It's Party Time...

    In Assignment #103, the always curious John Scalzi would like to know five songs we would pick to get a party rolling. 

 

    This is a pretty rough one for me.  I tend to see music as important to the dynamics of a party, but it depends upon the crowd, the reason for the party, and any other number of odd little variables which may pop up.  For example, my buddy John's margarita parties have become something of a legendary affair with Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, and even the somewhat heavy-ended beach-party music put out by Van Halen in the days of Sammy Hagar. 

    Then, there's my niece's "Sing and Dance" parties which roll until sunrise with me playing no-end of songs on my guitar (usually it's Dave Matthews because it's just a heck of a lot of fun to play and sing). 

 

    Anyway, since this is MY party, here's what I would play to get it rolling:

• "Feelin' Alright" from Joe Cocker: Live.  I think the first few notes of this song really let you know what kind of party you've stumbled in on. 
• "We're Havin' a Party" from Southside Johnny.  I don't know why, exactly, but this one's always been a favorite of mine.  Something about it just has a way of letting me know that I am supposed to be having fun.  
• "Blister in the Sun" from The Violent Femmes.  The live acoustic version of this song has a really fun energy to it, and it gets folks clapping, dancing, and singing along.  
• "Closer to Free" from the BoDeans.  Another local Milwaukee favorite of mine.  I remember seeing these guys play weekly Thursday night gigs at the pub around the corner from my house, and they always tore it up.  In the right environment, this tune can really make people jump.
• "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" from Joe Cocker: Live (again).  Joe Cocker's version of this song really has a HUGE sound to it.  It starts big, and just keeps rolling.  

    Of course, now that the party's going, we have to end it somehow, right?  That's a pretty tall-order when you sit down and actually think about it.  I suppose since it's my party, I'd probably have to pick up a guitar and play something like "Keep Me in Your Heart" from the late, great Warren Zevon.  But, depending upon the situation, I may just find myself forced to play "Lawyers, Guns and Money."

 

    Well, there you have it.  I hope you enjoy the list. 

 

--Dan