Well it's been a very, very long time since I posted here. Partly because no matter what I do I seem to be permanently injured and haven't run regularly for a very long time. Also I really liked the Epitonic thing, with all those free downloads and they removed the ability to download lists of tracks together. I had written a little app that downloaded the zips once a month. It was just too much work to download everything one by one. Still nowadays I am I am guessing most people have Spotify or something like that.
I just discovered the band Cobra Killer and they are so good I wanted to tell someone. They are from Berlin and they sound like Berlin makes you feel. The song Upside Down The Building is about 184bpm, or 92 how ever you want to count. Hope you don't find it too upside down of me to recomment running music, when I am not running.
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Hardcore Karaoke
I've only once done karaoke. I did a screamy riot girl version of Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On. I had fun, but I am not sure the audience was so into it. But who the fuck could do Celine Dion straight? Well if I organised a karaoke evening, I'd have to seriously think about including the following lovely songs.
As usual all tracks are freely available for download from the amazing music site Epitonic. To download the song, click on the name of the song. The band name links to the Epitonic page about the band. They all are close to 90 BPM so work for a 180 SPM (strides per minute) run.
Cracked by OFF! 89bpm
The band members have impressive resumes, that include playing in Black Flag and Circle Jerks among others. Sounds super classic although it is new, they formed in 2009, and this track is off their first album which came out in 2012, which by the way is excellent.
King Kong Brigade by OFF! 90bpm
Another one from the amazing OFF!
We're Gonna Fight by 7 Seconds 89 bpm
This is classic punk from the 80s. 7 Seconds are from Washington, D.C. A good reminder to fight to live life as you want.
Cheap Beer by FIDLAR 93 bpm
Fidlar, from L.A. California, drink cheap bear, none of this microbrewery hipster bullshit for these guys. What a fucking relief! I drink cheap wine, doesn't quite sound so cool, but I live in France.
Remedy by Hot Water Music 88bpm
From Gainsville, Florida. This track really has a good melody.
Absolute Worst by The Tired And True 93bpm
From Connecticut, but don't really sound like it. Very catchy.
As usual all tracks are freely available for download from the amazing music site Epitonic. To download the song, click on the name of the song. The band name links to the Epitonic page about the band. They all are close to 90 BPM so work for a 180 SPM (strides per minute) run.
Cracked by OFF! 89bpm
The band members have impressive resumes, that include playing in Black Flag and Circle Jerks among others. Sounds super classic although it is new, they formed in 2009, and this track is off their first album which came out in 2012, which by the way is excellent.
King Kong Brigade by OFF! 90bpm
Another one from the amazing OFF!
We're Gonna Fight by 7 Seconds 89 bpm
This is classic punk from the 80s. 7 Seconds are from Washington, D.C. A good reminder to fight to live life as you want.
Cheap Beer by FIDLAR 93 bpm
Fidlar, from L.A. California, drink cheap bear, none of this microbrewery hipster bullshit for these guys. What a fucking relief! I drink cheap wine, doesn't quite sound so cool, but I live in France.
Remedy by Hot Water Music 88bpm
From Gainsville, Florida. This track really has a good melody.
Absolute Worst by The Tired And True 93bpm
From Connecticut, but don't really sound like it. Very catchy.
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Don't Run Barefoot on Broken Glass
This list is a mix of American indie pop/rock. All tracks are freely available for download from the amazing music site Epitonic. To download the song, click on the name of the song. The band name links to the Epitonic page about the band. They all are close to 90 BPM so work for a 180 SPM (strides per minute) run.
Broken Glass by The Baptist Generals 91bpm
From Texas. this track is super pretty and melodic.
Dots on Maps by Say Hi 90bpm
Pacific northwest. Very melodic and catchy.
Sick Days by Yourself and The Air 91bpm
Chicago. A little bit more of an edge than the last two, but not much.
Lovesick Teenagers by Bear In Heaven 90bpm
Brooklyn. Hip.
Of Pressure by Mirah 94bpm
Washington State. Might be a bit fast for some, but I like this bpm. I downloaded this song many years ago, before Epitonic hibernated for several years. Its a super sweet pop song.
Universe Or Worse by Braid 90bpm
Chicago. A little more rock than pop.
Broken Glass by The Baptist Generals 91bpm
From Texas. this track is super pretty and melodic.
Dots on Maps by Say Hi 90bpm
Pacific northwest. Very melodic and catchy.
Sick Days by Yourself and The Air 91bpm
Chicago. A little bit more of an edge than the last two, but not much.
Lovesick Teenagers by Bear In Heaven 90bpm
Brooklyn. Hip.
Of Pressure by Mirah 94bpm
Washington State. Might be a bit fast for some, but I like this bpm. I downloaded this song many years ago, before Epitonic hibernated for several years. Its a super sweet pop song.
Universe Or Worse by Braid 90bpm
Chicago. A little more rock than pop.
