The Sound of Music

Lets get one thing straight… I am not a politician, nor am I am musician or anything else that ends with “ician”. I have been teaching kids percussion lessons in my free time. Also, I’ve been watching the Democratic National Convention this week, as many people have been doing and there are a few things I have picked up.

First, let me say that Backbone has no political affiliation as a group, and my comments and rants are in no way backed by the staff of Backbone or supported by the company as a whole.

Firstly, the convention is a funny little mix of quasi-televangelistic pep rally energy, the timing and scheduling of an old MTV movie awards show, with a side dish of good old American “everyman” stories thrown in for good measure. For all intents and purposes, its a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.

As many of you may have noticed, this year the convention there are far fewer live music performances than in years past and instead, some elevator band plays ridiculously ironic background music as the speakers enter and exit the stage. If you haven’t noticed, don’t worry, I have catalogued them for you.

-Ted Kennedy made a valiant appearance to “You’re Still the One”.
-Michelle Obama ended her rousing speech to “Isn’t She Lovely”
-Hilary Clinton made a crowd-rocking exit to a Big Head Todd tune with the chorus of “Yes she can change the world, she stands and she won’t back down.” Poignant
-John Kerry started things off last night with an instrumental “Anyway You Want It” by Journey, which I love because I love Journey but the relevance to Kerry was lost on me.
Former President Bill Clinton came on stage to endless applause and the tune- “Yesterday’s Gone” which I might have laughed so hard about that I sprouted a little tear.
And finally last night, Obama’s newly appointed running mate Joe Biden left stage to “Ain’t That America.” Which also makes no sense to me.

I am dying to see what Obama walks into the stadium to tonight, and of course I have a few guesses.

Eye of the Tiger
You’re the Best Around- circa Karate Kid
I Feel Good- James Brown
What’s Goin On- Marvin Gaye
If I Could Change the World- Clapton
Or my personal favorite Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin and Tammy.
Personally I’m pushing for a little Kanye West- Faster, Stronger

More importantly I think I am eager to see what type of soundtrack the GOP has planned for their convention.My guess would be a little Sinatra, maybe some Tony Bennett or perhaps the Beach Boys. Something perfectly out of touch with today’s youth but at the same time classic and conservative.

In watching the convention I have also come up with a few songs that I think could play in case I ever run for President. Of course that would be President of my family room or perhaps the back yard but I digress…
“I Wish I Was a Little Bit Taller” by Skee-Lo
“Hubbtown Girl”- Springsteen (I know its Uptown Girl but my last name is Hubbard so let me dream)
“The Joker” Steve Miller Band
“Highway to the Danger Zone”- Kenny Loggins
“Ain’t to Proud to Beg”- The Temptations
And my personal choice “Takin Care of Business”. Nothing says ELECT ME like a little BTO.

See ya at the polls.. I’ll be the one with the boom box on my shoulder playing “The Final Countdown”.