Vagabond - Caamp
Song: Vagabond
Artist: Caamp
I started listening to them a couple years ago and got hooked. That same year, a road trip of ours lined up perfectly with Caamp's tour. [Braden Holtby] and I went to see them at a tiny venue in Dallas. It was an incredible show and cool to go with someone like Holts who knows his stuff when it comes to music.
Only the Wild Ones - Dispatch
Song:Only the Wild Ones
Artist:Dispatch
When my wife was pregnant with our son, I created a playlist for when the big day came. Everything I had read said to try and create a peaceful atmosphere. So, when Luke was born at 11:08 AM, this was the song that was playing. He's definitely going to be a wild man.
A Little Honey - Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
Song:A Little Honey
Artist:Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
I could have honestly picked any song by this band, especially on their Tearing at the Seams album (e.g., You Worry Me, Still Out There Running, Hey Mama, Say It Louder, Be There). It probably would have been harder to pick a song I don't like. We have a few of their vinyl's at home, and I don't think they'll ever collect dust.
Crazy Love - Van Morrison
Song: Crazy Love
Artist:Van Morrison
This is my wife's and my first dance song. We were married in the summer of 2020, a true COVID wedding. And yes, we did take dance lessons before our wedding. Only one though. There's no evidence (that I know of).
I grew up listening to a lot of Van in my house, as did my wife. That made this one an easy pick for our first dance.
Hooked on a Feeling - Blue Swede
Song:Hooked on a Feeling
Artist: Blue Swede
There's just no way anybody can be in a bad mood when this song comes on. You'll be singing along before you know it.
Homecoming - Kanye West
Song: Homecoming
Artist:Kanye West
I have a playlist I usually put on when I drive to Capital One. This song is always on it. I don't know why exactly, but it pumps me up. Personally, I think Kanye's old stuff is his best stuff.
You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
Song:You Are the Best Thing
Artist: Ray LaMontagne
Every time I hear a song by him it blows my mind. I get reminded that Ray taught himself how to sing while working in a shoe factory in Maine. Being from Maine, I have always felt connected to Ray.
He heard an artist that he liked and basically created this raspy singing voice for himself. He perfected it by his dedication to practice. I have a terrible singing voice, so it seems impossible, but Ray clearly succeeded, and this song is just one piece of evidence.
American Girl - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Song:American Girl
Artist: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom was easily the best concert I've ever been to. Sadly, he passed away just a few months after that, but I'm so thankful I was able to see him. I dare you to try and not tap your foot along with this song. You can't, it's impossible.
Lose Yourself - Eminem
Song:Lose Yourself
Artist:Eminem
Throughout my hockey career, ever since this song was released, I think I've heard it as a pump-up song. No matter what level of hockey you are at, it will be playing in a rink or locker room. This song, and the movie 8 Mile, is about a guy with next to nothing who is unwilling to fail or to give up, no matter what happens to him. It reminds me of my dad dropping me off at the rink when I was younger. Sometimes he would play this song, because he loved the message in it and the rags-to-riches story. It's about totally immersing yourself in what you're doing and trying to seize the moment.
What is Love - Haddaway
Song:What is Love
Artist:Haddaway
This song could (and should) probably be added to any playlist. Not sure anything more needs to be said.
