u2 Archives - Margo Donohue

Uncategorized December 23, 2015 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: Featuring Eminem, The Weeknd, JR JR and More!

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Gone” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How on earth did a whole month go by without me creating a new playlist? Sheesh! You know how it is—Thanksgiving shows up out of nowhere and the next thing you know there are gifts to buy, breads to bake and multiple holiday cards to send. It’s a wonder I was able to sneak one in this past week but I did just that (patting herself on the back.)

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!

Gone: JR JR

The band’s PR rep got in touch with me via my work for Fit Bottomed Girls where I am compiling a peppy/upbeat playlist to post sometime in January.

Those of you who actually know me would not exactly call me “peppy” (spastic, yes but not peppy.) However, this song just got under my skin and I decided to use it in classes this past weekend and everyone loved it. So there you go!

Welcome to Paradise: Green Day

For every class I teach I make sure the “second” song is a butt kicker to get everyone in gear and to really get their collective heartrates up. This song might just be a wee bit too fast but, so what? It works!

Mass Romantic: The New Pornographers

One of my favorite Canadian bands really cooks with this playful tune that has a jangly sound. (I like me some jangle!)

Adventure of a Lifetime: Coldplay

I know there are Coldplay haters that exist in the world but I don’t give a rat’s butt about any of them. They know how to craft music that will make you want to move and bop your head to the beat. #teamchrismartin

Lose Yourself: Eminem

True story—the gym’s stereo broke over this past weekend and I had to use a little boom box in a big room to teach my classes. That in and of itself was bad enough, but having to play this amazing song by Eminem with a low volume almost killed me! You need volume to really raise the roof with this one. (Truth)

The Wolf: Mumford & Sons

Thee is nary a banjo in this one from the British band that really rocks it out here.

2 Heads: Coleman Hell

Another Canadian (Thunder Bay, Ontario!) on my list and this one DOES indeed use a banjo with amazing results on his song here.

Can’t feel My Face: The Weeknd

ANOTHER Canadian (Toronto!) and this is his biggest hit in the U.S. so far. Just try to listen and move to the beat—it’s impossible!

Price Tag: Jessie J

I love this song because it mixes unbridled optimism with a fun /not-posh British accent.

Cannibal: Silversun Pickups

The Silversun Pickups write songs that are so hard charging and excellent that they are virtually all perfect for high speed sprints and intervals.

Please Don’t Leave Me: P!nk

Alecia Moore (P!nk’s real name!) writes some of the sweetest ear candy in the whole world and this romantic song always gets to me.

Time to Pretend: MGMT

Whatever happened to this band? Does anyone know?

Song for Someone: U2

Some people groused about getting a whole free album downloaded (for free!) into their iTunes accounts by one of the biggest bands of all time. (First world problems, people!) I on the other hand think it’s one of their best efforts and this song in particular is beautiful.

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 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, Uncategorized January 15, 2014 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: “New Year’s Day” Ride U2, Pompeii, Foos, The Sheepdogs & More

2Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“New Year’s Day” (50-minute Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

It might seem by the title of this week’s playlist that I was celebrating the arrival of 2014 and therefore it is special for the New Year’s holiday. No! The first track (one of U2’s best IMHO) just happens to be an excellent song to start off a class. The beat is strong, consistent and helps everyone get into the mood to ride. Therefore–you can use this playlist any time of year for a kick ass workout.

New Year’s Day: U2

Great warm-up song that can be played any time of year. Really!

Welcome to Paradise: Green Day

I always like to think of this song as THE perfect second tune to play in a spin class as it ramps up the energy and gets everyone in a good mood.

Gettin’ Jiggy With It: Will Smith

Is there anyone more charming and likable than Will Smith?

But if You Close Your Eyes: Pompeii

This could be my new favorite band as they write some of the best songs for working out and getting motivated to move.

No More Drama: Mary J. Blige

I have talked about this tune before but it truly is fantastic for hills and climbs.

Modern Love: David Bowie

I like to do strength intervals here with 15-seconds of hard work and 30-second rests in between.

Feeling Good: The Sheepdogs

This is another song I have talked about before but it is just too damn catchy for words!

Times Like These: Foo Fighters

One of my students recently told me “every time I hear the Foo Fighters– I feel like doing sprints.” The Foos know how to get people excited!

White Rabbit: Jefferson Airplane

“Remember what the door mouse said …feed your head!”

The Hardest Button to Push: The White Stripes

Bump, bump, bump—I love the beat of this song.

Ghosts: Ladytron

My students climb to this with gradually increasing resistance with the last minute being the toughest part. I tell them to work at their top level until they hear the gong. If you listen to this song you will know what I mean.

The Impression I Get: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

I am not sure what a “bosstone” is but I do love this 90s tune.

That’s the Way: Led Zeppelin

Throwing in a little Zep gives me the happies.

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 June 11, 2013 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick New Playlist featuring Bruno Mars, Kings of Leon, Vampire Weekend, Rolling Stones and Silversun Pickups

2Comments

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

“Bruno Mars Ride” Playlist

50-Minute Intervals Ride

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

When I first started teaching I was a hard core rock chick when it came to playlists including healthy doses of the Pixies, Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters and The Beatles. In my “real life” that is still who I am but over time my students started asking me to pick music more current and popular.

“Blech!” was my original thought but after attempting a few different radio stations online that play what the kids dig these days I have found to my amazement I really love pop music. P!nk is incredible and Maroon 5 writes some fun tunes. Hell—I even started liking The Pussycat Dolls! What the heck has happened to me?

Anyhoo, today’s ride starts with Bruno Mars’ new song which is about as poppy as it gets and features a few old school rock and roll tunes that I love as well. You’re welcome!

Locked Out of Heaven: Bruno Mars

This is one of those songs that is too damn catchy for words. I wind up singing along whenever it is on the radio and might have to get more of his stuff soon.

San Francisco: The Mowgli’s

I know nothing about this band or why so many people are singing at once and I don’t care. It’s just a fun tune and I dig it.

Radioactive: Kings of Leon

Yes, this is the rock portion.

Timeless: The Airborne Toxic Event

This song has “high school graduation anthem” written ALL over it. (In a good way, of course.) The lead singer is adorable by the way!

Undercover (Of the Night): The Rolling Stones

Apparently this video could only be played late at night on MTV because it was too violent so don’t say I didn’t warn you first!

Voices in My Head: The Police

The drummer, Stewart Copeland, is super hot.

Back it Up: Caro Emerland

My new favorite song—love it so much!

Free: Phish

“Where are my hippies at?!”

Panic Switch: Silversun Pickups

The Silversun Pickups are too awesome for words.

Diane Young: Vampire Weekend

To be totally honest—I can’t decide if this is their best or worst song. (But it is zippy!)

Bad: U2

I use this one when I want my class to go a long a looooooong climb. Back in the day Bono would reach into the audience toward the end of the tune and pull a woman out of the audience. (To dance with her only! I think.)

Moves Like Jagger: Maroon 5

I want to hate this but I just can’t. Twist my arm Maroon 5—you’ve got me!

Hard Sun: Eddie Vedder

I still think Eddie Vedder is adorable—sigh.

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: “brooklynfitchick”

You Tube: Brooklyn FitChick1

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

11Comments

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”

You Tube: Brooklyn FitChick1