Category Archives: music
it moves me…all kinds
my running playlist
after tuesday’s post about the three things that have helped me to finally enjoy running, i had a request to divulge the music i listen to while running. i was initially hesitant, because (1) there is no shortage of running song lists on the internet, and (2) several of the songs on my playlist are not good music, in my opinion, outside of running.
but i also know how long it took me to carefully curate this list (after scouring my massive music library and online suggestions for songs in the right tempo range, each has been on quite a few runs with me and have survived the never-skipped-this-track test). it seems a shame not to share it. so, in the spirit of my top 20 songs, i give you my top running tunes.
these are listed in order of tempo, meaning that they start out at 165 beats per minute and gradually move up to 180 bpm. if i feel plenty warmed up i’ll skip the few at the beginning, especially when i know i’ll be on a shorter run.
the whole playlist is 1.5 hours, which gets me through about ten miles on the (rare) days i’m really feelin’ it. but there are a few songs on here that i routinely either fast forward the first half (see #13) or skip the last half (see #28), plus a few songs need a quick FF to get through a dull intro, so a play-through usually lasts me around 75 minutes (about eight miles). that gives me some wiggle room to skip a song or two if i’m bored or tired and still get in a good six or seven miles. UPDATE: i’ve added a few essential songs, so the total time is now 108 minutes)
so, without further yapping, here are the songs that motivate me. maybe you’ll find something that works for you, too.
*fair warning: i try to keep this blog family-friendly, but a couple of these songs contain one or two potentially offensive words. if you’re not comfortable ignoring an expletive, avoid #9 and #21… oh, and #28 if you don’t skip the end like me.
1. “home” by marc broussard (165 bpm) – i just like this song, so the fact that it was close to the desired bpm secured it a place on my list. sometimes i’ll listen to it as i lace up my shoes and find my sunglasses, just to get in the mood.
2. “the march” by josh garrels (166 bpm) – i adore every song on love & war & the sea in between, but never thought i’d find a song to run to on it. this really is the perfect song to get your run started—a steady instrumental track little variance.
3. “you’ll find a way” by santigold (167 bpm) – a good transition into the more uptempo tracks, and definitely fun for running.
4. “riot rhythm” by sleigh bells (170 bpm) - fun song. great for running or dancing in your bedroom.
5. “give it up” by lcd soundsystem (170 bpm) – i discovered this one on someone else’s list, and found i really like it when running, but not so much otherwise.
6. “helicopter” by bloc party (170 bpm) – i really like the part at the end of this song when (and this is where my lack of instrumental knowledge shows) the electric guitar is hitting the melody of high notes with each beat.
7. “hide u” by kosheen (171 bpm) - this song was popular in europe when i was studying there, and so i already like it for the personal nostalgia. but electronic music in general has a way of being repetitive and beat-driven…perfect for running.
8. “pink” by aerosmith (172 bpm) – truthfully, as much as i love this song, sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn’t. but i figured you probably have it in your music files, so you should give it a try.
9. “lose yourself” by eminem (172 bpm) – i think this song is on every running playlist out there, and i agree—it works. the undercurrent is steady the entire song, and his words really accentuate the rhythm. (just fast forward the first 30 seconds.)
10. “paper planes” by m.i.a. (173 bpm) - my husband is amused that i have this song on my playlist, because i always thought it was a dumb song while he (and tons of other people) loved it. well, now i am eating my words, because it is perfect for running. when those repeated gunshots sound on the beat, i may or may not imagine that my 007 shoes are firing as my feet hit the ground.
11. “only want you” by eagles of death metal (174 bpm) – this is another song i found on a online forum that i probably wouldn’t tolerate aside from running. i actually really like the multiple extended rests they take at around 1:55-2:15…each time it kicks back in i feel a little extra oomph.
12. “footloose” by kenny loggins (174 bpm) – how can i not recognize this as one of the ultimate get-off-your-tail-and-move songs?! i don’t care how anti-cheese you are…this is a good’un.
13. “monkey wrench” by foo fighters (174 bpm) – this song kinda gets on my nerves, honestly, but after the first 2 and a half minutes of the song there’s about 30 seconds of pure energy for me. i don’t care how tired i am, when dave starts yelling a syllable per beat, i feel like someone turned on my booster engines. so i usually end up fast forwarding through most of the song and reaping the benefits of the last 1:20
14.“umbrella” by rihanna (174 bpm) – it fits the tempo, and i don’t hate it. this song signals the beginning of my “coast out of the last acceleration” phase, with two mellow-ish songs following.
