A different tune will kick off the Belmont Stakes

[TouchOfGrey]

A different tune will kick off the Belmont Stakes

NEW YORK (AP)—Start spreading the news: Sinatra’s out at the Belmont Stakes.

The New York Racing Association says Frank Sinatra’s classic version of “New York, New York” is being replaced by “Empire State of Mind” as the music heard when the horses step onto the track for the $1 million Belmont on Saturday.

The change is being made because Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” has become a “quintessential 21st century theme song for New York City,” says NYRA marketing director Neema Ghazi.

“New York, New York” replaced “Sidewalks of New York” in 1997.

[randallscott35]

Yuck

[Sightseek]

Crinkle




trash can.

[OldDog]

“I’m the new Sinatra..."

Yeah, right

Just for kicks I googled the lyrics. I wonder if they put them up on video so the crowd can chant along?

[MaTH716]

That is just horrible.

[Antitrust32]

You've got to be kidding me.

[Cannon Shell]

Who the hell cares...

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

You've got to be kidding me.

Exactly my thoughts.

[TouchOfGrey]

Update from the Paulick Report

UPDATE: After conflicting reports from news outlets that directly quoted from Jay-Z’s ‘Empire State of Mind’, it has come to the attention of the Paulick Report that the version in question is actually the Alicia Keys version which is a huge difference in content. While she is on the original Jay-Z version, her full ‘Empire State of Mind’ is a much classier rendition of the song.

[Linny]

Oh, that's great. We get the "classier" version of the song. I'm afraid to ask what the low brow version sounds like.

I want "Sidewalks of New York" back quite honestly.

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Who the hell cares...

[OldDog]

After brief consideration . . . and some Woodford on the rocks . . . perhaps it's best that a song is used to which the crowd cannot sing along. Invariably I cringe as the TV mic picks up a segment of the crowd singing pathetically off-key. Last month I distinctly heard a chorus or horrible attempts during the playing of my beloved My Old Kentucky Home, which thank God is played (not sung) each year by a university band that does the job right. Note to NBC: A mic on the band ONLY will suffice, thank you. Don't put one on the drunks in the crowd. And while Sinatra was one of the best, the sight of folks arm in arm attempting to dance step to NYNY would be a signal that it's a good time to hit the head before the race.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Linny

Oh, that's great. We get the "classier" version of the song. I'm afraid to ask what the low brow version sounds like.

I want "Sidewalks of New York" back quite honestly.

HOnestly the original is God awful but her version without him? The haha classier one?

That one is even worse.

I usually couldn't care less about stuff like this but this song in either version is truly awful.

[dylbert]

After demise of NYRA and legalization of pari-mutuel betting in Georgia, Belmont will move to new Atlanta track and Ray Charles' rendition of Georgia on My Mind will be played... or Willie Nelson's. Damn, here we go again... or Sweet Georgia Brown...

[lemoncrush]

I always thought they played "New York Groove" off the Ace Frehley solo album back in the late 70's.

[jballscalls]

i thought people of all generations liked Sinatra??

aw well, change is always in the air

[Linny]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8

Nothing says Belmont Stakes to me like ^



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Em5UYOs0Mg

One presumes that they won't be using this version ^ (includes lyrics, not for the squeamish...)

[eajinabi]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Who the hell cares...

[eajinabi]

Camptown races

[AlreadyHome]

that Jay z Empire state of mind Song Belongs to the All mighty NY Yankees

Frank owns Belmont.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqlJl1LfDP4