Saints Soundtrack – Playoffs Edition

In 2013, I did a fairly exhaustive search for the best local songs to replace Atlanta-based Ying Yang Twins Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk) as the Saints’ touchdown song.  VIDEO. I offered links to dozens of videos written and performed by local musicians. The ultimate superfans in my estimation, they pour their team spirit into songs and videos that take money and oodles of time to produce. And they do all this with little chance the music will turn a profit.

But a funny thing happened on the way to the playoffs. The Saints players have taken over the soundtrack inside the Superdome. In particular, carpool mates Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara along with Michael Thomas have fallen in love with old New Orleans rap and the crowds in the Dome couldn’t be happier. Apparently, Ingram introduced Kamara to the songs and artists while driving. When the three danced to Choppa’s 2003 local hit Choppa Style, the Superdome went bananas.
The moment went viral nationwide.

Saints Soundtrack – My Pick

I’ve been searching for a new Saints anthem to replace the Ying Yang Twins Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk) since pre-season when it became obvious the rumors were true – getting Crunk is on its way out at the Superdome. I scoured the web for a song as inspirational to fans and the team (and as menacing for the opposition) as Halftime. I wanted the song to be by locals and have horns, Who Dats, a universal dance beat and something to chant. After presenting over a dozen options in my posts Saints Soundtrack and Saints Soundtrack Vol. 2, I have found my very clear winner.

Saints Soundtrack Vol. 2

First of all – Who Dat?!? Not that any of it counts, but the Saints are 3-0 so far this preseason. With all those touchdowns, I’m sad to say it seems the Superdome is replacing the Ying Yang Twins Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk) as our Saints touchdown anthem in the Superdome. In my last post, I suggested a few alternatives as well as providing some context for the types of songs Saints fans and players seem to respond to. At the beginning of every game in the Dome, Saints fans get to relive the first game in the Dome after the Storm. Green Day and U2 were joined by New Birth, Rebirth and Trombone Shorty for their energizing The Saints Are Coming. It fills me with pride and gets me in the mood for victory every time.

Saints Soundtrack

It’s preseason and the city is unfurling Who Dat Nation flags, dusting off… Oh let’s face it – this city is year-round ready for a Saints game. We don’t have to dust off a dang thing. But the new season is bringing changes. Like every team, we have some new guys and we lost some old favorites. Friday, I got to hear the leader of the “12th Man,” our MC Jerry Romig announce his last game. He has been on that mic 44 of the 46 years the Saints have been around and announced 445 games. His son will take the reigns. With Romig, they seem to have retired one of my favorite things about going to the Superdome – getting Crunk after a touchdown.

The Saints, live and in person!

Like most Americans, I’ve never been to the Superdome and associate it with the debacle that was Katrina. Sunday, I geared up for yet another game day in the French Quarter. Saints earrings, shirt and slippers – check. Cable working – check. Who Dat spirit – check!

At 1 pm, I asked who was playing and when I heard it was Seattle, I checked my email to see if my friend, who’s involved with the team, was in town for the game at 3 pm. Unfortunately, no, but he’d left 2 tickets for me at will call.

Belladonna Spa day

Today, I enjoyed the luxury of Belladonna Day Spa and Retail Therapy on Magazine Street. I’ve been privileged to visit spas in Los Angeles and a couple other cities but had no idea what to expect. Turns out spas are fairly universal. The biggest difference was probably the large gift and body care storefront. There’s even a section for pet care and green cleaning supplies.

If God is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise

I’d set my TIVO to record part 1 of “If God is Willing and da Creek Don’t  Rise,” Spike Lee’s follow-up to his documentary, “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.” But, the bar where my newspaper, NOLA Defender, holds its weekly meetings (don’t judge) hosted a viewing of the special for those who don’t have HBO in their homes. As we were meeting, I noticed the bar filling up far more than usual, then the music shut off and we all turned to watch Phyllis Montana LeBlanc’s impassioned outcry.