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14 songs you should never play at a bar … or should you?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Web site Holy Taco has compiled its list of the 14 songs you should never play at a bar. Some get a collective nod, and others, well, Georgians likely will take issue with a couple picks.
And the big winners (or losers) are:
14. “All I Wanna Do,” Sheryl Crow
13. “Mr. Brightside,” The Killers
12. “It’s the End of the World as We Know It,” R.E.M.
11. “Dancing Queen,” ABBA
10. “Sweet Home Alabama,” Lynyrd Skynyrd
9. “Don’t Stop Believing,” Journey
8. “Smooth,” Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas
7. “Hotel California,” The Eagles
6. “I Will Survive,” Gloria Gaynor
5. “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” Meatloaf
4. “Bawidaba,” Kid Rock
3. Anything by the Beatles
2. “Piano Man,” Billy Joel
1. “American Pie,” Don McLean
Holy Taco gave its reasons for each selection, which you can read here. They might not be suitable for anyone who couldn’t legally drink.
So what do you agree with the list? Which songs would you add? Which ones would you remove? What is your top 10?
Comments
By Critic
June 19, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
The only thing I take exception with is number 3, anything by The Beatles. As for the rest, I wish I never have to endure them, anywhere at anytime, especially Smooth by Santana. That noise makes my flesh crawl.
By malika
June 19, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
how much of a nerd am i since at least half of these songs are among my faves?
By Git 'R Dun
June 19, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Come on people! “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is pretty much Gospel.
Yeah come on!
By the finger
June 19, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
this list shows no insight and certainly doesn’t carry the ironic cache’ that it is do desperatley and pathetically seeking. it’s stupid. they should self-appoint themselves to the web site most desperately seeking and falling to be ironic.
By Git 'R Dun
June 19, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Come on people! “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is pretty much Gospel.
Yeah come on!
By dumb list
June 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
There is really no point to this —no point in compiling the list, writing about it, or for grief sakes, blogging about it. So I’m off to listen to Revolver.
By Brill
June 19, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I was in a band and we did “Paradise” by MeatLoaf a couple of times and the place went nuts each time. It was fun to play as well, but we had good singers that could pull it off. I am not sure I agree with the no Beatles thing either. I would have Stairway TO Heaven on there before that.
By Rick
June 19, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
You want to see a redneck stare at you like a puppy lookin at the tv? Point out that Lynyrd Skynyrd song”Saturday night Special” the lyrics say we should throw all guns to the bottom of the sea. He looks at the gun rack in his truck and at the radio, then back and forth. Then he will point out that they mean cheap hand guns not huntin rifles or shotguns. Lynyrd skynyrd can’t really be democrat can they? Say it ain’t so.
By Mr. Pretentious
June 19, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Top one websites to avoid:
1 HolyTaco.
And it’s true because I say so.
Who the hell cares what these people think?
By Rick
June 19, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Guess what MR. Pretentious has on his 8-track?
By Go Dawgs Go
June 19, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Wow. The dude that runs that website is obviously an apple-martini sipper from New York or something, who snaps instead of clapping. I agree that most of the list isn’t much fun to hear at bars (in fact, most of those songs AREN’T played in bars, so it’s kind of a stupid list).
However, from Athens to Columbus to Greenville, SC I’ve never seen a bar not sing along (every… single… patron) to “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Don’t Stop Believing”. I love REM, but maybe “End of the World” isn’t a bar song. But, come on… Journey’s lame, but they’re so lame they’re actually cool. This guy needs to order a drink with some bite and get over it.
By Chris
June 19, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Why did you even bother writing this blog/article? No explanation, no depth, no delivery… pathetic.
By Chris
June 19, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Why did you even bother writing this blog/article? No explanation, no depth, no delivery… pathetic.
By GeorgiaDawg
June 19, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
JOURNEY “DON’T STOP BELIEVIN” IS THE GREATEST BAR SONG OF ALL TIME, THESE PEOPLE ARE COMPLETE FOOLS!
