The Northeast Region: Deconstructed | Playlist

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Following ‘An Unorthodox Soundtrack to the United States,’ we deconstruct the huge list by region, starting with The Northeast Region.

On July 3, 2020, I published a gargantuan list, An Unorthodox Soundtrack to the United States.  This list featured one song representing each state, and some ‘extras’ you might say.  Even with the entire list being robust, more individual facts and commentary could’ve been included.  Honestly, as I spent a couple of days assembling An Unorthodox Soundtrack to the United States, part of me wanted to release it in parts, say by regions. The five regions of the United States, of course, are Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, and West.  However, at the same time, I wanted the list to be released for the 4^th of July 2020, a goal I made.

But still, there’s so much more that can be said about individual states, so, why not go for a deconstruction of the gargantuan list? Since 4^th of July 2020 is past, there’s no rush to publish – we only have time on our hands! Since I’ve never done this before, I’ll be breaking down a playlist into sections, releasing those sections as separate, more in-depth, more insightful playlists – or something like that.  Since An Unorthodox Soundtrack to the United States is already divided by regions, that’s how the deconstructions will be divided.  First on the docket: The Northeast.

The Northeast region is comprised of nine states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.  Yes, there are a couple of nearby states that could’ve been lumped in with these states– Maryland and Delaware namely – but they will remain within the southeastern region.  So, if you’re feeling as nerdy as I am, and you’re ready to tackle some geography, trivia, and random AF commentary, join me on this ride with The Northeast Region: Deconstructed!

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1. Connecticut:

Emma Charles, “Connecticut”

Connecticut (EP) • Resilience Music Alliance LLC • 2020

Westport, CT folk/pop singer/songwriter Emma Charles tackles the oft-neglected state of Connecticut on her song, “Connecticut” which appears on her 2020 EP, also entitled, Connecticut.  Man, that’s a lot of – wait for it – CONNECTICUT!

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Fun Fact: Per 50 States, the Praying Mantis is the CT state insect.

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3 more CONNECTICUT songs to check out:

Apathy, “Connecticut Casual” (Ft. Chris Webby, Kappa Gamma, Anoyd & Hayze)

Connecticut Casual, 2014 [Dirty Version LLC]

Ben Folds, “Kylie from Connecticut”

Way to Normal, 2008 [Sony BMG Music Entertainment]

Jesus H Christ and the Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse, “Connecticut’s for F*cking”

Jesus H Christ and the Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse, 2006 [Jesus H Christ and the Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse]

“Connecticut’s for fucking
That’s all there is to do
I love to listen to classic rock
And have sex with you.”

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✓ Good Beat: The basketball program at the University of Connecticut (UConn) has had massive success.  The men’s basketball team has won four national titles (1999, 2004, 2011, 2014). Jim Calhoun is responsible for the first three men’s titles (1999, 2004, and 2011) while Kevin Ollie is responsible for the unlikely run the team made as an unheralded 7 seed in 2014.  Worth noting, Ollie is only the fourth African American coach to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament following in the footsteps of John Thompson (1984, Georgetown), Nolan Richardson (1994, Arkansas), and Tubby Smith (1998, Kentucky).

The women have been dominant under Geno Auriemma, winning 11 national titles including four-straight between 2012 – 2016.

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✗ Bad Beat: Admittedly, I’m no UConn Men’s basketball fan because they are one of few teams with a winning record against my Kentucky Wildcats, but that’s not the actual bad beat.  The bad beat for the state? The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that occurred in Newtown Connecticut in December 2012  [ Newtown: An American Tragedy by Matthew Lysiak]. That’s much worse than the UK loss to UConn three separate times in the NCAA Tournament.  Also, Jesus H Christ and the Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse aren’t exactly enthused about the state as there’s only one thing to do apparently…

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2. Maine:

The Tragic Thrills, “Maine”

On Florence Street • The Tragic Thrills • 2017

“I think we should sell our home and move up to Maine / On an inlet that looks toward the bay.” The Tragic Thrills take the time to characterize the state of Maine on “Maine” from their 2017 album, On Florence Street.  “Maine” seems to contain an element of escapism.

“So, I’m buying a house in Maine
Where the ground takes May to thaw out
And Canada’s a thirty-minute drive.”

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3 Fun Facts: Via Visit Maine:

The state animal is the moose.

It’s the only state with one syllable.

The only state with just one other state bordering it – New Hampshire.

