Let's just say that I run because it's the one thing I can be totally average at and feel okay about being totally average at. #thatisall
Now, on to the music. If we were going to talk about things that make me a runner, the music I listen to certainly wouldn't be one of them.
The stuff that drives my runs is sometimes any of the following:
1) The kind of shit you hear in Starbucks while you enjoy an $8 non-fat caramel mocha frappucino thing with whipped cream (hell yes to whipped cream on a non-fat drink)
2) Really, really old, as in mid-60's rock to late 90's R&B.
3) Overly emotional music penned by some angsty man or woman post-breakup.
4) Whatever singular top-40 pop song I'm currently into which means I'll end up hating it after approximately 17 listens.
So today, on this National Day of Running, I gift to you The WTF(?) Running Playlist, an especially random mix that I vomited out just to keep my feet interested and moving.
As always (as if I've done this soooo often), a few musical highlights:
"Get Back" - The Beatles. This song makes me feel like I should be wearing bell bottoms while jamming in the back of someone's VW van on a road trip to California, none of which I've ever done or probably will do. But I like it, and I love Sir Paul, and I'll punch you right in the face if you don't love him, too.
"Surf Wax America" - Weezer. Weezer is one of my most favorite bands of all time even though I haven't really loved them since the Blue Album. The Blue Album is just so good that it negates all of this crap they've put out since. (The same can be said for Green Day and Dookie, FYI).
"Breathe In, Breathe Out" - Mat Kearney. Between this guy and Coldplay, I'm not sure if this playlist could get much wussier. But don't hate. There's something to be said about a song that tiptoes around for a few minutes, whispering sweet nothings, before it finally smashes into a crescendo of guitars and drums and epic, soaring vocals. Plus, this song was on a Grey's Anatomy soundtrack back when I thought the world revolved around Meredith's skinny ass and Derek's husky tenderness. Did I just write "husky tenderness"? Gross.
Your turn.
What "WTF" song(s) grace your running playlists?
I have everything from "I like big butts"
ReplyDeleteto Norah Jones, old country like Don Williams and Merle Haggard to top 40 chart songs. I love a crazy variety. Fun to see your crazy variety too! :)
I love you. That is all. Really. Because I don't listen to music on my runs. In fact, the only time I actually listen to music is for BODYPUMP. I am lame. But I did hear some song by some chick on GMA. Her name was Karmin. Twas good. Maybe it's somebody's WTF running song.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Pardon the stream of consciousness. I am listening to Miles talk when he should be sleeping and I don't feel like going up.
and this is why we are friends. Nearly every single song on this playlist, even if its not on my running playlist, its on my itunes, spotify, something. Ryan always laughs at me for putting "mellow", wussy music too. But for me, sometimes I think that angsty music gets you pumped even more, ya know? Because it's just so emotion-filled that you can't help but get into it.
ReplyDeleteI think we are kindred music spirits! I have the weirdest playlists ever. Currently loving? Imagine Dragons. Have you heard of them?? (or am I, again, the last to know?) I just discovered them and I want to marry them. (yes, the name is ridiculous)
ReplyDeleteAlso - Politik is my #1 Coldplay running song (and you know I have a hard time playing favorites with Coldplay). I swear that song is so angry and it makes me run SO FAST. LOVE.
Love love love Mat Kearney! I don't run with music, but if I did he would be the majority of the playlist!
ReplyDeleteI love Mat Kearney too and have listened to him while running. I typically need some of his more upbeat songs though. I can't do mellow songs while running. Even if a song kicks in later on, I can have a hard time getting through the earlier part and have to move on to another song. However, I usually only listen to music while I'm on the treadmill now, and my patience is always stretched thin on there. I agree with you about Weezer and their old stuff, but I'm a sucker for all Green Day, any album. They're my go-to when it comes to running music. High energy stuff keeps me pumped up.
ReplyDeleteMy WTF music is a Glee running playlist. It's my guilty pleasure.
I am ashamed to admit that Miley Cyrus "the climb" pumps me up when running !!!!
ReplyDeleteI have found that my musical taste while running is totally different from my musical taste while hanging out or driving. I usually lean towards poppy radio crap, glee soundtracks, and lately, bluegrassy stuff. My current running play list includes a lot of Rage Against the Machine, New Found Glory, System of a Down and My Chemical Romance. Apparently my feet like some hard rocking and fast punky beats to keep me going.
ReplyDeleteYou are a riot! Love the eclectic mix of tunes you chose :) I don't run with music but if I do, it's usually via Pandora and I go with whatever they play which is usually over-played pop songs that I am already sick of!
ReplyDeleteglad to see Weezer made the playlist! Yessss!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I am a weirdo who listens to 90's rap while I run. I'm a huge country music fan but there isn't anything like a good Biggie Smalls song to get me going. I also have some goodies like Hanson, LFO and NKOTB. hahaha
ReplyDelete