By Becky
June 19, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Who made this guy the know it all about music? Sounds to me like he needs to find another job..With the exception of Kid Rock & The killers, I know (&like) most of these songs..
By musicman
June 19, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Yeah! I guess their next list will include Elvis and anything by Garth Brooks,or anything that people may have heard of……holy taco must want bars to clear out by 8:00 each night…….They are not experts,..that’s for sure……
By Badger31201
June 19, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
1- AJC should be ashamed of themselves for linking a website with VERY adult language and content w/out warning parents. 2- This Taco guy is a bitter, friendless moron. Maybe the reason he hates all these songs is b/c they were playing in the background when some chick sent him packing.
By Babs
June 19, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
they forgot Brown Eyed Girl
By John24
June 19, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Wow, If it were a bar for people maybe 40 to 55, then go for it! Aren’t most of the folks on that list DEAD!!!!!
IT’s 2008, the fans of these people should be home raising kids and not hanging out at BARS!!!!!
By bama bro
June 19, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
how can rocky top not be number 1 on the list?
By Chris Farley
June 19, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
“The best fight song ever Street Fight by the Rolling Stones, G 7.” “You just Pressed G 8!” (Jukebox) IF YOU LIKE PINA COLADAS… - Dirty Work
By nostromo
June 19, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Thank g-d somebody out there thinks that The Beatles are the most overrated band in the history of music.
By JT
June 19, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
They forgot Hank Williams, Jr. - Family Tradition
By RJones
June 19, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
How about “It’s raining men” and no mention of Rap songs.
By Earl
June 19, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Where I go to get drunk and chase fat women with too much make up on and big hair, you’d get shot for playing Dancing Queen by ABBA. You’d get shot twice for complaining about Sweet Home Alabama.
By JohnnyReb
June 19, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
RJones…amen! Rap=Crap=Rap! ;)
By RJones
June 19, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
If you stand at attention and salute when you hear “Sweet Hone Alabama”, yooouuu just might be a redneck.
By hunterj6
June 19, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
15 Rap. Any kind of Rap. Unless you want to attract non tippers. I.E. Fox Sports!By JM
June 19, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
I would walk out if I heard:
By Back in the Day...
June 19, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Eric Clapton- CoCaine
By Leonard Skeonard
June 19, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
What a freakin’ waste of bandwidth.
By Grazer
June 19, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better
Kings of Leon - Soft
Faces - Stay With Me
Strokes - Under Control
RHCP - Universally Speaking
(Try these 5 if you can even find them)
By Dennis Grooce
June 19, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I agree, anyone playing these songs is asking for a knockle sandwich…smack, smack
By taylor
June 19, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
2…Cat Scratch Fever 1…She’s a Brick House
HATE HATE HATE these overplayed horrible songs.
By jeff
June 19, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
so…..what does all this actually mean? absolutely nothing
By Ole Man Bourbon
June 19, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
I just saw someone play Piano Man the other night. Geez, does that song suck.
By Rick
June 19, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Sweet home ala….Lame song , lame lame band, lame idiots who like it…
By amy
June 19, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Hey John24 : Newsflash, I’m in my 20’s and dig most of these songs/artists. These are classics.
I totally disagree, the Beattles can be played anytime anywhere and is always a crowd pleaser.
But yes, a lot of these are a little slow for the bar (american pie, hotel california, piano man, etc). They are still really great though.
Peace.
By kj
June 19, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
$500 cash to anyone who can sing REM’s “It’s the end of the world as we know it” straight through with zero mistakes. Consolation: $100 if you just know the lyrics.
By Felix
June 19, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Does anyone car to remember a country tune from the early 80’s. I am blank minded about the male artist at present, but the lyrics and thrust of the song went like this…” Me and lil’ Charlotte were close as the angels when they sing just a camping out on the front porch and then came the climax…just aaaahhhhh swinging”. Bad times indeed.