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Stars So Pretty
This list is a mix of American pop and folk-pop. All tracks are freely available for download from the amazing music site Epitonic. To download the song, click on the name of the song. The band name links to the Epitonic page about the band. They all are close to 90 BPM so work for a 180 SPM (strides per minute) run. Enjoy spring running with some happy music.
Out In The Country by Future Hits 93bpm
Very cute song, only outdone by the cheeky band name. From San Francisco.
A Million Years by Alexander 91 bpm
Alexander is the singer from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, who has appeared in two of my other posts; here and here. Very sweet love song.
We the common by Thao and the Get Down Stay Down 90bpm
This is the same Thao from Mirah and Thao so if you like this you may want to go listen to them too.
A Movie Script Ending by Death Cab for Cutie 92bpm
Death Cab for Cutie are from Washington.
Rich Hum Of air by Shannon Wright 89bpm
Shannon Wright is from Atlanta, Georgia. I love this song, it has a sort of odd sound to it. Well her voice sort of stands out; she's intense.
Shine by The Album Leaf 92bpm
From San Diego. Instrumental, pretty.
Out In The Country by Future Hits 93bpm
Very cute song, only outdone by the cheeky band name. From San Francisco.
A Million Years by Alexander 91 bpm
Alexander is the singer from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, who has appeared in two of my other posts; here and here. Very sweet love song.
We the common by Thao and the Get Down Stay Down 90bpm
This is the same Thao from Mirah and Thao so if you like this you may want to go listen to them too.
A Movie Script Ending by Death Cab for Cutie 92bpm
Death Cab for Cutie are from Washington.
Rich Hum Of air by Shannon Wright 89bpm
Shannon Wright is from Atlanta, Georgia. I love this song, it has a sort of odd sound to it. Well her voice sort of stands out; she's intense.
Shine by The Album Leaf 92bpm
From San Diego. Instrumental, pretty.
Monday, 1 April 2013
Come Run With Me
It's april and it's sunny! So lets have something happy. I have already recommended a song by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros but here's another one, Man On Fire. It's available for free download on Epitonic,
->click here<-
to start the download. I've also included a video. The video is very sweet.
"only one desire,
that's left in me,
I want the whole damn world,
come run with me".
Actually he sings "come dance with me", but I wish he sung come run with me. The BPM is a perfect 90. Genre: indie folk / americana.
PS If you like this then, the other song is here.
->click here<-
to start the download. I've also included a video. The video is very sweet.
"only one desire,
that's left in me,
I want the whole damn world,
come run with me".
Actually he sings "come dance with me", but I wish he sung come run with me. The BPM is a perfect 90. Genre: indie folk / americana.
PS If you like this then, the other song is here.
Friday, 29 March 2013
ANGRY ME
Here's an angry FANTASTICALLY intelligent song by Sole. People piss me off. They piss me off too Sole and when I get too pissed off, I go running. I don't think its available yet, or I can't figure out how to download it, so I'll have to wait to run to this. Genre: rap BPM: 88. Oh and barefooters, don't you like his name?
Saturday, 16 March 2013
Mixed Up
Here's another list of song from the amazing music site Epitonic. All tracks are available for free and legal download. Click on the song name to start the download, the band name to be taken to the page about the band on Epitonic. The BPM is around 90, so perfect for a 180 SPM run.
Everything on the list is American and there is no theme this month, just a mixed up list of songs I like. I've added a video when I could find one, so that you can have a listen without downloading.
No Parties by Fergus & Geronimo 87bpm
These guys are from Texas, but they sound English. This is a fun, driving, smart almost comical track. Lyrics are intelligent, or at least very timely. Genre: experimental rock.
Lasers Vs. Lizards by Blasted Canyons 92bpm
From San Francisco. Fast, hard, short. Genre: hard-rock.
Croquet by Bitch and Animal 94bpm
Bitch and Animal are, well were, signed to Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records label. I discovered them when they opened for Ani at a show in Munich, Germany in 2004. They are so adorable and funny and serious and entertaining. I was charmed. In this song I think they are taking the piss of rap songs. I fucking love that! Genre: queercore.
Cold Feet by Lost Lander 93bpm
American from the Pacific Northwest totally sound like they do, well in the folk-rock sense not the grunge sense. Sweet song, lyrics will appeal to introverts. Genre: indie-folk.
Highest Echo by Pontiak 88bpm
Pontiak are brothers from Warrenton, Virgina, USA. The track has a bit of a long intro, it really kicks in at 38secs, so might be interesting to trim. Genre: rock
The Breathing Machine by Greenhorse 87bpm
Like dark grey clouds on the horizon, this track feels like it is ushering in some gloom. They are in the L.A. scene, but according to Epitonic also have connections to London and South Africa. Genre: electronic rock. During my search for more info on this band I discovered that they did a cover of the Ellie Goulding song Lights. It is really different from the original. Even though Ellie's in the same category of stuff I don't like (Ke$ha, ...) she is a runner and so I'm allowed to like her and still be cool. Here's the video of that cover, its not runnable but worth a listen.
Everything on the list is American and there is no theme this month, just a mixed up list of songs I like. I've added a video when I could find one, so that you can have a listen without downloading.
