If you are a regular here at onethingnew.com, you’ll know that I started a weight loss program a few days ago. Well, I bought a stationary bike yesterday, and the only place in the house to put it is in our bedroom where there is no TV or computer. That means nothing to occupy my mind while I’m riding. So this evening, I’m putting together some iTunes workout mixes so I can listen to my iPod while I ride.
My mixes are going to be longer than five songs, but I think you can get the full workout experience in the mix I’ve got for you tonight. I’m making a rock mix, a hip-hop mix, and an everything mix. Tonight, I give you Top Five Friday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Workout Mix.
1. Living in a World Without Her - The Pogues
Here is your warm up. The song starts with a lilting Irish melody for a few bars before the driving beat kicks in. I got turned on to The Pogues after “Summer in Siam” was featured prominently in my all-time favorite movie, Basquiat
2. Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - K.T. Tunstall
I’m the first to admit it: the older I get, the cheesier I get. I think it’s just the way of the world. How do I know this is happening? American Idol, that’s how. Five or six years ago, I wouldn’t have been caught dead watching that show. But last season I got hooked, and I’ve watched every episode since. And I can’t explain why. Nonetheless, I first heard “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” when Katherine McPhee sang it on AI last season. It’s a great song, with a steady beat. Great for keeping your energy up.
3. Dancing with Myself - Billy Idol
When I was a kid, I liked Billy Idol because of his music videos. Yeah, those videos featuring scantily-clad women writhing around on giant beds that premiered when I was just entering puberty. But when I got older, I started to like him for his music. And it’s some pretty catchy stuff. I think we all know what “Dancing with Myself” is really about, but I choose to believe that it’s about dancing.
4. I’m Not Okay (I Promise) - My Chemical Romance
Perhaps a screamo-flavored, pop-metal song about being an outcast isn’t the most appropriate song choice for a workout. But it’s so darn catchy. And the melody and beat are so infectious that you can’t help wanting to move around. And if you’re feeling isolated, might as well isolate some muscle groups while you’re at it.
5. Blacking Out the Friction - Death Cab for Cutie
And now for a cool-down song. Your energy level has been high for 15 minutes, and now it’s time to shake it out. Something about this song makes me mellow without feeling sad, and that’s a great way to wind down. The lyrics might be appropriate, too, as you try to forget about the burn you feel in your muscles from that intense workout!
I think that’s a pretty good mini mix for a mini workout. Some folks say you only need to exercise eight minutes in the morning. Well, tonight’s mix is good for two of those! Enjoy, folks.