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3 more MAINE songs to check out:

Noah Kahan, “Maine”

Cape Elizabeth, 2020 [Republic] 

“I’ll miss this place, your head and your heart
And my dad still tells me when they’re playing your songs
Laughing at the way
That you would say
‘If only, baby, there were cameras in the traffic lights
They’d make me a star
They’d make me a star’
I wanna go to Maine…”

Donovan Woods, “Portland, Maine”

Hard Settle, Ain’t Troubled, 2016 [Meant Well]

Spose, “The King of Maine”

Peter Sparker, 2013 [Preposterously Dank Entertainment]

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✓ Good Beat:  As a person who has never been to Maine, it certainly looks a like a beautiful state that is far different from my home state, Kentucky.

✗ Bad Beat: While Maine didn’t totally mess up the 2016 election, most of us would’ve appreciated had all 4 electoral votes went to Hillary Clinton as opposed to only 3, ugh!

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3. Massachusetts:

Bee Gees, “Massachusetts”

Timeless – The All-Time Greatest Hits • Capitol • 2017

One of the classic songs referencing the state of Massachusetts arrives in the hands of one of pop’s iconic bands, Bee Gees.  “Massachusetts” appeared on one of the collective’s pre-disco albums, Horizons, released in 1968 (their fourth album overall, second released internationally).  According to the band, “And Massachusetts is one place I have seen / I will remember Massachusetts.”

“And the lights all went out down in Massachusetts
The day I left her standing on her own.”

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5 more MASSACHUSETTS songs to check out:

Aaron Lewis, “Town Line”

Town Line, 2011 [Ricky Jimmy, LLC]

Dropkick Murphys, “The State of Massachusetts”

The Meanest of Times, 2007 [Born & Bred] 

Handsome Ghost, “Massachusetts”

“Massachusetts,” 2020 [Photo Finish]

“I’ll go back to Massachusetts
Find myself a house with a backyard
I wonder how you do it
Reading back a note I stumbled on
You signed your name in lower case
Like you have since eighteen
And you wrote that you and I would never change
Then we changed completely.”

Ra Ra Riot, “Massachusetts”

The Orchard, 2010 [Barsuk]

Silverstein, “Massachusetts”

This is How the Wind Shifts, 2013 [Hopeless]

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✓ Good Beat: Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach John Calipari began his ascent in the coaching ranks at UMass, with the 1995-96 season being one for the ages.  That team, led by Marcus Camby, went 35-2, spent multiple weeks at no. 1 in the AP Poll, ultimately falling to Kentucky 81-74 in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.  Worth noting, UMass actually defeated Rick Pitino’s top-ranked Wildcats 92-82 on November 28, 1995.

Okay, I know I got carried away with college basketball.  I guess I should mention education, specifically Harvard.   Also, while I’m going gaga over one UMass season, what about those Boston Celtics?

✗ Bad Beat:  Going back to college basketball, the UMass Men’s Basketball story doesn’t end triumphantly. The Final Four appearance of the greatest season of UMass basketball was vacated, so that sucks.  Bigger, however, is the fact that the program has never been the same since John Calipari left.

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4. New Hampshire:

Sorry Ghost, “New Hampshire”

The Morning After • Helpless • 2020

The Morning After marks the debut album of Louisiana pop-punk band, Sorry Ghost (Daniel Anton, Matthew Polito, and Tyler Hernandez). “New Hampshire” appears as the 7^th track.

The band discusses the significance of “New Hampshire” via IG:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sorry Ghost (@sorryghostband)

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3 NH Facts: Via Visit New Hampshire:

New Hampshire was one of the 13 original colonies, becoming the 9^th state in 1788.

The state amphibian is the red-spotted newt.

NH summers are short and cool, while winters are long and cold.

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3 more NEW HAMPSHIRE songs to check out:

Matt Pond PA, “New Hampshire”

Emblems, 2004 [Altitude] 

Sonic Youth, “New Hampshire”

Sonic Nurse, 2004 [Geffen]

“B.B. King just turns on
The New Hampshire boys
Steve and Joe
Have gone beyond
Doing it for life.”

Town Meeting, “New Hampshire”

“New Hampshire,” 2017 [Town Meeting]

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✓ Good Beat: New Hampshire, a presidential election swing state, went democratic in 2016.  Way to resist NH.

✗ Bad Beat: The resistance wasn’t enough in 2016, unfortunately.

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5. New Jersey:

Culture, “4 AM in New Jersey”

4 AM in New Jersey (EP) • Culture • 2020

So, we soundtrack New Jersey with the song “4 AM in New Jersey” by hip-hop artist, Culture.  If you are unfamiliar with him, well, that’s because he is – at least as of publication – an up-and-coming artist. So, yeah, there’s not that much info, but the NJ song speaks for itself, and it’s a vibe…

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3 more NEW JERSEY songs to check out:

Marietta, “No God in New Jersey”

As it Were, 2015 [Marietta]

“I’ve been toeing the line of daylight
Indifference’s shine is too bright
I wonder on and on
And I could never see you for the tree line
Covering Jersey’s outline...” 

