Today's Tune: "(I'm Not) Born To Lose" By Black Sabbath

This is what I want to see after Game 7 on May 12, 2012!
Photo by Bruce Bennett / Getty Images after Game 2 win on April 30, 2012.

There is a song that has played in my head many times since my NHL team, the Washington Capitals, made it into the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I think it fits the frame of mind that this team has right now, and I feel it too.

It's a Black Sabbath track titled "(I'm Not) Born To Lose" (1987). Clearly, the confidence and persistence that the Capitals have shown throughout the first two rounds, are proof that they are ready to win. They need one more (Game 7) win tonight against the New York Rangers to move on to round three, the Eastern Conference Finals. To have a chance at doing it, all they have to do is keep doing what they've been doing, and work together as a team.

Please enjoy this Hockey Music styled 'Today's Tune'. Dan, Jr., of Junior's Eyes, is anticipating that there are many more to come, yet.

Let's Go, Caps!



Black Sabbath - "(I'm Not) Born To Lose" (1987)



Black Sabbath - "(I'm Not) Born To Lose" Live (1987) Audio

Today's Tune: "Gonna Raise Hell" And Bonus Track "The House Is Rockin' ", By Cheap Trick

Brooks Laich and Alexander Semin celebrate game winning goal May 5, 2012.
Photo by Greg Fiume / Getty Images

Junior's Eyes offers up two songs this time. Both are originally from the Cheap Trick album, 'Dream Police' (1979).

In Washington, DC tonight, the Washington Capitals face the New York Rangers in a "must win" Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 6. My Hockey Music pick for the 'Today's Tune' is "Gonna Raise Hell". Maybe this one could be blasted away through the arena's loudspeakers just before the game, to pump up the fans and the players.

I added a bonus track, "The House Is Rockin' ", to celebrate the 62nd birthday of American rock band Cheap Trick's bass player and the song co-writer, Tom_Petersson. Happy Birthday to Tommy! It would be another good one to play at the playoff game, tonight.

Cheap Trick - "Gonna Raise Hell" from the 'Silver' DVD (2001)



Cheap Trick - "The House Is Rockin' (With Domestic Problems)"
June 15, 2011 Olympia Theatre - Dublin, Ireland Bootleg

Today's Tune: "Rock Out" By Motörhead

This is one of those dual purpose 'Today's Tune' installments. It's yet another Hockey Music post, as well as celebrating a rock 'n roller's birthday.

Back in New York for an Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 5 tonight, the Washington Capitals are looking to move ahead of the New York Rangers. They return after having alternated victories, first in New York and then in Washington, DC, putting them in a 2 - 2 tie in the playoff series.

Hopefully, we'll be celebrating a Caps win tonight. In the meantime, happy birthday to Welsh guitarist Phil Campbell! Campbell has been playing lead guitar in the iconic group Motörhead since 1984.

To set the right mood, Junior's Eyes happily presents the song "Rock Out", from the 2008 album - Motörizer.

Motörhead - "Rock Out" (2008)

Today's Tune: "I'm The Show" By Max Havoc

The Washington Capitals are at home tonight for Game 3, after having split the first two games of their semifinal playoff series (NHL) with the New York Rangers in New York, New York.

As they continue their run in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs this evening, they are the show to watch, for me and many other fans. Junior's Eyes had this in mind when choosing the Hockey Music track for this 'Today's Tune'.

This time, it comes from 1980s Los Angeles, California metal band, Max Havoc. "I'm The Show" (with it's overly simplistic, yet fun lyrics) is on their only album, also called 'Max Havoc' (1983). I'm still happy to have this vinyl gem in my personal collection.

You can thank Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward for getting the band their start. Then, you can thank bad timing for their early finish. Here's hoping the Capitals have a long run in this year's post season.

Max Havoc - "I'm The Show" (1983)

Today's Tune: "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" By Saxon

The Washington Capitals are back in Boston, Massachusetts tonight, for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins. It's the last game of their quarterfinal playoff series, and if they don't come out with a win, their last game in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs (NHL).

