What’s Playing on Joey Harrington’s iPod?

With the recent news of Michael Vick (which you may have heard about) being arraigned on charges as the chairman of a Dog Holocaust, his job with the Atlanta Falcons appears to be on the rocks. Thankfully, the Falcons picked themselves up one mighty fine back-up plan in Joey Harrington. It would appear that Joey has got, yet another chance to prove us all wrong.

The man is ready to put to bed some pre-conceived notions about his image and skills. And it starts right here. As per our usual Friday bit at the Ghosts (love it or hate it), we are tapping into our favorite athletes iPod’s. Today, we are taking a gander at good ‘ole Joey Heisman’s “Bring it Back Home” Playlist. To our surprise and the chagrin of many, it’s not littered with the staples you’d expect. You won’t find “Piano Man"or any John Tesh tracks.

Joey is actually a pretty cool dude. We may hate on a lot of folks around here, but you know what they say? Once a Lion, always a Lion. And with that, let’s take a look-see…

Get a Haircut and Get a Real Job – George Thorogood: Alright Joey, it’s time to put the herba buena away. No more acid trips to find your being and all that mumbo that Ricky Williams taught you in Miami. You’ve got one last shot before you get inducted to the Scott Mitchell Hall of Fame for turds that are so big they take multiple flushes before they finally go down the toilet.

The Boys Are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy: Like a monsoon, Joey is back again this season to fuck shit up. Every year people will remain hopeful, “Maybe this season won’t be quite as windy and rainy as the others?” Well, let’s just say that we'll be installing storm windows. Joey Touchdown is back and he’s comin’ to your town. Batten down the hatches.

Back in the Highlife Again – By Steve Winwood: Joey's brain says to Joey, “Oh what I wouldn’t do for a 250/3/0 in week one. Just think of the possibilities, Joey. We’re talking about immediate “comeback kid” headlines and the obligatory “overcoming adversity” fluff. ESPN loves that angle and it usually only takes one good game. Before long, we could start dating Laura Leighton and we’d totally be all over US Weekly, Page 6, and maybe even Epic Carnival. The sky is the limit Jo Jo, back in the highlife. Just don’t go fucking it up again. Man, I miss our billboard.” (Sigh)

Hate it Here – Wilco: The new Wilco album is smoking. And it’s locked into Joey’s earbuds. The beautiful melodies of those keys, strikes the nerve. Joey would like you to know that you’ve got issues if you aren’t feeling this record.

Hook – Blues Traveler: Did you know that Joey once played piano with these guys, albeit for a quick jam session on some promotional NFL bit? Regardless, Joey got to play with his boy Jon Popper. It’s a well known fact he’s been following Blues Traveler since the 1992 H.O.R.D.E tour. Yup, the hook brings you back allright…welcome back Joey.

I’ve Been Arrested by You – Rupert Hine: Yeah, yeah...Joey’s still gotta sprinkle a little cheese on top of the casserole. What’d you expect? If anything this guilty pleasure is more for comical purposes as it always lightens the mood for Joey. It actually made the cut, because it’s from his favorite move “Better off Dead.” And he just loves the seen where Layne Meyer plays the saxophone inside the Burger joint for little Monique.

Who Let the Dogs Out? – Baha Men: Having been made fun of most his professional career, Joey’s learned to have a better sense of humor and to not take things so personal. And so with that, he had to poke a little fun at his compadre Michael Vick. In reality Joey hates this fucking song as do most people, but it’s an anthem of mockery aimed at the man whose moronic decisions have opened the door for Joey. Thanks again Ron Mexico.

Tall Boy – Widespread Panic: Joey grew the beard for a fucking reason. He needed an image makeover, but more importantly he was tired of being lumped into the same old internet jokes about being positively gay. He’s always been a free spirit and nothing says that more than his choice of “Tall Boy.” And if you’re thinking this is the studio version…think again. Joey has a whole playlist dedicated to Panic, but for this particular one he went with the “Tall Boy” from Austin, TX this past month.

Maid Marian – Page McConnell: It’s no secret Joey is fond of the Piano. If he wasn’t an NFL player…he’d be in a band where he carried the lead on Piano. His infatuation and appreciation for the keys is evidenced by this selection. On Joey’s scale, this solo album from Page McConnell is some of his best work outside of Phish.

Love in an Elevator – Aerosmith: “Livin’ it up when I’m going down.” Taking the free ride has always been Joey’s gig. We’ve just never quite understood it. He’s like Randall “Pink” Floyd…dude just wanted to mellow out and get himself some fucking Aerosmith tickets.

Sweet Emotion – Mike Gordon and Leo Kottke: Despite being a huge Aerosmith fan, Joey couldn’t turn away this astounding cover by Mike and Leo. Check out the solid groove laid down. For Joey this is like sitting on a back porch in Oregon and drinking the finest micro brew in hand. It’s the sweet sound of summer.