15. “yellow” by coldplay (174 bpm) – you’d be surprised how great this song is on a run. usually i’m running in cadence with drum beats, but the intro and transitions of this song offer some strong strumming to accompany each footfall.
16. “come undone” by duran duran (175 bpm) – when this song comes on i can just zen out for a few minutes before i hit my next turn-it-up song.
17. “miracle drug” by a.c. newman (174 bpm) – this has been a fave of mine for a few years, and i’m surprised i missed it when calculating beats per minute. good song, good artist.
18. “go!” by tones on tail (175 bpm) – this might be my favorite song to run to. i didn’t gain to many winners from my online searches, but this one made all the clicking worth it. more cowbell!
19. “a-punk” by vampire weekend (176 bpm) – usually, i am energetic enough after the last song that i hardly notice 2 minutes of a so-so song.
20. “jerusalem” by matisyahu (176 bpm) – another song that lee teases me for adding to the list, because he has always liked it while i made fun of it. what can i say? it keeps me moving when i run. and i’ve always appreciated the nice little moment at around 2:23.
21. “jesus walks” by kanye west (176 bpm) – if this song doesn’t make you want to push forward in time with the marching beat, i don’t know what will.
22. “can i get a…” by jay-z (176 bpm) – a nice consistent downbeat. (this is the “clean” version, but the lyrics are still…jayz-z.)
23. “dancing with myself” by billy idol (177 bpm) – too perfect not to include. the driving rhythm, the theme, billy idol… c’mon.
24. “there is no one like you” by david crowder band (177 bpm) – i was worshiping in my car and realized that this joyful song would be amazing for running…i was right. (“here we go!”)
25. “woke up this morning (chosen one mix)” by a3 (178 bpm) – once i started looking for songs with the right cadence for running, i realized that i was able to (fairly accurately) judge the approximate tempo of a song just by tapping it out on my leg as i listened. i found myself doing this any time i heard a song i liked that sounded close. yes, even while watching old episodes of the sopranos. (you’ll probably want to fast forward through the first 15-20 seconds of this one.)
26. “everlasting light” by the black keys (179 bpm) – i was thrilled when i discovered that one of my favorite songs from this album fell into the target bpm range. but be warned: although i haven’t tested it all the way through, i have the suspicion that the tempo fluctuates slightly throughout the song.
27. “kickstart my heart” by mötley crüe (179 bpm) – i was recently reminded of this band and just had to add this song to the list. how could i not? it’s energetic and nostaligic all-in-one. this brings back memories of my ten-year-old self listening to dr. feelgood all summer with my cousin and being surprised i liked metal.
28. “i’m not okay (i promise)” by my chemical romance (180 bpm) – another song i kinda hate when not running. but when i‘m going the distance it’s good for the first 2 minutes… then i usually skip to the next song, because the end gets all screamy.
29. “bang bang” by knaan (feat. adam levine) (181 bpm) – okay, i take it back about #18. this is my favorite song on the list. it’s SO perfect for the end of a run, because i never feel tired while running to it. i don’t get how that’s possible, but i’m not going to question the gift of a strong finish.
i hope some of the tracks on my playlist can bring power and stamina to your runs. if you have suggestions for adding to this list, please share in the comments. right now i’m not tired of these songs, but i know that can’t last forever.
BONUS (click to listen to a sample):
fyi: i determined the bpm of a song using this handy tool, which is surprisingly fun and strangely addictive.
image via ooohcool.blogspot.com
twenty songs
when kevin tagged me with his song list, i was thrilled. now this is a “random things about me” list that i can get in to! not only insightful, but also useful. you can learn juicy tidbits about your friends and get music recommendations, yeah! this is the pitch:
“Okay, since for so many of us music is such a huge part of our lives, I thought it would be a fun to do an “about me” list High Fidelity style. List 20 songs that you like/love and why!”
so i opened up my music files for inspiration, and instantly felt overwhelmed with the task of narrowing my large library of much loved music down to a mere twenty songs. yikes. “i can’t do this,” i thought and closed iTunes. but i did enjoy discovering artists and personal info that meant something to my friend. so several weeks later, i am revisiting this game of tag, to compile a list of songs that stand out to me in one way or another.
kevin went with the all-time list, rather than the right-now list, which i think indicates more about a person anyway. so here is a list of twenty songs that i love, that will likely enlighten you to many random things about me. in no particular order:
—-
1. “writing to reach you” by travis – can’t get enough of this one. a certain someone had a large influence on my appreciation of travis, so that may contribute to my fancy. just listen.
