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CapsMix 2008 - The Music of the Washington Capitals


I spent a recent Capitals game Behind the Screens with the team's in-game production crew. One of the gems of the visit for me (a former DJ and continued music geek) was talking about the in-game music.

Click for printer-friendly version (by Mike Rucki/OFB)So here, Capitals fans, is a list of the songs the production team plays at Capitals games. They mix in other tunes now and then, but for the 2007-08 season these are the core songs you've been hearing in the Verizon Center each game.

I've dug up links to each song on iTunes (where available) if you'd like to make your own Capitals-themed CD or playlist--perhaps you can dub in your own Caps-themed music while watching the team's road trip on television these next two weeks.

If you do decide to burn a CD, feel free to use the image at the right as your cover (click the image and select Save As for a 4.7"x4.7" 300dpi version, 1410x1410 pixels).


Or if you'd prefer to buy them all, here's an iMix of the entire song list (minus Thunderstruck, Minnie, and The Hockey Song).

If you have any hockey arena favorites not on the list (e.g., Rush's Tom Sawyer), or ones you're pretty sure you've heard at Capitals games this season, feel free to add 'em as comments. Enjoy!



Discussion

57 Comments on "CapsMix 2008 - The Music of the Washington Capitals"

#1

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Posted by steph, March 20, 2008 7:28 AM

every year I end up doing some sort of search to find these songs, sending emails to Caps reps etc. This list is very welcome to me! Your compliation is missing "No Way Back" by the Foo Fighters (second period opener, I think) and I have The Hockey Song, if anyone really wants to add it to their collection. :-)

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#2

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Posted by vt caps fan, March 20, 2008 7:43 AM

Awesome article, the mrs has been asking me to create her a playlist, so this helps. I did notice one song that was missing... Nothin' But a Good time by Poison. We usually enjoy a good old skool head banging when we hear that. Plus it means we won. So you HAVE to love it.

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#3

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Posted by Norm, March 20, 2008 7:59 AM

Being largely a Classic Rock guy, I have no trouble with loud music, but am I the only one that thinks the sound can get a little too loud & distorted at the Phone Booth?

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#4

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Posted by OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki), March 20, 2008 8:25 AM

Thanks folks, keep the additional songs coming in! Melzme at the Caps' boards makes a fantastic addition that's such a given I'm a little embarrassed it was left off the initial list . . . Europe's "The Final Countdown".

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#5

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Posted by matthew langley, March 20, 2008 9:04 AM

I'm still sore they never play "Lady of Spain" to me, that is a classic!

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#6

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Posted by MulletMan, March 20, 2008 9:11 AM

during TV timeouts they often play "Stand Up - by Steel Dragon". It is off the Rock Star soundtrack and can be found on Amazon (not sure about iTunes, but it is on my iPhone). :)

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#7

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Posted by dave, March 20, 2008 9:47 AM

Thanks OFB! These could make a good running playlist for me!

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#8

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Posted by rich, March 20, 2008 10:02 AM

Brilliant, thanks! Here's one: Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue (the 'Whoa Yeah!' song played with the video).

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#9

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Posted by OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki), March 20, 2008 10:05 AM

Great additions all!

@Norm, my season tickets are in the front row of the upper deck, so generally don't experience too-loud music at the Phone Booth. Can't speak for those down low though.

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#10

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Posted by Chris, March 20, 2008 10:35 AM

One missing song is "The Game" by Motorhead. They usually play it right before the opening faceoff.

Earlier this year, they were playing a version of the "Ole" soccer song by the Bouncing Souls after goals, but that seems to have been replaced by "Song 2" by Blur.

Once during an early season fight they played some Mastodon (The Wolf Is Loose IIRC). I almost fell out of my seat I was so stoked. I wish they would play that again. Maybe they could play "Hand of Stone" when Brash scores. :)

They also once played Helmet's "Unsung," (actually, in the same game IIRC) which I thought was an excellent hockey song.

Personally, I've always thought that "Winter's Wolves," by The Sword is a perfect hockey song, both musically and thematically. Hearing that before games would be better than the Foo Fighters.