Today, Junior's Eyes offers another Hockey Music anthem type piece for this 'Today's Tune'. The Capitals are really going to have to rock against the Bruins, who won the cup last year, to continue into the next round of the playoffs. Therefore, I chose a fitting song from the British heavy metal band Saxon. "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" (Lyrics) comes from their 2007 album 'The Inner Sanctum'.

Band members at the time (and currently) of this recording were: Biff Byford (lead vocals), Paul Quinn (guitar), Nigel Glockler (drums, keyboards), Nibbs Carter (bass) and Doug Scarratt (guitar). Additional musicians on the studio album and single versions are Lemmy Kilmister (Hawkwind, Motörhead), Angry Anderson (Rose Tattoo) and Andi Deris (Helloween).

Saxon with Lemmy Kilmister, Angry Anderson and Andi Deris
"I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" (2007)



Saxon - "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" Wacken Fest. 2007 DVD



Saxon - "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" Montreux Jazz Fest. 2008

Today's Tune: "We Can't Be Beaten" By Rose Tattoo

Today, shortly after 3:00 PM EDT, the Washington Capitals are at home facing the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of their Stanley Cup quarterfinal playoff series. Junior's Eyes continues with the Hockey Music theme for this 'Today's Tune'.

My track selection today has to do with the attitude the Capitals need to bring and the confidence they need to show in today's game. There is no sense in prolonging this series with the Bruins. It's time to move on. For this to happen, Washington has to believe they will win, with no doubt.

To reflect this feeling, I've picked a great tune by Australia's bluesy hard rock band, Rose Tattoo. Think it, believe it, shout it and sing it - "We Can't Be Beaten"!

Rose Tattoo - "We Can't Be Beaten" Live March 2001

Link For 1982 Studio Version / Music Video

If you want to be in my gang, stand up with me
We'll start a revolution and make the streets free
We'll never weaken, we'll give it our best
Can't be defeated, we're better than the rest

Shoulder to shoulder, we're gonna stand
We're gonna fight 'til the very last man
Can't be defeated, don't know the word
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll fight the world

We can't be beaten
What do we tell 'em, boys
We can't be beaten

There comes a time when every man must fight
When he believes in justice and right
He'll take so much 'til he'll take no more
They'll hear us comin', when they hear the mighty roar

Shoulder to shoulder, we're gonna stand
We're gonna fight 'til the very last man
Can't be defeated, don't know the word
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll fight the world

We can't be beaten
Let me hear ya
We can't be beaten
Sing it out loud
We can't be beaten
We'll tell the world
We can't be beaten

Now listen, everybody out there that really cares
We can't be beaten
You gotta realise that you're the real power
We can't be beaten
We can rule the streets
We can't be beaten
It's just up to you and me
We can't be beaten

Can't be defeated, don't know the word
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll fight the world

'Cause, we can't be beaten
Hey-hey, we can't be beaten
You've gotta believe it
We can't be beaten
They'll soon find out
We can't be beaten
No, we can't be beaten
We can't be beaten
When they hear our voice
We can't be beaten
They'll hear us comin'
We can't be beaten
We've got the cause to fight
We can't be beaten

Today's Tune: "Back In Business" By AC/DC

There are a couple reasons for the 'Today's Tune' song selection posted on Junior's Eyes today. They both have to do with my favorite NHL hockey team, the Washington Capitals.

After falling behind the Boston Bruins 2 - 1 in the first round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Capitals evened up the series (2-2) by winning Game 4 on Thursday. They did this without their number one center Nicklas Backstrom, due to his one-game suspension for a crosscheck.

Everything is new, evened up, reset. The Washington Capitals play Game 5 this afternoon (3:00 PM EDT), and Backstrom is back in too.

This 1985 track, by AC/DC, really fits the situation these guys are in tonight. Nicklas Backstrom and the Capitals are definitely "Back In Business" again.

