The Violin - It doesn't even have to be a real violin, but any pop song that can incorporate this unconventional instrument gets a thumbs up from me. I think I first developed a liking for this sound from the movie Revenge of the Nerds. This movie not only inspired me to be a nerd, but also gave me an appreciation for the violin in a way I had never imagined.
One of the best uses of the electric violin in music is found in the song Funky Town (video above). I'm not sure how musical the use of this instrument is in this case, but it surely adds the "funky" into Funky Town if you ask me.
Later