Senses Fail, “New Jersey Makes, The World Takes”

If There is Light, It Will Find You, 2018 [Pure Noise]

Taking Back Sunday, “Timberwolves at New Jersey”

Tell All Your Friends, 2002 [Concord Bicycle Assets, LLC]

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✓ Good Beat: New Jersey isn’t a basketball powerhouse, when it comes to college or the pros.  That said, Seton Hall has been on the upswing since 2015, including wins over two prestigious college basketball programs: at Louisville (79-77) in 2017, and in a neutral site game with my beloved Wildcats (84-83 OT).  That said, while Kevin Willard finally has the program rolling after a mediocre start, PJ Carlesimo nearly willed the 1988-89 team to a National Championship, falling to Michigan in a dramatic championship game, 80-79 OT. I suppose I could mention Rutgers, if only because the 2019-20 season marked the best I’ve seen during my lifetime.  Let’s change gears and shout out Jersey celebs: Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Meryl Streep, Joe Pesci…

✗ Bad Beat: Rutgers has been a hot mess in Men’s basketball for some time and lacks a prestigious history.  Personally, as someone who has not been to New Jersey, I’m not sold on it best on portrayals I’ve seen via TV… just keeping it 100. Also, Check out the video ↓

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6. New York:

The Strokes, “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus”

The New Abnormal • RCA • 2020

“Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” arrives as the third track on The New Abnormal, the sixth studio album by The Strokes. The groove is ‘on 10’ to say the least.  The synths are prominent during the verses, bringing a disco, new wave vibe. The guitars dominate on the chorus, providing a stark contrast, yet remaining characteristic of the 80s inspired sounds. Julian Casablancas informs us he’s hearkening back to the 80s in various instances, whether it’s “And the 80s song, yeah, how did it go?” or “And the 80s bands? Oh, where did they go?”

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5 more NEW YORK songs to check out:

Billy Joel, “New York State of Mind”

Turnstiles, 1976 [Columbia]

Beastie Boys, “No Sleep Til Brooklyn”

Licensed to Ill, 1986 [Def Jam]

Frank Sinatra, “Theme from New York, New York”

Ultimate Sinatra, 2015 [Universal Music Enterprises]

“Start spreadin’ the news
I’m leavin’ today
I want to be a part of it
New York, New York.” 

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind”

Blueprint 3, 2009 [Roc Nation]

Jon Bellion, “New York Soul – Pt. ii”

The Human Condition, 2016 [Capitol]

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✓ Good Beat: Well, the state is truly a representation of America’s melting pot, which is hella cool.  Also, when you think of New York, there’s just a sense of culture, the potential for dreams to come true, and definitely a different way of life for those who haven’t experienced it. 

✗ Bad Beat: I could mention that a certain president is from the state, but as I did in AN UNORTHODOX SOUNDTRACK TO THE UNITED STATES, I’ll reserve my political opinions. September 11, 2001 was a horrible day for all Americans.  No further explanation needed in the least.  But, I do think that it’s worth mentioning serial killer David Berkowitz, better known as Son of Sam.  Not a good moment for the state…

Songs About or Inspired by the Son of Sam | Playlist

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7. Pennsylvania:

Bruce Springsteen, “Streets of Philadelphia”

Greatest Hits • Bruce Springsteen • 1995

Bruce Springsteen scored massive success with “Streets of Philadelphia” (Philadelphia) winning four Grammys (including Song of the Year) and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.  Philadelphia itself is one of the first cities that comes to mind when referencing the state of Pennsylvania.

“I walked the avenue, ‘til my legs felt like stone
I heard the voices of friends vanished and gone
At night I could hear the blood in my veins
It was just as black and whispering as the rain
On the Streets of Philadelphia.”

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3 more songs to check out about Philly:

Daryl Hall & John Oates, “Fall in Philadelphia”

Whole Oats, 1972 [Atlantic] 

Elton John, “Philadelphia Freedom”

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, 1975 [Mercury]

“‘Cause I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom
From the day that I was born, I’ve waved the flag
Philadelphia freedom took me knee – high to a man, yeah
Gave me peace of mind my daddy never had.”

Musiq Soulchild, “Ms. Philadelphia”

Luvanmusiq, 2007 [Atlantic]

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✓ Good Beat: That Philly soul sound – timeless! The music is lit!

Also, Pennsylvania does pretty well when it comes to sports.  Villanova has been one of the college basketball teams to beat, particularly between 2013 – 2020 with an overall record of 215-38. That’s an 85% winning percentage!  During that span, Villanova won two national championships, including the thrilling 2016 buzzer beating win over North Carolina 77-74. But, what about the pro football? Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles… Plenty for fans to cheer for!

