Running Playlist

I never had a workout buddy until Ernie. All through high school track, I used to run solo, just me and the road. Then a couple of years or so ago, I found Ernie and it was love at first sight.

Ernie is my ipod.

I inherited him from Nathan, who moved on to a newer and better ipod. Ever since I got him, I've been totally addicted. I love having music that I can carry with me, especially when I'm running. It's like fast, upbeat songs make me forget (well, distract me from at least) my tired legs and side stitch, so I can run faster and longer. And it turns out I'm not making that up- some research studies have found that people burn more calories when they work out to music.

So in the name of calorie-burning, here's some of what I listen to when I run:

The Rolling Stones- Jumpin Jack Flash
Franz Ferdinand- Take Me Out
Franz Ferdinand- The Dark of the Matinee
Muse- Stockholm Syndrome
Muse- Hysteria
The Clash- Should I Stay Or Should I Go
The Mars Volta- L'Via L'Viaquez
Michael Jackson- Smooth Criminal
Modest Mouse- Dance Hall
Creedence Clearwater Revival- Fortunate Son
Queen- Another One Bites the Dust

...and that gets me through just about any workout :)

What songs do you listen to while you work out?

Image by Per Briehagen via Runnersworld

Best Worst Music Ever

Over the weekend I was walking down High Street when someone drove by just blaring their music out of their open car windows, and I happened to catch a whiff of the song. And I kid you not, they were playing MMMBop. Does anyone else remember that song?

Well, I do.

When I was in elementary school, I think I played that song on repeat every.single.night. for months on end. I was officially obsessed. I thought the Hanson brothers were the hottest thing on earth in all their girly long-haired glory. Obviously, Taylor was the hottest. This was when I still had a thing for blondes with blue eyes (something I got over a looong time ago).

And it got me thinking about all the seemingly bad-but-oh-so-good music I've listened to over the years, probably around 90% of which was created in the 90's (think Spice Girls), though I do have a soft spot for cheesy 80's love ballads. Funny how things that were once cool are now terribly cheesy.

What's the best-worst music you've ever listened to?

PS: My Hanson tape totally went missing after a couple months of nonstop use and I'd always thought I lost it, but now I'm thinking maybe my dad had something to do with it. I'm on to you, Dad (though honestly, I couldn't blame you).

PS Again: I like to think my music taste has improved since then. Just so you all don't think I'm a total loser.

Hanson image via rateyourmusic.com, where it did not get very good ratings. Ha.