In Jonathan Franzen's novel Freedom, Richard Katz, the post-punk, Grammy-nominated has-been who pays the bills repairing roofs rather than going mainstream, is possibly the character most free to express himself. When asked, "Do you think successful musicians have a responsibility to be role models?" Richard replies, "Me me me, buy buy buy, party party party... What I've been trying to say is that we already are perfect Republican role models."

Michael Stipe and Jeff Tweedy may have admitted to being longtime closet fans of Richard's music, but if asked to list some of his favorite songs, the rebel rocker may might have reluctantly offered up this playlist.