"Breaking out, about to shout
Feel the need, for one more round..."



AC/DC - "Back In Business" (1985)
YouTube Search Results List


"...Call me dirty, trash my name
Just tell the boys that I'm gonna be
Back in business again!..."

Message To Braden Holtby, Via Today's Tune: "Get It Up" By Aerosmith

I would like to send a friendly message to Braden Holtby, goaltender for the Washington Capitals. "Get It Up" is a song by Aerosmith, and it's also what you need to do with your glove, before an opponent takes a shot on your net.

Congratulations, for gaining the honor of playing goalie in the NHL's 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I'm very happy for you, and you're doing great. Fantastic, in fact.

However, I couldn't help but notice that on both of the game winning goals (Game 1 and Game 3) by the Boston Bruins, you didn't put your glove up until the puck was sailing by you. You actually moved it downward just before the deflected one in Game 3. The goaltending coaches have probably already pointed this out to you, but I wanted to make sure you were aware of it. You may have had a better chance at catching or blocking those shots, holding the glove up.

I'll be cheering for you tonight, and deep into the playoffs, I'm sure. You've got a great style of playing, and you are destined to have a successful NHL career.

"Get It Up" originally appeared on Aerosmith's album 'Draw The Line', released on December 1st of 1977. It was later put out as a single in 1978. The band Aerosmith are also originally from the Boston, Massachusetts area.

"...Can't give it up
Gotta get it up, get it up..."



Aerosmith - "Get It Up" Live (Very Rare)
Dec 22, 1977 at Capital Centre in Landover (Largo), MD



Aerosmith - "Get It Up" (1977)


"...Can't give it up
Gotta get it up, get it up..."

Today's Tune: "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" By Elf

My favorite (several years, now) NHL hockey team, the Washington Capitals zipped through their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Playoff Series (Round 1) in five games. However, just four games into the Semifinals (Round 2), they were knocked out of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night (May 4th).

Of course, the way it ended was very disappointing. In the first round, the Capitals were very determined, and they dominated the New York Rangers. Then, playing a much more offensively dangerous Tampa Bay Lightning, an injury riddled Caps team could only manage to keep it close.

Like most passionate fans, my heart was broken again. A few days have passed now, and the healing process has begun. Hockey will be back in the Fall, and everything will be alright. Until then, I'll be enjoying the other two thrilling sports that give me happiness, Formula One racing and World Rally Championship competition.

This 'Today's Tune' is a similar story. It gives us the reassurance we need at such a time as this. "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" is from the self titled first studio album by heavy blues-rock band Elf, when Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell) was both lead singer and bassist. Ronnie (born Ronald James Padavona) recorded this with band mates, guitarist David Feinstein, drummer Gary Driscoll and pianist Mickey Lee Soule.

Elf - "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" (1972)



Elf - "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" June 10, 1973
Live! And My Soul Shall Be Lifted (Bootleg)

Today's Tune: "No Way But The Hard Way" By Airbourne

The Washington Capitals, having lost all three of the Semi-Final games played so far against the Tampa Bay Lightning, are in a very tough spot. They now have to win four straight to survive the second round of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Every game now truely is a "must win" game, because one loss and they're out. I believe they can do it, but it's sure going to be hard on the fans, the players and the coaching staff. From here on out, "There ain't no way, but the hard way, so get used to it!".

While we fans of the Capitals hope, pray and wish for them to be triumphant, this 'Today's Tune' seems appropiate for the difficult task ahead. It's "No Way But The Hard Way", the 2010 single by Australian rock band, Airbourne.

Just win the game tonight. Just one win, and the tide will turn. Rock and Roll boys!

