The greatest sports songs of all time

   Music and sports go together like the pick and roll or the hit and run. At the crucial moments of a game or before it has even started, the right song can fuel a crowd or a team like nothing else. Daily consumption of these tunes isn't recommended, but when the clock is winding down and the tension is ratcheted up, turn them up. 

   "Heavy Action" by Johnny Pearson (Monday Night Football Theme): This instrumental stands on its own even without the Hank Williams Jr. vocals. Thumping drums and soaring horns make this one of the definitive football songs.

   "We Will Rock You" by Queen: Queen makes another appearance on this list later on. Freddy Mercury had a knack for making iconic sports tunes. A universal crowd pleaser, this song is perfect when played in the midst of a comeback run.

   "Roundball Rock" by John Tesh (NBA on NBC Theme): Conjuring images of the Knicks being relevant, Marv Albert and the intense rivalries of the 90's, Tesh earned serious man points with this tune.

   "Baba O'Reilly" by The Who: Admitted slight Yankees bias on this selection, but back in the 90's when Paul O'Neill would come out to this song, chills were inevitable. The synthesizer at the beginning of this tune signals the start of something special. 

   "Hey song (Rock N Roll Part 2)" by Gary Glitter: Who knew you could make a three minute song last with a one word lyric? While hearing "Hey" and the same guitar riff on a constant loop can make you lose your mind quicker than C.I.A. torture strategies, it somehow works perfectly during a game.

    "Sirius" by Alan Parsons Project (Chicago Bulls Theme): It always felt like the game was over before it even started in Chicago during the 1990s. "Sirius," coupled with one of the best public address announcers in Ray Clay, gave the Bulls a distinct home court advantage. Michael Jordan didn't hurt either.

   "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor: Made famous by the film "Rocky III", this power chord-heavy tune has renewed life in stadiums and arenas throughout the country. The song is everything sports represents: fighting despite the odds, the spirit of competition and 80s rock.

   "Sandstorm" by Da Rude: A more modern staple in arenas, "Sandstorm" gets crowds going berserk. This trance-heavy techno song with not even a hint of vocals debuted in 1999 and could easily be heard in any European club but has found a niche pumping up stadiums.

   "Take Me Out to The Ball Game" originally by Edward Meeker (1908): This classic American song has somehow made the transition from phonograph to the modern-day mp3. A staple at Chicago Cubs games when former announcer Harry Caray would belt out the baseball anthem, this song is as ingrained in baseball lore as hot dogs, peanuts and the strikeout.

   "We are the Champions" by Queen. The song every fan wants to hear in relation to their team. Anxiety has turned to jubilation. The marathon is over and there's only one team left standing. The definitive victory song with soaring vocals and crashing drums, "We are the Champions" is as good as it gets.