It Doesn't Matter The Time Or Place, 'My Own Worst Enemy' By Lit Is The Best Cover Band Song At The Bar
Do a solid and listen to my friend and co-worker Joey's show and you'll really understand why we're debating this. It all started when we were out on Wednesday and a cover band was playing. There are few things I love like 1) listing things 2) cover bands and 3) bars. Combine the three and buddy, we're onto something. But as they were playing Mr. Brightside I looked at Joey and said, here's your top-5 list for this week. Best cover band songs. Every single person has a different list. Every single person has a different style or song that they like. That's what makes this damn near impossible.
But there must be a winner. For me it's pretty close to a no-brainer. It's all about what gets the people going. What's a song that no matter the time of the night, no matter the type of bar, people will shimmy to it. It could be a toe tap or a head nod, but there is a shimmy. That's why it's Lit's 'My Own Worst Enemy.'
Is it my favorite song? Absolutely not. But that's not the debate here. It's what do I want to hear when I'm sitting or standing at a bar. It's one of those songs that just puts me in a good mood and for whatever reason more drinking happens right after this song hits. There's just something about the guitar riff at the beginning. Everyone hears it, knows the song and you can physically see people cracking a smile. So much so that even Pup Punk recognizes the greatness of it all.
Rounding out my top-5?
Sister Hazel - All For You
You know the words. It's a song that everyone will sing along to.
Hootie and the Blowfish - Only Wanna Be With You
Yeah it's 90s heavy, so be it. I love(d) the 90s. Again, another song that everyone knows the words to and you get a little more uptempo with this.
Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe
You could argue this is the catchiest song of all-time, at least the last decade. It's hit or miss though. You need the right cover band with this one. It's a bit controversial to have it this high, but I stand by it. When it hits, it HITS.
The Killers - Mr. Brightside
The Tim Duncan of cover band songs. Fundamental, you know what you're getting, gotta have it on the list. This is a song that again can be played at any point in the night and you're going to get people dancing and singing.
What didn't make the cut though? Like I said, everyone is going to have a song that is different. I almost threw in the Fresh Prince theme song - cover band at MLT's always plays it and it slaps. Wonderwall from Two Keys in the mid-2000s was must listen. Things like that just stay with you years down the road. Wagon Wheel at Kentucky when you can hit a solid "FUCK' during the pause right before Tennessee. Callin Baton Rouge was the toughest one for me to leave off though. You really only hear that in the South and you gotta have it set up right. Most cover bands can't play that one.