A perfect song? What are your choices?

death and the maiden, the verlaines

my mother looked like marilyn monroe, tommy keene

set you free this time, the byrds

back of a car, big star

expecting to fly, neil young

Fans of the "power pop" genre might want to seek out the 3 individual "Poptopia" (Power Pop Classics from the 70's - 80's - 90's) CD's that Rhino released in 1997, as there are many candidates have or still could make this list. 

+1 “Don’t Dream It’s Over” Crowded House 

”Undun” Guess Who

”Autumn Leaves” Eva Cassidy

Excellent recommendation @mitchagain! Poptopia includes "Starry Eyes" by The Records, a song written by drummer Will Birch and John Wicks, the latter of whom I had the pleasure of working with live. Also included is "Rock ’n’ Roll Girl" by The Beat, a great live band whose debut album is fantastic Power Pop! Leader/singer/songwriter/rhythm guitarist Paul Collins had earlier been in The Nerves, a group whose other members were Peter Case and Jack Lee (writer of Blondie's hit "Hangin’ On The Telephone"). Their 7" 4-song EP is now worth a coupla hundred bucks. My copy is not for sale ;-) . Rhino also put out Best Of The Girl Groups Volumes 1 & 2 (on CD), which are chock full of great Pop songs.

I’ve mentioned this one before, but it bears repeating: "I’m Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee)", as perfect a song as I have heard. Written by Ben Vaughn, recorded by Marshall Crenshaw (himself an excellent songwriter).

Speaking of Pop, there is the incredible "Fresh As A Daisy" by Emitt Rhodes, easily as good a song as anything McCartney has written. His first s/t record is a perfect album, imo better than McCartney’s solo debut. Both play and sing every part on those debut albums, but Emitt had the better songs, and was a much better drummer (his professional debut---while still in High School---was as the drummer in SoCal group The Palace Guard). Is it tacky of me to mention that I also worked with Emitt (live and in the studio)? ;-

Sadly, both John Wicks and Emitt Rhodes are now singing in the Heavenly choir. :-(

@bdp24 - I agree that Starry Eyes by The Records is a power pop classic.

My best discovery from those Poptopia CD's both came from Volume 3 (90's):

1) Jessica Something - The Tearaways

2) Proto - Pretty - Wondermints

The Wondermints have been part of Brian Wilson's touring band since 1999.