By FCM
June 19, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Ah but the Pina Colada Song, and Why Don’t We Get Drunk are ok for a bar? I mean obviously the Taco folks aren’t looking to eliminate songs due to depression, relevance to drinking etc.
By RJones
June 19, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
the song “Just a swingin” by John Anderson. Next time just google the lyrics.
By JES
June 19, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
John24: We should be at home “raising kids”? What are you, Amish?
By Native Atlantan
June 19, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
“Feelings” didn’t make the list?
By Drunk
June 19, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Does not matter what song you play at a bar. Only booze and women matter.
By golly
June 19, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
If I knew what bar that guy hung out in, Id play all those songs. In a row.
what-ever.
By Sexy1977
June 19, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Everytime I hear “Dont Stop believing” by Journey, I picture Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci making out. it is the best bar song on the list, and the drunker you get, the better the beginning sounds!!!
By Jerk
June 19, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Fantastic! I’m printing this list off, changing a $20 bill into a roll of quarters and hitting the local bars to fill the smokey air with as many of these crappy tunes as are available.
Watch out Atlanta… I could be at a bar near you TONIGHT!!!
By Jason
June 19, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
1? Any Illinois grad will tell you to DIAF.It shall be played, it shall be played at midnight, and it shall be followed by “You Shook Me All Night Long”.
By CBL
June 19, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Anything by Kid Rock does not belong in a good bar. It belongs in a weight room, or at a bar full of losers.
By Richard
June 19, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
I must say that I agreed with most of the negative comments as to why his list had to be made. However, you gotta use the link to read the actual reasons these songs are on the list. Its a hoot!
HolyTacoList
By Veronica
June 19, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Where’s Love Shack?
Oh thats right, its at some other crap hole wannabe karaoke featuring screaming blonde 20 year olds
By Geminate
June 19, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
I think “you are a piece of crap” the “spatula” song and “the star spangled hummer”, should be played everywhere.
By Sherry
June 19, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Cocaine by Clapton!
I used to laugh my ass off when I was at any Air Force Officer’s Club and this song came on. You’d see all these super straight military officers dancing and singing.
shudddder Give me the willies just thinking about it!
By IndianaGrad
June 19, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
at a bar is the only place i WANT to hear most of those songs.
and then play’em loud and sing’em proud
By Bruce S
June 19, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Is CAKE’s version of “I will survive” included in the ban?
By Karl
June 19, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Any Elton John song! Beat the CD player with a sledge hammer.
By Bill
June 19, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
George Jones-Walk trough this world with me go were i go. great bar song. beats the hell of rap
By Sleepy
June 19, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget the BeeGees for disgusting, nauseating ear pain. Just as bad as Elton John…maybe worse.
By Jim P
June 19, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
How much does it cost to play a song on a jukebox these days?
By T
June 19, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Sweet Home Alabama is as overrated as a song can get. They should play it in every bar…in hell.
By John
June 19, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Guaranteed to induce vomiting: “The wind beneath my wings” by Bette Midler.
By stonoguy
June 20, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Who the hell compiled this list? A 15 year old? Whose opinion is this antway? You know what they say about opinion???….this one sure stinks!!!
By modestd
June 20, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
The Finger needs to learn grammar before criticizing anyone.
By mskitty
June 20, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
“Horse With No Name,” as rendered by the unforgettable Bread. (Quick, name one of their other “hits.”) If you have to ask why, you haven’t heard it.
By PR
June 20, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this
‘I write the songs’ by Barry Manilow is the top of any real list.