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#11

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Posted by Hollowboy, March 20, 2008 11:13 AM

A snippet of Metallica's "One" is played right after the "Inches" video, correct?

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#12

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Posted by Victor, March 20, 2008 11:29 AM

Minnie the Moocher is available on iTunes...kinda, and it's only for video iPods (or your computer). Go to podcasts >vintage tooncast >Betty Boop >Minnie the Moocher. It's the soundtrack to a fantastic Betty Boop cartoon, and the first 40 seconds is live-action of Cab Calloway--the earliest known footage of Cab Calloway, in fact. Since it's a podcast of a public domain cartoon, it's free!

As for The Hockey Song, I prefer this version in tribute to Bryan McCabe: http://youtube.com/watch?v=gwJDeKBZuVk

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#13

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Posted by Marleen, March 20, 2008 11:38 AM

You forgot "Twilight Zone" by 2 Unlimited - our power play song.

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#14

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Posted by OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki), March 20, 2008 11:45 AM

@Marleen: Very true! Sadly that's another one I can't find on iTunes. They have a couple 2 Unlimited remix CDs on Amazon, but unfortunately the individual song is not available for download.

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#15

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Posted by Gustafsson, March 20, 2008 11:45 AM

There are actually 30 separate instances of Minnie the Moocher on iTunes. The problem is, it's from an earlier recording at a much slower tempo and, therefore, not the same song.

Looks like there is going to have to be a "Caps Mix Vol. II" for all of the additions.

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#16

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Posted by turquoise_donkey, March 20, 2008 11:47 AM

I have been looking for the power play song for a while. Does anyone know it (or can point it out on this list if I missed it?)

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#17

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Posted by OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki), March 20, 2008 11:56 AM

@Hollowboy

Nice catch!

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#18

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Posted by steph, March 20, 2008 12:25 PM

@turquoise donkey - the power play song is Twilight Zone by 2 Unlimited. I have been searching for an MP3 of it but haven't found it yet.

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#19

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Posted by EssP, March 20, 2008 12:45 PM

Dropkick Murphys - Warrior Code is missing from the list. I believe they've been playing it sometime in the 3rd.

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#20

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Posted by MulletMan, March 20, 2008 12:58 PM

Believe the version of "Minnie The Moocher - Cab Calloway" is off the Blues Brothers Soundtrack with can be found on Amazon, not sure about iTunes.

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#21

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Posted by Gustafsson, March 20, 2008 1:04 PM

MulletMan,
You are absolutely correct, and no, it is not available on iTunes. Glad I have the CD.

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#22

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Posted by Zman, March 20, 2008 1:19 PM

Personally, I hate the "Hockey Song" I think it's way too hillbilly sounding. Sounds like something you'd hear at a rodeo, not at an NHL game. Anybody with me?

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#23

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Posted by Kim, March 20, 2008 1:25 PM

Also am not a big fan of the hockey song, but understand why it is played. I could do without the chicken dance song as well.

While I do not know if the Caps folks would play it, during what I think was either a Dallas Stars or Flyers game they played Open Up Your Eyes by Tonic when the refs called a penalty. Was actually pretty funny.

I have heard Linkin Park's Bleed it Out during the pregame skates before also.

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#24

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Posted by yngwie, March 20, 2008 2:04 PM

I thought that "Final Countdown" was intentionally left off of the list for the benefit of anyone who was reading this over breakfast...

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#25

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Posted by steph, March 20, 2008 2:07 PM

of course, my favorite hockey song is one I have never heard at a game - Captain Tractors Frozen Puck to the Head: (hope this works)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Hf3hPR9fg

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#26

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Posted by CapsChick, March 20, 2008 3:11 PM

I like the Chicken Dance but only because some of us have taken to inserting the ever-classy refrain of "the [insert opposition team here] suck!" at the end of each line.

It's blatantly stolen from Devils fans, but at least we don't just stick with "the Rangers suck!" like they do regardless of their opponent...I think they have a bit of a complex.

