In a continuing effort to make the world a better place, I'd like to offer up the short playlist I've curated specifically to work out to. It's been the same list for a few years now (once in a while a song will be removed, and a more appropriate song added in it's place).
Note: it's this loop, since no one actually read this blog, the reference in the title is most likely lost on everyone.
1.
Who Was In My Room Last Night
Butthole Surfers, 1993, Independent Worm Saloon
(listen)
This is more of a warm-up song. I usually stretch for this entire song, and even a minute or two into the next song, and then I start to run.
2.
Get Whacked
Suicidal Tendencies, 1990, Lights, Camera, Revolution
(listen)
My contention is that Suicidal Tendencies is among the most misunderstood bands in the world, and at some point I'll attempt to correct the record. In the meantime, this song is an excellent, and auspicious, beginning to your workout.
3.
None Shall Pass
Aesop Rock, 2007, None Shall Pass
(listen)
I have a very long history with this song. I used to loop it beginning at 6am as I sat at my desk and waited for the morning's rush of zulily shopping traffic. It's a very meditative song - you can just tune everything else out while trying to diagnose cascading failures in a highly complex eCommerce infrastructure in real time.
4.
War Inside My Head
Suicidal Tendencies, 1993, Still Cyco After All These Years
(listen)
Yes, I linked the re-recording of the song in 1993 (controversy ensues). I like the clean production of the later album - I think it's the treatment that ST should have received on it's 1st couple of albums. Anyways, I've also had a 3-decade relationship with this song and consider to be one of my favorite songs of all time.
5.
Goes Black
Big Ups, 2014, Eighteen Hours of Static
(listen)
Here's where we enter the total banger section of the playlist. This one's great for steep hill climbs when you have to dig deep and find the strength to keep your legs pumping while your lungs are burning and all of the voices in your head are telling you "you should stop" and "you're in terrible shape" and "you'll never make it".
6.
New Noise
Refused, 1998, The Shape of Punk To Come
(listen)
Out of the banger frying pan and into the banger fire. One of my absolute favorite work-out songs (including the heavy bag).
7.
You Can't Bring Me Down
Suicidal Tendencies, 1990, Lights, Camera, Revolution
(listen)
As you might be able to tell, I'm a huge Suicidal Tendencies fan. ST, once again inspiring a generation or two of young people who feel disaffected, marginalized, and cast out, ST gives these people a place to call home and a family to meet up with (in the pit). Every pissed off teenager in the world should spend some time in a Suicidal Tendencies mosh pit .. it would really help. (As a side note: this whole album is excellent).