Airbourne - "No Way But The Hard Way"

I had a good job
And a good lovin' woman
But the world fell apart
And then I lost them

I can't pay the loans
Or the overdue fines
Can't drink enough whiskey
To make it alright

But the tide will turn
'Cause I have learned

There ain't no way but the hard way
Get used to it
I said there ain't no way but the hard way
So get used to it

You say I drink too much
And that it's a problem
But that's how it goes
When you hit rock bottom

Don't need your advice
Or your helping hand
'Cause I'm living on the road
In a rock and roll band

The tide will turn
And you will learn

There ain't no way but the hard way
Get used to it
I said there ain't no way but the hard way
So get used to it

The tide will turn (Yes it will) (Hey, hey)
I'm gonna roll on (Hey, hey)
I'm gonna stand strong (Hey, hey)
For the long haul (Hey, hey)
It's rock and roll

When the chips are down
You gotta make your play
'Cause there ain't no way (But the hard way)
There ain't no way (But the hard way)
I said there ain't no way (But the hard way)
Oh no, there ain't no way
But the hard way

There ain't no way but the hard way
Get used to it, rock and roll
I said there ain't no way but the hard way
So get used to it

There ain't no way but the hard way
No way but the hard way
No way but the hard way
So get used to it
The tide will turn

Today's Tune: "Dirty Love" By Frank Zappa

May 3, 2011 photo by Chris O'Meara / AP Photo

Washington Capitals' veteran hockey forward Mike Knuble deserves his own theme music. He's one of the few guys on the team that is consistently willing to crash the net and try to jam in any loose pucks. Scoring with this style of play is known as a "dirty goal". Tonight, he got another one of these, when he shoved one through versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Capitals still lost the game, their third straight loss in the second round of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Having gone 0 and 3 so far in the Semi-Final best of seven series, maybe the Caps need more players to consistently go to the net.

Since Knuble does it on such a regular basis that he is known for it, I think his theme song should be the Frank Zappa classic, "Dirty Love" (1973). So, that's also my pick for this 'Today's Tune'.

Frank Zappa - "Dirty Love" (1973)

Today's Tune: "Shot Me Down" By Nazareth

"Shot Me Down" (1977), by Scottish rockers Nazareth, is the 'Today's Tune' for this April 14th. I picked this song because it connects with two events. One a tragic incident that happened on this day 146 years ago, the other actually a happy spectacle from just last night.

The tragedy I refer to, is the assassination of US President Abraham Lincoln. He was shot down by Bel Air, Maryland native and stage actor John Wilkes Booth, while trying to take in a play on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC. Lincoln, perhaps America's greatest president, died the following day.

The other story, which also took place in Washington, is last night's triumphant start to the first round of the NHL's 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, at least that's the way we fans of the Washington Capitals see it. After going 0 (goals) for 44 (shots) in all of last year's Quarterfinal series, Caps' elite Russian forward, Alexander Semin shot down goalie Henrik Lundqvist and his New York Rangers with an overtime goal in Game 1. Hopefully, that haunts Lundqvist throughout the rest of the best of seven series. He may only be able to think ...You "Shot Me Down", whenever Semin skates toward him, from now on.

Nazareth - "Shot Me Down" Studio (1977)

Today's Tune: "No Time To Lose" By Shakin' Street

Happy Birthday to Michal Neuvirth! The Czech goalie for the Washington Capitals turns 23 years old today.

The two time AHL Calder Cup winner (2009, 2010), and one time AHL playoffs MVP, has shown he is good enough to be a #1 goaltender in the NHL this season. After last night's 5 to 4 shootout win over the soon to be former conference leading Philadelphia Flyers, Neuvirth is now 24-11-4 (44 games) this season.

Since Michal has spent so much of his time winning, I chose "No Time To Lose" by Shakin' Street for the 'Today's Tune', to celebrate his birthday. I first saw this band, led by French model turned actress and singer Fabienne Shine and guitarist "Ross The Boss" Friedman (The Dictators, Manowar), while they opened for Blue Öyster Cult and Black Sabbath during the 'Black And Blue Tour' (1980). They were a pretty rockin' band. Shakin' Street have only released a few albums, but the members have taken time off of other projects to reunite a couple times. Maybe I'll get to see them again someday.

