Saturday, May 19, 2007
The Sounds of Saves: Closer Music That Should Happen
Hey everybody, it's the Young Nucleus here with a rare post on the WBRS Sports Blog. Closer music in baseball is a particular obsession of mine; each song says something about the man who uses it. It ranges from the intimidating ("Enter Sandman" for Mariano Rivera) to the alternative ("Mr. Jones" for Todd Jones) to the downright peculiar (Franz Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" for the Mad Hungarian, Al Hrabosky). Let's take a look at some of the typical choices around baseball.
Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox: "Wild Thing", the Troggs, a la Ricky Vaughn.
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees: "Enter Sandman", Metallica (also Billy Wagner of the Mets).
Huston Street, Oakland Athletics: "Hate Me Now", Nas.
Trevor Hoffman, San Diego Padres: "Hells Bells", AC/DC. Ho-hum, been done before.
Eric Gagne, Texas Rangers: "Welcome to the Jungle", Guns 'N' Roses.
It became clear to me that there aren't many creative minds among closers as to their entrance music. I wanted to put up some options so that perhaps the next great closer (Papelbon? Wanna switch music?) will get a clue. Here's the contenders:
INTIMIDATION:
Bush- "Machinehead"
The rush of guitars at the beginning is what really makes this one happen. Always choice.
Rage Against The Machine- "Guerrilla Radio"
See above, except so much more awesome.
Incubus- "Circles"
Definitely not used yet, and it's a pity: it's so intense!
Sean Biggs feat. Akon and Topic- "Never Gonna Get It"
Perfect music for ghost-riding, getting ready for a heavyweight fight, or making a save. Bonus points for the title
ALTERNATIVE INTIMIDATION:
Michael Jackson- "Beat It"
Why wouldn't you use this song? It's fun, and it has an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo. Killer.
Muse- "Time Is Running Out"
Bonus points for the title here, but the music is so brooding and intense, it works on its own.
U2- "Sunday Bloody Sunday"
A little different, but still usable, especially for the singalong value.
The Who- "Baba O'Riley (Teenage Wasteland)"
Everybody loves it, and it's built for a closer's entrance in a movie.
Bloc Party- "Helicopter"
The opening guitar riff and the lyrics really make this song happen: "Are you hoping for a miracle?"
Cake- "Arco Arena"
No words, just pulsing music. It's named for a sports arena, for what it's worth.
ODDITIES:
Blue Suede- "Hooked On A Feeling"
Tremendous singalong value ("Hoogachaka!"), and just an overall fun song. Definitely underrated.
Queen- "Don't Stop Me Now"
If only for the Shaun of the Dead scene, but also a great, theatrical song. One of Queen's best, and much less of a cliche than "We Will Rock You" or "Another One Bites The Dust".
Daler Mehndi- "Tunak Tunak Tun"
Such a weird song, but can you imagine the entire ballpark doing the dance? So awesome I can't even stand the idea.
Leave your ideas in the comments!
Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox: "Wild Thing", the Troggs, a la Ricky Vaughn.
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees: "Enter Sandman", Metallica (also Billy Wagner of the Mets).
Huston Street, Oakland Athletics: "Hate Me Now", Nas.
Trevor Hoffman, San Diego Padres: "Hells Bells", AC/DC. Ho-hum, been done before.
Eric Gagne, Texas Rangers: "Welcome to the Jungle", Guns 'N' Roses.
It became clear to me that there aren't many creative minds among closers as to their entrance music. I wanted to put up some options so that perhaps the next great closer (Papelbon? Wanna switch music?) will get a clue. Here's the contenders:
INTIMIDATION:
Bush- "Machinehead"
The rush of guitars at the beginning is what really makes this one happen. Always choice.
Rage Against The Machine- "Guerrilla Radio"
See above, except so much more awesome.
Incubus- "Circles"
Definitely not used yet, and it's a pity: it's so intense!
Sean Biggs feat. Akon and Topic- "Never Gonna Get It"
Perfect music for ghost-riding, getting ready for a heavyweight fight, or making a save. Bonus points for the title
ALTERNATIVE INTIMIDATION:
Michael Jackson- "Beat It"
Why wouldn't you use this song? It's fun, and it has an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo. Killer.
Muse- "Time Is Running Out"
Bonus points for the title here, but the music is so brooding and intense, it works on its own.
U2- "Sunday Bloody Sunday"
A little different, but still usable, especially for the singalong value.
The Who- "Baba O'Riley (Teenage Wasteland)"
Everybody loves it, and it's built for a closer's entrance in a movie.
Bloc Party- "Helicopter"
The opening guitar riff and the lyrics really make this song happen: "Are you hoping for a miracle?"
Cake- "Arco Arena"
No words, just pulsing music. It's named for a sports arena, for what it's worth.
ODDITIES:
Blue Suede- "Hooked On A Feeling"
Tremendous singalong value ("Hoogachaka!"), and just an overall fun song. Definitely underrated.
Queen- "Don't Stop Me Now"
If only for the Shaun of the Dead scene, but also a great, theatrical song. One of Queen's best, and much less of a cliche than "We Will Rock You" or "Another One Bites The Dust".
Daler Mehndi- "Tunak Tunak Tun"
Such a weird song, but can you imagine the entire ballpark doing the dance? So awesome I can't even stand the idea.
Leave your ideas in the comments!
Labels: baseball, closers, music
6 Comments:
Sheer genius. I would also suggest local flavor if possible. I would love to see a Toronto closer (sadly, B.J. Ryan is out for the season) come out to Danko Jones -- I think "We Sweat Blood" would do nicely.
Great post. If I was a closer, I'd come out to "Black Betty" by Ram Jam.
Nothing beats Sandman
For me........gosh I'd probably go with Peanutbutter Jelly Time
First off, great post...
But Rivera's entrance is the best in the bitness....especially he just walks calmly out from the bullpen....no histerics like John Rocker...
My choice is "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana. It would be the most epic entrance ever.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home