No Parties by Fergus & Geronimo 87bpm
These guys are from Texas, but they sound English. This is a fun, driving, smart almost comical track. Lyrics are intelligent, or at least very timely. Genre: experimental rock.
Lasers Vs. Lizards by Blasted Canyons 92bpm
From San Francisco. Fast, hard, short. Genre: hard-rock.
Croquet by Bitch and Animal 94bpm
Bitch and Animal are, well were, signed to Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records label. I discovered them when they opened for Ani at a show in Munich, Germany in 2004. They are so adorable and funny and serious and entertaining. I was charmed. In this song I think they are taking the piss of rap songs. I fucking love that! Genre: queercore.
Cold Feet by Lost Lander 93bpm
American from the Pacific Northwest totally sound like they do, well in the folk-rock sense not the grunge sense. Sweet song, lyrics will appeal to introverts. Genre: indie-folk.
Highest Echo by Pontiak 88bpm
Pontiak are brothers from Warrenton, Virgina, USA. The track has a bit of a long intro, it really kicks in at 38secs, so might be interesting to trim. Genre: rock
The Breathing Machine by Greenhorse 87bpm
Like dark grey clouds on the horizon, this track feels like it is ushering in some gloom. They are in the L.A. scene, but according to Epitonic also have connections to London and South Africa. Genre: electronic rock. During my search for more info on this band I discovered that they did a cover of the Ellie Goulding song Lights. It is really different from the original. Even though Ellie's in the same category of stuff I don't like (Ke$ha, ...) she is a runner and so I'm allowed to like her and still be cool. Here's the video of that cover, its not runnable but worth a listen.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Hardwired at 94 BPM
Just wanted to give a heads up on a recent episode of Radiolab that I found really, really interesting: Speedy Beat.
In the episode they talk about music and BPM. It turns out tests have shown that our brains try to speed up slow music and slow down fast music. The experiement went something like this. They had people listen to a short sample of music at a certain BPM telling them to hit the next beat right after the sample stops. If the BPM is slow they tend to hit that next beat just a bit too early. If the BPM is fast the human taps the next beat a little bit too slow. This made the researchers think that our brains are pushing towards a sort of perfect BPM. So of course the most interesting result is the turnover point, the BPM where we finally get it just right. Drum roll please...it's 94. That's my favourite SPM to run to. And very close to the SPM that maximises running efficiency. I don't think this is a coincidence, we are 'born to run' and our evolutionary advantage is endurance running. No wonder the SPM that maximises our efficiency is deeply hardwired in our brains.
Oh and sometimes I listen to spoken word stuff while running like Radiolab!
In the episode they talk about music and BPM. It turns out tests have shown that our brains try to speed up slow music and slow down fast music. The experiement went something like this. They had people listen to a short sample of music at a certain BPM telling them to hit the next beat right after the sample stops. If the BPM is slow they tend to hit that next beat just a bit too early. If the BPM is fast the human taps the next beat a little bit too slow. This made the researchers think that our brains are pushing towards a sort of perfect BPM. So of course the most interesting result is the turnover point, the BPM where we finally get it just right. Drum roll please...it's 94. That's my favourite SPM to run to. And very close to the SPM that maximises running efficiency. I don't think this is a coincidence, we are 'born to run' and our evolutionary advantage is endurance running. No wonder the SPM that maximises our efficiency is deeply hardwired in our brains.
Oh and sometimes I listen to spoken word stuff while running like Radiolab!
Friday, 22 February 2013
Fire makes me go
I am kind of liking giving this free download list a theme, so here's another themed list, this time with an acoustic indie feel. All tracks are available for free and legal download on the awesome music site Epitonic. Click on the song name to start the download, the band name to be taken to the page about the band on Epitonic. The BPM is around 90, so perfect for a 180 SPM run.
Child-Heart Losers by Sunset Rubdown 92bpm
Canadian from Montreal. This song is sad and melodic and has a sort of medieval sound to it. Let the "fire make you go"...
Winged Wicked Things by Sunset Rubdown 89bpm
OK so this is another one by Sunset Rubdown, but it doesn't sound anything like the last track, at least I would never have guessed it was the same band. This song sounds like it was influenced by Pink Floyd's The Wall. It is a great track. "Chaos is yours and its mine"
Ghost Story by Cloud Control 91bpm
Australian. Sounds like the theme song for an old western movie.
In The Pines by Widowspeak 93bpm
American from Brooklyn. Reminds me of Mazzy Star. Pretty female vocals, good guitar.
A Milion Years by Alexandre 91bpm
American from southern California. Finally a happy song on Run to the Beat - enjoy it, who knows when I'll like a happy song again.
Drunken Tears by Quasi 87bpm
American from Portland, Oregon. A bit melodramatic, just like the title suggests.
Child-Heart Losers by Sunset Rubdown 92bpm
Canadian from Montreal. This song is sad and melodic and has a sort of medieval sound to it. Let the "fire make you go"...
