Metric Archives - Margo Donohue

Playlists January 21, 2015 by Margo Donohue

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

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!)

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Playlists March 25, 2014 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist “Happy Ride” with Pharrell Williams, Metric, Moby & More

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Happy Ride” (50-minute Ride)

"I look badass like this--right?" — “I look like a badass, right?”

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Spring is in the air (well, we had a hint of it over the weekend) and I am ready to look forward to a new season filled with sunny skies, warmer temps and an upbeat attitude. So today I present my newest playlist featuring some of my favorite tunes right now. Enjoy!

Happy: Pharrell Williams

I should hate this song with all of its cheeriness and lack of cynicism but dammit if it isn’t so much fun to bop your head along to this one. (Does that sound passive aggressive? I hope not!)

Fire Sign: The Gossip

Beth Ditto has one of the best voices in rock and roll and this is my favorite tunes by her band.

Let It Whip: Dazz Band

Can any song make me happier than this one? I think Pharrell has stiff competition here.

Can’t Hold Us Down: Christina Aguilera

I cannot believe this song is over ten years old now—yikes! (I am indeed getting old.)

When You’re Falling: Afro Celt Sound System

This is a great song to climb to and I love Peter Gabriel’s voice.

Gold Guns Girls: Metric

My all-time favorite Metric single and it it kills me that I have yet to see them live. (Need to work on that…)

Safe and Sound: Capital Cities

A real bouncy-sounding tune that reminds of 80’s pop music.

South Side: Moby

Gwen Stefani really classes up the joint here.

Let Me Entertain You: Robbie Williams

For some reason he never caught on in America but I still love to hear me some Robbie Williams.

Believe in Me: Sloan

If you are not familiar with this pop/rock Canadian band—try out this song to start. They know how to write hooks!

Creep: TLC

(This reminds me –I still need to see that VH-1 movie…)

Time to Pretend: MGMT

Supposedly MGMT will have a new music out this year. (Fingers crossed!)

Take a Picture: Filter

The lead singer is very cute and his brother was in Terminator 2.

‘

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!)

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Playlists December 11, 2013 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: Vampire Weekend, Kanye West, Fatboy Slim, K-Os, Metric & More

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Unbelievers Ride” (50-minute Ride)

Yup, this is what rock stars look like now.

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

This week’s playlist features a variety of beats and genres that will get your heart pumping and help motivate you to work harder, run faster and spin a little longer. (Or just get out of your own head and get your butt moving!)

Do me a favor? Let me know what you think and please tell me what is on your workout playlist these days.

First up…

Unbelievers: Vampire Weekend

I don’t always agree with rock critics on what I “should” love but this is one of those rare Brooklyn bands that are actually as good as their press indicates. (Is that throwing shade? I don’t mean to!)

Let’s Fall in Love: Mother Mother

This comes from a Canadian group that I am rather fond of and think should get famous here in the States right away. (The video is a little disturbing to some people so be warned there is a message about gender violence going on.)

My Body: Young the Giant

I admit to not being too familiar with Young the Giant but I love this song and think it sounds great when played really loud during class.

Locked out of Heaven: Bruno Mars

Whenever I play this in class my students start to bop their heads to the beat. It’s so damn adorable.

Weapon of Choice: Fatboy Slim

A good song that has the MOST amazing video ever attached to it as well—big win for all!

Butterfly: Crazy Town

I feel terrible the lead singer Shifty Shellshock has had his troubles (and especially having them exploited by the fame vampire Dr. Drew) and I hope he gets another chance to come up with a cool single.

Synthetica: Metric

One of my favorite bands is almost always on my playlists. Because they rock so damn hard!

Walk Away: James Gang

It is absolutely worth going to see The Eagles because you have the chance to hear a cool Joe Walsh tune or two. (Like this one!)

Music: Madonna

I always thought this video was trashy (even with a hilarious Sacha Baron Cohen playing da Ali G.) but I still dig doing sprints to this one from Madonna.

Crabbuckit: K-Os

This is just a really fun song, that’s it.

