Things Are Looking Up

The beauty of this tune, "Five O'clock World" by the Vogues, can be seen from a number of angles. First, At 5, one life ends and the Lounge life begins, at least for me. Drinks are ordered, ties are loosened and the talk of hockey and music starts to flow.

Secondly, this particular cut sounds as scratched and warped as a good tune in an old jukebox should. Plenty of play means wear and tear. That's a good thing. So long as you can hear the tune, queue it up and play it again.

Just one game in the AHL tonight: Houston at Abbotsford. Phoenix at Detroit in the Big League. Everyone else is dark. That's O.K. Just put some more change in the jukebox. We're counting down until it's time for the faceoff.

Here's another quarter. Punch up "Joanne" by Michael Nesmith.



Takes me back to Stockmans Inn, when I used to take my grandfather to the doctor. I was a high schooler then. After the appointment was over, my grandfather would direct us to Stockmans. He would have soup, crackers and a Budweiser. I would have soup, crackers and a long neck Coca-Cola (that's 16 ounces to those of you who have no memory of the 1970s).

My grandfather is long gone and I have not been in Stockmans in 30 years or more. But I hear this song and I am right back in that booth. Ah, the memories. (Apparently someone really appreciates Joanne Woodward. I guess I would have to second that.)

And now one last play before we start the evening: "Amie" by Pure Prairie League.

Yes, I am a Colorado boy, and the cold winter wind cutting across the Great Plains still warms my soul, even though I am now a long, long way away. The evening is come in and this song will get me toe-tapping to the hockey hour in fine form.

Thanks for dropping in.