The Playlist: The Final Countdown

With mere days left in the legislative session — the regular session, at least — we're kicking off our weekly playlist based on Texas politics and policy news with Europe's "The Final Countdown."

The easiest way to enjoy the playlist is to download Spotify, which is a free program. But even without it, you can still follow along. Here are this week's other selections:

Inspired by Ross Ramsey's report on a $22,000 dinner lobbyists treated the House Calendars Committee to at an Austin steakhouse, we have Juvenile's "Drinks on Me."

Gov. Rick Perry's appointees to the University of Texas System Board of Regents were confirmed by the Texas Senate after making a number of commitments to clean up the board's act. On the playlist, their promises are represented by All-4-One singing "I Swear."

Next up is Jimmie Rodgers' "Pistol Packin' Papa" in honor of several stories this week about the fate of bills regarding who can carry concealed weapons and where. Meanwhile, a bill designed to prevent pay discrimination against women, narrowly passed the Senate this week, prompting the selection of "Respect" by Aretha Franklin.

For state Rep. Craig Eiland, D-Galveston, who announced that he would not be seeking re-election, we have "Movin' On" performed by Buck Owens. And for the lawmakers, lobbyists and staffers who spent much of the week hammering out an agreement on testing and charter school bills, we have Gloria Gaynor singing "Let's Make a Deal." 

The Trib's Emily Ramshaw observed that although Perry has yet to announce his future plans, Attorney General Greg Abbott's gubernatorial campaign appears to be ramping up, inspiring the selection of "Ready to Run" by the Dixie Chicks.

And finally, with mounting speculation about a special session, we close with a reminder from Vera Lynn: "We'll Meet Again."

Enjoy!