2. “love and peace or else” by U2 – as to why i’m in love with U2, i’m going to have to defer to the plentiful praise of their musical talent & contribution that have preceded this post in countless forums globally. as to why his song stands out to me: i like it for the “sunday bloody sunday” type message, and the pure rock feel versus their alternative or dance styles (not that those tracks aren’t stellar as well). p.s. new album released in the U.S. tomorrow!
3. “where is my mind” by pixies - two words: fight club. the deal-sealer: a live performance with a massive audience a-capella “ooh-ooh” session. chills. love it.
4. “the walk” by imogen heap – oh, that voice is so hypnotizing! i was captivated with frou frou mostly for the vocals, so her solo gig is just fine with me. this song is a highlight for me because she really shows off her vocal elasticity.
5. “cherry red wine” by jonny lang – between jonny’s crazy guitar solos and true-blues vocals (that give the impression that he’s decades older than he is), i can hardly find fault with his music. this song has always been a particular favorite of mine because it leans more toward his blues style than some of his more rock-infused numbers.
6. “extraordinary machine” by fiona apple – “i’m good at being uncomfortable so i can’t stop changing all the time” in many ways this song is my anthem.
7. “demons” by guster - i have always had a thing for guster’s distinctive sound, and the haunting melody and lyrics of this song get me every time. “honesty is easy / fiction is where genius lies / ’cause it’s easier sometimes not to be involved / somehow i make you believe”
8. “why do you let me stay here” by she & him – since the moment i heard zooey deschanel sing in the shower in “elf” i was enamored by her judy garland-esque voice. i was ecstatic when she collaborated with m. ward on a real bona fide album! this one is my fave on the disc.
9. “e-pro” by beck – caught my ear the first time i heard it and never let go. the rest of the album ain’t bad neither. ☺
10. “both hands” by ani difranco – okay, ani and i get along because we share an affinity for alliteration, metaphor, and word play in our writing. i am hooked on her staccato rhythmic variations and rapid fingerpicking. this particular song is a favorite because it’s one i really enjoy dancing to in my bedroom.
11. “outta my head (ay ya ya)” by ashlee simpson – i happened to catch this video while flipping channels and replayed it no less than five times. (where would we be without TiVo?) the song has such irresistible attitude and the fantastical video had me spell bound. i only have two ashlee simpson songs in my collection, but this one is guaranteed to bring out the boogie. i get in to this song for the same reasons that i like madonna’s immaculate collection: i can’t help myself.
12. “everything’s alright” by nathan and charlie - i’ll never forget the trip to sonic with laura when she introduced me to this reassuring song. my 15-year-old self was in the midst of what i’m sure was an earnestly dramatic high school saga, and like a good friend she reminded me that my teenage world was not, in fact, crumbling. the simple melody and repetitive chorus somehow never fail to comfort my anxious thoughts when i’m tempted to fret over something beyond my control.
13. “rapunzel” by dave matthews band – i didn’t really start listening to DMB until a university visit while i was a senior in high school. a weekend with friends and a taste of college life whet my appetite for flying from the nest…and more dave. the band became a staple in my musical diet during my freshman year and throughout my undergrad years, and now when i hear it i am reminded of that full and incomparable time in my life. and, honestly, very few bands can rival the multi-layered elements they offer.
14. “played-a-live” by safri duo – i have countless memories of studying in holland during my junior year in college, as you can imagine. this song was IT in europe that year, and was the ubiquitous backdrop to all our activities, whether shopping, socializing, studying, or sightseeing. at the discotheque it instantly jammed the dance floor every time. whenever i want that adventurous, free, exciting feeling that accompanied my entire time abroad, i play this song and it all comes rushing back. being that it is technically techno, we of course have to endure the synthesized sound and obligatory trance-y interlude. but i dare you to sit still listening to those bongos!
15. “everything i wanted” by jonatha brooke – my friend marcy introduced me to jonatha on a trip to nyc. her stuff has such artistry, and many of her songs send a certain tingle down my spine just from hearing the opening chords. this song just happened to be playing in the background during a significant moment in lee & i’s relationship.
16. “now that we found love” by heavy d & the boyz – the old school rap and infectious beat made this one a crowd-pleaser long before hitch made it popular again by using it in the final scene of the film. at our wedding reception we recreated the movie’s dance “scroll” to this song. (thanks, mike.) the memory of friends and family enthusiastically breaking out their corniest moves scored a permanent place on the LOL list. this song makes me happy, therefore i love it.
17. “be still” by justin mcroberts – first, let me say that i am a huge fan of all of justin’s music, and can’t say enough about his talent for profound and relevant lyrics. this song has always touched me in a real way (i can certainly relate). it has been a favorite for nearly a decade, and still gets the repeat treatment more often than not.