Winged Wicked Things by Sunset Rubdown 89bpm
OK so this is another one by Sunset Rubdown, but it doesn't sound anything like the last track, at least I would never have guessed it was the same band. This song sounds like it was influenced by Pink Floyd's The Wall. It is a great track. "Chaos is yours and its mine"
Ghost Story by Cloud Control 91bpm
Australian. Sounds like the theme song for an old western movie.
In The Pines by Widowspeak 93bpm
American from Brooklyn. Reminds me of Mazzy Star. Pretty female vocals, good guitar.
A Milion Years by Alexandre 91bpm
American from southern California. Finally a happy song on Run to the Beat - enjoy it, who knows when I'll like a happy song again.
Drunken Tears by Quasi 87bpm
American from Portland, Oregon. A bit melodramatic, just like the title suggests.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
If I was a shoe...
This track has been my favourite song for ages now and even though it isn't a free download I just have to post it. At 87bpm it's actually just a little on the slow side for running, but if you're like me and run better in the 90-95bpm range you could buy the mp3 you can up the tempo using Audacity (see the post Take Control of the BPM to see how). Or maybe the 87bpm will work for you. No matter what it has a super strong beat. So the track is Wenn ich ein Turnschuh waere by Die Goldenen Zitronen. I love everything about it, the music, the voice, the lyrics. For non German speakers he is singing about someone in Turkey trying to get in the the European Union who realises that he would have an easy time, be considered something of value, if he was a sports shoe (or a flat screen TV) rather than a human being. Certainly adds a new angle to the barefoot running debate! There is a sort of desperate sound to this song that goes so well with the story, and the story sums up so much with what is wrong with the world. After hearing this I became a huge Goldenen Zitronen fan. Die Goldenen Zitronen are officially punk, but this track is not really, well not too easy to put in a genre, experimental punk? Decide for yourselves.
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Every Day is Lighter
It is getting lighter for us folks in the northern hemisphere, but where I am there is still no vitamin-D forming strength sunlight. 2 years ago almost to this very day I got a stress fracture and I don't know if winter and vitamin-D has anything to do with it, but if you do live somewhere dark, and run, well it might be time think about taking a supplement. Actually since the fracture I take a calcium-magnesium-zinc supplement, and vitamin K2, plus I got tested for vitamin-D and was very low, so I take these mega doses of that once a month.
So now for the music after last month's list of hardcore tracks (Forever Punk) I have swung the other way, the following 6 tracks all have a strong pop influence. All tracks are available on the amazing music site Epitonic. Click on the song to download. The band name links to the Epitonic page for the band.
Shapeshifter (Epitonic saki Sessions) by Hollows 89bpm
Lo-fi pop from Chicago. Very melodic.
16 Military Wives by The Decemberists 92bpm
Sweet indie rock from the pacific northwest USA.
Jaded Bones by Koda 88bpm
Downtempo electronica from Columbia, North Carolina.
Ninnyhammer by Holobody 92bpm
Synth-pop from Montreal. Could be too cute for its own good, I'm sure I'll get sick of this quite fast, but I am currently quite enchanted. Luckily there is oodles of great, free running music to consume.
Snap by Nosaj Thing 94bpm
Electronic hip-hop from LA. Quite melodic. Has a very slight 8-bit feel.
Boogie Down by Gramatik & Break Science 94bpm
From Portoroz, Slovenia, but doesn't sound like I'd expect. I'm not really even sure what I expect from Slovenia? In the same sort of spirit as the last track, electronic hip-hop.
So now for the music after last month's list of hardcore tracks (Forever Punk) I have swung the other way, the following 6 tracks all have a strong pop influence. All tracks are available on the amazing music site Epitonic. Click on the song to download. The band name links to the Epitonic page for the band.
Shapeshifter (Epitonic saki Sessions) by Hollows 89bpm
Lo-fi pop from Chicago. Very melodic.
16 Military Wives by The Decemberists 92bpm
Sweet indie rock from the pacific northwest USA.
Jaded Bones by Koda 88bpm
Downtempo electronica from Columbia, North Carolina.
Ninnyhammer by Holobody 92bpm
Synth-pop from Montreal. Could be too cute for its own good, I'm sure I'll get sick of this quite fast, but I am currently quite enchanted. Luckily there is oodles of great, free running music to consume.
Snap by Nosaj Thing 94bpm
Electronic hip-hop from LA. Quite melodic. Has a very slight 8-bit feel.
Boogie Down by Gramatik & Break Science 94bpm
From Portoroz, Slovenia, but doesn't sound like I'd expect. I'm not really even sure what I expect from Slovenia? In the same sort of spirit as the last track, electronic hip-hop.
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Forever Punk
Running in the winter is hardcore. So here's a little mix of punk, post-punk, math-rock, metal for the furious few left out there on the trails. Nothing electronic, lots of attitude, fast loud. All tracks are available on the amazing music site Epitonic. I usually try to limit myself to 6 songs on the free download lists, but these 7 tracks still clock in under 30 minutes. As usual click on the song to download, the band name will take you to the Epitonic page for the band.