Shakin' Street - "No Time To Lose"

Today's Tune: "Shitlist" By L7 And William Shatner Sings Cee Lo Green's "Fuck You!"

Happy Birthday William Shatner! Mr. Shatner was born on March 22, 1931. He is most well known for starring in the original Star Trek television series (1966 - 1969), as well as in several Star Trek films. However, he has done so much more, as an actor, author, director and producer. Our 'Today's Tune' double feature focuses on more recent history.

First up is "Shitlist" (1992), by L7. This song sprang to mind due to Bill's recent CBS comedy TV show named Shit My Dad Says, which is based on Justin Halpern's Twitter site also named Shit My Dad Says. This choice isn't meant as a slight on the show's quality level. On the contrary, I quite like it myself. The only person recently solidifying his position on my shitlist is Pittsburgh Penguins' out-of-control NHL forward Matt Cooke.

I've never liked Cooke, and his latest transgression, for which he has been awarded a lengthy suspension, has only deepened the already strong hatred in my heart. So, this one's for you, MC Douche Bag.

I'm not sure how Bill Shatner would react if he were to witness Matt Cooke's maliciousness, but he provides the second half of today's double dipper. You see, Shatner is also a singer. Click here for his complete discography. His special cover of Cee Lo Green's "Fuck You!" (2010) could just as well have been directed at Cooke. As a matter of fact, maybe the league should force Matt Cooke to listen to Shatner's performance repeatedly for a few hours. You know, as an added bonus punishment. He's certainly earned it. Sorry Bill, that does seem like a slight on your musical talents, doesn't it?

L7 - "Shitlist" Live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1993)

L7 - "Shitlist" YouTube Search Results List



William Shatner - "Fuck You" Live on Lopez Tonight (2010)

Uncensored Version via The Shatner Project

Today's Tune: "Born To Lose" By Black Sabbath

The Washington Capitals are on route to be winners.

The Washington Capitals played their very first NHL hockey game on October 9, 1974, losing to the New York Rangers 6-3, in New York, NY. Washington went on to lose their first 37 road games as a new organization. They have had their ups and downs over the years since, making it to the playoffs 20 times, while not even coming close a few other seasons. The Capitals did make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998, but lost to the Detroit Red Wings.

Since the 2004-2005 season lockout and start of the team rebuild around the same time, they have made vast improvements. Those improvements have been mostly from within their own system, via the Entry Draft (See Alex Ovechkin - 2004 Draft, etc.). Washington has made some good trades and signed a few helpful free agents. By the way, thank you General Manger George McPhee, Majority Owner Ted Leonsis and the rest of the organization, for your hard work and your vision.

This is a different team than has ever skated for Washington before. They are built to last, now. The Capitals won their division and made the playoffs the last two consecutive seasons. In the 2007-2008 post season, they only lasted the first round. In the spring of 2009, they took it a little further, to a game seven in the second round. Off season changes have made the team even better. They are now a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. They are no longer "chasing shadows in the dark". Perhaps it is their time. It certainly won't be too long now. This is a team that was not "born to lose". The Washington Capitals are winners.

Our 'Today's Tune' emphasises my thoughts and feelings above. I think this song represents the new found confidence and expectations of the Washington Capitals and their fans. Please enjoy "Born To Lose" by the champions of heavy metal, Black Sabbath.

Black Sabbath - "Born To Lose"

Bye Bye Johnny!

Brent Johnson makes a save on December 4, 2008.
Photo by Nick Wass / AP Photo.

As much as it hurts to say it, Brent Johnson is no longer a goaltender for the Washington Capitals. The free agent signed a one year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins today, for the 2009-2010 season. His new hockey home is Mellon Arena - the "Tit in Pitt".

Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, PA - The "Tit in Pitt".

