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What's Your Pick for the Official State Rock Song?

There's a push to make The Modern Lover's "Roadrunner" the official rock song of Massachusetts. But the state's musical heritage is full of great acts and songs. What's your pick for a state anthem?

 

With paeans to Massachusetts, Rte. 128, the Mass Pike and even Stop & Shop, The Modern Lovers' "Roadrunner" is a thoroughly local song. But should it be the state's official rock song? Some state legislators think so

Aside from the song's lyrical caress of the state and its eccentric geographic locales, the band has great local roots in and around Boston. Lead singer Jonathan Richman is from Natick, and drummer David Robinson hails from Woburn. The band's first demo was recorded at the Back Bay's Intermedia Studios, where Aerosmith recorded "Dream On," and which was later bought by the Cars, who recorded there as well. The Newbury Street studio is long gone, however; the space is now an American Apparel.

State legislators from across the state are jumping on the "Roadrunner" bandwagon, including North End Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (his aunt was in the band).

While Jonathan Richman may be in love with Massachusetts, not everyone in the state is enamored with his "Roadrunner." Boston's "Rock n' Roll Band" has several state references sprinkled throughout the lyrics, and The Dropkick Murphys have created their own cottage industry writing and covering locally-based songs.

What do you think? Is Richman's cooing "I'm in love with Massachusetts?" enough for the state song, or are there other local rock songs more deserving of the title? Give us your best alternatives in the comments section below.

Related Topics: Jonathan Richman, Modern Lovers, Roadrunner, and State song

paul

3:57 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Dirty Water by The Standells.

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deb of see-attleboro

4:23 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

No official rock song. Don't legislator's have better things to do? If not, time to change our state constitution!

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Amy Nachbar

8:11 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

How about "More Than a Feeling" by BOSTON?

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Serves You Right

9:15 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

How about "Dream on" by Aerosmith......lol

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Jeremie Smith

10:26 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

"Shipping Up to Boston" by The Dropkick Murphys ... love that song

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Peter Hoogerzeil

11:27 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

How about "Taxman" by the Beatles. It definitely fits our nickname Taxachusetts!

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Jimmy Durante

9:03 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013

What an absolute disgrace. These legislators are so out of touch it is ridiculous. How about " money for nothing"

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Ken Tenglin

9:56 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013

I think "Fool on the Hill" by the Beatles would fit most perfectly.

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