittedly non-exhaustive list (in no particular order) includes:
After the Gold Rush - Neil Young
The Big Ship - Brian Eno
Boys of Summer - Don Henley
The Royal Scam - Steely Dan
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys - Traffic
The Weight - The Band
A Day in the Life - The Beatles
The Last Resort - Eagles
The Sound of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel
Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones
Solitude Standing - Suzanne Vega
Supper's Ready - Genesis
Cinema Show/Aisle of Plenty - Genesis
Mad Man Moon - Genesis