Baseball History in a Songbook and Beyond
Juliana LHeureux | Topsham, Maine United States | 08/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Professional baseball needs more songs. Even if you adore baseball, aren't you just a little tired of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"? Professional baseball in North America is about 100 years old and the game's origins are much older. Lots of legends and colorful folklore evolved to celebrate baseball's heroes, but the one song closely associated with the game is the tired old "peanuts and cracker jacks". It's a fine tune for taking the seventh inning stretch, but it's time for baseball history to get some original music into the legendary history books. Indeed, King of the Road Music, with folk singer Phil Coley and songwriter Joe Pickering, came up with a series of musical baseball themes to choose from, complete with clever lyrics, in an entertaining "Sports Songs and Beyond", tuneful CD.
Pickering and Coley are the artistic duo who produced a fine bunch of baseball songs a few years ago on a CD titled, "Baseball Songs Sports Heroes". This CD included a litany of witty folk songs lamenting the Boston Red Sox nearly 100 years without a World Series pennant - until the 2004 championship season. Now, Coley and Pickering are hailing the triumph with the tune "Hell Freezes Over", a perky recognition of the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox - getting the coveted trophy in eight straight wins.
"Sports Songs and Beyond" includes 24 total tracks, 10 are baseball songs, with terrific lyrics, many with a baseball theme. Some relating to other sports and beyond.
Coley's clearly poetic voice articulates each musical tale.
"Let Buck Back In" is a well told musical story of 1919, when Buck Weaver was accused of blowing the White Sox World Series. Coley sings the pleading lyrics: "Will the White Sox Ever Win? Not `till baseball let's Buck back in".
Pickering even writes a cheer for Pete Rose, accused of betting on his own Cincinnati Reds baseball team. In the song "They Called Him Charlie Hustle", the cause for Rose's entry to Baseball's Hall of Fame is given musical support.
A particularly beautiful song, "This Is Your Season to Remember", is a heavenly tribute to honor Dorothy Pearl Pickering, the songwriter's late mother who enjoyed a lifelong passion for the Boston Red Sox. There are probably millions of baseball addicts who can relate to this tribute song by remembering their own family members who were dyed in the wool fans.
Perhaps some Baltimore Oriole's fans like me will take issue to the tune "Baseball's Back in D.C.". Supporting a rival team to the beloved "O's" might put Baltimore fans at risk in a city where devotion for baseball is deep rooted.
Baseball isn't the only theme in the 24 folk-country tracks. In fact, there's something musical for every red while and blue blooded sports patriot to celebrate in "Sports Songs and Beyond". "Our Dynasty of Heart", celebrates the New England Patriots football champions, lyrically called, "a team of esteem".
Some songs are beyond sports altogether, but all the lyrics are loaded with charm.
"Sports Songs and Beyond" is a handsome duo when paired with "Baseball Songs Sports Heroes". Sports history fans will find "Sports Songs and Beyond" especially entertaining.
Picking a song from the CD to replace the popular, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" is tough, but I'd choose Pickering's lyrics to "Wait `till Next Year". Nevertheless, the lyrics would likely only resonate in Boston's Fenway Park.
"Sports Songs and Beyond" and "Baseball Songs Sports Heroes" were both accepted by the National Baseball Hall of Fame into their Library Collection.
Count on "Sports Songs and Beyond" to bring a smile to every sports enthusiast and to touch each fan's musical heart.
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Track Listings (24) - Disc #1