Pixies - Doolittle

Having listened to Bossanova a year or two ago, I can definitively say I like Doolittle better. I can't really quantify what it is about Doolittle that makes it special, as I grew up on 90's indie rock, but I can definitely say there is a good amount of tracks on here. I think my favorites would have to be "Hey", "Debaser", and "Mr. Grieves". I enjoy the relatively simple approach to alternative rock that Pixies took on this album. The vocalist's squeals and yelps are well appreciated among the sometimes ripping guitar and quality bass lines.

There isn't really a song on here that I would say doesn't work at least moderately well for running. The closest it got would probably have to be "Silver", which I just found too western for my tastes. Overall very good.

Calories: 341.2
Distance: 2.66mi

The Flaming Lips - Transmissions from the Satellite Heart

Transmissions from the Satellite Heart is definitely indicative of The Flaming Lips' future sound. From it's wildly loud and screaming guitars to it's cheerful upbeat melodies. Of course it still sounds like an artifact of the early 90's, it has aged surprisingly well against it's modern counterparts. Wayne sounds younger and less refined, but it still sounds as fun as ever. Fun is something The Flaming Lips always bring to the table.

My only problem with the album was from a workout sense. It sometimes tends to slow down in to more downtempo acoustic portions. While great on the ears, it isn't too great for the motivation. The album rarely does it though so it's something I'm willing to overlook.

Calories: 354.2
Distance: 2.73mi

PS I Love You - Meet Me At The Muster Station

What surprised me about Meet Me At The Muster Station was while it was very loud and noisy, it was still a blast to work out to. The garage rock feel is very strong on this one, but it comes off more poppy than most. The distorted guitars are almost always drowning out the lead singer, which honestly works a lot better than one would think.

I don't have much else to say about this album. In short, it's fun garage rock that stays under thirty minutes and doesn't overstay its welcome.

Calories: 264.9
Distance: 2.06mi

They Might Be Giants - Lincoln

After listening to Lincoln, there wass absolutely no way I could give it anything but a perfect score. It's consistently delightful and constantly morphing into other genres in ways that just put a smile on my face. Some songs sound like your more typical (but still amazing) alternative rock while others sound like almost accordion-laced sea shanties. The shorter song structures make the album have fly by at break-neck speed whilst keeping it fresh and highly entertaining.

I went all out on this album. I started strong and never slowed. This album is so far the album to beat.

Calories: 381.3
Distance: 3.00mi

Thee Oh Sees - Help

Help is my first venture into alternative noise rock group Thee Oh Sees. I was initially expecting just another loud and maybe dark rock band, but this album's content perfectly matches its cover. It's an ultra fun jam from start to finish. With a female vocalist proving backup melodies, punchy guitars, heavy percussion, and even flutes occasionally, this album strives for energy and succeeds on all counts. It's just pure, unadulterated fun. That's why I believe I have discovered yet another perfect workout album.

Calories: 312.9
Distance: 2.43mi

Zeroh - Awfulalterations

This 25 minute hip-hop mixtape introduces me to what I hope is a fruitful career for artisan rapper Zeroh. With beats lifted from Flying Lotus that really exemplify Zeroh's exquisitely abstracted flow;  the result is a hazy collection of alternative hip-hop that is pleasing on so many levels. Working out was a breeze to Awfulalterations and I can't wait to see more by Zeroh hopefully in the near future.

You can download the mixtape for free right here.

Calories: 206.0
Distance: 1.60mi

Phoenix - It's Never Been Like That

Phoenix always seems to provide very fun listening experiences. This fun definitely carries over to a workout environment. The album provides a snappy and consistently paced alternative rock experience coupled with great lyrics and lush instrumentation. There is one song that I do have a slight problem with. North is one of longer songs on the album and is entirely instrumental. I have no problems with instrumental songs, but this one just seemed to lack any sort of progression and hurt the fast paced flow of the album. It's a great song, but not for the context in which I was in.

Despite North, Phoenix still succeeds in giving a really fun workout album.

Calories: 296.1
Distance: 2.37mi