Stadium West
Decider punches the numbers and takes stock of local jukeboxes
Emily Wilensky
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The Jukebox: The bright, multi-colored lights resemble an ‘80s roller rink or a robot from any number of ’60s sci-fi TV shows. The selection is similarly eclectic, as it contains everything from Frank Sinatra to Spoon to James Brown. If Stadium West's selection doesn’t cut it, the owner, Sue, lets her customers bring in their own CDs to bulk up the already diverse glowing music box.
Price: Four plays for a dollar, eight for $2, and a generous 25 for $5.
Drinking Songs: Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville,” is an obvious choice. For a little more rhythm and blues—or just to get Sue’s attention—The Blues Brothers’ “Hey Bartender” should suffice.
Nerd Jams: Take your pick. Whether it’s Boston’s “Foreplay/Long Time” or Belle and Sebastian’s “Step Into My Office Baby,” there's no shortage of tracks to geek out to.
Mixes: Compilations include the traditional, Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hit’s from the ‘50s and ‘60s, as well as recent collections from Insound (Black Keys, Sunset Rubdown) and the Cornerstone Player (The Thermals, Broken Social Scene). For the obscure-comp connoisseur there's Newbury Comics Early Years Vol. 1 (Iggy Pop, The Cramps) or the curiosity-inspiring Copulation Compilation (The Dirty Polka Band, Billy Fingers).
Last Call: Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing In The Dark” if you're feeling nostalgic and wistful, or the Buzzcocks' "What Do I Get" for fist-pumping as you head back out into natural light in the wee hours.