Seven Nation Army: The White Stripes

Jack White is one nutty dude but I am starting to find him attractive. Hmm…

Stronger: Kanye West

Okay, yes—this guy has an ego the size of New Jersey and is childish. But he has some good grooves in him and this song makes me want to work out harder.

Wish You Were Here: Radiohead

One of my favorite songs of all time and this cover is pretty damn terrific.

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!)

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Playlists November 19, 2013 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: “Big Blue Wave & RIP Lou Reed Ride”

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Big Blue Wave & RIP Lou Reed” (50-minute Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! How there!

I have two new online stations that have been rocking my world lately and helping me add to my playlists. Here they are:

WLIR online plays an amazing selection of alternative music from the last 30 years. Everything from the B-52s to Lorde to Depeche Mode. Now, since this is a free online station they get a little too crowded sometimes and you can’t log on. But if you, definitely try them out!
The Peak in Vancouver plays amazing alternative music plus tons of Canadian bands which are new to me and I am finding I really love.

Got that? So let’s get into to today’s playlist which consists of some old and new tunes to get you in the mood to run, cycle and workout harder. Let’s go!

Big Blue Wave: Hey Ocean!

Hey Ocean! Is a Canadian band that released this fun, frothy tune last year. Love opening up with it in my classes.

Pump It: The Black Eyed Peas

One of my students asked me recently “who wrote that Pulp Fiction smash up song?” It took me a minute to figure out what she was talking about!

Come & Get It: Selena Gomez

I just lerve this song to pieces.

Breathing Underwater: Metric

I have said the before but I need to state again how much I regret not seeing this band when they played in New York last year. Will not make that same mistake again!

Rebellion: Arcade Fire

This is one of the best songs ever to climb to or make yourself work harder. It’s fantastic!

Rebel Yell: Billy Idol

OMG this is just the greatest song in the world. How does it get better than “in the midnight hour—she cried more, more, MORE!”

American Psyco: Treble Charger

Yet another Canadian band I was unaware of until The Peak!

Family Affair: Mary J. Blige

I am dedicating this one to my friend Stacy who introduced me to badass Mary J.

Spaceman: The Killers

I like to perform high intensity sprints to this song.

Simple Life: Elton John

This is one of Elton’s lesser known 90s tunes but I love it for long climbs and the lyrics are really inspiring.

Hell: Tegan and Sarah

Hell yeah, I say!

Walk on the Wild Side: Lou Reed

This is one of those pieces of culture that inspired me to move to New York. I spent my whole life in the boring ‘burbs and I was ready to indeed walk on the wild side. (RIP Lou Reed. This city will be much less interesting without you in it.)

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!)

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Playlists August 8, 2013 by Margo Donohue

“Get Lucky” Late Summer 2013 Cycling Playlist: Daft Punk, Imagine Dragons, NIN #workoutplaylist #playlist

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Summer 2013 Get Lucky” (50-minute Ride)

We are sorry Stephen Colbert! Please forgive us!

Hey there! Hi there! How there!

So…how is your summer coming along? You feeling good? Getting some weekend getaways in? I hope so!

Today I am featuring a fun and frothy playlist to get you through the heat-filled days of August. It begins with THE song summer (IMHO) and ends with a Lindsey Buckingham tune that always makes me want to fall asleep on the beach somewhere under an umbrella without a care in the word.

So let’s get to it, shall we?

Get Lucky: Daft Punk (Featuring Pharrell Williams)

Six minutes of mindless fun and a beat that is just too damn catchy. (Wish they were not being so rude to my imaginary boyfriend Stephen Colbert.)

By the way—if you have not seen the “Dublin” version of this video—please enjoy now. (Love my home girl dancing in her Sunday dress and sneakers!)

Feeling Good: The Sheepdogs

When this song comes on at work I just want to dance all over the place.

She Sells Sanctuary: The Cult

I have a bit of metal in me and The Cult is how I get my fix.

Youth Without Youth: The Metric

One of my favorite bands of the last few years and love just about everything they do.

Born on the Bayou: Creedence Clearwater Revival

This is the perfect song to do a slow, steady climb. People just groove to it. Just awesome!

Black Tambourine: Beck

I use this song for out of the saddle sprints at varying lengths of time.