Queen of Hearts by Fucked Up 90bpm
Yes let's fall in love! This is a totally sweet little love song! Canadian.
Drug Control by 7-Seconds 91bpm
Short and to the point. Don't dope people! It ain't a winning strategy. Oh and this track is only 39 seconds long.
Turbofonte by Chevreuil 87bpm
Instrumental. Get lost in this track listening to all nine and a half minutes. Frenchies.
Chasing My Mind by Holograms 94bpm
Isn't that what running is half about, chasing your mind? Swedish.
Craver by Lower 87
Has a dark sound, which I just love, officially downer punk. Danish.
Goergia X by Creedle 89bpm
Somewhere between metal and punk. This is a great track. Plus they are from San Diego, a town I love.
Yellow Guy / Pink Eye by Sleeping People 90bpm
Instrumental, more metal than punk. I LOVE running to stuff like this. It will add power to your stride. Again from San Diego.
PS the title is a homage to my current favourite band Die Goldenen Zitronen. It's their 'cover' of Forever Young. Not a good running song, but I couldn't resist!
Queen of Hearts by Fucked Up 90bpm
Yes let's fall in love! This is a totally sweet little love song! Canadian.
Drug Control by 7-Seconds 91bpm
Short and to the point. Don't dope people! It ain't a winning strategy. Oh and this track is only 39 seconds long.
Turbofonte by Chevreuil 87bpm
Instrumental. Get lost in this track listening to all nine and a half minutes. Frenchies.
Chasing My Mind by Holograms 94bpm
Isn't that what running is half about, chasing your mind? Swedish.
Craver by Lower 87
Has a dark sound, which I just love, officially downer punk. Danish.
Goergia X by Creedle 89bpm
Somewhere between metal and punk. This is a great track. Plus they are from San Diego, a town I love.
Yellow Guy / Pink Eye by Sleeping People 90bpm
Instrumental, more metal than punk. I LOVE running to stuff like this. It will add power to your stride. Again from San Diego.
PS the title is a homage to my current favourite band Die Goldenen Zitronen. It's their 'cover' of Forever Young. Not a good running song, but I couldn't resist!
Monday, 17 December 2012
Conquer Claustrophobia
It's been quite a while since I posted a track, especially one that isn't a free download. But I think this one is worth the 99c or so you'll have to pay to download. Its the Omar Souleyman's remix of Bjork's track Crystalline. Its got this awesome eastern, desert nomad sound, with Bjork's crazy Icelandic manic melody. Just lovely. Plus I have to give a heads up to my pal Niall for putting this into my Facebook feed. He's got great music taste.
The BPM is 90 so perfect for a 180 SPM run. If the desert world sound isn't for you, the original version is also 90BPM.
The BPM is 90 so perfect for a 180 SPM run. If the desert world sound isn't for you, the original version is also 90BPM.
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
6 Pack Nov 2012
So here this month's selection of 6 tracks, all legally and freely available for download from the amazing music site Epitonic. To download the song, click on the name of the song. The band name links to the Epitonic page about the band. The BPM on all these songs is close to 90, so that's perfect for a 180 SPM (Strides Per Minute) run since 90 is half of 180, and the beat feels pretty much the same to me, between 180 and 90.
La Belle Tocade by ME & LP 92 BPM
ME & LP are Matthew Embree (Rx Bandits, Love You Moon) and Lisa Papineau (Big Sir) I'm a big Big Sir fan. American. Indie Pop. I LOVE this track. If you missed the Big Sir track I recommended its The Kindest Hour with a BPM of 90.
Shooting Stars by Elysian Fields 91 BPM
From New York, this is lush and dreamy, has touches of down-tempo, jazz, pop. This sort of thing goes either way for me, it can come off as cheesy, or I buy it. Somehow here I buy it.
In Loco Parentis by The Better Automatic 89 BPM
American indie pop, with a bit of a hard edge. Good strong beat.
We've Had Enough by Alkaline Trio 88 BPM
Punk from Chicago. I really don't know what makes these guys 'punk' and the last guys 'pop'. I feel like punk used to be harder, well American punk to me usually sounds like pop. Again super beat.
Too Late To Topologize by Zammuto 94 BPM
Experimental electronic pop. This is a happy bubbly song. From New York.
Your Drums, Your Love by AlunaGeorge 90 BPM
British electronic female vocals. I like this because her voice reminds me of Martina Toply-Bird the singer on Tricky's first album. But if I'm honest this is just not as dark and twisty as Tricky, but I still like it enough. If you missed it she has another song on Epitonic You Know You Like It at 91 BPM that I've mentioned in a previous post.
La Belle Tocade by ME & LP 92 BPM
ME & LP are Matthew Embree (Rx Bandits, Love You Moon) and Lisa Papineau (Big Sir) I'm a big Big Sir fan. American. Indie Pop. I LOVE this track. If you missed the Big Sir track I recommended its The Kindest Hour with a BPM of 90.
