11.12.2007

The Best 27:33 of Your Life

So I've tried to keep my marathon training on the DL until I get to a point that I have something interesting to share. Well I have finally found something worth sharing:

The most amazing workout mix of all time.

1. "Existentialism On Prom Night" (4:01) by Straylight Run. A great stretch and warm up song. It begins with a simple piano hook and picks up quickly, including a powerful vocal by lead singer John Nolan. Don't make the mistake of buying the whole album, just download this song. And check out the music video: it's not perfectly executed, but the concept is pretty sweet.



2. "Bodysnatchers" (4:02) by Radiohead. By this point I've started to run, and my left foot is getting those same early-jog cramps and I need a pick me up. The song is brash and edgy and just what I need. Radiohead is in my top three favorite bands right now (the others are Muse, who rocked ACL this year; and Sigur Ros). There's been a lot of hype around Radiohead's newest album, In Rainbows, and I think it lives up to the hype.





3. "All I Need" (3:49) by Radiohead. The cramp is gone and the beat on this song is a perfect match to my stride. It's very chill and there's a piano solo with 1 minute to go on the song that makes me lean my head back and really pick up my pace. Another great song from In Rainbows, and if you're feeling especially mellow after the run, I recommend "Videotape" as well.




4. "Showbiz" (5:17) by Muse. I've reached the downhill portion of my jog and the song matches my mood: a dull roar that grows into an adrenalin rush. An earlier song from a fantastic band. I already liked Muse for songs like "Starlight" and "Time is Running Out," but after hearing them at ACL I got a brand new taste for heavy rock. I think it's because they blend the rockin' with a very smart, alternative sound...and now I think I'm a music critic.





5. "Stronger" (5:13) by Kanye West. When I time it right, this song comes on about 50 feet before I hit the big half-mile hill back to the house, and I really need it to finish strong. The song is trendy right now, but Kanye West took an already fantastic beat from Daft Punk and made it even better.



6. "The Scientist" (5:11) by Coldplay. I've cleared the hill, crossed the street and am ready to cool down. Coldplay has come out with a lot of great songs, but I'd argue that this could be their best.



What are your favorite workout songs?








3 comments:

Ross said...

Nice list Todd. A little more emo than I expected from you. (Mainly due to #1). I don't like to listen to music while working out, but if I did it would probably have to be Celine Dion.

Liz said...

I'm glad you gave Kanye a shout out because I have been all about that cd lately. I definitely decided it is a PERFECT workout mix song.

My other favorite workout song of all time is "Lose Yourself" by Eminem. That song came on my ipod at about mile 18 of my last race, and I was completely drained, but as soon as that song came on I felt like I could have kicked someone's ass. Gave me all this energy. That's my recommendation.

Shabutie said...

FYI, not a mistake to get the entire Straylight Run album. Though their future albums are arguably better.