Here’s our year-end round-up of our “Running Videos of the Month” for 2011*. There’s something for everybody with alternative/indie songs, rock, R&B, and even rap/hip-hop and “world music”. Every song fulfills our mission of delivering running music with a faster bpm that is either inspirational, about running, or just fun with a great beat. Enjoy and happy holidays…
(*most of the songs below were released in 2011, but not all…we just featured them on Bold Pace Music this year)
This video was made by Walter C. May and his band, The Daylights, with the hope that it would reach May’s girlfriend virally thru various social networks. She got it (he’s setting the bar pretty high for us guys with this one).
Ted Leo on Broadway? The world needed “a half-assed musical that cheapens what they do and embarrasses everyone involved,” especially when those involved include Paul F. Tompkins, Julie Klausner and John Hodgman.
Here are two new running playlists that have faster bpm and focus on a 5K race or a 10K race. I went thru a lot of new songs from 2010 and 2011 and mixed in a few older favorites. I had to cut out a lot of music to fit into shorter playlists, so there are some amazing songs below. If you have a 5K or 10K race coming up, I’d suggest just downloading either whole playlist…you won’t be disappointed. As usual, I’ve started w/ some slightly slower bpm and finished with faster ones to focus on negative or reverse splits (read good Runner’s World article on subject).
All songs meet our standard of being either about running, inspirational, or at least fun w/ a great beat. For over 45+ hrs more of music for running and fitness music, go to home page at Bold Pace Music.
As mentioned before…
Running with music that has too slow of a beat can cause a problem with your pace. You may unconsciously slow to the pace of the song. “Eye of the Tiger” is a great motivational song, but at 109 BPM (Beats Per Minute) it is way too slow for most runners. Getting the “right” BPM for your pace may take some trial and error as each runner has a different stride length (which also may vary based on pace). Therefore, these songs were carefully selected for running (but will work well for just running training or exercising) with bpm in the 150 – 180 range. The pace (BPM) starts off slower in first few songs, then builds up to a faster cadence. For a well done chart showing BPM by mile pace for walking, running, and cycling… see Exercise Pacing & Use of Music.
If you’re wondering if music can really help when running or exercising…see what Physician.com has to say. There have been many scientific studies done that prove that music can increase performance, here’s a recent one w/ a video from the BBC.
Got an iphone or use an ipod? Check out this app and software that analyzes your itunes for BPMs and then lets you choose the best running music songs at that BPM from your iphone or ipod…see Cadence
There are 14 songs below with a total playtime of 52 minutes. Enjoy…
Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:
To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.
Stand Tall – Dirty Heads (158): A great song to get you pumped up before a race or as you are starting out… “So I stand tall, it’s gets a little better, I can see the wall that we can break down together (we can break it down, yes we can make it)”
Lewis Takes Off His Shirt – Owen Pallett (163): This singer/violinist from Toronto has a unique sound on this song that makes it feel like getting lost in a rainstorm and having your “senses bedazzled by the parallax of the road”. Listen for: “I am muscle, I am bone”
Sydney (I’ll Come Running) – Brett Dennen (165): If you take a look at Brett Dennen’s website, he looks like he’s in high school. He actually put out his first EP in 2004, and this song “Sydney” is off his 6th release called “Loverboy”. He’s definitely a talent to watch. This song is perfect for running…enjoy the lyrics: “if you ever need me, call me…I’ll come runnin’ straight to you” “straight from the airport (I’ll come runnin’)…cut thru the customs line (I’ll come runnin’)…” I travel a lot, so I just love this chorus.
Month of May – Arcade Fire (168): If you haven’t yet listened to all of “the Suburbs”, you are really missing out on what I think is one of the best albums of the last 10 years. Here’s another great song from that album that will keep you moving “gonna make a record in the month of May”… a PR perhaps?
