Wednesday, November 4, 2009

What's so wrong with the 80s?

A huge percentage of my running mix is 80s music. The other day, my friend Nicole and I were swapping our fave running songs in an effort to mix things up a bit...and she said "If yours are all 80s songs...don't bother!" WELL, EXCUSEEEE MEEEEE!

I love 80s music. There, I said it! If you know me, this isn't a big surprise... I was born in 1972...so the 80s were my HEYDAY! Everyone else out there in my age bracket---do you not feel the same way??? I particularly get crap from my college friends/husband...who were born in 1974. Is there THAT much of a difference in our ages? I mean, I guess being in 9th grade IS that different than being in 7th grade.

The first song on my running mix is "Blue Monday" by New Order (1983). EVERY SINGLE TIME I set out for a run, be it 3 miles or 18 miles...it starts with "Blue Monday." Then, I ALWAYS have "Whomp...there it is" by Tag Team on the playlist somewhere (ok, technically 1993...). And, how about "Our House" by Madness (1982)? That song fondly reminds me of being in 5th grade. "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield (1981)? YES YES! I loved this song so much that I played while driving to the hospital for my 2nd and 3rd c-sections!

I mean, what is so wrong with "Mr. Roboto" by Styx (1983)? When I am running and the song hits the chorus... "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto...Domo, Domo...Domo, Domo..." I pump my arms and legs and am flying! I have even been known to sing outoud. "Dancing With Myself" by Billy Idol (1981)---The fast pace of that song just pulls you along. "Kick" by INXS (1987...)--my very first concert as well as the subject of several posters on my wall in high school (RIP Michael Hutchence).

And no cool down would be complete without "Purple Rain" by Prince (1984). Man, that song elicits every good feeling an 8th grader can have when asked to dance by her BIGGEST CRUSH at the Creekwood/Kingwood Victory Dance!!!

It is safe to say that we run to songs that motivate us and make us feel GOOD. The 80s were a very happy time for me. Lot's of good memories and significant experiences. This isn't to say that I don't have any cool, current music on my mix. I will have to thank Nicole for suggesting "Shake" by Ying Yang Twins & Pitbull (always love a good song about bitches and hos)... But, mostly for me, it's the 80s...to each, her own!

3 comments:

  1. I think I would have written this post verbatim. Love it! I'll back you up on 80's music any day :) For what it's worth - here's some of my very 80's favs on my running playlist . . .
    Africa - Toto
    Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
    Jack & Diane - John Mellencamp
    Only You - Yaz
    Dreams - Van Halen
    Strangelove - Depeche Mode
    Goodbye - Night Ranger
    A Little Respect - Erasure

    And I'm dying to know who your 8th grade crush was!

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  2. I love your list. Have you ever read the lyrics of Africa? I mean, they actually rhyme Serengheti! And New Order is amazing. Loving your blog, Aim!

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  3. Funny - I also have "Blue Monday" by New Order on my run list!

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