Okay, so I caved and bought an inexpensive mp3 player. You guys were right. The treadmill is so much better now. But today I almost fell down because I couldn't keep from boogeying. James Brown was so urgent when he was commanding me to get up off of that thing and dance until I felt better. I couldn't really resist.
I'm taking suggestions for the best running music. My general music collection is heavily weighted to the slow and melancholy side, not ideal for the treadmill. James Brown and assorted other funk, a little Beck, and some Beastie Boys were in today's mix, and I was definitely smiling. What else will put a spring in my step?
"Don't stop me now" by Queen is also on my personal list of favs. Also salsa is great.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 22, 2005 at 07:40 PM
I will survive
Posted by: | February 22, 2005 at 08:34 PM
Any ABBA, particularly of the Dancing Queen variety.
Posted by: The 3L Word | February 22, 2005 at 08:38 PM
The Mike Gordon and Leo Kottke album Clone has some good running songs. "I don't like driving, take a train if I could choose. Car up there sliding, off them car carrier blues. Who put the chains on? Looks like they're on too loose."
Posted by: Rayne of Terror | February 22, 2005 at 08:54 PM
Some fraction of your Ryan Adams will do nicely. Lately, I've been partial to INXS on the treadmill, though. (I tend to be randomizing an uptempo subset of my music on the 'mill, though. You've got some of them on a CD, I believe.)
The quicker end of the Dandy Warhols' repertoire works well, too. In general, if you want to dance to it, play it on the treadmill.
Posted by: pjm | February 22, 2005 at 08:56 PM
A quick spin through my mp3 player yields:
"Once in a Lifetime" by the Talking Heads
"Rock the Casbah" by The Clash
"Message in a Bottle" by the Talking Heads
"Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2 (Live in Mexico City bootleg)
With the last one, you could run non-stop to the Canadian border...
Posted by: John | February 22, 2005 at 10:01 PM
Bruce Hornsby has some jumpin' tunes ideal for working up a sweat. Check out especially the Hot House album with songs like Spider Fingers and Big Rumble. You will never be the same.
Posted by: Richard Ames | February 22, 2005 at 10:38 PM
I think these ones are up your alley:
“Old Hat” - Harvey Danger (About being really good at something, loud, and in charge, and smitten.)
“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers (About being cheery in the face of adversity.)
“It gets me going” – Spymob (About a dog, but also about inexplicable motivation.)
“Let Me Entertain You” – Robbie Williams (About a drive to be charming and entertaining of course.)
Posted by: Tokyo | February 22, 2005 at 10:58 PM
BLACK EYED PEAS!!! I have "Be Free", "Hey Mama", "Lets Gets Retarded" and "Shut up" on my mp3 player! Lets see... what else?
Evanescence - Bring me to Life
Outkast - Hey Ya, Roses, The Way You Move
U2 - Beautiful Day, Elevation, Even Better Than the Real Thing, Desire, Veritgo
Ryan Adams - New York
My absolute favorite running song is "Adrenalin" by Gavin Rossdale... NOTHING makes me want to work harder.......
Have fun... the MP3 player will make the dreadmill MUCH more tolerable!!
Posted by: jdz | February 23, 2005 at 12:46 AM
daft punk, i forget the name of the album, but the videos have little cartoon-y characters. one song is "harder, faster, stronger".
Posted by: sherry | February 23, 2005 at 03:31 AM
Nike puts out a free workout mix on their website. It may not be your personal choice in music, but it might be worth examining.
Posted by: | February 23, 2005 at 08:55 AM
Upbeat 80s stuff is always fun with a little dance/hip hop here and there.
"Fighter" by Christina Aguilera always helps me bring it to the next level.
Posted by: Slice | February 23, 2005 at 09:00 AM
This isn't exhaustive but I would suggest Green Day, the White Stripes, Aretha Franklin, and the Beach Boys. All boppy music. And I would heartily second the Abba suggestion.
Posted by: cmc | February 23, 2005 at 09:31 AM
Madonna, Madonna, Madonna
Guns n' Roses (more the Sweet Child of Mine variety than the Knockin' on Heaven's Door rendition)
Bad Company
I second the Outkast, James Brown and Aretha recommendations, and find that some days Shakira gets the feet moving pretty fast too.
Posted by: Ms. Runner | February 23, 2005 at 10:28 AM
Anything by Blink 182.
Posted by: | February 23, 2005 at 11:07 AM
"You Had Me," Joss Stone
Posted by: Sarah | February 23, 2005 at 01:41 PM
My mom's favorite running song is "Urgent" - isn't that Foreigner? I like Michael Jackson's JAM for an energy boost. (and I just try not to think about his current situation)
Posted by: Kelly | February 24, 2005 at 03:35 PM
I agree with Black Eyed Peas. I also like No Doubt for workout music. You have to find stuff that has a good steady beat and makes you feel good about yourself.
- OLS
Posted by: OLS | February 25, 2005 at 02:30 AM
You can search a large database for all songs that match a running pace at:
http://www.bestworkoutmusic.com
Posted by: pearlfinder | November 13, 2005 at 01:54 PM
Teardrop by Massive Attack. Strong beat. It is really helping me to pace myself when I don't have someone to run with.
Posted by: Mark J. | March 23, 2006 at 12:10 AM