R.I.P. Fox and Hounds Jukebox
We’re mourning the latest casualty of the war on jukeboxes, as news comes to us via Rock Creek Rambler that earlier this month Fox and Hounds took the plunge and replaced their jukebox with a new-fangled super computer known as the Touchtunes digital music player. While the old jukebox was beloved by many for its rustic charms and eclectic CD collection, the Touchtunes cares not for the trifling whims of mortals. The ersatz jukebox is not really a box at all, nor does it juke. It is a flatscreen portal hanging on the wall, and rumor has it that if you stare at it for too long you start involuntarily singing “Fergalicious.”
The switch to a digital music player makes good business sense: bar patrons pay slightly more per song, but an increased selection means that more people are drawn into the Touchtunes’ all-powerful orbit. The new music player also brings with it a fancy new Bose speaker system, so even though music junkies may not like the songs as much, at least the sound quality has gotten an upgrade.
Fox and Hounds owner George Mallios gave us manifold reasons for the technological revolution. First of all, “times change, and you have to change with the times.” More specifically, George pointed out that removing the bulky jukebox gave him room to put in one more table and a few chairs. He’s also in the process of getting rid of the bar’s cigarette vending machine in preparation for the 2007 smoking ban, so it seemed like an apt time to rethink Fox and Hound’s layout.
Lastly, George has heard some frightening rumors about the legal repercussions of stocking a jukebox with burnt CDs. These hand-crafted mixes played a big part in shaping the character of Fox and Hounds; now they sit piled up in the bar’s storage room. But, as with all things in life, there is a trade-off. The Touchtunes boasts online shopping options, so happy hour customers who’ve had one too many of Fox and Hounds’ notoriously strong rail drinks may find themselves purchasing an $84 wristwatch! Hilarity ensues.