A Music Swap Unlike Any Other
Dead and Co., Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, The Poets of Rhythm, and The Ballroom Thieves
“When you see me tee up, you'd better step aside
A lot of men didn't, a lotta men died
I hook it to the left, I shank it to the right
I'll be looking for my ball until the dark of the night “
-John Denver
A few of our Swappers also enjoy some time out on the golf course. This week, we are focused on songs that belong on a good golf playlist. On top of that, our Bonus Track this week is written by a Georgia boy who reminds us why it’s the best week of the year. Welcome to a Music Swap Unlike Any Other.
“Here Comes Sunshine” by Dead and Company and “Blue Sky” by Allman Brothers Band (Mat)
The Masters is the gateway to my favorite parts of the year. I am itching to get in a good golf groove by the time Sunday rolls around. I chose these two songs because they transport me to a tee box on a beautiful day at Fripp Island. I’ll go jump in the pool with my kids after the round. We’ll boil shrimp later. Life is good. I love what John Mayer does on “Here Comes Sunshine” so I went with the Dead and Co. version. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with the Allman Brothers during Masters Week. Both songs transport me. Both songs are perfect on a golf playlist. Speaking of, I must admit that I have had to come around a little on the idea of a golf playlist. The whole thing is growing on me. In 2019, I tweeted this: “This is a very ‘you kids get off my lawn’ type opinion, but I absolutely loathe folks blaring music from a Bluetooth speaker on the golf course. Believe it or not, I don’t want to hear “Smooth” by Santana ft. Rob Thomas at 120 decibels in the middle of my backswing.” We are including a playlist this week that you won’t need to be ashamed of, but still keep things at a respectable volume…
“Amen” by Otis Redding (Adam)
When it comes to choosing which Masters coverage to watch, my top pick is always Amen Corner. It presents a challenging sequence of holes, particularly the pivotal shot on the 12th over Rae's Creek, where fortunes can be made or lost. Witnessing Tiger Woods pull ahead as his rivals faltered into the creek was a memorable moment, and watching most competitors tackle this exhilarating three-hole stretch is always a highlight. As I settle in for my preferred viewing experience, I opt for Otis Redding's rendition of the song "Amen". Otis has a remarkable ability to infuse even a single word with pure delight.
While on the quest for a Masters-themed tune, I stumbled upon "Augusta, GA" by The Poets of Rhythm. This German funk band from the 90s delivers a groovy track that's definitely worth a listen, especially if you're a fan of funk music!
Right on Time by The Ballroom Thieves (Ben)
Golf is a remarkably mental sport. Saturday’s leaders regularly collapse on Sunday. This is quite a leap, but I picked a band that explores mental health and promotes themes of compassion and healing. This song is from The Ballroom Thieves’ 2024 album that aims to contribute a positive voice in a painful day. It’s a chill folk song that can spin in the background of Sunday’s march to the Green Jacket without disturbing anyone on the tee box or putting green.
Bonus Track: Pimento Playlist by Jacob Stewart
There’s something about springtime and golf that feels inextricably linked. The two naturally go together like Sunday afternoon and naps. Speaking of which, the best nap is a Sunday afternoon golf nap. Fall asleep while the leaders are on the front nine and then you wake up when they are midway through the back nine, just as things are getting interesting.
Every spring I feel the necessity to dust off my clubs, take my ratty tour visor off the shelf, and go play a round with my buddies. Even if your play is sub-par, your playlist doesn’t have to be. Golf music is serious business. I mean, who doesn’t need a good pick-me-up after losing your ball to the lake or paying a visit to the sand trap?
Artists that immediately come to mind for my playlist are the Dead, Turnpike Troubadours, American Aquarium, Trout Steak Revival, and Widespread Panic. My playlist tends to be a bit like my golf game…all over the place. But there is a certain sound to golf music, and it can depend on how the round is going. Think about the 18 holes that make up any given course. Each hole is different, from length to elements like water and pine trees. You need different clubs depending on the hole. You may also need more “Roll with the Punches” and “Come Pick Me Up” than you do “Blue Sky.”
We can’t talk about golf music and springtime without thinking of The Masters. This is when golf season and the need for golf music starts to heat up. And what better way to enjoy one of the best weekends of the year than by preparing accordingly with a good golf playlist? Add a few Georgia artists to your playlist this year. I’m thinking the Allman brothers, REM, or James Brown would fit. It’s Jim Nance, azaleas, pimento cheese sandwiches, and watching every round at Augusta National. What more could you ask for?! So enjoy Friday at the Masters, a tradition unlike any other, with a playlist unlike any other.
Have an Arnold Palmer and a pimento cheese sandwich and enjoy this great playlist as you play 18 or stay glued to Masters coverage this weekend!
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Jacob Stewart lives in Carrollton, Georgia with his wife, Susannah, his two toddler boys, and two crazy dogs. Jacob’s Mt. Rushmore consists of The Grateful Dead, John Prine, Jason Isbell, and the flex spot would change on any given day, but today it’s Ryan Adams. He serves as the associate pastor at FBC Bremen and is currently watching the Masters.
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Quiet on the tee, not on the Swap.
-TheMusicSwap
Taking this out on the range with me tomorrow, cheers!
Putting this here because someone will get mad at us for not talking about it - https://open.spotify.com/track/47mA6f44zxLtdATOoY7GjN?si=8a50c9fbc0214b7d.