Apocalypse Wow

Even if you're the most devoted Prince fan in the world, you're going to get sick of "1999" before Labor Day. Here, then, are some alternatives for Song of the Millennium.

"It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)." One of REM's finest moments, this breakneck hit furnishes a concise history of the Twentieth Century. And you can dance to it.

"(I'll Love You) Till the End of the World." Nick Cave's moody, operatic ballad, originally recorded for the Wim Wenders film Until the End of the World, will have fans of the apocalypse lighting up their Zippos and swaying in the aisles. U2 performed the film's title song, also a contender.

"Make It Funky 2000." This little-known remake from the Godfather of Soul, taken from the 1992 album Universal James, is slight (and slightly silly), but at least it will ensure that America starts the new millennium on a good foot.

"(Just Like) Starting Over." Sure, it's a John Lennon love song, but if you tell people that it's about the rolling over of the calendar from 1999 to 2000, at least a few hundred thousand will believe you.

"2000 A.D." Trashy pop-punk didn't get much trashier than the Rezillos (later known as the Revillos). This song from their 1978 debut Can't Stand the Rezillos is thematically on target, rhythmically relentless, and too loud to listen too with a hangover.