Hmm... interesting challenge. I thought I'd have a go at it too; not perhaps THE 30 favourite songs but at least some of them. Not in any particular order:
1. Nick Cave & Bad Seeds - The Mercy Seat
A song recounting the last moments of a man condemned to an electric chair. Brutal and intense as hell, with incredible lyrics from Mr. Cave.
2. Nick Cave & Bad Seeds - Stagger Lee
From their "Murder Ballads" album. Apparently, a reworked old folk song, with a pounding backbeat and lyrics so packed with obscenity and brutality it becomes really hard to take it seriously, especially when Nick delivers it all with such over-the-top bloodthirsty relish. I think it's one of the funniest songs ever.
3. PJ Harvey - To Bring You My Love
It's really hard to single out favourites in PJ's illustrious catalogue, but I really really love this one. It's an amazing opening track, slow-burning, sinister, sexy, with great dramatic vocals and eerie organ in the background.
4. Velvet Underground - Heroin
A masterpiece and one of the most intense songs ever recorded.
5. REM - Losing My Religion
Obvious, maybe, but it really is a bloody perfect, timeless song.
6. Marianne Faithful - Why D'ya Do It?
An X-rated rant about a betrayed love, with Faithful perfect as a wronged woman seething with anger and fury.
7. Common People - Pulp
Anthemic, funny and bitter song about the posh rich kids who think that "poor is cool". Witty, literate lyrics and perfect delivery from Jarvis Cocker.
8. Liz Phair - Divorce Song
Mostly for the lyrics, which depict a failing relationship with real honesty and sadness.
9. The Flaming Lips - Do You Realise?
A gorgeous bittersweet song about mortality that will make you want to hug your family, friends and the dog.
10. The Clash - Clash City Rocker
There's nothing like Joe Strummer's gruff voice shouting at you over aggressive guitar attack,
11. Nick Drake - Day is Done
A delicate, melancholic song that just breathes sadness, in a beautiful way.
12. Dead Can Dance - The Arrival and the Reunion
An opening "a capella" track of their "Aion" album, which has a strong medieval/renaissance flavour to it. It really shows off Lisa Gerrard's amazing voice.
13. Massive Attack - Teardrop
A sublime song that starts off with a stuttering drumbeat and a mesmerising hapsichord riff, with Liz Fraser (of the Cocteau Twins) haunting vocals a perfect match.
14. The Smiths - The Queen is Dead
I'm a sucker for dry British wit and I just adore Morrissey's lyrics on this one.
15. Gustav Holst - Mars, The Bringer of War
An ominous, violent, pounding, piece from Holst's "Planets" classical opus which apparently inspired John Williams to write "Imperial March" for Star Wars.
16. Tori Amos - Black-Dove (January)
It's hard to pick a favourite Tori song but this one just pulls me in. It's eerie and atmospheric and reminds me of a spooky old fairytale.
17. Sparklehorse - Eyepennies
A slow song with haunting piano and guest vocals from PJ Harvey.
18. Sleater-Kinney - I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone
Pure energy and fun.
19. Doves - Satellites
An epic from their "Last Broadcast" album - simply majestic.
20. The Breeders - Lime House
Melodic yet angular, insanely catchy song.
21. Kate Bush - King of the Mountain
A moody slow-burning track with great vocals from Kate.
22. Sigur Ros - Hjarta? Hamast
I love the entire "Agaetis Byrjin" album but this one is probably my favourite. When the vocals and music explode at about 3:00 mark it's a nearly-religious feeling.
23. Rasputina - Thimble Island
Cathy, folky "ye olde" song with lovely cello and cool water sound effects.
24. Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
My favourite Floyd song; one of their most heart-felt moments and the acoustic guitar solos are just so beautiful.
25. Paula Cole - Feelin' Love
One of the sexiest songs ever IMO.
26. Roy Orbison - Mystery Girl
One of my favourite love songs, by one of the most spine-tingling voice ever.
27. Rammstein - Du Hast
I usually don't listen to this type of heavy music at all, but there's something awfully compelling about it. Must be those German vocals,
28. Martha Wainwright - Bloody Motherf***ing Asshole
Raw, angry f***-you song. Her voice is incredible.
29. Sinead O'Connor - You Made Me The Thief of Your Heart
Haunting and beautiful, and I like the "Irish" touches.
30. Radiohead - No Surprises
I loved this song even when I wasn't that much of a Radiohead fan.