Only: Nine Inch Nails

My big 90s crush (Trent Reznor) has a lot of hits with NIN but this one is my favorite.

Demons: Imagine Dragons

No idea what it is about Demons that I love so much– but I do.

Creep: TLC

VH-1 is planning a movie about TLC this fall and I plan to watch it.

Pumped Up Kicks: Foster the People

I love the dark lyrics mixed with a poppy beat.

Bohemian Rhapsody: Queen

Get ready to bang your heads, people!

Everybody Talks: Neon Trees

One of those “it’s too damn fast” songs that doesn’t make me grumpy.

Trouble: Lindsey Buckingham

Lately Lindsey Buckingham has been on Saturday Night Live as kind of a goof but he kicks ass on the guitar.

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

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “brooklynfitchick”

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Playlists May 23, 2013 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist “I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like)” with Michael Franti, Metric, Imagine Dragons, Maroon 5 & More

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

“I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like)” Playlist

50-Minute Intervals Ride

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I have been looking for new tunes to try out in my classes and am rather happy with this playlist which mixes some newer releases with a couple of classics.

This is a 50-minute interval ride with several quick segments that will give a nice fat burn. Enjoy!

I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like): Michael Franti

I am calling this the song of summer for 2013. How much more joyful can a tune be, people?!

Mrs. Robinson: The Lemonheads

The lead singer (Evan Dando) was considered a big heartthrob in the 90s. (Oh the 90s—how I miss you!)

I Want To Take You Higher: Sly & the Family Stone

Sly Stone is famous for being something of a kook but his music totally kicks ass so who cares? (This particular clip is pretty damn amazing!)

Synthetica: Metric

I have been featuring them for weeks and for damn good reason—they write killer songs!

Radioactive: Imagine Dragons

There are only two climbs in this set and this is what we play for the first one.

Let Me Entertain You: Robbie Williams

OMG—I had the biggest crush ever on this guy. Swoon!

Wakeup Call: Maroon 5

This is my favorite song of theirs.

Blister in the Sun: Violent Femmes

I have my classes do some quick “out of the saddle” runs with this one.

You Get What You Give: New Radicals

This is just about one of my favorite songs of all time and think it is perfect for this time of year—with graduations coming up and all. (The second “climb” song by the way.)

Everlong: Foo Fighters

The fighters of foo are perfect for any spin class really.

Please Don’t Leave Me: Pink

This is the sweetest & saddest love song that is set to the happiest beat–ever. I had a student leave my room in tears recently because of the lyrics! True story.

City of Blinding Lights: U2

We do some long out of the saddle runs with this song and I think it is one the best U2 have written .

Take a Picture: Filter

The singer, Richard Patrick (whom I have a big crush on,) wrote this after getting in trouble for being drunk and naked on a plane. It was just before 9/11 so people used to have more fun in the skies!

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “margodono”

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Playlists April 30, 2013 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist Time! Featuring Phillip Phillips, Metric, Bush, Jessie J. and Lynrd Skynrd #fitbloggin

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

“Gone, Gone, Gone” Playlist (The “Intervals” Ride)

"Be sure to tell my folks I am studying in my room!" — “Be sure to tell my folks I am studying in my room!”

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I am a huge fan of 90s music and whenever I need to give a playlist some extra “oomph” it’s time for the old favorites that USED to be played on stations with a “Modern Rock” format. (Most of the music I love is relegated to “classic rock” stations which makes me feel like I should be retired, living in Florida and bitching about the heat.)

Anyhoo—I recently came across a photo of yours truly enjoying a cheap beer in a mobile home back in the time that Kurt Cobain was alive and we had NO idea how horny Bill Clinton could get. It made me giggle (mainly because I can’t figure out why I am also holding a bowling ball) so thought I would pass along with today’s playlist—you’re welcome!

This is a 50-minute interval ride with several quick segments versus the longer hills I have been featuring lately.

Enjoy…

Gone, Gone Gone: Phillip Phillips

Apparently he was on American Idol (not a watcher of them) but this video was my introduction to this cute fella. Great song to start the class as it builds with positive vibes.

Wait a Minute: The Pussycat Dolls

This song is so silly and fun—just love it.

