How many great classics have been written in 30 minutes or less. If we are to believe all the artists who claim to have, I'm guessing thousands. Some of the most famous include: Blur - Song 2, White Stripes - Seven Nation Army, Black Sabbath - Paranoid and even REM's legendary song Losing my Religion. Apparently same goes for this classic. The song is held in high regard by fans ánd fellow musicians. IDLES singer Joe Talbot actually has a rat tattooed in honor of his favourite song.

According to Walkmen singer Hamilton Leithause, their drummer Matt Barrick started bashing the hi hats in a jam session. They threw on some chords and in no more than five minutes Hamilton had written the lyrics. In these lyrics they describe someone who goes through several emotions, probably due to a break up. From desperation and anger, the song moves to desperation and pure sadness and back to anger. 

The song was played live as early as February 2002. The song was eventually recorded in April of 2003 to great displeasure of the bass player Walter Martin. After being used to their raw own produced sound, the Rat was professionaly produced. Walter called the sound 'dense' and 'not right at all'.

Looking at technique and chords, the song doesn't have anything that hasn't been done before. It doesn't have anything that will never be done again. But the vibe is unique. Music and lyrics fit together so well that this classic will always have a spot in one of my playlists. 

Check out the ridiculously cool video of drummer Matt Barrick playing the song live.  The raw energy and sound captured are sure to put a smile on your face... and that of Walter