Foo Fighters Archives - Margo Donohue

Playlists January 30, 2017 by Margo Donohue

NEW Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: “I Lived” 50-Minute Ride

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“I Lived” 50-Minute Ride

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I am back to trying to crank out a new playlist every other week which is a herculean task considering how many songs are in my repertoire—but I am up for it! My goal in 2017 is to branch out and listen to new artists and new kinds of music so if any of you out there have suggestions—hit me up in the comments.

In the meantime—take a look/listen to today’s playlist as I hope it inspires you for your next workout.

I Lived (Arty Remix): OneRepublic

I prefer this “Arty Remix” as it has some fast-paced intervals in there which makes for a great warm-up song.

Hell: Tegan and Sara

This is one of my favorite songs from Tegan and Sara because it has the right amount of happy energy and a good beat. The video, however, is just a wee but pretentious IMHO.

Blow Me (One Last Kiss): P!nk

P!nk is one of my favorite artists and this song always makes me want to sing along even though she sings in an impossible key during the chorus!

Long Road to Ruin: Foo Fighters

The Foos are my “go-to” for most rides as you can probably can tell by now. Therefore, I cannot believe this is the first time Long Road to Ruin has been featured on one of my playlists. (Bad Margo!)

Dangerous (featuring Joywave): Big Data

I love the bouncy beat of this song and how when it plays—my students bop their heads to the bass line. (So freaking cute!)

2 Heads: Coleman Hell

My mother refers to this as the ‘banjo song’ which also makes her giggle every time she hears it. So now you know—you’re welcome!

I Am One: Smashing Pumpkins

My inner 90s rock chick needs to be listened to from time to time and the Smashing Pumpkins reminds of those fun days.

Starboy: The Weeknd

I am beginning to become a big fan of The Weeknd even though the spelling of his stage name is pretty lame. (Do you think he regrets it already?)

Gold, Girls, Guns: Metric

This is one of the best songs I use for sprinting intervals because it has an intense feel to it without being overwhelming. Try it for yourself!

Crabbuckit: k-os

If you love pop & hip hop music—give Canadian k-os a listen some time. You will thank me later!

24k Magic: Bruno Mars

No—I am not sick of this song yet. Bruno knows how to create a funky beat that makes folks happy.

Moves Like Jagger: Maroon 5

This is the song that made me like Maroon 5. I can’t help but start singing along to it.

Sara: Fleetwood Mac

Sometimes I just need to hear some old-school Fleetwood Mac to mellow me out after a tough workout and this song fits the job perfectly.

That’s it for me this time. I will be back soon with another batch of tunes to get you all kinds of motivated!

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Check out my podcasts here! http://bookvsmovie.libsyn.com/podcast and here http://fitbottomedgirls.libsyn.com/rss

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick (Warning! I post tons of pictures of my cats here.)

Pinterest: BrooklynFitChick

Playlists October 16, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick: “This is What We Came For” 50-Minute Ride

24Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“This is What We Came For” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Sorry for the delay everyone. I did not realize how much time has gone by but between work (two jobs,) turning my hobbies into paying gigs (two podcasts) and travel– I have been terrible about keeping up my playlists. When I began teaching I would make the point to create a new one each week. Over time it has turned into maybe once per month that I can curate a new set of tunes that I feel good about.

One of my big lessons in teaching fitness is that quality trumps novelty anytime. Sure some people can churn out new and different with an almost alarming frequency but are they creating anything good? If the list is contains only 20% good tunes—then who cares if it is all new?

Many of my old playlists (I keep them all on file cards like some kind of a spin maniac) embarrass the hell out of me. I am so much more thoughtful now as to what my students want to hear which is a variety of styles. By getting out of my own iPod and looking at other places to gain new music I have learned how amazing Pink, OneRepublic, Maroon 5 and Justin Timberlake really are. That 80s music (no matter how it makes me) is not everyone’s favorite genre. How amazing and inclusive it is to have all kinds of music represented in one hour and that produces happy students.

So today is a collection I have been trotting lately out that has been getting lots of praise. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

This is What We Came For: Calvin Harris with Rhianna

Welcome to the Brooklyn Fit Chick playlist Calvin! It only took you shading Taylor Swift on Instagram to get my attention! (Not really—you make great music and I should have included you ages ago.