Stadium Love: Metric

This is my third favorite Canadian band (after Rush and The Tragically Hip) and I am DYING to see them live.

Teen Angst: Cracker

“What the world needs now is true words of wisdom like la, la, la, la, la laaaaaaaaaa.’

Price Tag: Jessie J.

One of my clients had this on her playlist and I had to Shazam it right away. It’s just so poppy and sweet!

Safe & Sound: Capital Cities

I do not know much about these guys but this song is a big hit with my students.

Flagpole Sitta: Harvey Danger

Is there anything more 90s than Harvey Danger? I think not.

Stars: Moby

I like to start this one out of the saddle with moderate resistance and keep adding before we get back in our seats and it’s heavy on the peddle. That’s the good stuff! (Check out the video for the celebrity cameos…)

Machinehead: Bush

Machinehead makes everyone want to work harder and pump their fists in the air.

My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It”: En Vogue

What on earth ever happed to En Vogue? This stuff is the sh*t!

Level: The Raconteurs

Jack White rules my world and this live version makes my butt want to wiggle like a stripper!

Hash Pipe: Weezer

Lately Weezer has been cropping up all over my iPod shuffle so I have had to let them out and into my world more often.

Natural One: The Folk Implosion

I love, love, love this damn tune.

I Feel Love (Blue Man Group Radio Edit): Blue Man Group

If you want to end on a super-fast note—try this version of the Donna Summer classic. Awesomeness!

Simple Man: Lynrd Skynrd

The best damn song from the best damn redneck band of all time.

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

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Playlists January 31, 2013 by Margo Donohue

New Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist “Personal Jesus” Ride #FitFluential

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

“Personal Jesus” Playlist (50-minute Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I am really working on getting up my playlists on a timelier basis as I really do enjoy putting them together. Please feel free to send along your own suggestions for music I should check out especially warm up and slow, hard driving “climb” songs as those are crucial for getting people motivated.

In fact, leave comments below on what songs, music, musicians and bands that put you in the mood to workout.

Is there a tune that makes you run faster?

Do you lift better listening to hard rock?

If you hear Alanis on your iPod—does your inner rock goddess make you work even harder on the elliptical?

Let me know!

So on to today’s playlist. There isn’t any particular theme attached to it—just a mixture of old and new songs that get me in the mood to be the best teacher I can each time I walk into the gym. Let’s get to it, shall we?

• Personal Jesus: Johnny Cash
When my brother served in the Navy he told me that when his crew would go for deep dives in their submarine—this song would be playing as they explored the deep sea. I just love the image of it and wanted to pass it along to you. You’re welcome!

• Town Called Malice: The Jam
Really fun piece of 80s British pop that puts me in a spirited mood.

• Breathing Underwater: Metric
This is one of those bands that played in NYC recently and I could just kick myself in the arse for missing them. (Dammit!)

• Ain’t Messin’ Round: Gary Clark Jr.
If this song doesn’t get your heart rate pumping—you need to have someone check you pulse!

• Take a Walk: Passion Pit
This is one of those “add gear and start climbing” tunes that gets everyone in a good mood.

• Walk Away: James Gang
I hear this and it makes me want to drink beer and get in a bar fight. (In a good way!)

• Pinhead: The Ramones
Gabba Gabba Hey!

• Runnin’ Down a Dream: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
The video really used to freak me out back in the day. But the song is still great.

• Butterfly: Crazy Town
The lead singer of this bad is a sad drug addict who gets kicked out of home on Celebrity Rehab. It can’t be easy to be a one-hit wonder.

• Natural One: The Folk Implosion
I liked to do “heavy sprints” to this song.

• Without Me: Eminem
Remember when Marshal Mathers ruled the world? Me too.

• Midnight City: M83
I love how “mid-80s techno” this sounds (Like it should have been on the soundtrack for Real Genius) and it is fun to climb to as well.

• Southside: Moby

For some reason I hated this song when it came out which seems insane to me now.

• Try: P!nk
I have been going through a big P!nk phase right now and I like it!

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

Until next time…

Ox Ox,
Brooklyn Fit Chick
Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)
“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”
Instagram: “margodono”
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