To me, none of the "common searches" are common at all. In fact, I've never used them because they're so uncommon. This is one of those little features that doesn't make much sense in a non-customizable implementation. I would guess that 10%-25% of users find the "common searches" to be both common and useful, while the rest of the user base says "Hey, it's not that annoying..." and ignores it.
It also does makes sense to me that these common searches would reallyget in the way for the party situation, where all users want to do is find and play a song. In general this is one of the few areas where MC becomes a boon, in that it's just a bit too much for that person who wants to hear that song that they just know will get people's rumps bumpin'. Getting off the topic here, this is why I think the "Party Mode" feature could use a serious renovation to go beyond just the basic Party Mode that can now be found in any media player around. I'll stop with the aside now.
So anyway, I think the "common searches" should either be customizable or just removed entirely. My 2 cents.
-JB