Pitchers and Catchers Report

Aaaaah, the most magical phrase in the English language. Pitchers and catchers report. The start of Spring Training. "Let there be dancing in the streets, drinking in the saloons, and necking in the parlor." When the promise of the green blanket of summer beckons, and a World Series is ours for the taking. Hot dogs and slightly cold beer. Crackerjacks, peanuts, and a walk-off home run. Bases loaded, 2 outs, 2 strikes, 3 balls, Mark Prior versus Albert Pujols. Wrigley frickin' Field. Thousands of fans drunkenly channelling Harry Caray on "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". TV's ok. Radio's better. Being there in the ballpark? Perfect. God, I love baseball. And this is definately the Cubs years. Definately. Without a doubt. I'm pretty sure. Maybe. Errr...

Hey, congrats, Red Sox fans. It's our turn now.

So. Two dandy tunes about Baseball.

The Guided By Voices (see, I do listen to indie pop once in a while) tune is one of those perfect Bob Pollard moments. Just Bob on acoustic guitar conjuring lost snatches of time. Me and my dad driving home, after watching Willie Stargell hit 2 home runs to beat the Reds at Three Rivers Stadium.

The Marah tune is kind of an adult version of the same theme. And they talked Phillies' announcing great Harry Kalas into doing the intro. This is from Marah's first album, Let's Cut the Crap and Hook Up Later on Tonight", a finer slab of gritty Philly country punk soul you're not likely to find.

Guided By Voices: Look It's Baseball (mp3)

Marah: Rain Delay (mp3)

If you have enough dough after buying baseball tickets, and enjoy the bands, please consider buying from yr local independent rekkid store, or direct from the artist. If not, please sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame as loud as you can in public places. Make your co-workers join you.