While it wasn't unique to the 80s, I suppose, the decade was rife with songs that made obscure references. And no better example of an obscure reference existed in the early 80s than Donald Fagen's "I.G.Y."

It peaked at No. 26, and it not only referenced a sort of sci-fi phenomenon, it was freakin' named after it. The International Geophysical Year was a scientific effort between the United States and Russia devoted to discovery, lasting from mid-July of 1957 to the end of 1958.

I'm not a science geek, though, so as a kid, I didn't get it. However, the progressions are unbeatable. The jazz influence is undeniable. Fagen's musical genius is unparalleled.

In my previous post regarding the 80's, I celebrated the sexiness of Olivia Newton-John. And while I "like" her music, I revere Fagen. As far as I am concerned, he has produced the smartest pop music of the latter half of the 20th Century.

The great thing for me, the music fan, is that he continues to produce great stuff in the 21st. Enjoy "I.G.Y" ...