Delilah's
Decider punches the numbers and takes stock of local jukeboxes
Jon Graef
More Jukeboxing
The Jukebox: “The Emerald,” as Delilah's' box is known, could be easily be mistaken for one of those corny stand-up slot machine games that line casino walls. A closer look reveals one of the most diverse and lively jukeboxes in the city, with an eclectic array of albums and mixes that covers everything from reggae and rockabilly to hip-hop, punk, and metal garage.
Price: A dollar gets you three plays, and a fiver gets you 18. Those are the only two options.
Nerd Jams: The Nuggets compilation of early '60s garage rock and psychedelia should make music nerds swoon, as should the soundtrack to the classic reggae film, The Harder They Come. Elsewhere is a live Ramones album and a rockabilly compilation that should pique your ears’ interest.
Drinkin’ Songs: You can never go wrong with AC/DC’s “Have A Drink On Me”, from their Back And Black album, the one that eulogizes former singer Bon Scott, who died of alcohol poisoning. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with the triumvirate of Hank Williams, The Pogues, and Social Distortion to accompany your many drinkin’ moods.
Mixes: Plenty of mixes and comps to go around, the more notable ones including a blaxploitation compilation titled Pimps, Pushers And Private Detectives featuring classics from Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield, as well as hits compilations from new wave and punk stalwarts like The Jam, The Descendents, and Elvis Costello.
Local: Nothing too recent, but past releases from Naked Raygun, The Ponys, and the Wesley Willis Fiasco ensure that Chicago-based groups are well represented and in the house.
For Bar Time: Animal rights activists best not pick “Where Is My Mind” by The Pixies, as whenever that song plays, Terry the bartender "want[s] to punch a basketful of puppies." Veteran bartender Jason also suggests avoiding the Beastie Boys (“I could deal with never hearing them again”), but that he could listen to Jimmy Cliff for days on end. So, in other words, there's something for everyone.