✗ Bad Beat: Pennsylvania – what the    happened with the state during the Election of 2016?  My, my, my oh my!  Donald Trump turned the state red for the first time since 1988.  Ugh!

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8. Rhode Island:

Blossom Dearie, “Rhode Island is Famous for You”

Soubrette Sings Broadway Hit Songs • The Verve Music Group • 1960

Blossom Dearie  (1924 – 2009) is noted as a legendary jazz singer, songwriter, and pianist.  On AN UNORTHODOX SOUNDTRACK TO THE UNITED STATES, she gives us the rare song that even references the small state of Rhode Island.  Rhode Island is lucky enough to be the only state cited in the title “Rhode Island is Famous for You,” but, the song mentions numerous other states, as you can see in the lyrics excerpted below.

“Copper comes from Arizona
Peaches come from Georgia
And lobsters come from Maine
The wheat fields are the sweet fields of Nebraska
And Kansas gets bonanzas from the grain
Old whiskey comes from old Kentucky
Ain’t the country lucky
New Jersey gives us glue
And you, you come from Rhode Island
And little old Rhode Island is famous for you.”

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3 RHODE ISLAND Facts: [Per 50states.com]

Rhode Island NEVER ratified the 18^th amendment prohibition.

Home to the first circus in the U.S. back in 1774.  Been a while, hasn’t it?

The state is known for silverware and fine jewelry making.

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5 more RHODE ISLAND songs to check out:

The Front Bottoms, “Rhode Island”

The Front Bottoms, 2011 [Bar None]

Kevin Devine, “Rhode Island”

Devinyl Splits Vol. 2: Kevin Devine and Friends, 2019 [Bad Timing / Devinyl] 

*The Front Bottoms cover

Lil B, “Rhode Island”

The Hunchback of BasedGod, 2019 [Basedworld]

“Rhode Island!
Shout out Rhode Island!”

Ike & Tina Turner, “Sweet Rhode Island Red”

Best of / Proud Mary, 1991 [Capitol]

The Weekend Run Club, “Rhode Island”

Zoo, 2020 [The Weekend Run Club]

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✓ Good Beat: Tired of college basketball references? Get over it! Two-time NCAA Title-winning coach Rick Pitino took Providence College on an unlikely Final Four run in 1987 (Yes, the 2013 title with Louisville was vacated, but wasn’t a game still played?). Also, worth noting, a member of that squad was future Two-time winning title coach Billy Donovan, who coaches the Oklahoma City Thunder as of publication.  Ed Cooley has had success with the Big East school that beyond that Final Four run, has limited history.   Beyond Providence, there are only three other Division-1 schools in the state: Rhode Island (which has an Elite-8 Cinderella run), Brown, and Bryant.

 

✗ Bad Beat: Well, Rhode Island only has 3 electoral votes… That’s all I’ve got.

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9. Vermont:

Fail Better, Heal Faster, “Vermont”

Fail Better, Heal Faster • Fail Better, Heal Faster • 2017 

While the song “Vermont” by Fail Better, Heal Faster is intriguing, perhaps it’s the temporariness of the duo itself that’s more intriguing.  Basically, Fail Better, Heal Faster was a one-time project, and aside for the embedded site, well, there’s no other socials.  So, there it is.  As far as Vermont songs go, “Vermont” is one of the few about the state, and, Lou Diamond and Sam Becht at least name it within the lyrics of the song. That’s a win Vermont!

“I wanna move to Vermont, where I don’t know anyone
Stick my head in the sand
And wait for the planet to explode or take me instead...”

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3 VERMONT Facts:

1.According to Mental Floss, Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the U.S..

2.Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the US. (Mental Floss).

3.Until 1995, Vermont was the only state without a Wal-Mart – WHOA! (Seattle Times)

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3 more VERMONT songs to check out:

Cursive, “Vermont”

Such Blinding Stars for Starving Eyes, 1997 [Cursive]

“Driving through Vermont
Overwhelmed by the insignificance
My conscience was my crutch
For a heightened existence
This other wordliness.”

Frank Sinatra, “Moonlight in Vermont”

Come Fly with Me, 1958 [Capitol]

Ripto, “Vermont”

Vermont (EP), 2019 [Kulis Productions Inc.]

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✓ Good Beat: Well, “Moonlight in Vermont” has been covered countless times…

✗ Bad Beat: Per Urban Dictionary, an incredibly reliable source, Vermont is “a state with not much at all. Lots of trees, and that’s it. Kind of boring.

And with that, we end The Northeast (Deconstructed). That was a quite a ride wasn’t it?

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The Northeast Region: Deconstructed    [Photo Credits: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Unsplash]

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