Shooting Stars by Elysian Fields 91 BPM
From New York, this is lush and dreamy, has touches of down-tempo, jazz, pop. This sort of thing goes either way for me, it can come off as cheesy, or I buy it. Somehow here I buy it.
In Loco Parentis by The Better Automatic 89 BPM
American indie pop, with a bit of a hard edge. Good strong beat.
We've Had Enough by Alkaline Trio 88 BPM
Punk from Chicago. I really don't know what makes these guys 'punk' and the last guys 'pop'. I feel like punk used to be harder, well American punk to me usually sounds like pop. Again super beat.
Too Late To Topologize by Zammuto 94 BPM
Experimental electronic pop. This is a happy bubbly song. From New York.
Your Drums, Your Love by AlunaGeorge 90 BPM
British electronic female vocals. I like this because her voice reminds me of Martina Toply-Bird the singer on Tricky's first album. But if I'm honest this is just not as dark and twisty as Tricky, but I still like it enough. If you missed it she has another song on Epitonic You Know You Like It at 91 BPM that I've mentioned in a previous post.
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
6 Free Running Songs for October 2012 part 2
So here's a second set of free running songs. They are all legally and freely available for download from the amazing music site Epitonic. To download the song, click on the name of the song. The band name links to the Epitonic page about the band.
Anti Love Song by Betty Davis 93 BPM
Super old, funk, American. I should hate it, but don't.
You Gotta Know by Little Emily Warfield 94 BPM
Indie Americana Folk Rock.
I Am Always The One Who Calls by Pedro the Lion 92 BPM
Seattle's Pedro The Lion give us this adorable little indie rock emo track.
Rano Pano by Mogwai 93 BPM
Instrumental guitar noise from Glaswegian's Mogwai. The beat is not too strong, but won't get in the way.
I'm Not Invisible by Rocket From The Crypt 88 BPM
Pop punk rock from San Diego. Easy to run to.
We Were Sparkling by My Brightest Diamond 94 BPM
Sounds slow, but the BPM of 94 means it's actaully a bit fast for running. I had a My Brightest Diamond thing for a while, but after a few too many listens they started sounding a bit pretentious. Regardless this is a lovely song, probably my favourite of theirs. They are from New York.
Anti Love Song by Betty Davis 93 BPM
Super old, funk, American. I should hate it, but don't.
You Gotta Know by Little Emily Warfield 94 BPM
Indie Americana Folk Rock.
I Am Always The One Who Calls by Pedro the Lion 92 BPM
Seattle's Pedro The Lion give us this adorable little indie rock emo track.
Rano Pano by Mogwai 93 BPM
Instrumental guitar noise from Glaswegian's Mogwai. The beat is not too strong, but won't get in the way.
I'm Not Invisible by Rocket From The Crypt 88 BPM
Pop punk rock from San Diego. Easy to run to.
We Were Sparkling by My Brightest Diamond 94 BPM
Sounds slow, but the BPM of 94 means it's actaully a bit fast for running. I had a My Brightest Diamond thing for a while, but after a few too many listens they started sounding a bit pretentious. Regardless this is a lovely song, probably my favourite of theirs. They are from New York.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Free Running Songs for October 2012 part 1
I've really reduced the amount of posts in the last few months. Part of it is just that I've been really busy, and also that my attention has sort of been else where. I've been massively geeking out over at Coursera. Anyway my Free Running Songs posts have gotten a lot more hits that the single video song posts. So unless I find a real gem, I'll just be sticking to the free download stuff, well at least for now. Oh and another post that has gotten a lot of hits, and that I think is worth a look at is Take Control of the BPM, in which I explain how to tweak the BPM of songs you already love, so if you missed that you might want to go have a look.
OK so this time these free tracks are available at last.fm. I'll try to do an Epitonic post too before the end of the month.
Freiheit by Tonic 94 BPM
German, hip-hop. unfortunately the last.fm page for Tonic is of another band that isn't this Tonic. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the lyrics to this. In fact I just love it. Its a fucking anthem to run to, to live to. Here's some bits of the lyrics I was able to pick up.
"es ist nie mals zu spat zu sein wenn du anfangst zu werden
Wege tragen Scherben damit du betriebst zu lernen
zu ehrer und begehren was dein Leben fuer ein Geschenk ist
...
jede deine schritte ist begleitet durch Freiheit
spreng die Ketten die Zeile und Leichtheit
ateme tief durch man dein Leben muss Frei bleiben"
which translates to something like this
"it is never to late to become, the path has shards so that you can learn to honor what a gift your life is ... every step in guided by freedom, cut the chains, the ropes and the easiness, breath deep man, your life must stay free".
You know I really like the sound of hip-hop but so usually is is barely masked 'my dick is bigger than yours' bullshit. German hip-hop is often much, much better than that. On last.fm there are several other runnable tracks from Tonic; Intro feat. Dj Corin (89 BPM), Monoton (93 BPM), Letzten Tag (89 BPM), Deine Entschiedung (90 BPM) and Wahrnehmung feat. Es-say (91 BPM) so go get your fill.
