The Base-on-Balls soundtrack

by Phil Wood

Hey, I like Chuck Berry as much as anyone; check that, I like Chuck probably more than most. He was an inspiration to me as a young guitar player in the 1960's. I've seen him in person a half-dozen times. A true genius of his genre.

Having said all that, I just don't get the playing of the first few bars of his hit "No Particular Place to Go" whenever a Nats' hitter takes a base on balls. I know you've heard it a dozen times: "Ridin' along in my automobile..." with a little guitar riff.

Now, granted, the title of the song might have a tiny association with walking, as in walking with no particular destination in mind. But, you don't hear the title in that few seconds of the tune. And, the hitter has a very specific place in mind as to destiniation.

With all of the great tunes out there that incorporate the word "walk," I'd like to offer a few suggestions:

1. "Walk, Don't Run" by the Ventures. Sure, it's an instrumental, but almost instantly recognizable.
2. "Walk on by" by Dionne Warwick. Gotta throw a female vocal in the mix.
3. "Walk Away" by the James Gang. A true classic.
4. "Walkin' to New Orleans" by Fats Domino. Hey, show the Fat Man some love now and then.
5. "The Walk of Life" by Dire Straits.
6. "Walk Like a Man" by the Four Seasons. A little falsetto never hurt anyone.
and my personal favorite, from 1958,
7. "The Walk" by Jimmy McCracklin. Really a great tune, very infectious, and I believe Jimmy's still with us in case they wanted to have him do the tune live someday. Check it our for yourself: http://popup.lala.com/popup/792915044405001780 . You'll only get the first 30 seconds, but its well worth your time.

I'll revisit the music situation at the Park from time to time in this space. It's a huge topic.

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