Deck the halls with boughs of lolly
Ten songs on heavy rotation on Lalit Modi's iPod
Jamie Alter
21-Apr-2009
The Pet Shop Boys: If it weren't for them, Lalit Modi would have known zilch about making pots of dosh • Getty Images
1. "For the Love of Money", The O-Jays
Donald Trump took the 1974 No. 9 hit from soul/R&B group the O-Jays and made it into an anthem of sorts on his smash reality show The Apprentice. You can almost picture Modi hitting "repeat" for this catchy tune. Especially when he gets out of one of those fancy imported cars, entourage in tow.
Donald Trump took the 1974 No. 9 hit from soul/R&B group the O-Jays and made it into an anthem of sorts on his smash reality show The Apprentice. You can almost picture Modi hitting "repeat" for this catchy tune. Especially when he gets out of one of those fancy imported cars, entourage in tow.
2. "Money", Pink Floyd
The definitive money song, complete with cash register and coin sound effects. A must on Modi's list of beats to play in the office, while travelling, on the treadmill, before business meetings, and during power naps. Cha-ching.
The definitive money song, complete with cash register and coin sound effects. A must on Modi's list of beats to play in the office, while travelling, on the treadmill, before business meetings, and during power naps. Cha-ching.
3. "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)", Pet Shop Boys
In their 1985 pop chart topper the Pet Shop Boys gave us the formula for harvesting loads of lolly. That year Modi was a student at Duke University, and was probably singing along in his dorm room to lyrics like "I've got the brains, you've got the looks/Let's make lots of money." Twenty-four years on, with a host of lucrative positions and even a chic TV commercial, it seems Modi had both brains and looks.
In their 1985 pop chart topper the Pet Shop Boys gave us the formula for harvesting loads of lolly. That year Modi was a student at Duke University, and was probably singing along in his dorm room to lyrics like "I've got the brains, you've got the looks/Let's make lots of money." Twenty-four years on, with a host of lucrative positions and even a chic TV commercial, it seems Modi had both brains and looks.
4. "Moneytalks", AC/DC
Australia's finest urged us in 1990 to "Come on, come on, listen to the money talk." Was Mr Modi paying attention? Bet your bottom dollar.
Australia's finest urged us in 1990 to "Come on, come on, listen to the money talk." Was Mr Modi paying attention? Bet your bottom dollar.
5. "Power", Rainbow
A song about being a hotshot, never giving up, wheeling and dealing, and "shooting 'em down"? Check. This, after all, is a man who once told CNN he was "ruthless".
A song about being a hotshot, never giving up, wheeling and dealing, and "shooting 'em down"? Check. This, after all, is a man who once told CNN he was "ruthless".
6. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", Tears for Fears
This No. 1 hit was everywhere and everything to music fans about 25 years ago. Another one that surely influenced a young marketing student.
This No. 1 hit was everywhere and everything to music fans about 25 years ago. Another one that surely influenced a young marketing student.
7. "Caught by the Fuzz", Supergrass
Has nothing to do with the charges of possession of cocaine and kidnapping Modi pleaded guilty to while studying at Duke. Seriously.
Has nothing to do with the charges of possession of cocaine and kidnapping Modi pleaded guilty to while studying at Duke. Seriously.
8. "We Are the Champions", Queen
This classic has become the de facto victory-lap soundtrack for victorious sports teams. Fit for over-zealous sports organisations as well. Ring any bells?
This classic has become the de facto victory-lap soundtrack for victorious sports teams. Fit for over-zealous sports organisations as well. Ring any bells?
9. "Eye of the Tiger", Survivor
This stirring tale of a man who refused to let go of his dreams and hung on to his will to survive kept Modi afloat while all those court cases came flying out of left field a few months ago.
This stirring tale of a man who refused to let go of his dreams and hung on to his will to survive kept Modi afloat while all those court cases came flying out of left field a few months ago.
10. "Ain't No Fun (If The Homies Can't Have None)", Snoop Dogg
As one who's presumably used to comping the high and mighty and then basking in the resulting photo ops, Modi understands just where Snoop is coming from.
As one who's presumably used to comping the high and mighty and then basking in the resulting photo ops, Modi understands just where Snoop is coming from.
Jamie Alter is a senior sub-editor at Cricinfo