Spread the Social Love:
As an editor at AltSounds, I’m exposed to an sheer amount of classics, and well, some not so memorable tracks, and it boggles my mind how event directors who take control of huge events such as the Olympics load their MP3 players with 5 tracks and press the repeat button. I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 songs I’d love to see used this summer during the hockey coverage, and after playing hockey for over a decade, both at Lancaster University and with my home club Ardudwy in North Wales, I’ve racked up plenty of memories and witnessed an incredible amount of pitch stories, so here’s a soundtrack to go along with typical hockey eventualities.
I originally wrote this article for PUSH Magazine, which is set for publication next week (starting July 16th), but due to the interactivity of our awesome Spotify playlist feature, I changed it up a little as some of the original tracks weren't available. So, get a copy of PUSH Magazine to see the original tracks too!
Pre-Match // Nneka – Heartbeat
This is an absolute classic that surfaced in 2008, and proved to catapult Chase and Status, the remixers responsible for its vast success, into the mainstream spotlight. The way the track builds up towards a powerful chorus, with heart-beating bass, constant force and a surge that ebbs and flows maximises that butterfly feeling you get before a big match.
Coin Toss // Hadouken – Declaration of War
Both armies are on the battlefield with weapons at hand, and with the mutual understanding that over the next 70 minutes, no prisoners will be taken. The coin toss is that unnerving few minutes before the unleashing of pure need to win is erupted onto the astro, and fight for victory will commence. It really is the calm before the storm.
Goal // Blur – Song 2
I couldn’t think of a more fitting song to celebrate getting that ball into the net. With Blur’s euphoria blasting out of the speakers, this track would surely emphasise the passion which emanates from both the goal scorer and all members of the team, off and on the field, when you manage to out-skill the rival team. Woohoo!
Dirty Play // Young O – Never Back Down
It’s inevitable that there will be a few elbows and slight shoulder barging taking place during the enveloping of the hockey story. With such intense desire to win, common sense goes out of the window whilst you strive to win that ball. Whether you’re defending or attacking, it’s important to never back down.
Going 1 Goal Down // Sleigh Bells – Come Back Kid
No one ever likes to be in this situation, where you need 2 goals to win, and at least 1 to get back level. It’s a massive psychological test, but with sure determination and belief, then you will overcome this and prove yourselves to be comeback kids.
Yellow Card // Madness– Shut Up
So that dirty play has been taken to the next level and a foul has been issued by the umpire. You believe you’re in the wrong yet the umpire is not backing down and displays a yellow card. Madness’ ‘Shut Up’ conveys the whole ‘wasn’t me’ scenario we see in so many games these days and displays the emotions felt by the player who suffers from wrong-doing.
Half Time // Kanye West – Power
That half time whistle has proven to be such an important break for both teams. It’s a time to rejuvenate, rehydrate and reiterate the plans the captains explained before push back. Motivation is restored as the team as a whole offer advice and the search for the power inside to continue is found.
Impressive Skills // 2 Unlimited – Tribal Dance
We all love it when you do a fancy trick or two and it actually pays off. Even though you might not have a smile on your face physically, inside you’re beaming. The sense of knowing you’ve done something pretty darn swish inspires you to play even better and build upon your epic skill platform. 2 Unlimited is the techno trance legend from the early 90’s, and what better to have a soundtrack to a hugely show off display of skillz than a tune from the people who brought us the Space Jam anthem ‘Get Ready For This’.
Defeat // Gym Class Heroes – The Fighter
No one likes to lose, especially if you feel you’ve been robbed an important win, but to be fair, it’s an occurrence in sports on a regular basis. You need to wipe the sand from your kit, lose graciously and think towards the next match and become The Fighter that Gym Class Heroes have portrayed in their latest song.
Winning // Fort Minor – Remember the Name
Well, not much beats that feeling, does it? A layer of arrogance intertwined with joy settles as the final whistle blows and you know that you’ve played well and was part of the success story that just unfolded. People will remember the name of the team who won, maybe not exactly how it was done, but the name will be remembered, especially if it was an important match.
