JJ Nitro

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Thursday, 04 December 2008
Music
Stay or Leave - Dave Matthews Print E-mail
matthewsdave.jpgI have a hard time keeping the pace down and consistency true to form.  Recently I went out on a run intending on speed work and wound up doing a hill run.  I was just too pleased with my brisk pace.  Moods that create subtle changes in my drive are constantly influenced by the music I listen to.  Of course, the ‘screamo’ playlist I use probably doesn’t help any.  However, songs on the lighter side of the voice can present a different yet equal push.  Most people know Dave Matthews for his pop radio play tunes that are easily voiced by most of the general population.  I think the real gems lie in many of those which don’t get air time.  Take for example his acoustic version of “Stay or Leave” off his solo album Some Devil.  This song, like so many others has a solid chord pattern completely offset by his shining talent for storytelling.  This piece is numbing in fresh air and comfortable running shoes leading one on a mindless pace of physical exploration no matter where you are or how familiar you are with your run.  There is something about acoustic music to me that just feels raw and unfiltered.  Running by comparison is also a movement of true intent and raw effort.  After hearing “Stay or Leave” on the road I will soon be adding an “acoustic” playlist as well.  Strange how something so familiar when applied under different circumstances can seem so new.  Are you finding yourself bored on your run?  Try an acoustic piece like “Stay or Leave” and let me know where you end up. 
Have a good run - Justin
 

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  USA UK CANADA FINLAND
 
Please Come Home - Dustin Kensrue Print E-mail
kensrue1.jpgGoing for a long run?  Or perhaps you’re in between hard days in your training and need a track to ease by on?  Enter Dustin Kensrue’s solo debut album Please Come Home.  This EP is a thoughtful departure from his main style, more commonly recognized as Thrice – a much tougher, ‘screamo’ style of rock.  This acoustic set will keep you busy on a long run.  Easy and involving, ‘Please Come Home’ is a track one can’t help but saturate with Dustin’s persuasive stories and melodic pleads.  Weather you are out on an easy run or looking to tone out a familiar one, this is an album worthy of downloading.  And given it’s short playlist it is an easy one to listen to twice. 
Have a good run -  Justin.

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Pump It - Black Eyed Peas Print E-mail
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Contact Music's review says it best: Whenever I see a new Black Eye Peas single I never know whether I am eager or hesitant to hear it. Their crazy lyrics and jumpy dance beats are sometimes a little too much to take. Their latest track 'Pump It' begins with the familiar brass and strings of Dick Dales Miserloue, also known as the Pulp Fiction. The chorus is then just agitated lyrics telling us to pump it louder and louder, hardly catchy or inspiring. 

Jazzily 

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 Black Eyed Peas - Improve Your Endurance 1 - Pump ItBlack Eyed Peas - Improve Your Endurance 1 - Pump ItBlack Eyed Peas - Improve Your Endurance 1 - Pump It Black Eyed Peas FINLAND

 
Meds - Placebo Print E-mail
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Everyone wants something different from their music, especiallywhen it comes to different workouts. When I’m on my hill runs or doing speed work songs like “Meds” come tomind.  The vocals from Brian areunique in tone and his stories are captivating.  Having already known the group Placebo for some time I canrun to it and feel propelled to achieve. However, those hearing it for the first time may want to stop andlisten.  There is depth to thelyrics and a hard urge to move when dressed for footwork.  Meds, thecontributing album and their latest effort, is a contemplative journeyindeed.  Listen to this before yourun and then let it all go on the pavement. 

Have a good run-   

Justin

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Placebo featuring Alison Mosshart - Meds - MedsPlacebo featuring Alison Mosshart - Meds - MedsPlacebo featuring Alison Mosshart - Meds - Meds

 
Compton to Scarboro - The Carps Print E-mail
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This week’s song, "Compton to Scarboro" comes from a Canadianband called The Carps.  Their firstrelease - an EP called The Young & Passionate Days Of Carpedia - is full ofenergy and movement.  The beats andvocals come from drummer Jahmal Tonge who is impressive in his multitaskingability.  The guitar duties handledby Neil White are catchy and well placed, creating a convincing misconceptionthat they're not a two-person band. This drum heavy style is lively and crisp and this song in particular isbusy in lyrics and meaning.  Thestory of a young man making a seriously wrong choice can keep you pressed inyour pace. What better reason to keep the tempo than to do something good foryourself? Though similar in numbers to bands such as The White Stripes, TheCarps have a younger more upfront message urging you to pace up and keepmoving.  If this one rubs you righthave a listen to "Let's' Fall In Love" from the same EP. If you wantto have a light, easy run than don't load this one up. But if you're lookingfor speed don't overlook this group! 

Have a good run,  

Justin

 

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The Carps - The Young & Passionate Days of Carpedia - EP - Compton to ScarboroThe Carps - The Young & Passionate Days of Carpedia - EP - Compton to ScarboroThe Carps - The Young & Passionate Days of Carpedia - EP - Compton to Scarboro