Sometimes the reason I run is just so that I can listen to music in an intoxicated state. Gone are the days I devour some vodka or all sorts of other substances (getting higher than the Empire State) and listen to The Doors or watch Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' for the 800th time, thinking I'm actually expanding my mind instead of refrying my old crap. These days, I wish I could go to a concert and run on a treadmill while I listen, since the music will sound extra sweet to my running-drunk ears. (Full link to my Running and Music musings)
Musical tastes are as personal as religion or running gaits, but here is my music Du Jour...
I finally bought the album 'Some Nights' by Fun, and had to write about it. I know it's certainly not a new album. I think it was last summer that my kids were singing their hit song "We Are Young". Perhaps it was because my kids liked it that I had dismissed the group, but with each new song I heard from the album, I liked it more and more, and it's now my running album and obsession of choice.
Sure, it's a bit more pop than I'm used to, but I love the concept and connection between the songs. The whole range of emotions is perfect for a run. There is a kaleidoscope of subject matters from yearning for meaning, to dealing with despair and loss of faith, as well as finding hope and inspiration. And among the existential questioning there is a quirky sense of humor. From the opening intro, the presentation is almost theatrical. The beats keep me running through the whole album, and are mixed with some triumphant falsetto howls that make me want to howl along. In fact, if I ever got a running coach, I want it to be someone with the voice of Nate Ruess, the lead singer, who could scream his high pitches in my ear.
I can't get the song 'One Foot' out of my head and I just may put it on repeat when I run the Bayshore Marathon in 80 days or so. It offers the best bit of running advice ever, "I put one foot, in front of the other, I don't need a new life or a new love, just a better place to die."
And there's inspiration to keep running when you're exhausted and a great song for the 22 mile mark: "If you're lost and alone, Or you're sinking like a stone. Carry on. May your past be the sound, Of your feet upon the ground, Carry on"
And when I hear the lyrics; "This is it boys, This means war! - What are we waiting for?" My legs charge as if running up a hill for battle. Grrrrrr... I am runner, hear me Roar!
I realize I'm getting all Emo about this, (can a 40-some year old be called 'Emo'?) or as Fun would put it, "Have you listened to me lately? Lately, I’ve been f*cking crazy.”
The album reminds me of a mix between Queen and Bright Eyes and Arcade Fire, and I'll be scooping up their first album soon, since anything I enjoy I tend to wallow in like a pig in mud.
I've surely come to some weird place in my life where my music tastes match my kids. The whole family is going to see Fun in concert at Meadowbrook near Detroit in the summer. I promised the kids treats and glow sticks. Maybe they won't notice that I'll be listening while running on a treadmill.