18. “butterfly study” by frédéric chopin – i think many musicians would agree that when you play a piece you come to appreciate it more than if you had just passively taken it in. this classical song was a warm-up piece for me throughout my years in piano lessons, and is one of the few that i still have memorized and can (and will) play each time i sit down at the keys. it also reminds me of practicing progressions in ballet class. i like it for it’s comfortable familiarity, even if it’s just playing in an elevator.
19. “do not move” by david crowder band – it’s really unfair to pull this track out of the flow of the album for consideration, because the obvious intention of the four part project is for each song to be nestled right where it is placed. but, that being recognized, this song always grips my attention when it comes along behind the disc’s second interlude. from the electronic beginning to the driving middle to the whispered end, it pushes perfectly into the next piece.
20. “12:59 lullaby” by bedouin soundclash – evidently i like a little reggae mixed in there. the light simplicity of this little tune has a very homegrown feel, and i dig it.
for more of what i’m listening to, see the ~~okieOLIO~~ soundtrack on the “how i groove” page, and visit my last.fm profile.
that’s a nice little ditty
confession: i have over 100 GB of music on my computer. okay, so maybe that’s not so shocking, compared to what some people must have, but it is a sizable collection (seeing as i have yet to rip all my old cds to my hard drive). this is the kicker: i have to keep it all perfectly organized at all times. this means when i get a new album, it needs to be saved into the appropriate folder, properly categorized into a genre, with file names precisely formatted to match all other music files. it also needs to be attached to the cover art and labeled accurately with the year of release. this is all of utmost importance. (i just want to be able to find what i want when i want it-or perhaps that’s a bit of my a.r. surfacing.) after spending the better part of 4 hours listening to and organizing music files one saturday, i realized i might need a shift in my priorities.
but maybe not. after all, it’s not as if i devote that amount of time to it day after day, and i truly believe that music improves life. it’s no secret that it has mood-altering potential. it’s a crucial part of setting the scene in film and television production, and is also a huge component of many therapies. i love the therapeutic effect it has on my life. a punky upbeat song can banish my blues in no-time, and enjoying a soulful serenade is the perfect way to unwind. when i need to vent some anger or frustration, i can let it out through a strong driving beat. if i need extra concentration, classical really does the trick. and i can honestly run an extra mile with the right mix on my ipod. do i even need to mention creating atmosphere for parties or romance? life needs a soundtrack just like movies and sitcoms.
the trouble is, i love all kinds of music (who me? dramatically varied interests?) and so i am constantly encountering a new artist or collaboration that i feel compelled to appraise, because nothing can be automatically dismissed. no really, when i said i like all varieties of music i meant it. even the kinds that are often alienated -> country, techno, hard rock, world music. i never met a genre i didn’t like. songs, yes; some are unbearable. artists, yes; some are just ridiculous. but there is a sampling from every category that pleases my musical palate. there is just so much talent out there: some stand out for their unbelievable dexterity with instruments or creativity in composition, some for their cleverly-executed lyrical aptitude, some for their undeniable ability to entertain.
i’ve always had someone in my life who was my “awesome new music scout.” you know, the pal who always seems to have the inside tip on the next “nobody’s-heard-of-’em-but-their-music-is-SICK!” and they were usually right. in middle school and high school it was my friend todd, who would come bursting into my house triumphantly holding an album that we needed to listen to now. in college it was a classmate i met my freshman year in ground school (yes, aviation, whole ‘nother story) who proved to have a keen capacity for recognizing musical greatness. now my husband‘s good friend troy is the one who sends annual Christmas compilations of the year’s best offerings and tunes that characterize his year.
these days there are so many avenues for discovering new artists that everyone wants to be on the leading edge and reserve their early-adopter bragging rights. and with so many musicians using tools like myspace and such to promote their talents, we have easy access to many more independent recordings than ever before. it’s like opening pandora’s box. speaking of, don’t go to pandora.com or you’ll be listening to music til your mouse-clicking finger cramps up. every song you give a “thumbs up” to leads to a slew of more songs and artists you’ll probably like. for another genuinely worthy source, check out paste magazine. my brother-in-law turned me on to this stellar publication and i am forever grateful. subscribe and get loads of excellent music, film, and culture news, plus an entire cd of new music each month. a definite ‘do’.
my playlist is continually morphing, always including new obsessions and longtime favorites, but there is always room for more fabulous music if you stumble upon a gem. i welcome any recommendations!