Kid Icarus: Sam Roberts Band

Second songs on my playlist are sometimes the toughest one for me to figure out. They need to gain on the energy from the starter and help set the mood for the workout. The Sam Roberts Band has lost of great tunes of you are not aware of them. Check them out!

Uprising: Muse

This song is a uniter not a divider. Everyone loves banging their heads along to this one!

I Don’t Feel Like Dancing: Scissor Sisters

This is my absolute top song for when I am in a bad mood. Elton John co-wrote which adds to its overall awesomeness.

No More Drama: Mary J Bloge

Everyone is powerless to this magical power ballad. I have seen straight white boys cheer along to it!

Tongue Tied: Group Love

I like the overall “boppiness” of this tune and yes, I did make that word up on the fly. You like?

Monkey Wrench: Foo Fighters

It would not be a Brooklyn Fit Chick ride without my beloved Foos.

Ride: twenty one pilots

I really enjoy this band but can someone please explain to me why they use all lower case letters in their names? (Coughs) affected (coughs, coughs.)

Keep the Car Running: Arcade Fire

This is one of the best songs to sprint to so why is it only 3 ½ minutes? Work on that Arcade Fire peeps!

Sexy Back: Justin Timberlake

A blast from the past and cannot believe it took me so damn long to bring it back.

Creep: TLC

Supposedly Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez (“Turn on channel 5—she’s burning the house down!”) hated this song as it seems to promote people cheating on one another. Thankfully they talked her into releasing it as it is the dopest jam.

Baby, You’re the World to Me: David Gray

Can someone please tell me what happened to David Gray? I miss hearing him on the radio!

Simple Man: Lynrd Skynrd

Never have three guitars dueling it out have sounded so down, dirty and amazing.

That’s it for me this time. What are your new favorite tunes you think I should check out?

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Check out my podcast here! www.bookversusmovie.com

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick (Warning! I post tons of pictures of my cats here.)

Pinterest: BrooklynFitChick

Playlists April 25, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick: “Smooth Sailing” Playlist Featuring Prince, Black Eyed Peas, Foos & More

15Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Smooth Sailin’” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

“Dearly beloved

We are gathered here today

to get through this thing called life.”

As I am writing this playlist out I can’t help but think about how many super-amazing people have died this year so far including:

Prince
David Bowie
Lemmy
Garry Shandling
Glenn Frey
Doris Roberts
Alan Rickman
Michelle McNamara (truecrimediary.com)

2016 is turning out to be a brutal year but I am going to try and keep it light and breezy with this week’s mix of tunes from different decades to hopefully get your heart pumping and your booty shaking. Thanks so much for checking out my Blog.

Let me know what you think and remember—I need song suggestions, always. So be sure to post them in the comments below!

Thanks!

Smooth Sailin’: Leon Bridges

I first heard this song tearing down the highway on Route 17 in Santa Cruz and can’t seem to get it out of my head. I love the beat and how truly groovy it makes me feel.

Fire: Jimi Hendrix

One of Prince’s biggest guitar heroes is Jimi Hendrix so I felt like including him in today’s warm-up would be what the Purple One declare as “groovy.”

(No decent videos for this one, sorry!)

We Go the Beat: The Go-Go’s

Every single time I play this song it makes me want to watch Fast Times at Ridgemont High all over again (in the best possible way.)

I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man: Prince

This is by far my favorite prince song of all time and the 6-minute version contains a smokin’ hot guitar solo. (But the 3 ½ minute version is perfect for spin classes.)

Boys Wanna Be Her: Peaches

When I want to get the most out of my students with the HIIT (High Intensity Intervals) I put on some Peaches and make them move. Works every time.

Freedom! ‘90: George Michael

Key and Peele’s Keanu movie has me all kinds of excited because it features them, cute cats and music by George Micheal. Win/win, people!

Safe and Sound: Capital Cities

If there is a bouncier and more fun tune that exists—it will be too damn much for me.

Everlong: Foo Fighters

I love this song just as much now as I did when it came out 20 (!) years ago.