Tightrope – Janelle Monae (168): One of Rolling Stone’s 50 best songs of 2010, here’s a very talented woman who breaks down categorizations and crosses over between Rock, R&B, Hip-hop, you name it. Watch the video for this song if you want to see Janelle’s impressive dancing skills. Janelle says: “You either follow or you lead…yeah I’m talkin’ bout you”
Sadie Hawkins Dance – Relient K (168): OK, I know it’s a little sugary, a little too pop, and a little high school…I still love this song. Think back to your high school years and picture being chased by the quarterback and “I took off down the next hall running, only to get stopped by a girl so stunning”. It’s just a fun song to take your mind off any pain you are feeling…keep pushing. Do you like my sweater?
Ten-Twenty-Ten – Generationals (172): One of the Best Songs of 2011 (so far) according to The Wounded Jukebox and influenced by such favs as the Jam, the Kinks, and the Shins, this band knows how to craft a catchy, up-beat tune. It will make you feel like running…
Come On Lets Go – Los Lobos (174): Originally written and performed by Ritchie Valens, this Los Lobos version is destined to motivate.
Heaven’s On Fire – The Radio Dept. (176): This swedish group’s song was on several “Best of 2010″ lists (see Rawkblog: Best of 2010). Listen for…“We’re outnumbered by those who take no pride, in constantly moving against the tide”–you’re taking pride :)
Friday On My Mind – The Easybeats (180): It didn’t get great reviews, but if you love music, you have to see Pirate Radio. I laughed so hard during this movie that my wife was embarrassed for me. This song had a prominent role in the movie and it should lift your spirits on any run.
Hannah – Freelance Whales (180): From the album “Weathervanes” which was one of NPR’s “Best Albums of 2010″. Combining the cleverness of the fast-talking intro and verse with the slower chorus and layered instrumentation gives this song an uplifting vibe. “I’ll work on the limbs if you work on the torso, if it gets too much then you can lend a helping hand”
Please Don’t Stop – Richard Bona (feat. John Legend) (180): [Actual bpm is 90, but if you double and run off the half-beats, it works at 180.] This one was suggested in a comment by db at medrants.com. Thank you db! It’s a little jazzy and certainly has the right idea for a run.
Philadelphia – Standard Fare (180): Here’s a great review of this song and the album “The Noyelle Beat” from Buzzin’ Music. I may be biased on this one, but this is one of my favorites. As I’ve mentioned before, I do a lot of traveling and I live just outside Philadelphia. So, I definitely relate to the chorus “I’m going to have to wait all year to see you again in Philadelphia”
Give It Away – Red Hot Chilli Peppers (184): I doubt that Anthony Kiedis is talking about “giving away” anything that has to do with running, but “what he’s got” is definitely an ATTITUDE and you can use that energy and confidence to finish the race hard… “reeling with the feeling, don’t stop–continue”
Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:
To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.
I Want The World To Stop – Belle and Sebastian (151): One of Rawkblog’s Best Songs of 2010 and one of my favorite running music bands. Refined, cool, and smooth…this song should get you started off right. “I run alongside rush hour traffic…a prayer for every car”
Is there a rule that all Christmas and Holiday songs must sound sappy, slow, and performed by someone who is ancient? Or must they be so obviously commercial that they make “Rock Star” by Smash Mouth sound like a lyrical masterpiece? Furthermore, if you want to get into the holiday spirit on a run, what are the chances you’d find up-tempo, well-done, interesting music for running? Well, if you have been suffering thru previous holiday seasons with sappy, decaying, malodorous music, I would like to share with you a few of my cures for the boring xmas music blues…
While the holiday songs below do not always have something to do w/ running, they do all meet our standard of being either about running, inspirational, or at least fun w/ a great beat (most are the later “fun” type). For over 30+ hrs more of running music and fitness music, go to home page at Bold Pace Music)
As mentioned before…
Running with music that has too slow of a beat can cause a problem with your pace. You may unconsciously slow to the pace of the song. “Eye of the Tiger” is a great motivational song, but at 109 BPM (Beats Per Minute) it is way too slow for most runners. Getting the “right” BPM for your pace may take some trial and error as each runner has a different stride length (which also may vary based on pace). Therefore, these songs were carefully selected for running (but will work well for just running training or exercising) with bpm in the 140 – 180 range. The pace (BPM) starts off slower in first few songs, then builds up to a faster cadence. For a well done chart showing BPM by mile pace for walking, running, and cycling… see Exercise Pacing & Use of Music.