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#27

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Posted by migz, March 20, 2008 3:58 PM

Ok, so who is going to post the first torrent for this :P But seriously, I think the Caps Promotions/Merchandising department should consider this as a new product for purchase. Could they partner with itunes and do a special digital download on the itunes store? They wouldn't actually have to produce a physical media this way, so it would be cheap in terms of manufacturing costs. Maybe do it as a fund raiser for some of the groups/charities that the Caps support in the area?

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#28

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Posted by DC Sports Chick, March 20, 2008 4:12 PM

Zman, I am with you on The Hockey Song. It makes my ears bleed (just like Rush).

CapsChick, that's the only way I can like the Chicken Dance ;-)

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#29

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Posted by Gustafsson, March 20, 2008 4:52 PM

DCSC just admitted that she has no musical taste. ;-)

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#30

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Posted by caps81737, March 20, 2008 7:36 PM

Quiet Riot "Cum on Feel the Noise"
Stevie Ray Vaughn "The House is Rockin"
"Sugar We're Goin Down" by Fall Out Boy
Dave Matthews (I think) acoustic guitar live jam thingy
Unknown "Tick Tick Tick Boom" (opens 2nd period)

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#31

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Posted by Gustafsson, March 20, 2008 7:46 PM

Thanks Caps81737,
The last song you mentioned is by Saliva and is titled "Click, Click, Boom"

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#32

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Posted by Neil, March 20, 2008 9:55 PM

I've heard Modest Mouse - Dashboard at 2 games for sure.

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#33

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Posted by Wittcap, March 20, 2008 10:18 PM

You forgot "Our Time Now" by Plain White T's

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#34

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Posted by Jeff, March 20, 2008 11:58 PM

Awesome list man, crazy thing is I like a ton of this music!

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#35

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Posted by Biff, March 21, 2008 10:01 AM

I am absolutely certain that, on at least one occasion, I heard "Hockey Monkey" by the Zambonis over the VC's loudspeakers. It was a moment that would change my life forever.

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#36

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Posted by OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki), March 21, 2008 1:07 PM

@ caps81737, the DMB acoustic jam is on the original list ("Warehouse"). Thanks for the other additions!

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#37

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Posted by Todd, March 21, 2008 1:32 PM

WOOHOO!!!

I've been trying to figure out the name of "Hockey Monkey" for a while now.

That one just got downloaded!

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#38

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Posted by Chris, March 21, 2008 2:30 PM

If you like the Hockey Monkey, you should check out the rest of The Zambonis' catalog. Good stuff for the hockey lover. "Bob Marley and the Hartford Whalers" is a classic. Incidentally, they do a version of the hockey song that progresses from traditional (1st verse) to new wave (2nd verse) to full-blown punk rock (3rd verse). It would be large improvement over the current hockey song.

Another song I've heard several times is "The Gauntlet" by the Dropkick Murphys. I've also heard "Bro Hymn Tribute" by Pennywise during pre-game warmups.

The All-Time Greatest opening song has to be "Seek and Destroy" by Metallica. The Stars used to play this before player introductions (does anybody know if they still do?). The song is awesome on two levels. First, it whips the crowd into a frenzy and second it reminds us that Metallica didn't always suck.

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#39

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Posted by Scott in Shaw, March 21, 2008 5:12 PM

Actually, Gustafsson, the "Tick Tick Boom" song is by The Hives.

Last year (and possibly a few times this year), they would show video highlights of big hits, and the song used was "Don't Speak (I Came to Make a Bang!" by Eagles of Death Metal (who are awesome, btw).

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#40

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Posted by OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki), March 21, 2008 5:21 PM

Interestingly, both "Tick Tick Boom" by The Hives and "Click Click Boom" by Saliva have been played at the arena.

I would have wagered against two such oddly-titled songs coexisting . . . and I'd have been wrong.

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#41

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Posted by Gustafsson, March 21, 2008 6:39 PM

That's just weird. I assumed he meant "Click Click Boom", but now hearing "Tick Tick Boom"... I have heard that as well.

Here's Saliva - Click Click Boom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K47W0UTq_9o

and The Hives - Tick Tick Boom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwhU99_66R8

Was also going to make some lame joke substituting "D" or "Pr" for the "T" and/or "Cl" but have decided against it.