I Gotta Feeling: The Black Eyed Peas

Have yet to reach maximum number of times I can listen to this song in a week. Once again—I am a sucker for bouncy and fun.

Black Gold: Soul Asylum

Speaking of artists from Minnesota—this band is always a treat to see live if you ever get the opportunity.

Never Let You Go: Third Eye Blind

Probably mentioned this before—but this is my favorite Third Eye Blind song. Not the big hit about meth heads that goes on at least one minute too long.

Bamboleo: Gipsy Kings

Supposedly there is an English version of this out there in the world but for my money—the Spanish version kicks ass!

Steal My Sunshine: Len

A perfect little cool down song from this one-hit wonder by from this group from Canada.

That’s it for me this time. Now go out there and get your own workout in!

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick

Pinterest: BrooklynFitChick

Playlists March 1, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick “Ventura Highway” 50-Minute Workout Playlist Featuring: Foos, Eminem, Gaga and more

22Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Ventura Highway” (50 Minute-Ride)

50 Minute Playlist Including a Cool Version of "Ventura Highway" — 50 Minute Playlist Including a Cool Version of “Ventura Highway”

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Whenever putting together a playlist for one of my classes I truly struggle with the warm-up song as it sets the tone for the workout. A few years ago I came across this amazing remix of America’s “Ventura Highway” and love to figure out new ways to introduce it to my classes.

So today’s playlist is a mixture of old and a new tunes designed to get you working out in a good mood.

Let me know what you think of it and remember—I need song suggestions, always. So be sure to post them in the comments below!

Thanks!

Ventura Highway: (Deepsky’s Blizzard in L.A. Remix) America

I love how it has a California/Trance kind of vibe to it and it always starts the class off in a trippy mood.

Shake it Off: Taylor Swift

Is there any more joyful song than this one by the woman who travels in squads? I am not into collecting friends like that but she sure knows how to write a hit!

Rumble & Sway: Jamie N Commons

This tune has a fun, bouncy swing to it that makes me happy.

Saint Cecelia: Foo Fighters

This song mixes two things I love—the name Cecelia (because I am an old-school Irish girl) and the Foo Fighters (because I am also a total rock chick.)

Spiderwebs: No Doubt

Does anyone else miss Gwen Stefani and the dudes from No Doubt? Their music was so damn great!

Once in a Lifetime: Talking Heads

When I take my students on a heavy climb in cycling classes or to do a series of lunges in bootcamp—I prefer a heavy song with a strong beat. This one from the Talking Heads does the job nicely. (I prefer the live version.)

Without Me: Eminem

The funny thing about Eminem is that he seemed so important at the time and that we would miss him when he took time off from his career. Not so much for me but I do love some of his music still.

Butterfly: Crazy Town

I love me some early 00s pop hits like Butterfly reminds me of my younger days.

Let Forever Be: The Chemical Brothers

For high intensity drills (HIITs) I like songs that have a powerful feel to them and The Chemical Brothers are masters of that stuff.

Tusk: Fleetwood Mac

In spin classes I love to guide at least one out of the saddle climb with heavy resistance and then finish with a run up the rest of the hill. “Tusk,” which has the U.S.C marching band propelling the music helps give it a majestic feel.

Poker Face: Lady Gaga

My favorite version of Lady Gaga is the edge dance diva and this is one of my favorite hits by her.

Use Me: Hootie & the Blowfish

For the final climb (or floorwork depending on the class) I like to out this Bill Wither’s classic on and ask the class to guess the band. It’s a hoot (pardon the silly pun) to watch them try to figure it out!

Simple Man: Lynrd Skynrd

I am a “dyed in the wool” city gal at my core but man do I love me some southern rock and this band always makes me smile.

That’s it for me this time. Now go out there and get your own workout in!

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick

Pinterest: BrooklynFitChick

You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1

Playlists December 28, 2015 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick’s Top 10 Workout Songs of 2015!!!

10Comments

Brooklyn Fit Chick’s “Top 10 Workout Songs of 2015!”

Plus: Favorite Radio Stations to Check Out Online

The playlist liked by man and kitties alike.