Séance on a Wet Afternoon by Girls Names 89 BPM
From Belfast. Indie noisy pop.
Erasers by Sequence Theory Project 90 BPM
Not too sure where these guys are from. Slow sad trip-hop.
Flower Song by Jermook 95 BPM
Jermook are Russian, but it sounds like she's singing in an Asian language to me. Trip-hop but way more up beat than the last one.
Poor Droidcat by Psilodump 92 BPM
8-bit / chiptune from Sweden. This track is AMAZING! It is so good it makes my head hurt to listen to it.
Jag Mötte Henne I Fredags by Bossfight 91 BPM
Also 8-bit but with some female vocals from fellow Swedes Bossfight.
OK so this time these free tracks are available at last.fm. I'll try to do an Epitonic post too before the end of the month.
Freiheit by Tonic 94 BPM
German, hip-hop. unfortunately the last.fm page for Tonic is of another band that isn't this Tonic. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the lyrics to this. In fact I just love it. Its a fucking anthem to run to, to live to. Here's some bits of the lyrics I was able to pick up.
"es ist nie mals zu spat zu sein wenn du anfangst zu werden
Wege tragen Scherben damit du betriebst zu lernen
zu ehrer und begehren was dein Leben fuer ein Geschenk ist
...
jede deine schritte ist begleitet durch Freiheit
spreng die Ketten die Zeile und Leichtheit
ateme tief durch man dein Leben muss Frei bleiben"
which translates to something like this
"it is never to late to become, the path has shards so that you can learn to honor what a gift your life is ... every step in guided by freedom, cut the chains, the ropes and the easiness, breath deep man, your life must stay free".
You know I really like the sound of hip-hop but so usually is is barely masked 'my dick is bigger than yours' bullshit. German hip-hop is often much, much better than that. On last.fm there are several other runnable tracks from Tonic; Intro feat. Dj Corin (89 BPM), Monoton (93 BPM), Letzten Tag (89 BPM), Deine Entschiedung (90 BPM) and Wahrnehmung feat. Es-say (91 BPM) so go get your fill.
Séance on a Wet Afternoon by Girls Names 89 BPM
From Belfast. Indie noisy pop.
Erasers by Sequence Theory Project 90 BPM
Not too sure where these guys are from. Slow sad trip-hop.
Flower Song by Jermook 95 BPM
Jermook are Russian, but it sounds like she's singing in an Asian language to me. Trip-hop but way more up beat than the last one.
Poor Droidcat by Psilodump 92 BPM
8-bit / chiptune from Sweden. This track is AMAZING! It is so good it makes my head hurt to listen to it.
Jag Mötte Henne I Fredags by Bossfight 91 BPM
Also 8-bit but with some female vocals from fellow Swedes Bossfight.
Monday, 24 September 2012
6 Free Running Songs for September 2012
Before September ends I better give you the heads up on some freely downloadable running music from Epitonic. To download the song, click on the name of the song. The band name links to the Epitonic page about the band. They all are close to 90 BPM so work for a 180 SPM (strides per minute) run. Just in case this isn't obvious why, 90x2=180 and honestly I can't really even tell the difference, between a song MixMeister classifies as 90 or 180.
No Rain (Pumpkin Remix) by Blind Melon 90 BPM
No Rain was a big hit in the 90s, but this remix gives it new life, and its old enough that I am no longer annoyed by its hit status. Blind Melon are, well were, big indie rockers from LA.
Who (with David Byrne) by St. Vincent 90 BPM
Annie Clark is a super hottie (well at least according to her photo on the Epitonic band page) from Texas. Indie pop.
3 Away by Pretty Girls Make Graves 88 BPM
From Seattle, sort of hardish indie pop. Either named after the song from the Smiths or from a line from Dharma Bums by Kerouac. I'm hoping for the latter. They are classified as punk, but they are way too pop, especially the vocals, to count as punk for me.
Righteous Black by Gauntlet Hair 90 BPM
These guys are from Colorado. Indie rock. This is pretty crunchy, powerful. If you like running to stuff with a bit of an edge this track is for you.
Parentheses by The Antlers 90 BPM
This sounds like Bronski Beat, at least the voice. If you haven't listened to Bronski Beat since the 80s go and listen to them again. Smalltown Boy sounds like it just came out. Well The Antlers have that dreaming aching feeling too, but with a more rock guitar sound. They are from Brooklyn.
Cheenese by Pompeya 92 BPM
Pompeya are from Russia, but sound really tropical. Its there second song I am recommending. This track is super well constructed, smooth, easy to move too.
No Rain (Pumpkin Remix) by Blind Melon 90 BPM
No Rain was a big hit in the 90s, but this remix gives it new life, and its old enough that I am no longer annoyed by its hit status. Blind Melon are, well were, big indie rockers from LA.
Who (with David Byrne) by St. Vincent 90 BPM
Annie Clark is a super hottie (well at least according to her photo on the Epitonic band page) from Texas. Indie pop.
