Perfect Jukebox Playlist (For a Night Out at the Bar)
Fact: people love listening to music when they're drinking. Bar music has been around for as long as bars have been around. The music has evolved over time, from the guy singing old folk songs in the corner in exchange for mugs of grog, to the ramshackle honky tonk piano, to the old Wurlitzer machines that would spin your favorite 45 for a nickel.
Jukeboxes have earned a permanent place in most drinking establishments, and stuffing a five-spot into one to play your drinking crew's favorite songs has become standard practice. And now, with Internet-connected jukeboxes, you can find just about any song you want. But having so much to choose from can be intimidating sometimes, so we've put together a playlist of some songs that pair well with beer, whiskey, vodka or just about any other libation you may happen to consume to excess. This is our Perfect Jukebox Playlist (For a Night Out at the Bar):
'Ice Cream'
BattlesWhen your gang arrives at the bar, it'd be a smart move to have a friend to get your first drink for you while you hit the jukebox. As the evening progresses, you'll have to wait longer and longer to hear your picks. We think Battles' 'Ice Cream' is a good track to kick off the evening. It's upbeat, poppy, and just a little strange, which, if you're lucky, will mirror your night out.
'Go With the Flow'
Queens of the Stone AgeBy the time the first song ends, you and your crew will hopefully have a shot and a beer put down and be ready to move on to the next round. Queens of the Stone Age's 'Go With the Flow' will serve nicely to set the mood and inject some energy into the place. Plus, the song's title is also some pretty good advice for how to approach the evening.
'Not If You Were the Last Junkie On Earth'
The Dandy WarholsYou've got friends, drinks and music. What next? The next logical step would be to start dancing. The Dandy Warhols' 'Not If You Were the Last Junkie On Earth' is, despite what the title may suggest, one of the bounciest, dancey-est tunes the band has ever recorded. And it might just be the perfect track to help you overcome your humility and start fraternizing with the other patrons.
'Fall In Love'
PhantogramSpeaking of fraternizing, once you're out on the dance floor, you might bump into a special someone, or at least somebody who could become someone special. 'Fall In Love' by Phantogram is a perfect song for generating some social lubrication and facilitating a meeting of the hearts. Don't be shy now.
'Invisible Light' [NSFW Video]
Scissor SistersNow's not the time to stop dancing. If you've got the stamina, stick it out for one more song. 'Invisible Light' by Scissor Sisters sets a good pace for some long-distance rhythmic bouncing and shaking. Just remember, the longer you're out there mingling, the better your chances of having a truly great night are.
'West Coast'
Lana Del ReyOK, you're tired. You've earned a break, which includes a trip to the bar. Rest your feet and refill your glass while Lana Del Rey reminds you what this is all about with the sultry 'West Coast,' in which she says, "If you're not drinking, then you're not playin'." Now might also be a good time to buy that special someone whose name you're trying so hard to remember a drink.
'Lotus Flower'
RadioheadAt this point along the alcoholic timeline, you might not remember picking Radiohead's 'Lotus Flower.' Or maybe some buttface paid extra to insert his pick into the middle of your songs. Either way, you do remember the video of Thom Yorke dancing like a maniac, and the three rounds of fruity shots your friend made you drink are telling you that you can do better. You actually can't, but that won't stop you from trying.
'Them Bones'
Alice In ChainsAt this point, you might be wanting a break from all the dancing. What other activity goes well with drinking with a crowd? How about some metal karaoke? Alice In Chains' 'Them Bones' is great, not only for a gang sing-along, but it also works well to kickstart that drunken nostalgia that we all love so much.
'Jesus Christ Pose'
SoundgardenNow that somebody -- was that you who did that? -- put some heavier fare on the jukebox, you and the crew might feel compelled to do a little slam dancing and moshing. Soundgarden's 'Jesus Christ Pose' is like rocket fuel for your drunken legs. And if a few glasses get broken by accident, no big deal. Just add 'em to the tab. Try not to injure your neck while headbanging, though.
'Breed'
NirvanaSomebody put Nirvana's 'Breed' on the jukebox, and now something's definitely getting broken -- possibly a table, a few chairs, maybe even a leg. Don't say we didn't warn you.
'Majestic'
Wax FangHey guys, settle down. The bouncers are looking over here. Pick up the chairs and the table, then go get one more drink before last call. While the night comes to an epic close, 'Majestic' by Wax Fang is an excellent song to bring everything down with. And it provides you with the perfect opportunity for some pretty rad air guitaring.