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

As 2015 starts to move out the front door (and don’t let it hit you on the ass on your way out, Mister!) I am reflecting on the various playlists I have created throughout the year.

First a little explanation—I have fantastic taste in music. This is a proven fact and not the declaration from a conceited person. Everyone tells me they love my classes mostly for the tunes I curate into playlists. It’s expensive, time consuming and a total hassle to create a new 50 minutes that will (hopefully) impress my students and I thrill in it.

There are instructors who buy their music from an outside company and do not bother with creating their own playlists, I do not judge because all of the prep it takes to design each class, staying informed of the trends and keeping up with the fitness certifications equals several hours that you will not be paid.

Instructors are not compensation for prep work so if someone does this full time for a living—I give them a pass. I only teach 10 hours a week and I work from home so I can be a little more particular about what I bring to each hour I teach.

Today I want to give a shout out to the following online radio outlets that provide me with the tapestry of music I now bring to all classes.

The Peak FM (Westchester, NY): This is my “go-to” each morning to get the best of new and classic rock with some Adelle thrown in for good measure. Morning DJ “Coach” is my guy that gets me through my first cup of coffee and the “10 at 10” is splendidly done. When that is done I start to switch around on the Internets.

Radio Alice (San Francisco, CA): I went to college in the Bay Area (San Jose State specifically) and I like to keep up with the news there while also finding new tunes. “Sarah & Vinnie” are a good morning show team and because of Radio Alice I discovered P!nk, The Weeknd and Drake which I would never catch on rock stations. (Win/win, people!)

KFOG-FM (San Francisco, CA); One of my favorite stations in the whole world which almost went off the rails a few years ago with a horrible morning show change debacle (don’t even remind me of that garbage!) However, they are now properly back to basics with Renee, “No Name” and Irish Greg in the mornings. They also have their own “10 at 10” hosted by Annalisa who has sublime taste in music.

WLIR FM (Internet Station): WLIR was THE station to listen to in New York when I was a kid as they played all of the current “New Rock” plus classics of 80s New Wave thrown in. They are online only now with very, very few commercials and a mish mash playlist that includes JR JR, Beck, Avicii, Foo Fighters and then thrown in gems like T’Pau’s “Heart & Soul” (an underrated classic IMHO.)

The Peak FM (Vancouver, BC): In my soul I am Canadian girl from Toronto who loves The Tragically Hip and Kids in the Hall but my favorite station from Toronto no longer plays online for Americans (boo!) I now depend on The Peak in Vancouver to give my rock fix with a Canuck flavor. Because of them I learned about Dear Rouge and Matthew Sweet. Great stuff here!

Sirius Satellite Radio: I don’t own a car so I listen to this online to catch Howard Stern (though his celebrity interviews are so looooong and boring now) and listen to the variety of channels they offer here. You can really dive deep into what your musical interests are with Sirius and some of the talk shows are fun as well. (But I understand if you do not want to pay the fee each month.)

WXRT FM (Chicago, IL): This is without question my favorite station in the world with an incredible catalog of music for the offering. In any one afternoon I can catch Prince, Bonnie Raitt, The Beatles, Adelle, Michael Franti, Pink Floyd and Depeche Mode. I am constantly finding new music from these guys & gals and feel such sadness when the Internet is down and I can’t listen to them. (Though the weather reports from there remind me that NYC cold is really not that cold at all!)

What are your favorite stations to listen to for inspiration?

Top 10 Workout Songs for 2015:

So now is the time to get to what I stated in the headline for this post—my favorite workout songs for 2015. I present them to you in no particular order. All of them got positive responses from my students and keep me motivated when I work out on my own.

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

“Hotline Bling” by Drake

(I also love this version with 2015 Internet superstars Duchi and Lilice)

“I Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd

“The Wolf” by Mumford & Sons

“Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay

“Ship to Wreck” by Florence & The Machine

“Congregation” by Foo Fighters

“Worth It” by Fifth Harmony

“My Type” by Saint Motel

“2 Heads” by Coleman Hell

“Shut Up & Dance” by Walk the Moon

Oh well, that’s it for me today. I will be back soon with magazine reviews, playlists, reviews and so much more. I hope you have a wonderful last week of 2015!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick

Pinterest: BrooklynFitChick

You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1

Playlists September 20, 2015 by Margo Donohue

Bruno Mars Ride with Foos, Fitz, B.I.G, TLC, and More

26Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Bruno Mars” Ride (50 Minutes)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

There have been so many tunes running through my head lately and I have been remiss in creating a new playlist over the last couple of weeks. My bad habit of procrastination rears its ugly head when I can’t seem to find the “just right” song to start or finish the ride. Then one of my students recently asked “why aren’t you playing more Bruno Mars in your classes?”

