NFL 2015: A musical preview for three matchups
By Dani Bostick
Here we go! The regular season officially starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers taking on the New England Patriots in what is sure to be an emotionally-charged, hyper-competitive game. The Patriots are the defending Super Bowl champions and the Steelers have had dreams of a seventh Super Bowl ring since they earned their sixth.
With both running back Le’Veon Bell and receiver Martavis Bryant suspended for marijuana-related infractions and Tom Brady on the field after the nullification of his suspension, league dynamics have certainly increased the hype and tension going into this epic battle between two AFC rivals.
What should be on your playlist as you look forward to the end of the football drought?
No Steelers v. Patriots playlist is complete without a song (or two) about cheating. Sure, Jolene is about a different kind of cheating, but it is one of the finest songs of cheating ever written or performed. So, get the “They’re cheaters!!!” but out of your system by enjoying the soulful vocal stylings of Dolly Parton.
There are a lot of Steelers anthems that are a bit over done, so if you’ve grown tired of the usual, or if your superstition ritual prohibits you from listening to Steelers Hype Music (SHM- yes, that is what SHM really stands for) before the actual day of the game, check out “Gold.”
(“You Haunt Me” is also an excellent one to check out by the same artist. “I’ve got you right where I want you. You know I’m gonna come for you. ” Works for NFL football, I think.)
“Peace of Mind” Boston
The Deflategate saga, injuries to key players, suspensions– both teams need some peace of mind going into the first regular season game of the year. “People living in competition. All I want is to have my peace of mind.” I think both teams would agree that a victory would help contribute to that cause.
“Steeler” and “Red, White and Blue” Judas Priest
So, what are the chances that two consecutive tracks on Judas Priest’s British Steel album would be “Steeler” and “Red, White and Blue”? Admittedly, “Steeler” is a bit peppier than “Red, White, and Blue,” but I think those songs were written and placed on the 1980 album next to each other for a reason. That reason is to provide fodder for the 2015 Steelers vs. Patriots playlist.
“Tom Sawyer” Rush
The connection to Thursday’s season opener is pretty clear here. And, you just can’t go wrong with Rush. And while this song is for Tom and Pats fans, 1981 the year Moving Pictures was released, was also a year the Patriots went 2-14.
“Hell and Back” Airborne Toxic Event
Off of the Dope Machines album, this song applies to both teams. Deflategate as an ordeal for the entire NFL, while the Steelers have faced a spate of horrible injuries this preseason, including a broken leg for their star center Maurkice Pouncey. Also this song is off of the Dope Machines album, a title that seems fitting for the matchup considering three players (LeGarrette Blount, Bell, and Bryant) are facing dope-related punishments in week 1.
Bonus Tracks
“This is the Day” The The
“Round Here” Kid Ink (Explicit) “‘Round here call me Deebo”
“All about the Benjamins” P. Diddy
“Come Alive” Hanni El Khatib
Next: Giants v. Cowboys