By Theo
June 20, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this
Okay, folks, let’s show this guy up and get our own list going: Songs to be sung LOUD & PROUD in a bar:
Anything by AC/DC Or The Animals and a lot of stuff by Iced Earth Motorhead “Weird Al” Janis Joplin Saxon and Krokus There Stands The Glass Ferlin Husky Wasn’t That A Party Irish Rovers Bar Room Blitz Sweet Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights) Pat Travers To The Hilt Golden Earring You Got Another Think Coming Judas Priest Manhunt Mudslick (not on YouTube) Cat Scratch Fever Ted Nugent Stranglehold Ted Nugent I Rule The Ruins Warlock/Doro Big City Woman Southgang Contortion Fight Dumb @$$ Country Boy Jackyl and we have to get Uncle Dee (Snider) in this as well: Ready to Fall Widowmaker Iron Road Widowmaker We’re Not Gonna Take It Twisted Sister
Okay, there’s my contribution, for what it’s worth (1/4 cent), it’s your turn to take over…
By BR
June 20, 2008 3:07 AM | Link to this
Brown Eyed Girl - guaranteed to kill any party
By Valarius
June 20, 2008 4:27 AM | Link to this
Pfft.
Let’s put in the Dragonball Z rap sometime. Really p** everyone off.
By Steve
June 20, 2008 6:04 AM | Link to this
Bainbridge GA had Skynyrd and sold very few tickets and lost their shirt in the deal. All you Skynyrd lovers need to deal with reality. I do wonder what songs they think should be played.
By lovelyliz
June 20, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
I love Garth Brooks, but add Friends In Low Places to the list.
By Jerry
June 20, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this
Felix, the song you asked about is “Swingin’” by John Anderson
By daisy
June 20, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
holy taco is really holy doo-doo.If Forrest Gump loves it and can dance to it then it must be great!!!!!
By kindergarten
June 20, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
What’s a jukebox?
By O Lee Reed
June 20, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
I’ll play The Killers whenever the hell I feel like it. Idiot.
By Atlanta Pearl Girl
June 20, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
OK…so if you play Dancing Queen ‘too many times’…. people begin to send hateful glares.
By wanker
June 20, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
“Horse With No Name” is by America, not Bread.
By Rocky
June 20, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
When I worked at a bar the two songs that drove me the most nuts were Free Bird and Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy. Free Bird is a great classic rock song, but when it is played 10 times a night and accompanied by 40 drunks singing along, it gets old fast.
By ms. hoo
June 20, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
I checked out the link - wow, did Sheryl Crow used to look like that? unrecognizable… Most of those songs are ONLY fit to be played in a bar! That’s when people bond over alcohol and cheesiness.
By squeaky
June 20, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
used to hang at a bar that had 2 copies of “Paradise…” in their jukebox. One was scratched and would get stuck, requiring a firm kick to the box. The other was clean. Guess which got played more. Everyone loved to kick that thing.
By reddeth
June 20, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
The band Electric Six has a song of their album “Fire!” titled “Gay Bar”
That needs to be up there.
In fact, it needs to be number 1.
By InspectorG
June 20, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
The absolute worst song in any bar is Mistake No. 3 by the culture club…
The absolute best bar song (to start of finish the night off) is Total Eclipse of the Heart done by the Dan Band (unedited of course)
“I get a little bit nervous when I see that f#$%!&^ look in your eye….”
By Kris
June 20, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
For the most part i have to agree with the list. Especially in regards to Journey. I think I’m the only person that hates that band! Plus, I have to hear that damn song 5 times a night! Ugh!!! Remove it from the playlist!
By WhenIvisitHiltonHead
June 20, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
If you go to the tiki bar at the Holiday Inn in Hilton Head, you will hear everyone of these songs being played by some no-name guitarist.” Now I realize why I dislike that place.
By Tbone
June 20, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Come on people. “The Wreck of the Edmond Fitsgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot should be at the top of the list.
By Omission
June 20, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
The list failed to mention Bon Jovi, “living on a prayer.”
By Bill From Madison, Wi.
June 20, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
I totally disagree with #8 I don’t care how may times I hear this-I still love it!
By Mister Music
June 20, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Definitely, number 7 “Hotel California” has to be moved up to the top of the chart—for that matter any Eagle song. “Blue Collar Man” by Styx should also be added. Oh yeah, add Bryan Adam’s “Summer of 69” as well. I never fail to hear it in any hotel lounge; does anyone realize Adams was still in his diapers in 69?