With that suggestion I moved on through to create a playlist with a mixture of old and new tunes that I hope will serve your workout needs. The cool down tune was my mother’s idea and I think it makes the whole ride really special.

Let me know what you think of it and remember—I need song suggestions, always. So be sure to post them in the comments below!

Thanks!

Locked Out of Heaven: Bruno Mars

In my opinion Locked Out of Heaven is the best song on Mars’ Unorthodox Jukebox album and it has a fantastic steady beat to start the workout in a bouncy, fun mood.

Out of My League: Fitz & the Tantrums

This is one of those “every eventually starts bopping their heads” tunes that always makes me smile when I see the effect it has on the room. Also—it sounds amazing on a good stereo out loud so go for it!

Let it Whip: Dazz Band

If you really want some early 80s funk mixed in with some perfect roller boogie swagger than you have to try this one out in your ride. (I had to include an American Bandstand video just for nostalgia’s sake!)

Boys Wanna Be Her: Peaches

Peaches is a kick butt singer and songwriter that I first learned about on The Henry Rollins Show and it has been my mission to get as many of my students to learn about her as a I possibly can. Enjoy!

Apparitions: Matthew Good Band

Climbing and strength segments are a big part of most of my cycling classes because even though it is a cardio workout—your leg muscles can get some great definition if you add resistance. This song is slow and deliberate but has a great “build” to it so that at the end—everyone is working at their highest level.

Everlong: Foo Fighters

This song was David Letterman’s favorite by the Foos and he had so much clout that the band played it on one of his last shows. It also totally rules and I can listen to it every day.

Hypnotize: The Notorious B.I.G.

Let me make this clear—if you wish to play this out loud in one of your classes please be sure to use the “clean version. Trust me on that (holler back from Brooklyn!)

Somebody Told Me: The Killers

When I ready to work in some sprints into the mix this tune from The Killers moves at a quick place and will get the heart rate up.

South Side: Moby

What is better than Gwen Stefani and Moby collaborating on a song? Nothing, I say! South Side has a languid, dreamy quality with a killer guitar riff tearing through it.

Creep: TLC

One thing that drives me crazy about playing this out loud in class is that it is recorded so low that I have to blast the volume to get it to sound correctly in the room. Otherwise to me it is damn near perfect though Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes hated the message it conveyed to young women. (She isn’t wrong, by the way) However, I love it because the beat is so catchy and powerful!

I Heard I Had: Dear Rouge

If you are looking for a dance/electronic tune to play in your class that has not been played everywhere—try this one from this Indie Canadian band. (LOVE IT!)

Doin’ Time: Sublime

Just did some research and learned that Doin’ Time is almost 20 years old (released in 1997) which makes me feel completely ancient.

Drive: The Cars

The cool down song is brought to you at the suggestion of my mom which makes me happy. :

That’s it for me this time. Now go out there get your workout in!

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick

Pinterest: BrooklynFitChick

You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1

Playlists June 14, 2015 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: 50-Minute “Superlove” Ride with Avicii, Lenny Kravitz, Foos, Gaga & More

29Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Superlove” Ride (50 Minutes)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I am continuing my delve into club/dance music which is just slightly outside my comfort zone but Swedish DJ Avicii puts together such fun, catchy “warm-up” tunes. I love “Hey Brother” and “Wake Me Up” so when I heard he recorded with Lenny Kravitz—I downloaded the song right away and decided to trip around the last couple of decades to being you this playlist. You’re welcome!!!

Let me know what you think of it and remember—I need song suggestions, always.

Superlove: Avicii & Lenny Kravitz

I love how the song seems to ebb and flow– making it a perfect warm-up for getting my students used to being on the bike. I have them match the beat with their peddling but it also works for any kind of group fitness class.

