Dogs like Music too!

Every summer has its soundtrack, and people have been making their own summer mixes ever since home recording became affordable. What better way to celebrate the “dog days” of the Summer of 2010 than to make your very own dog-themed mix CD or playlist? Here are some to get you started:

“Who Let the Dogs Out?”—by The Baha Men.  Yes, this may possibly be one of the most annoying songs ever recorded. On the other hand, it is one of the most catchy.  And very summery.

“Bron-y-aur Stomp” and “Black Dog”—by Led Zeppelin. Zeppelin front man Robert Plant owned a sheep farm near the Welsh village of Bron-y-aur (pronounced “brom-rawr”) and “Stairway to Heaven” was written there. “Bron-y-aur Stomp” is Plant’s tribute to his dog, Strider, on Led Zeppelin III.  “Black Dog” is a classic from their next album, Led Zeppelin IV.

“Hound Dog”—There are two great versions of this song, originally by blues legend Big Mama Thornton. Elvis Presley’s cover is most famous, but Eric Clapton’s version on Journeyman is more faithful to Thornton’s original.

“Sleeping With the Dog”—by Jethro Tull. Because Tull did a lot more than just “Aqualung” and “Locomotive Breath.” (Catfish Rising).

“I Wanna Be Your Dog,” –by Iggy Pop and the Stooges. One of the most famous songs by the giants of ‘70s punk.

“Diamond Dogs” – by David Bowie. If you’re going to have a song by Iggy Pop, you need one by his BFF David Bowie too.

“I’m Gonna Buy Me a Dog!”—by The Monkees. “I’m gonna buy me a dog,” sings Peter Tork, “‘cause I need a friend now.” Tork was actually the most accomplished musician in The Monkees but was stuck playing the clown.  This song proves he knows where to find true friendship!

“Hey Bulldog”— by The Beatles.  I’m not quite sure what this song means, but it’s an under-rated Beatles song from the Yellow Submarine soundtrack.

“Jet”—by Paul McCartney and Wings.  There are some differing stories as to what this song is actually about; many believe, though, it was a tribute to Paul McCartney’s golden retriever, named Jet. (Band on the Run)

“Atomic Dog”—George Clinton. Give your playlist in the groove with this track from the master of funk.

“Bird Dog”—by The Everly Brothers

“Ghost of a Dog”—by Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians.  This was the title track to their second album.

“Rain Dogs”—by Tom Waits.  Shake things up with Waits and his whisky-soaked voice.

“Hair of the Dog”—by Nazareth.  Or go for some metal if you prefer.

“I Love My Dog,”—by Cat Stevens.  Cat made some great music back in the day, and the title just says it all.

Special thanks to Paula and Julia, who helped me come up with titles for this list. Of course, we could barely scratch the surface of dog songs, but this should give you a good start on music to play Frisbee or fetch to.  Be sure to comment if we left out one of your favorites.

Now, if your question is what would your dog listen to, one answer might be one of the Through a Dog’s Ear CDs. We play this for our guests when they’re here overnight, and we also offer the “Music to Calm Your Canine Companion” and “Music For the Canine Household” discs for just $14.95 for sale in the office.

by Jay Robison