If you’re wondering if music can really help when running or exercising…see what Physician.com has to say. There have been many scientific studies done that prove that music can increase performance, here’s a recent one w/ a video from the BBC.
Got an iphone or use an ipod? Check out this app and software that analyzes your itunes for BPMs and then lets you choose songs at that BPM from your iphone or ipod…see Cadence (need Mac w/ OS 10.4 or higher for ipod; PC version coming soon)
Marathon Mantras CD Tin Notecard Set (6 cards, 2 of each style for $15 at remanents.com)
Looking for a perfect gift for a runner?: Take some music below and slip it in with a running CD tin notecard set from Remanents. These cards, gifts, and tees have been sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Nordstroms, Henri Bendel, Fortnum and Mason (London) and many other fine stores, however, you’ll find the largest selection at www.remanents.com. See more running cards and tees along with beautiful Couture Fabric Holiday cards and Halloween cards too.
There are 19 songs (plus another 23 non-running songs) below with a total playtime of just under 1 hour. Enjoy…
Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:
To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.
The Man with all the Toys – The Beach Boys (138): OK, I know the Beach Boys aren’t really indie or alternative, but I’m amazed how many people have not heard this song. It’s a great warm up song that was originally released in 1964 on Christmas With the Beach Boys. This is the 2005 remake from Brian Wilson’s What I Really Want for Christmas. Love the classic Beach Boys harmonies.
Carol of the Bells – The Bird and the Bee (148): This musical duo from Los Angeles has worked with a wide variety of musicians from The Flaming Lips, Beck, and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Britney Spears and Kylie Minogue. This fits well after the Beach Boys with more beautiful harmonies on this re-interpretation of a classic holiday song.
Christmas Time – Chris Stamey (129): You may know Chris from his bands the dB’s or the Sneakers or perhaps thru his work with Yo La Tengo. But in any case, here’s another sound alternative to the typical holiday saccharine…
Holiday – Glo-Worm (149): Influenced by the Cure and Everything But the Girl, Glo-Worm began as a two-piece ensemble and then expanded to a trio playing lo-fi, indie pop. Unfortunately, they only released one album called Glimmer where this song is found.
Jonathan David – Belle and Sebastian (150): More of a reference to the biblical duo of Jonathan and David then a typical holiday song. I especially like the fact that this song is on the album “Push Barman to Open Old Wounds” and can be found along with the song “The Loneliness of a Middle Distance Runner” (which unfortunately isn’t a great running song at 108 bpm, but a great song anyway).
Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight) – The Ramones (153): From the 1989 album “Brain Drain” which also contained one of their bigger radio hits “Pet Sematary” (written for the Stephen King movie of the same name). While that song was pretty commercial and definitely not the Ramones at their best, this one actually sounds more like a typical Ramones rocker, just with a little holiday cheer…
You are my Joy – The Reindeer Section (153): The Reindeer Section is a “super group” made up of some of Scotland’s finest indie rockers including Mick Cooke and Richard Colburn (Belle and Sebastian), Aidin Moffatt (Arab Strap), John Cummings (Mogwai), Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol) as well as select members of Astrid, Hercules, Eva, Mull and Historical Society, and V-Twin. They only released two albums, and this was on the second titled “Son of Evil Reindeer”
In This Home on Ice – Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah (155): This even has a running reference with the line “To see how far I’ll come a-run a-run, run, running”
If you’re looking for good running music, you won’t be disappointed. This running music playlist has songs at 130 – 150 bpm (building from slower bpms at start, to faster as you continue). This would translate into running a 10 – 11.5 minute mile pace. If you like alternative/indie rock and power-pop, but also like a few different styles of music to keep things interesting…you’ll love this mix. Actually, if you like pop and/or rock, but have an open mind to new songs, you’ll like this mix. Most are not overly obscure, artsy, or experimental…just songs that may not have received the radio play they deserved. These songs were carefully selected for running a marathon (but will work well for just running training or exercising). The pace (BPM) starts off slower in first few songs, then builds up to a faster cadence.