Fire Sign: The Gossip

Beth Ditto is a fierce singer and this tune really gets the room pumping with energy. (True story—the original drummer left the band to be a midwife!)

I Gotta Feeling: The Black Eyes Peas

The beat here is fun, happy and builds in joy as you move along which is just about perfect for any workout playlist.

Sweet Disposition: The Temper Trap

Sometimes you want your class to fall into a trance and just the music flow…this song does that very nicely from this Australian band.

Clocks: Coldplay

I know there are people out there who hate Coldplay and complain anytime they are played on the radio but I love them and this song always makes me want to go on long climbs and think about life.

Rope: Foo Fighters

How committed is singer Dave Grohl to rocking out as hard as possible? The dude broke his leg falling off stage and stayed until the show was finished!

Telephone: Lady Gaga and Beyoncé

I wish these two would record a whole album together—this song just cooks!

Breathe: The Prodigy

My inner 90s rock goddess loves hearing this band anytime and this particular tune is perfect for sprinting.

Holiday: Green Day

I cannot believe this band has been together so long that they are now in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (I am OLD!)

Never Let You Go: Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind is best known for their druggie anthem “Semi-Charmed Life” but I really like this song so much more.

Complicated: Avril Lavigne

If it has been a while since you heard this one from Avril—go back to it. She did some might fine songwriting here and she was just 16 years-old when she recorded it.

Ordinary World: Duran Duran

This may be my all-time, most favorite Duran Duran song of all time after “The Reflex” and “Girls on Film.” (Though “Planet Earth” is pretty amazing as well… (Use this one as your cool down, of course.)

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick

Pinterest: BrooklynFitChick

You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1

Playlists April 17, 2015 by Margo Donohue

The “Ting Ting’s Playlist” Featuring Rihanna, Foos, Alabama Shakes, P!nk & More

23Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

Spring 2015 Ting-Tings Ride (50 Minutes)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Today I want to start off with a song that every once in a while becomes an earworm in my brain. It’s just so damn catchy and fun that I can’t think of a reason to NOT play it.

This is sort of an update of an older playlist of mine that I decided to move around and a few new songs you may not have heard yet. Enjoy!

That’s Not My Name: The Ting Tings

This is one of my favorite warm-up tunes of all time because That’s Not My Name has such a great hook and the energy just builds to an awesome level. Perfection!

Pon de Replay: Rhianna

This is the first single from Barbadian singer Rihanna and the title means “play it again: in Bajan Creole (according to Wikipedia!)

Fixed to Ruin: Sam Roberts

Sam Roberts has been very popular in Canada and I am doing everything possible to increase his audience in the U.S. One spin class at a time. (You’re welcome Sam!)

Congregation: Foo Fighters

Everyone who knows me understands that I have a hard time NOT putting some Foos into my playlists because they rock too freakin’ much!

Zombie: The Cranberries

The Cranberries brings out my (not so) inner “Irish Badass” to the fore.

Blow Me One Last Kiss: P!nk

I love singing along to this song but for the life of me cannot reach that super HIGH note in the chorus.

Bodysnacthers: Radiohead

This live version is dedicated to my friend Christine at Dubya Wife because she is a big fan of Radiohead (and completely awesome.)

Don’t Wanna Fight: Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes is from Athens, Georgia and they feature a lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard who is just a lightning bolt of charisma and talent. LOVE!

It’s All Been Done: Barenaked Ladies

Funny Canadians signing catchy music brings out the “happy” in me.

The Passenger: Iggy Pop

“Singing La La La La La La La!” (Don’t mind me while I dance around my apartment right now…)

Pumpin Blood: NONONO

I love this tune from the Swedish trio NONONO because it is a huge bucket of fun.

Fearless: Pink Floyd

This is one of my favorite songs of off their Meddle album. Download it now!

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick

Pinterest: BrooklynFitChick

You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1

Playlists January 21, 2015 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist “Rather Be” 50-Minute Playlist

3Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Rather Be Ride”

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

This playlist starts off with my new favorite song and features a few of my favorite stand-by tunes that get people motivated and keep them working. A few years ago an instructor I respected told me she never mixed “genres” of music in her classes as it is “too chaotic” and “jarring” for people.

