Good Morning Music Lovers! It is game day and you have all the “stuff” together that you need. Perhaps you have even had that first eye-opening beverage. But you do not have everything; in addition to the food, booze, and goodfellowship, a successful Tailgate – especially in Louisiana – needs most excellent tunes. I hope you find the following playlist an inspiring start to your great day. There is only one question left to ask, are you ready some football?
I Believe, Go Saints All The Way – Harrison Avenue
According to Alvin Harrison, he and his sister Angela originally released this song in 1987 as the band Harrison Avenue. He recalls, "Until its 1987 release, Saints fans never had winning season. I wrote about the team’s journey through the years, and that year needed to be different. The players, the city, and all Saints fans throughout the Gulf Coast needed to believe, and support the Black & Gold like never before. As the Saints won game after game, the people of New Orleans made I Believe their song of choice at all the radio stations. That year became the first year the Saints made the playoffs.”
Tiger Rag – LSU Tiger Marching Band
The Tiger Rag is known football-wise, at least in these parts, for its association with LSU. The birth the Louisiana State University Tigers predates the creation of this song, even if it was one of the first “Jazz” tunes to be recorded. The team adopted its Tiger nickname in 1896. The song was recorded in 1917 by New Olreans’ Original Dixieland Jass Band (ODJB) and again in the following year. It is this 1918 recording, made after the band changed “Jass” to “Jazz”, that became a national hit and landed on the United States Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2003. While the ODJB undoubtedly holds an instrumental place in early American music history, it is interesting to note that they disbanded in 1925, not long after African-American bands from New Orleans began recording jazz.
Halftime (Stand Up & Get Crunk!) – Ying Yang Twins
Let’s not be haters people. I know some of you are tired of this song. And I know that the Twins, Kaine and D-Roc, are from – forgive me for saying this word – Atlanta. However, whenever I hear this song I am still filled with happy feelings and excitement about that remarkable year when pigs flew and hell froze over; the year the Saints became World Champions. Put this tune on and close your eyes, can’t you see Garrett Hartley’s field goal and Tracy Porter’s interception…
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
This tune is the theme to the 1982 version of Rocky, number III. Legend has it that it was written specifically at the request of Sylvester Stallone. The song spent six consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and was the number 2 single of the year. Tune Triva: This is a tough one – What was the number 1 single for 1982 (hint: there was an exercise craze happening). See ___ for the answer {Olivia Newton-John’s Physical}.
While on the topic of Rocky, how about a bonus track - Gonna Fly Now is the theme to the original 1976 film which had a fabulous and inspirational score from Bill Conti. He graduated from where? That’s right, LSU!
Do Watcha Wanna – Rebirth Brass Band
It’s time to kick some brass, old school, with the Rebirth. This band has been teaming traditional music with contemporary sounds since 1983, and local entertainment icon Kermit Ruffins was a founding member. In 2012 they won a Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album. There is not really much more explanation necessary, just turn it up!
Turn Down For What – DJ Snake & Lil Jon
Honestly, I am not exactly sure what the lyrics are here. What I can tell you is that there are not a whole lot of them and it has something to do with a party. What I can also share is that plenty of people younger and hipper than myself like this tune. One more important note, you can see cute kittens jamming out to the music at this link: http://www.buzzfeed.com/briantron/these-kittens-shaking-their-heads-to-turn-down-for-what-will?bffb
504 – Soul Rebels
While this group has been around since the early 90s, we are going to kick some brass, new school this time, with the first cut from their 2012 Rounder Album Unlock Your Mind. Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews makes a guest appearance on this track. The Rebels themselves have shared the stage with artists including Maceo Parker, David A. Stewart (Eurythmics) and Metallica. Let’s do what they say, “Everybody get up on the floor and enjoy yourselves – Representing that 504!”
The Saints Are Coming – U2 & Green Day
This tune and three others were performed before a Monday Night Football game eight years ago. On September 25, 2006 the New Orleans Saints returned to the Superdome for the first time since Katrina. Steve Gleason blocked a punt and the Falcons lost 23 – 3. With the heart and soul of the region in the air that night, Atlanta didn’t have a chance. That event was so much more than a football game for anyone who personally experienced the disaster.