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#42

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Posted by Scott in Shaw, March 24, 2008 12:16 PM

That is pretty weird.

On further review, I got the EODM song wrong -- it's "I Want You So Hard (Boy's Bad News)":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe6p-5tUh3M

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#43

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Posted by OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki), March 24, 2008 12:20 PM

For a full playlist of in-game music from a recent Caps game, check out:
http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/03/23/son-of-capsmix/

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#44

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Posted by power play girl!, March 27, 2008 12:09 PM

Ok i have not missed 1 caps game this year and u forgot "twilight zone" by the beats blish (meaning the power play song)

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#45

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Posted by OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki), March 27, 2008 1:12 PM

@ power play girl:
Correct, but see comment numbers 13 & 14 -- the song is actually by 2 Unlimited.

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#46

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Posted by MH 29, April 5, 2008 9:59 PM

I'm totally sure I heard Mortal Kombat one game earlier this year, not sure which version though.

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#47

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Posted by MH 29, April 5, 2008 10:12 PM

Also (almost forgot) U2's vertigo was an intermission song in early Feb.

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#48

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Posted by Bill, April 7, 2008 11:25 PM

I heard a song right before the puck drop a few times during the season but now I can't find it. The chorus was either "playin' the game", "get in the game" or "winnin' the game." It sounded familiar like it may be a song from the WWE but I have not been able to find it. It definitely ISN'T The Game by Motorhead. It kind of sounds like Drowning Pool and it's faster then The Game. I have that song and it wasn't the right one. Thanks!

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#49

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Posted by Gang52Green, April 13, 2008 10:00 PM

Hey all.

I was just wondering, what is the song that plays when the Capitals take the ice for games 1 and 2? I know they switch it up during the regular season, but it has remained the same so far. (And it sounds SO cool with Wes Johnson's booming voice.)

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#50

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Posted by OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki), April 14, 2008 10:41 AM

@ Gang Green:
The music played as the Caps skate out is an instrumental version of "Thriller" by Fall Out Boy.

Some other new tracks for the playoffs:

"Waiting" by Michael Tolcher played prior to lights going down
First open song is "The Pilot's Theme" from the Stealth soundtrack
Second open song is "The Time (Olympic Mix)" by The Crystal Method
Third open song is Papa Roach's "To Be Loved"
Then "Thriller" as the team hits the ice.

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#51

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Posted by dave, April 15, 2008 9:06 PM

For games 1 and 2 what is the very first song they play during warmups? It sounds like the chorus is "stand up" or "stand down" I can't tell. I'm talking about the warmups that occur 30 minutes before the game.

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#52

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Posted by CapsFan, April 17, 2008 4:35 AM

Great list! One more to add -- a song being played more often in the past month (sometimes after fan voting) is "List of Demands (Reparations)" by Saul Williams, made famous by the Nike commercial running on TV this Spring.

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#53

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Posted by dave, April 20, 2008 1:04 AM

HELP!!!! They played the song again during the pre-game warmups for game 6 today. It is the first song as soon as they come out....It is awesome!!! Someone has to know it

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#54

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Posted by Bill, April 20, 2008 4:33 PM

I was not at the game but it sounds like it may either be Stand Up by Trapt or Step Up by Drowning Pool. I hope that helps!

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#55

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Posted by Mike, April 23, 2008 3:24 PM

Does anyone know the song that has the lyrics "let it out" its kinda slow and then builds up towards those lyrics. It was played in game 7 in the 1st period.

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#56

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Posted by Tracey, August 21, 2008 2:49 AM

Great List! I've been trying to do this on my own and never got very far. Of course, the first song that came to mind when I started process is the only one I don't remember seeing in the list or comments. It's Disturbed's 10,000 Fists. You hear it before they take the ice for practice.

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#57

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Posted by Eric, October 12, 2008 5:09 PM

ok, so when wes johnson (arena announcer) presents the starting lineups, what is the song playing in the background when he's presenting the starting 6??? i've looked everywhere for it!

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