This is NOT my attitude as I think that a class where every single music selection sounds exactly like the one before is the epitome of annoying. Give me different beats and voices and I am a happy camper. What are your thoughts on this? What kinds of music motivates YOU in class? I want to hear from you!

In the meantime—please enjoy this playlist I like to call the “Rather Be” ride.

Rather Be (featuring Jess Glynne): Clean Bandit

This is sweetest, most fun pop song in the world with the only thing marring it is the TERRIBLE name of the band. Clean Bandit? WTF? Not on board with that.

Hell: Teegan & Sarah

I consider this to be THE most perfect second or second to the last song in any workout. Listen and see if you can figure out why I make that assertion.

Elevation: U2

It’s been a while since the four lads from Dublin have been featured in my class and this tune in particular is one my absolute favorites from them. (Hope you are feeling better Bono!)

Youth Without Youth: Metric

Not exactly what this song is about but it has a great, steady build to it and I like using it to my class to add more energy to their movement.

Rebellion: Arcade Fire

This is the most perfect music to do a long and steady climb with that I think Arcade Fire wrote it just for that reason.

Times Like These: Foo Fighters

I always need my Foos to give me that extra push. (Hope my students aren’t sick of them!)

Another One Bites the Dust: Queen

The best part of playing this song in class is watching my students bop their heads to the bass beat—priceless!

Dark Horse (featuring Juice J.): Katy Perry

For some reason I just did not connect with Dark Horse when it first came out but I love it now.

Music: Madonna

This is a fantastic “sprinting” tune and the video (while kind of skeevy) does feature Sasha Baron Cohen as Da Ali G so there you go.

Believe in Me: Sloan

My one chance to see Sloan here in Brooklyn I was sick as a dog and it still pisses me off.

Seven Nation Army: The White Stripes

My friend Jennifer is the #1 super fan of Jack White and has flown around the world (at her husband’s expense!) to see him play live. In short, she lives the bets life in the whole world.

The Rain: Missy Elliott

One of my most favorite songs about rain ever (and there are tons of them, people!)

Habits: Tove Lo

My only quibble with this tune is that it gets so freaking LOUD at times that I have to run across the room to the stereo and take it down to an appropriate level for a cool down. (Fix that Tove Lo producers!)

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick

Pinterest: BrooklynFitChick

You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1

Playlists December 17, 2014 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: “Wake Me Up” Avicii, Bruno Mars, Foos & More

2Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Wake Me Up” (50 Minutes)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Sometimes I look at an old playlist and it will feature a song or two that just don’t move me anymore. Know what I mean? In fact those now dreaded songs will drive me crazy enough to scrap said playlist from my iPod Classic and start over. (Why, oh why, did I not think to buy two of them last year? They go for almost $900 now!)

So today’s playlist is completely suck-free (IMHO) and it will get you good and sweaty when you hit the gym. You’re welcome!

Wake Me Up: Avicii

Normally I am not a big fan of “club” or “house” music but dammit if this Swedish dreamboat knows how to write the PERFECT warmup tunes. Try this one for yourself and tell me if it doesn’t get you into the mood to move.

Since U Been Gone: Kelly Clarkson

Admittedly I am a little late to the party here but Kelly Clarkson is a fantastic singer and whoever picks her tunes for her—bravo!

All the Small Things: blink-182

Just about everyone in the room songs along when I play this in my classes and the video is sublime.

The Pretender: Foo Fighters

If you know me then you know that I need me some Foos on a regular basis.

Sunday Morning: k-os

K-os is a Canadian musician that needs to catch on here in the States. Anyhoo—this song is fun for running out of the saddle sprints.

Get Up: James Brown

A really complicated man (to say the least!) who was also incredibly talented, James Brown is his best and funkiest here.

Dancing With Myself: Billy Idol

My inner 80s kid still loves Billy Idol. LOVE!

Uptown Funk: Mark Ronson with Bruno Mars

Is there any better new song out there right now? It can’t be possible. And if Uptown Funk doesn’t make you want to go dancing—then you have no soul.