3 Away by Pretty Girls Make Graves 88 BPM
From Seattle, sort of hardish indie pop. Either named after the song from the Smiths or from a line from Dharma Bums by Kerouac. I'm hoping for the latter. They are classified as punk, but they are way too pop, especially the vocals, to count as punk for me.
Righteous Black by Gauntlet Hair 90 BPM
These guys are from Colorado. Indie rock. This is pretty crunchy, powerful. If you like running to stuff with a bit of an edge this track is for you.
Parentheses by The Antlers 90 BPM
This sounds like Bronski Beat, at least the voice. If you haven't listened to Bronski Beat since the 80s go and listen to them again. Smalltown Boy sounds like it just came out. Well The Antlers have that dreaming aching feeling too, but with a more rock guitar sound. They are from Brooklyn.
Cheenese by Pompeya 92 BPM
Pompeya are from Russia, but sound really tropical. Its there second song I am recommending. This track is super well constructed, smooth, easy to move too.
Friday, 14 September 2012
I think we should run
Here's a sweet, dark, little pop folk song for you from Daughter. Daughter is Elena Tonra who is from North London. The song is called Run. I'm getting the BPM at just exactly 90. The first video is her singing, she's so adorable. Its not the whole song though, so there is a second video with the whole song.
Friday, 24 August 2012
6 Free Running Songs for August 2012
Its that time again, time for some freely downloadable running music from Epitonic.To download the song, click on the name of the song. The band name links to the Epitonic page about the band. They all are close to 90 BPM so work for a 180 SPM (strides per minute) run. Just in case this isn't obvious why, 90x2=180 and honestly I can't really even tell the difference, between a song MixMeister classifies as 90 or 180.
Cry for Judas by The Mountain Goats 91 BPM
Clever indie folk rock, melodic and I don't know what's the word for the opposite of annoying? The Mountain Goats are that. They are also are American.
90 by Pompeya 90 BPM
Summery indie pop from these Moscowites! I didn't know it gets this hot in Moscow. Very fluid pretty pop. Plus the name of the song just has to be a reference to the BPM, no? Anything that takes BPM seriously like this is worth a listen.
Dear Believer (Timmy The Terror Remix) by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros 92 BPM
Indie folk from Los Angeles. I like the lyrics "reaching for heaven", well isn't that what running is all about?
Afternoons by Papier Tigre 92 BPM
Frenchies, Epitonic describe them as danceable despite their brooding, mathy aggression. I like this sound a lot. This is my favourite song on this list.
Séance On A Wet Afternoon by Girls Names 89 BPM
These guys are from Northern Ireland, which to me makes more sense to call Irish than British. They are noisy pop.
Pure Imagination (Epitonic saki Sessions) by Faux Fix 179 BPM
This is a cover of the song from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love that song, so this cover just totally gets me. I don't like covers that sound like the originals, what's the point, but they have taken the basic melody and text and done something really different. American.
Not enough free running music for you? Click on the free download label below and see all my posts with free music.
Cry for Judas by The Mountain Goats 91 BPM
Clever indie folk rock, melodic and I don't know what's the word for the opposite of annoying? The Mountain Goats are that. They are also are American.
90 by Pompeya 90 BPM
Summery indie pop from these Moscowites! I didn't know it gets this hot in Moscow. Very fluid pretty pop. Plus the name of the song just has to be a reference to the BPM, no? Anything that takes BPM seriously like this is worth a listen.
Dear Believer (Timmy The Terror Remix) by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros 92 BPM
Indie folk from Los Angeles. I like the lyrics "reaching for heaven", well isn't that what running is all about?
Afternoons by Papier Tigre 92 BPM
Frenchies, Epitonic describe them as danceable despite their brooding, mathy aggression. I like this sound a lot. This is my favourite song on this list.
Séance On A Wet Afternoon by Girls Names 89 BPM
These guys are from Northern Ireland, which to me makes more sense to call Irish than British. They are noisy pop.
Pure Imagination (Epitonic saki Sessions) by Faux Fix 179 BPM
This is a cover of the song from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love that song, so this cover just totally gets me. I don't like covers that sound like the originals, what's the point, but they have taken the basic melody and text and done something really different. American.
Not enough free running music for you? Click on the free download label below and see all my posts with free music.
Friday, 17 August 2012
Sweet
I've fallen down the 8-bit rabbit hole. It all started with my post on Uoki-Toki and now several days later I have listened to nothing else. First off I just love the sound, second the bands are from all over the place. Uoki-Toki are Russian, today's suggestion, Sulumi, is Chinese. But anther big reason is that tons of this shit is around 90 BPM. Rap music is also very often at 90, but I just don't usually like it, its too self-referential and well stupid, so I am so happy to find an amazing electronic genre that seems to consistently clock in at 90 BPM or there about. I can't find this track, Sweetly, on YouTube. Its available at Amazon US, UK, FR, DE, JP or follow the link below for a 30 second sample on last.fm. I'm getting the BPM at 92 using the Tap for BPM tool (so works for a 180 Steps Per Minute run).
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