REWIND: Rating the States’ roll call songs at the Democratic National Convention
Lil Jon at the Democratic National Convention.
While usually I find political party conventions to be like high school pep rallies but with less passion and charm, the Democratic National Convention this week was pretty great. The first three days, at least. Day 4 kind of bothered me. I’ll spare you the rant.
One of the major innovations was that, rather than a typical dry slog through a bunch of people saying boring facts about their state, a bunch of people said boring things about their state to music. Every state got a walk-up song that a DJ played to get the crowd hyped for them to say essentially the same thing.
Now, I’m going to list my five favorites, because I try to limit my hater columns. There were a few poor choices that I specifically need to call out:
Wyoming used “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas despite none of the group being from that state. Nebraska used Katy Perry’s “Firework” despite her not being from Nebraska and killing a nun with gentrification. Illinois used “Sirius” by the Alan Parsons Project despite the band Chicago being right there. And California used four really great songs rather than just picking one. Just do “California Love!” Don’t throw in “The Next Episode” and a couple Kendrick Lamar songs and dilute the vibe.
With that out of the way, here are the best!
Georgia: Lil Jon — “Turn Down For What”
You knew this one was gonna win. You just knew it. Lil Jon showed up to perform it.
“Georgia, how do you cast your vote?” “YEEEEEEEAH!”
I don’t have anything to say that this video doesn’t say better. He even said “VP Harris… Governor Walz!” to the tune of “to the window to the wall” from “Get Low,” which was downright magical. Georgia is so cool… sometimes.
Kansas: Kansas — “Carry On Wayward Son”
If I knock Illinois for not using Chicago I have to praise Kansas for using Kansas. Fair’s fair.
Also, “Carry On Wayward Son” is an underrated song. I know it’s not unknown by any means, but for an all-time great song it’s just kind of floating around in the background of the public consciousness. So I’m glad it got a spot on the national stage. While you’re at it, read out interview with Kansas’ Richard Williams.
I also have to respect Kansas Democrats. They must have some fortitude, they’re not super common over there.
Washington, D.C.: DJ Kool — “Let Me Clear My Throat”
First off, great choice by D.C. There’s certainly musicians from D.C. or with D.C. ties, but to bust out the old-school DJ Kool track is inspired. I don’t know who picked it but I respect them. They have good taste and respect the classics.
Second, and more importantly, if you need a song to introduce you, it’s hard to pick a better walk-up song. There’s maybe a dozen. Coco Crisp used it as a walk-up song during part of his time with the A’s and it definitely got the crowd into it. Not as much as Josh Reddick using “Careless Whisper,” but it was a great choice nonetheless.
Can’t wait for you guys to become a state if the Democrats take the Presidency and both houses of Congress.
Arizona: Stevie Nicks — “Edge of Seventeen”
Honestly, I love a good excuse to include “Edge of Seventeen” in this column again.
I actually didn’t realize Stevie Nicks was from Phoenix until the song started playing and I found myself involuntarily twirling in my living room. The ’90s gave us bands like Meat Puppets, Gin Blossoms and Jimmy Eat World, but it would be a little hard to get excited about the state when the DJ starts spinning “Hey Jealousy.” I guess “The Middle” would work in a pinch. But you’d have to stick to the chorus because the rest is a little slow-paced for hype music.
Am I overthinking this? I might be overthinking this.
Michigan: Eminem — “Lose Yourself”
I’m on record as saying this is the only good Eminem song and I stand by that. He can rap, sure, but the man can’t write. And Michigan has an embarrassment of riches with Alice Cooper, Madonna, Bob Seger and the entirety of Motown.
Of all the great songs of Detroit, “Lose Yourself” is the best walk-up music. Hands down best song to psych you up or get a crowd going. I understand that’s a bold statement given the state’s pedigree, but I stand by it.
Follow publisher Daniel J. Willis and send column ideas to him at @bayareadata.press on BlueSky.