Forget cheese steaks, Independence Hall and the Phillies.
Hands down, my favorite thing about Philadelphia is BEN FM. You know, as the slogan goes, “95.7, playing anything we feel like.”
Not sure what they mean? Let me give you 5 of the last songs I heard:
- “Lady Marmalade” – Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, Mya, and Pink
- “Train in Vain” – The Clash
- “It Must have Been Love” – Roxette
- “Hollywood Nights” – Bob Seger
- “A Matter of Trust” – Billy Joel
Now, I acknowledge that Philly may be a far cry from Austin, Texas, as far as music meccas go. The most exciting thing on the Wachovia Center lineup is Coldplay (okay, really it’s the Who, but I don’t have $200) and Trey Anastasio sold out already at the Electric Factory.
But before you pack up your skinny jeans, flannel and Vans and head off to Bonnaroo, Coachella, All Points West or Lollapalooza (too commercial?), I invite you to take a walk down Spruce for a sampling of what I would like to call the “Spruce Street Soundtrack,” featuring three of Penn’s finest establishments and their musical selections.
Whether you’re in the mood to croon drunkenly or listen to a song that takes you right back to elementary school, (Robyn’s “Show Me Love?”) In a span of three blocks I guarantee there’s something for everyone.
First stop: Allegro’s
In keeping with the clientele it serves most weekends between the hours of 12 and 3 a.m., Allegro’s routinely offers up the sweet sounds of frat fave Journey and other similar classic rock gems.
Next up: WaWa
Like you needed another reason to love WaWa? Hits include Annie Lennox’s “Walking on Broken Glass,” Blondie’s “Call Me” and Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby.” Perfect for something to hum while grabbing your morning coffee… or for wallowing in self-pity after a break up.
Final Destination: Savory
While you wait 45 minutes for those chicken fingers, relax on a sticky armchair and get transported to your middle school dance with Hoku’s “Perfect Day” or imagine your perfect life with Taylor Hanson while listening to “MmmBop.”
An RSS feed of The Spin is available
September 19th, 2008 at 12:48 am
hell yeah for the robyn name drop
September 22nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
What’s up with all the Philly hatin’ on The Spin today??? Yes, the music scene here has more to offer than Coldplay, and, no, one shouldn’t be surprised that Ice Cube was playing a concert here. (other blogger). You are forgiven, however, because this is funny.