My Spring 2009 Workout Mix

In attempting to fulfill my perennial New Year's Resolution, it occurred to me that a fresh start on the exercise campaign required a new workout mix on the old pod. So, after a brief yet manic indulgence at iTunes (and with some assistance from Erin's kickass Christmas mix CDs) this is what I've come up with:

(Note: Not all of the music is new; it's just new to ME. And, not all of the music is what you would call, um, GOOD. I cannot help that. The workout wants what the workout wants.)

1) The Jimmy Choos - Chester French
I think this is the only song I've ever bought without hearing it, and strictly on the basis of an article I read - at the gym, no less - in Blender. It's quite infectious, and who doesn't love a chorus that involves the repeated elongation of the word "Choos," as in "She's got...Jimmy Chooooos, ooooos, oooooos!"

2) Feel Good Inc - Gorillaz
I held off on buying this song until I didn't hear it on every radio station like 10 times a day. When I was no longer sick of it, I realized that I desperately needed it.

3) Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs

4) L.E.S. Artistes - Santogold
I LOVE this album. Modern-day Philly girl that sounds like Dale Bozzio from Missing Persons. Also "You'll Find A Way." This whole album makes me feel swirly/dancey as a 21-year-old.

5) Never Miss A Beat - Kaiser Chiefs

6) Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis
It's a car commercial song, but I kinda love it. Sorry, hipster cred, you will just have to endure yet another slight.

7) The Mesopotamians - They Might Be Giants
I defy you to listen to this song ONE TIME without getting it stuck in your head FOREVER.

8) Pocket Full of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield
I TOLD you not all of it was good. Hey, I bought it for the OG, NOT myself. But, it works on an elliptical in ways that I cannot describe.

9) Mercy - Duffy
It's a commercial song, too, but at least I can honestly say that I liked it well before that. Didn't like the rest of this album, but this song cannot be denied.

10) Rock and Roll Machine - The Donnas
Not quite the Ramones, but a reasonable substitution. Plus, chick band, which is always cool.

11) A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
Same thing about not buying it until I wasn't sick of it anymore. Now, I'm glad to have it.

12) Golden Age - TV on the Radio
I think this might be the next whole album I get. They interest me quite a bit.

13) Love in a Trashcan - The Raveonettes
Doesn't Jack White have something to do with this band, or am I thinking of something else?

14) In These Shoes? - Kirsty MacColl
Definitely not new. But I love having this "cougarish" song playing in my ear as I survey all the nubile coeds at 24-Year-Old Fitness.

15) I'm Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You - The Black Kids

16) White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
I HATE HATE HATE whoever got this song stuck in my head - not sure if it was Badger, or goddam John Aielli on Eklektikos, or who, but it WILL NOT LEAVE and the only remedy is to listen to it on my iPod like twice a day. It's good for cooldowns, as is...

17) The Crane Wife #3 - The Decemberists
Except it makes me sad. And I hate to get teary-eyed at the gym, because, you know, I look so AWESOME otherwise.

18) Cuts You Up - Peter Murphy
Because no playlist is complete without some form of 80's goth. Represent!


OK, it's currently rather heavy on the jangly white boy angsty intellectual-nerd music that I am always attracted to. But, it helps me get my sweat on.

I am, however, taking submissions...what is this list missing? Lay all your love on me.

(I am considering throwing that damn Beyonce "Ring on It" song in the mix; again, mostly to help get it out of my head, but also because it lends itself to the shakin of the booteh.)