I’ve mentioned it before, on the blog and podcast, but there has got to be something done about music at Canucks games. I would give anything to be the guy with the job of running the controls and hitting play on the whistles. I would implement rules that certain songs would get limited play. Certain tracks would have to be retired due to being played everywhere else in the league, and there would be no silly sound effects (not that there is much of that being done at GM place now, but just getting that point out there).
To me, going to a game should be an experience. When you go see a movie, the soundtrack is part of what makes the whole thing worthwhile. When the movie is tense, the music reflects it. When it’s a party scene, then the music takes on the vibe. You don’t get to that pinnacle point in the plot and say, “Ok, bring on the AC/DC and Guns n’ Roses!”
There in lies my major problem of many “sports soundtracks”. The one year that I went out for football in high school, I fought the front. Bones Thugs & Harmony in the weight room and AC/DC for pre-game in the locker room did nothing for me. My own mix tape, with stuff like Nine Inch Nails (lesser known tracks, no less) and Helmet, was met with quick dissatisfaction when I found the room empty upon getting my reps in on the bench press. After a while, I was well known for popping on my headphones and zoning out into my own world.
So what would John do? Good question, but you know that I have some ideas floating around in my head. I mean, this is the new NHL, right? Let’s apply that “new” idea to more than just the rules on the ice.
For starters, I would have less of the staples. That means all of those “classic rock” artists in rotation would get a time restriction until the next time that it could be played again. That sounds draconian, but that would ensure some new blood to flow into the library of possible selections. Then you could also do some slight editing to some tracks to add a little spice to some of the music you have. People have certain parts of a song that they want to hear, and getting cut off at the point where the song is just getting good and the puck drops is such a downer.
Going back to new vs. old blood, there is the issue of the music at the beginning and end of a game. The U2, “Where the Streets Have No Name”, is something I like and have no problem of sticking with for when the teams steps on the ice. The music played at the end of a game, in which we win, has been a conflict for a while. Did anyone else notice that someone made a change recently? Instead of “Olé, Olé”, the Star Wars theme has been played a few times.
I like Star Wars. I don’t like hearing the main theme at the end of Canucks games, especially since there are other teams in the leagues already doing that. If you are going to change it, then go with something that is more unique. In fact, I’d say that the “Rebel Fanfare” would be a much better choice if Star Wars is a must, but it still lacks in a good choice for a closer. At least with “Olé, Olé”, people with a good, over-priced beer buzz will be inclined to sing along.
As for the rest of the tunes, I think I could come with a hell of a selection. You can’t forget to ask the players about stuff they’d like to see in there. I mean, with guys from Europe on the team, there is a lot of stuff that you would never hear on this continent to choose from. Sure, this would give me an excuse to play my favorite band from Sweden, The (International) Noise Conspiracy, but they do have tracks that could offer some nice atmosphere in times of need for firing up. At the same time, beats and rhythms can happen, all the while being able to maintain a family atmosphere. Combine that with the local Vancouver music scene, you can make this a truly unique, ass kicking experience.
And at this point, our guys need all the help they can get in the inspiration department. Salo, Pyatt, and Rypien all out with injuries from the last game? Aw geez…
I made my way into Yaletown[wiki] on my running route today, and this was my first extension into the neighborhood in all the time that I have lived in Vancouver. I’ve been down in the area numerous times during this period, but any runner call tell you that you tend to notice different things when you are pounding the pavement.