If you have a song that you love to use when running or working out, please share (either comment below our thru twitter @boldpacemusic)! If it is 140 – 180 bpm and meets our song “standards” below, we’ll add it to our next running or workout playlist and link back to your site with a big
thank you :)
All songs below meet our standard of being either about fitness/running, inspirational, or at least fun with a great beat (we don’t add songs with potentially uninspiring lyrics…ie. “19th Nervous Breakdown”, “Loser”, “Blister in the Sun” — all great songs, but not exactly motivational for running or fitness). For over 35+ hrs more of running and workout music, go to home page at Bold Pace Music.
Running with music that has too slow of a beat can cause a problem with your pace. You may unconsciously slow to the pace of the song. “Eye of the Tiger” is a great motivational song, but at 109 BPM (Beats Per Minute) it is way too slow for most runners. Getting the “right” BPM for your pace may take some trial and error as each runner has a different stride length (which also may vary based on pace). For a well done chart showing BPM by mile pace for walking, running, and cycling… see Exercise Pacing & Use of Music.
If you’re wondering if music can really help when running or exercising…see what Physician.com has to say. There have been many scientific studies done that prove that music can increase performance, here’s a recent one w/ a video from the BBC.
Marathon Mantras CD Tin Notecard Set (6 cards, 2 of each style for $15 at remanents.com)
Looking for a perfect gift for a runner? Take some music below and slip it in with a running CD tin notecard set from Remanents. These cards, gifts, and tees have been sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Nordstroms, Henri Bendel, Fortnum and Mason (London) and many other fine stores, however, you’ll find the largest selection at www.remanents.com. See more running cards and tees along with beautiful Couture Fabric Holiday cards and Halloween cards too.
Got an iphone or use an ipod? Check out this app and software that analyzes your itunes for BPMs and then lets you choose songs at that BPM from your iphone or ipod…see Cadence (need Mac w/ OS 10.4 or higher for ipod; PC version also available)
The itunes playlist below has ALMOST all the songs listed, there are a few that are not on itunes: The Monroes, Flash & the Pan, AC/DC, Bram Tchaikovsky, and Madness.
There are 73 songs below with a total playtime of 4.4 hours. Enjoy…
Click below to play samples and/or download songs from amazon:
To get this music, just click on either itunes or amazon playlist above and download either entire the playlist or individual songs. Or see our Amazon store for the very best full albums by artists on the playlists.
Chariots of Fire – Vangelis (68): Just thought I’d put this one at the beginning to help get pysched up for the start. Seems like a perfect song while you’re waiting in the coral for the race to start.
We Used to Wait – Arcade Fire (122): You just HAVE to see this video “event” before your run. You type in a current address or an address where you grew up and suddenly you’re a runner in a hood running through your neighborhood. It’s really groundbreaking stuff…see bold pace music for more info and instructions to view, or go to The Wilderness Downtown site to see what all the hype is about–it’s worth it.
We are the People – Empire of the Sun (125): This Australian band went platinum w/ their debut album in Australia and this song was nominated for “Song of the Year” by the APRA. It’s an epic song that starts out the race on the right foot w/ a good beat and lyrics like “A force running in every boy and girl, all rejoicing in the world, take me now–we can try”. Well done pop.
I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas (129): “Let’s do it, let’s do it, …” Trying not to be music snobs here, and BEP do pop well with a great beat…you just gotta do it.
Gimme Hope Joanna – Eddy Grant (130): With the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, this anti-apartheid anthem just seems like a perfect song at the beginning of a marathon. The song was banned by the South American government when it was originally released.
Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap (130): This song might sound familiar from movie “(500) Days of Summer” or perhaps from Greek, One Tree Hill, or UK drama Skins. In any case, it’s a should put you in the right disposition…”We won’t stop until it’s over…won’t stop to surrender”
Dream City – Free Energy (131): Always good to have a few handclaps, na-na-nas, and unbridled enthusiasm at the start of a race and the Philly band Free Energy delivers… “Hey, we’re coming out…cruising across the town”.
Bad Things – Jace Everett (131): If you watch True Blood, you’ll know this song. Even if you don’t, it’s still a badass vibe that will get your competitive juice flowing.
Drivers Seat – Sniff and the Tears (132): Released in 1978, this song went to #15 in the US, #1 in the Netherlands, and #43 in the UK. If you saw Boogie Nights, you may recall this song. Enjoy these lyrics: “Pick up your feet, got to move to the trick of the beat”…a good reminder for the songs to come.
She’s Not There – The Zombies (132): “Let me tell you about the way she looked”…from the 1968 “Odessey and Oracle” album that is now considered one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time according to Rolling Stone (it was ranked 80). Let this song bring you back in time…
Surrender – Cheap Trick (133): Another “best” song as this one was on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” ranked at #465. It may not have exactly running lyrics, but you can just “Surrender” to the magnificence of the marathon.
Marseilles – Angel City (135): Seems to me that “thinking ’bout the south of France” is not a bad visual diversion. Keep running and thinking about “drinking champagne, playing it cool…”
She’s Got You High – Mumm-Ra (135): Another song from “(500) Days of Summer” and another nice diversion as you enjoy a romantic song with “I figured love would shine through…open your mind, believe it’s going to come…” PS. (500) Days of Summer is a great soundtrack
This Tornado Loves You – Neko Case (135): Listed on many indie blogs as the “Favorite Song of 2009″ this gem includes good focus lines like “Run out to meet me, come into the light”and “Your rails have always outrun mine”.
Lights Out – Santigold (135): “Lights out…where’s there to run, watch everybody come undone” and “Darling, don’t got to worry, you’re locked in tight”.
Life During Wartime – Talking Heads (135): This could be your running mantra: “This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t no fooling around…no time for dancing, or lovey dovey, I ain’t got time for that now”.
Giving up the Gun – Vampire Weekend (135): An appropriate follow-up to “Life During Wartime”… Key line here is “I see you shine in your way…go on, go on, go on”.
“Training mode” requires a restructuring of a casual life…obsession must take hold. Part of this change involves products that aid us on the journey of soreness and fatigue caused by repetitive workouts and long hours on the run. Running is a relatively low cost sport (unless you travel to races in far away places), but we love any [...]
This running music playlist has songs at 160 – 180 bpm (building from slower bpms at start, to faster as you continue). If you like alternative/indie rock and power-pop, but also like a few different styles of music to keep things interesting…you’ll love this mix. All songs were carefully selected for running a marathon (but [...]
We had a very positive reaction to our first two running music playlists (also another 4 playlists after this one, click link for approx 45 hrs of more music), so here’s the next one for Jean. Jean’s pace is in-between our last two for Monica and Jamie. This running music playlist has songs at 150 [...]
Disclaimer: I am not a runner…but, I am the husband of a runner (Monica). Her 4:30am wake up calls still find me sleeping happily, thank you. But I do enjoy music and making running music playlists for her training. I did some research to understand the runner’s pace/BPM (beats per minute) relationship and how music can help you run faster [...]
Songs that are between 165 and 174 bpm. Some of these songs are not on any of our “best running music playlists” because they do not meet one or two of the following criteria: 1) about running, 2) inspirational, and/or 3) fun and with a great beat. BUT, there is still some killer music here [...]
Songs that are between 155 and 164 bpm. Some of these songs are not on any of our “best running music playlists” because they do not meet one or two of the following criteria: 1) about running, 2) inspirational, and/or 3) fun and with a great beat. BUT, there is still some killer music here [...]
a bold pace {book review}: If you want to improve your performance with running or anything else in your life...read this book (below)! Simple, useful, positive solutions and tips for improving your self-discipline, concentration, optimism, relaxation and enjoyment (S.C.O.R.E)
itunes
