POP MUSIC : L.A.’ Greatest Hits

The five top finishers in the Calendar survey registered a total of 12 No. 1 singles. Here’s how I would rank the best of them:

1. “Good Vibrations,” Beach Boys (1966)--No one should feel hesitant about applying the word masterpiece to this glorious pop soundscape.

2. “Hotel California,” Eagles (1977)--The Eagles may have drawn on the vision of the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers and other predecessors, but this exquisitely designed look at seduction in the Promised Land was a solid step beyond anything the earlier bands did.

3. “Light My Fire,” Doors (1967)--Among the most sensual and incendiary singles ever made.

4. “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Byrds (1965)--The combination of jangly guitar and Dylan words made this seem nothing less than an invitation to join a new generation’s march.

5. “The Best of My Love,” Eagles (1974)--”You see it your way / I see it mine / And we both see it slipping away,” Don Henley sings in this graceful ballad, which spoke about loss of social ideals in the ‘70s as much as the loss of a relationship.

Other No. 1 singles by the five top finishers: “I Get Around” (1964) and “Help Me Rhonda” (1965) by the Beach Boys; “Turn! Turn! Turn!” (1965) by the Byrds; “Hello, I Love You” (1968) by the Doors; “One of These Nights” (1975), “New Kid in Town” (1976) and “Heartache Tonight” (1979) by the Eagles.