Five Songs About Drinking: Music to Get Drunk to, Part I.

Written by  //  September 21, 2007  //  The Conservatory  //  7 Comments

Esteemed Ph.D. of Listology Professor Honeydew presents a symposium on…

Five Songs About Drinking: Music to Get Drunk to, Part I.

You drink too much. Admit it, it’s true. Maybe you’re not an alcoholic per se, but if you stopped drinking tomorrow you would probably die within a week of malnutrition. It’s okay though: admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. The second step? Getting drunk to these songs. Part II coming next Friday–click on the song titles to download an MP3 while they last…


Oasis 1: Oasis “Cigarettes and AlcoholDefinitely Maybe - 1994In the history of plagiarism, few bands can compete with Oasis for number of riffs copped, and within their own personal history of thievery, there is arguably no better Oasis reappropriation than the blatant T. Rex aping on “Cigarettes and Alcohol.” One of the standout tracks from Oasis’ brilliant debut, this track exudes the rock and roll swagger accompanying the best drinking binges. The title says it all.
Dwayne Sodahberk 2: Dwayne Sodahberk “Whiskey Eyes” – Cut Open – 2006Without being exactly sure what “whiskey eyes” are, it’s probably safe to say that this song sounds a little like looking out at the world through them. Sodahberk channels a little bit of Thom Yorke on this track (but does so to great effect) and straddles the line between electronic chirps and indie guitar work.
Jackie Mittoo 3: Jackie Mittoo “Dry Wine-Wishbone – 1971Jackie Mittoo first earned his rep as young phenom organist by being a staple in the legendary Studio One session band in mid ’60s Jamaica. However, his prowess extended far beyond the confines of rocksteady and early reggae, as this track from 1971 shows. “Dry Wine” is a sweeping soul rave up, appropriate for your more theatrical moments of inebriation.
Jackie Mittoo 4: Ballboy “I Wonder If You’re Drunk Enough To Sleep With Me TonightA Guide for the Daylight Hours – 2003There’s always hope. Really, this is a song about hope, hope in the form of wishing that the foxy lady or fella you’re out at the bar with is so far gone that they’ll exercise the poor judgment of sleeping with you. Ballboy is always a blast, their lyricism painfully true (this is the band who popularized a song called “Sex Is Boring,” after all), and this track shows them in top form.
The Rosebuds 5: The Rosebuds “Drunkard’s Worst NightmareMake Out – 2003Something about this song is half-drunk, though what it is precisely escapes me. Maybe it has to do with the sluggish opening or the sudden rousing or the refrain of “whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh yeah.” In any event, it’s a great song to drink to and, as an added bonus, it’s about an alcoholic. Well there you go!

About the Author

Professor Honeydew is an esteemed Ph.D. (Dr. of Listology), espouser of unpopular culture, cognac enthusiast, and the founder/curator of the acclaimed One Track Mind.

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7 Comments on "Five Songs About Drinking: Music to Get Drunk to, Part I."

  1. Angora September 21, 2007 at 9:50 am · Reply

    My vote goes for E-40′s “Carlos Rossi” – Top of the line wine!

  2. Toastface Killah September 21, 2007 at 11:07 am · Reply

    I like that Jackie Mittoo appears to be drinking in his photo. He’s so much cooler than all of those rocker kids.

  3. Turtle September 21, 2007 at 11:57 am · Reply

    Who else is already drunk?!

  4. Chet Rockwell September 21, 2007 at 2:05 pm · Reply

    anyone who drank the bath milk. that’s who.

  5. Anonymous September 23, 2007 at 6:16 pm · Reply

    See also: “Got It Bad Y’all” by King Tee feat. Tha Alkaholiks. “What’s your favorite brew? Old E! What it make ya do? Go pee!”

  6. Sid Pink September 24, 2007 at 2:19 pm · Reply

    I know more of this list is coming; but must throw in a few gems – notably “Gotta Get Drunk” by George Jones & Willie Nelson – which rattles all too true in its throwaway rollicking – and again, on the Willie tip: his “Whiskey River” makes for a ride.
    Try also “I’m Ready” by The Red Devils – not really a song *about* boozing; but sweet christ, you can feel the spirit of intoxication with every pulse – it practically makes you *feel* drunk [and fiesty] right away.

  7. Erin Co-conspirator September 25, 2007 at 7:50 pm · Reply

    “PINT OF GUINESS MAKE YOU STRONG” by Against Me!

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