He played well enough to be the number one goalie in DC before getting injured this past season. Then he became the odd man out ... again. "Bye Bye Johnny", we're gonna miss you.

Status Quo - "Bye Bye Johnny" Live at the NEC

Shame On You!

There was a lot of stupid unnecessary drama and shameful actions (and sometimes lack of action) by the opponent, referees and league officials going on during the first round of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, while the Washington Capitals were playing against the New York Rangers. Now that the Capitals are up against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round, they are facing the same old tricks, complaining and injustices again.

Shame on Sidney Crosby for whining so much. Legitimate complaints would be fine, but crying about everything that doesn't go the way he wants is pathetic.

Shame on Kris Kunitz for the intentional two handed cross check to the throat of Simeon Varlamov in Semifinal Game 2.

Shame on Colin Campbell and the NHL for not suspending Kunitz. Fining him a lousy $2,500.00 isn't going to bother him one bit, and it's out of proportion to the suspensions they gave to Donald Brashear for his actions versus the Rangers.

Shame on the Penguins for their playoff game ticket giveaway screw up. Once tell someone they've won a prize, it's wrong to take it back.

Shame on the Penguins for complaining about something they themselves are guilty of.

Shame on the Penguins for making false accusations about faceoff cheating, illeagle pics and sticks just to wrongfully sway the thoughts of on ice officials.

Shame on the refs for being swayed by all the Penguins B.S.

Shame on the Penguins for complaining about officiating, when it's the Capitals who are the ones that have a right to complain.

Shame on CBC for broadcasting the Capitals coaching staff's game plan board with their keys to victory for Wednesday's Game 3 against the Penguins.

Dio - "Shame On The Night"

The Washington Capitals Are Moving On

Sergei Fedorov and the Capitals skate past the Rangers to the semifinals.
April 28, 2009 photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Photo.

The Washington Capitals won their first round of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, when they defeated the New York Rangers in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.

Everybody knows about the offensive power of the Capitals, and although the Rangers are not known as particularly offensively gifted, Washington held them to fewer shots on average than any other team in the first round. The Caps also got great goaltending out of their young NHL rookie Simeon Varlamov, who earned two shutouts during the series.

So, we know the team is ready. For the first time since 1998, the Washington Capitals are "Moving On" the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They will be facing the Pittburgh Penguins. Here's the schedule for the semifinals.

Triumph - "Moving On"

The Rangers Should "Expect No Mercy"!

Matt Bradley celebrates Game 5 goal at Capitals bench.
April 24, 2009 photo by Getty Images.

There's been a lot of useless and unwarranted drama on and off the ice during the first round of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Especially in the series between the Southeast Division Champion Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers.

The Rangers, who just barely made it into the playoffs, have tried all sorts of mind games, dirty tricks and misleading accusations to distract the much more well equiped Capitals from focusing on their goal.

Sure, they may have a right to be unhappy about a couple things that have happened, even though they've gotten away with so much more. For the Capitals, all those things need to take a back seat to the main event. Game 7 of the series takes place at Verizon Center in Washington, DC tonight. However mistreated the Rangers may feel, they should "Expect No Mercy"!

Nazareth - "Expect No Mercy"

Hey John Tortorella, Have A Drink On Me

Since New York's pesky little jerk Sean Avery was a healthy scratch for last night's Game 5 of the playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Rangers, the in game entertainment had to come from somewhere else.

Apparently, some fans gave Rangers coach John Tortorella (Inset NHL / Rangers file photo to left) a hard time. At one point, Tortorella threw a water bottle into the stands. Later, he was threatening the fans behind New York's bench with a hockey stick. It looked like he was trying to jam the stick through the plexiglass that separates the bench area from the stands. One of the hecklers may have thrown or poured a beer on Torts. The fan didn't appear to be wearing red (Caps' team color), and may have in fact been an unhappy Rangers fan. The "gentleman" was eventually escorted out of the building.

AC/DC -"Have A Drink On Me"