By Chip
June 21, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
OK, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But, are the people who actually agree to this list being lame, in their early 20s? Give me a break. There is nothing like going to a bar and hearing Sweet Home Alabama and Piano Man. Those are two classic bar songs. Yeah, so you may be considered a redneck, but who cares. I rather hear those than soem of the crap on the radio today. I went into a bar and freaking Miley Cyrus was playing on the jukebox. I had to look around and make sure I didn’t walk into a Chucky Cheese. I wish I could go into more bars and hear Soul Miner’s Daughter, Jennifer Nettles Band, Adam Payne Band, Josh Perkins, and some other Athens musicians. And for the love of everything holy…..NO JOHN MAYER!!! Talking about a sell out!!!
By Chip
June 21, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
OK, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But, are the people who actually agree to this list being lame, in their early 20s? Give me a break. There is nothing like going to a bar and hearing Sweet Home Alabama and Piano Man. Those are two classic bar songs. Yeah, so you may be considered a redneck, but who cares. I rather hear those than soem of the crap on the radio today. I went into a bar and freaking Miley Cyrus was playing on the jukebox. I had to look around and make sure I didn’t walk into a Chucky Cheese. I wish I could go into more bars and hear Soul Miner’s Daughter, Jennifer Nettles Band, Adam Payne Band, Josh Perkins, and some other Athens musicians. And for the love of everything holy…..NO JOHN MAYER!!! Talking about a sell out!!!
By Duane
June 21, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Every jukebox needs the original Mountain Jam by the Allman Brothers. That way, if too many bad songs are coming up, you at least have 33 minutes of Macon’s finest.
By howdy
June 21, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
“Desperado” by the Eagles — yes, let’s just remind bar patrons just how desperate they are to find luuuv….
“Horse with No Name” by ??. This song should never be played ANYWHERE.
“City Love” by John Mayer. Gee, buddy, rub it in, why don’t ya?!
By howdy
June 21, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
“Desperado” by the Eagles — yes, let’s just remind bar patrons just how desperate they are to find luuuv….
“Horse with No Name” by ??. This song should never be played ANYWHERE.
“City Love” by John Mayer. Gee, buddy, rub it in, why don’t ya?!
By Mike_NJ
June 21, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Freebird.
My brother’s birthday last year, he played it every other song for an hour.
By xactlee
June 21, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
You HAVE to go up and click on link to see the reasons for each of these. The imagery is really funny.
By some sense
June 22, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Sixty-three year old rock ‘n roller…gotta weigh in on the worst ever. First of all, gotta agree w/ HwNN, Freebird, and SWA. Best thing about Skynnyrd (sp?) is the joke abouth the name of the band. Wind Beneath My Wings is about as sappy as it gets. Make It w/ You by Bread is a good song. But the two absolute worst are Stairway to Heaven and I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston. Actually, the Dolly Parton (she wrote it) version is a classic, but all that screeching and screaming Houston does sounds like she’s bein’ chased by her ne’er do well husband. Any horrible list has also gotta include Dust in the Wind, Feliz Navidad, and Norman by Sue Thompson.
By Joe
June 22, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
two songs that should be played are Staight to Hell and Honeysuckle Blue. When I was in college we would get so drunk and listen to it over and over. I am sure evryone else who went to college in the South did the same also.
By JW
June 22, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
You - the writer, and you - the comment leavers seem to have nothing else to do with your time (including me right now). Your foul use of language dictates that you are all wasting your enrgies on that which brings you no closer to anything successful than the digital fantatsy of your own MP3 player. God help us.
By wde
June 22, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
I understand the humor that this article is trying to pursue, but it really was a boring read.
I’m really into the cynical, completely blast a subject kind of satire, but I almost fell asleep reading their ideas of what type of people pick which songs.
They wish so badly that they were Maddox.
http://maddox.xmission.com