Need to lose that insulating layer left over from the holidays? Just woke up from winter hibernation? No worries, these tunes will shape you up in no time.
Progress – Stars
The first time I heard this song was in my car, driving down a quiet suburban street. It made my car shake and my entire body bob along with the beat. Amy Millan’s vocals could easily be a lullaby by themselves; her voice is like a soft, dark thread weaving through the haze of synth, keyboards and bass. If you’re the kind that loves to go for a late night run, this song will match your beat perfectly.
I’m Just Me – Diamond Rings
Its hard to imagine a follow up to the Diamond Rings’, aka John O’Regan, debut album Special Affections. Luckily, he decided to turn up the bits of his previous record that made it so good, layering his recent Free Dimensional album with synth, amazing vocals, and large quantities of lasers. ‘I’m Just Me’ sounds like it could be the backdrop to a neon-coloured 80’s exercise video, complete with towering hair and leg warmers.
Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson
You know a song is appropriate for working out when the music video features various groups of people around the world (supposedly) dancing and fist pumping the air. ‘Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)’ is a great example of power pop; thrumming keyboards in the back and Clarkson’s high octane vocals with just the right amount of bitterness in the front. The highly comforting refrain of “What doesn’t kill you / Makes you stronger” doesn’t hurt either.
Pop Culture – Creature
Creature is not a band to be listened to while sitting down. They induce random, spontaneous dance and the wiggling of body parts you didn’t know existed. Strangely, the minute after I heard this song, I started checking eBay for pogo sticks. And if that’s not a testament to how fun and upbeat this song is, then I don’t know what is.
Honourable Mentions
Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
Icky Thump – The White Stripes
In Search of The Youth Crew – Cadence Weapon
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