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Jerry Zgoda's Sunday Insider: A many splendored thing

A vast selection of songs tied in to Kevin Love's last name provide plenty of options for the Target Center staff.

By JERRY ZGODA, Star Tribune

Last update: November 9, 2008 - 1:49 AM

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WOLVES WEEK IN REVIEW

Record: 0-4

• The Wolves followed Sunday's blown 88-85 loss to Oklahoma City with Wednesday's rollicking 129-125 double-overtime loss to San Antonio. Tony Parker scored 55 in that one, the most ever against the Wolves. Randy Wittman shook up the starting lineup for Friday's 121-109 loss at Sacramento, and they concluded the week with a 97-93 loss in Kevin Love's homecoming in Portland.

Star Tribune's star of the week: Al Jefferson, forward/center

He's back here, where he reigned so often last season. Mike Miller gets consideration for Wednesday's 25-point breakout game, but Jefferson, for all his defensive shortcomings, remains the team's offensive constant. He had double-doubles in the Wolves' first four games, including a 30-point, 14-rebound night against the Spurs.

This week: two games

Tuesday: at Golden State, 9:30 p.m.; Saturday: vs. Portland, 7 p.m.

• Last week's busy four-game schedule gives way to a leisurely one that includes a visit to Golden State, playing without injured and suspended star Monta Ellis for the first 30 games, and then a rematch with the Trail Blazers, this time at home.

The quote: "If my TV wasn’t on my wall, I probably would have kicked it in." — Wolves guard Sebastian Telfair on watching losses at Dallas and Oklahoma City from home while he served a season-opening three-game suspension.

JERRY ZGODA

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The Target Center game-night staff had it easy when Al Jefferson arrived from Boston last season. They simply play the theme song from the 1970s sitcom featuring George and Wheezy over the sound system whenever he excels.

Kevin Love's presence is something different altogether. An Internet database lists 3,321 songs with Love in the title. The Timberwolves chose the B52s' "Love Shack" for the first preseason game, but the rookie forward objected -- "Sorry, but I can't stand that song," he said -- so now they play the Beatles' "All You Need is Love," an obvious, uninspired choice.

"I love my last name," he said. "All the little plays on it get a little corny once in a while, but there's no getting around it."

So, in that spirit -- after consultation with Wolves blogger and First Avenue talent booker Sonia Grover as well as contributors to the Star Tribune's Wolves blog -- we offer a select list of possibilities, both for his theme song and for situational game use:

Theme-song contenders: "Love Train," the O'Jays. "Never Knew Love Like This Before," Stephanie Mills. "Burning Love," Elvis Presley. "Love Lockdown," Kanye West. "Addicted to Love," Robert Palmer. "I Like It, I Love It," Tim McGraw. "Love TKO," Teddy Pendergrass. "I Believe In A Thing Called Love," The Darkness. "You Can't Hurry Love," the Supremes.

Rejected theme songs: "Love Will Keep Us Together," Captain and Tennille. "Power of Love," Huey Lewis and the News. "Calling Dr. Love," Kiss. "On the Wings of Love," Jeffrey Osborne. "Feel Like Making Love," Bad Company. "Love On The Rocks," Neil Diamond. "Endless Love," Lionel Richie. "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All," Air Supply.

When he blocks his third shot of the night: "Stop! In The Name of Love," the Supremes.

When Randy Wittman sits him on the bench too long: "What About Love?" Heart.

On nights when O.J. Mayo scores 30 points: "Love the One You're With," Stephen Stills.

When he gets smacked in the nose, which is every game: "Love Hurts," Nazareth's version.

When he's shooting two free throws: "Love Me Two Times," the Doors.

The season he decides to play out his option: "Can't Buy Me Love," the Beatles.

If he doesn't abide by his personal chef: "Love Spreads," the Stone Roses.

When he's whistled for a foul that Al Jefferson actually committed: "What's Love Got To Do With It?" Tina Turner.

When he fouls out: "Bye, Bye, Love," the Everly Brothers.

For those late-season Sunday matinees: "A Sunday Kind of Love," Etta James.

If, heaven forbid, he has an eight-turnover game: "Love Stinks," J Geils Band. (Alternative choice: "Somebody to Love," Queen).

The local favorite: "Love Is All Around," Mary Tyler Moore Show theme-song cover by our very own Husker Du.

As fans file out after a defeat: "Love Is a Losing Game," Amy Winehouse.

When everybody's sick of songs with Love in the title: "Love's Theme," Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra's instrumental.

Theme-song runner up: "When Love Comes to Town," U2 with B.B. King. Bono can't sing, but he's got soul. So, too, does this 1980s number with the blues legend.

Our Kevin Love theme-song pick: "That's Amore," Dean Martin's version.