Running Playlists

Indie rockers love running.

Any time of year is a great time to begin a commitment, especially a healthy one. It just so happens that once the new year hits, it's all about resolutions. One of mine this year was to get back into solid running shape (like, to run 4-5 miles at a good pace and not be winded). For those who don't know me that well, I was a pretty serious runner for a number of years; I ran cross country and track in high school and reminiscent about it constantly. It's tough to stay dedicated to the regiment in college, with the demanding schedule, workload, and ... the beer. But I'm going to reach my goal, that's for certain. Running long distances is very soothing, once you build your base. It's mostly a love/hate relationship for me, but the euphoric feeling you get from finishing a long run is like none other. Runner's high, baby. So how does this correlate with music?

Each day this past week, I listened to a different band's album each time I hopped on the treadmill (f.y.i, I have a 30-day membership at a gym owned by some variation-of-Christianity Church and they blast Christian rock like Jesus is watching). Here are some bands that got me pumped up while racking up the miles. Give them a listen next time you lace up and hit the road.

Monday: Nirvana - Live At Reading Festival
Started the week off with some live, grunge fury. The band opens with "Breed", and then goes into "Drain You", "Aneurysm", "School", "Sliver" and "In Bloom". That's as far as I got, but other notable tracks from this '92 show are "Come As You Are", "All Apologies", "Dumb", and "Stay Away".

Tuesday: Alice In Chains - The Essential Alice In Chains
I needed some hard rock on the most unattractive day of the week. Songs like "Man In The Box", "Would?" and "Rooster" helped me out during a run that felt to have lasted 6 miles, not 2 and a half. Layne's painful moaning let me know I wasn't the only one doing something hard. A great "Essential" compilation.

Wednesday: The Replacements - Last Show Ever! (Bootleg)
Something about live recordings really gets me moving. The Mats bring out the rockin' guitars on their final gig, opening with "I Will Dare". Then it's on to "Bent Out Of Shape", "Achin' To Be", "Merry Go Round" and others. At this point, I'm a sweaty mess, but it feels good. A must-own bootleg for the serious Westerberg fan.

Thursday: The Clash - Live At Shea Stadium
Punk rock running. Recorded when they opened for The Who back in the early 80s. I will admit that some of their reggae tunes made me want to slow down and take a breather, but tracks like "London Calling" and "Rock The Casbah" got my legs revved up. Also, I daydreamed a bit during "Police On My Back" about being chased by cherry-tops.

Friday: Day off. (What? I needed it.).

Saturday: Say Anything - ...Is A Real Boy
Their only good album, which was also their first studio record. And good album - I mean great. One of my favorites of the decade. It had a bite to it upon first listen and it still does. Standouts on this Saturday afternoon jog were "Belt", "Woe", and "Spidersong". I should've listened to "Admit It!!!", a song about arrogant hipsters lights my fire.

Sunday: Well I'm writing this, isn't that enough of a strain?

The Clash - "Police On My Back"

For more information on running and working out, visit CoachPopFitness.com. That's my brother's site, which he should update more frequently. Maybe that will be his resolution. Oh, and check this out for more information regarding the benefits of music and fitness.

December 4, 2009 (Playlist)

December 4, 2009 (Playlist):
"Our Thirty-Third Show!"

Echo & The Bunnymen – Do You Know Who I Am?
Health – Die Slow
The Raveonettes – Breaking Into Cars
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – Even Heroes Have To Die
Surfer Blood – Swim (To Reach The End)
Spoon – Written In Reverse
Bear In Heaven – Lovesick Teenagers
Warren Zevon – Lawyers, Guns, & Money
*"Punk Trunk!": Sex Pistols – No One Is Innocent
*"Punk Trunk!": The Thermals – Power Doesn't Run On Nothing
*"Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week": Nirvana – Molly's Lips (The Vaselines Cover) (Live)

*"The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune": Bruce Springteen – Growin' Up
Living Colour – Behind The Sun
Avett Brothers – Slight Figure Of Speech
Headlights – Secrets
Phoenix – Rome
Passion Pit – Let Your Love Grow Tall
Charlotte Gainsbourg – Heaven Can Wait (Feat. Beck)
Major Lazer – Hold The Line (Feat. Mr. Lex & Santigold)
Cold War Kids – Audience Of One
Motion City Soundtrack – Her Words Destroyed My Planet

*Background music consisted of various dance and electronica tunes from the 2000s. They ranged from Alan Braxe & Friends to Ladytron. Tunes to make you move your feet.

What can we say about our penultimate (second to last) show that hasn't been said about the rest of our stellar shows this semester? Even after being away one week for the Thanksgiving break, we can honestly say it was a great Friday evening of alternative and indie rock on college radio, 88.3 FM KUR. However, we can say this: with only three exceptions, every song we played was oven fresh. Young America demands new music! We kicked things off with some lo-fi and dance pop numbers, then busted out the "Punk Trunk!" to give the show some D.I.Y. attitude. Next we followed that up with our other two special segments back-to-back and brought it on home with some of most anticipated music to come in 2010. Big thanks to our second-time shadower, Melissa, who may be new to KUR, but has certainly found her footing on our program. Next week is the grand finale. Your hosts present the second annual NMTMies, spinning the best in alternative music 2009 had to offer and giving out awards to artists and bands that won us over this year. You do not want to miss this show! Thanks again for tuning in and be sure to tune in next week for another great set.

Bear In Heaven - "Lovesick Teenagers"


Nirvana - "Molly's Lips (The Vaselines Cover) (Live)"


Cold War Kids - "Audience Of One"

This Day In Rock: 9-24-91

Nirvana's monumental, breakthrough record Nevermind, came out on this day in 1991. Three people made that record; they were Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl. Even though the record is legal now (18 years old), there are still some unsettling questions about the grunge era and the band itself. What if kids weren't turned on by this movement? Where would the world of popular music be if Kurt was still alive? Would MTV still play music videos? What kind of music would be popular? What about alternative rock? And what about the future of the band? Would there be a Foo Fighters, Hole, or politician Novoselic? This record changed the face of rock music history and it will forever be one of my own (and many others) favorite albums of all time. Rest in peace, Kurt.

Nirvana - "Smells Like Teen Spirit"


Nirvana - "Come As You Are"


Nirvana - "Polly"