Here Come the Hawks

I have jumped on the Chicago Blackhawks bandwagon in a big way. There are three reasons I love watching them that have nothing to do with how awesome they have been on the ice this season. In fact, all three reasons are about music.

1. Opera singer Jim Cornelison has become the regular belter of the National Anthem, and he whips the crowd into a frenzy as the 20,500 fans cheer on top of their lungs during the entire song. It sends chills and intimidates the hell out of the opposition. This is truly one of the greatest traditions in sports. This clip can't do the spectacle justice, but you'll get the idea.

2. Even though the band's latest didn't quite live up to the hype, The Fratellis album 'Costello Music' was one of my favorites from 2006, and "Chelsea Dagger" has gone on to become one of the best party songs of the decade. Most of you know this one from the popular Amstel Light commercial, but Hawks fans know this one because it blares through the United Center after the good guys score a goal. "Duh-duh-duh, duh-duh-duh..."

3. Nothing warms the cockles of my heart quite like an old '60s fight song, and the Hawks have one of the best. It sounds particularly good right now as they take on the Original 6 rival Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals. There is plenty of room on this bandwagon. Listen to these gems and commit to the Indian.

The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger (mp3)
Here Come the Hawks (mp3)