Best Jukebox The Hotel Congress Tap Room
311 E. Congress St. READERS' PICK: What do Devo, Xavier Cugat, Merle Haggard,
Chic, and Lightnin' Hopkins have in common? Absolutely nothing,
except for the fact that they all reside in the jukebox at the
Tap Room. If a barroom jukebox is a testament to its clientele,
then it's no surprise that the Tap Room draws weirdoes from every
walk of life. Selections (which are, of course, on vinyl 45s--none
of that CD crap here) are drawn from literally every genre imaginable,
and are changed every month or so to keep things fresh. Local
faves like Al Perry & the Cattle and 35 Summers are placed
alongside novelty hits (Shirley Ellis' "The Name Game")
which sit next to songs that you can't possibly believe were ever
released as singles (Serge Gainsbourg's "Je T'aime (Mais
Non Plus)"). Current award for most bizarre 45 in the box:
What were they thinking when they decided to release Marlene Dietrich's
"L'il Marlene" backed with Kenny Rogers and the First
Edition's "I Just Dropped in to See What Condition My Condition
Was In"?
