7 Perfect Climbing Songs
Consider the conundrum that is climbing. You seek out the hill, knowing full well that it will hurt to go up it. As you climb, you look forward to nothing in the world quite so much as when the climb ends, even while you wilfully ignore the fact that nothing is keeping you from slowing down, or even from turning around and going the other direction.
And then — if you are me, at least — you add an additional layer to the complexity of being a climber: you listen to music to help you go faster up that hill, even though you know faster hurts more. Or, perhaps even more strangely, you listen to music to help you take your mind off the hill…you know, the one that you specifically sought out.
There’s probably a life lesson to be learned from all this. Some way in which climbing is a metaphor for life.
But to tell the truth, I don’t care. I just want to talk about the very best songs in the world to listen to while you’re climbing.
A Note About Methodology: I arrived at this list by going through my iPod’s “Ride” playlist and asking myself, “Is this an awesome song for climbing?” If the answer was yes, I put it in the preliminary list. I then stack-ranked the contenders by level of perfection. By the time I got to the final seven, the songs were all so perfect that I would not dare to call one better than the other (with one exception, which I will save for last, just to build suspense).
Beastie Boys: “Shadrach“
There are three things that make this a perfect climbing song: a beat that makes you pedal faster, awesome backing vocals, and exquisite lyrics you’d want to shout along to, if blood weren’t coming out of your ears (and if you could remember them). “We’re just three MCs and we’re on the go: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego!”
Bonus Comment: Normally, I don’t care too much about videos, but this one’s a work of art. Watch it.
Kraftwerk: “Tour de France“
This is, objectively speaking, the best song for climbing ever made. The rhythm is scientifically designed for an optimal cadence. Ride while listening to this song and you will inevitably find yourself both pedaling and breathing in time. And you will be going 2.3 KpH faster than you would have otherwise. I have both a short version and a twelve-minute version of this song on my iPod.
Linkin Park: “One Step Closer“
Sometimes, the best way to climb is to climb angry. This song is plenty angry. When your heart rate’s at 187, the words “brings me one step closer to the edge, and I’m about to break” take on a whole new meaning.
Devo: “Uncontrollable Urge”
Some people think Devo was a bunch of highschool misfits in funny clothes playing beepy sounds on synthesizers. Turns out, though, they also had guitars. And this particular song drives you forward on your bike as mercilessly as if it were a whip (whip it good).
Joan Jett: “Bad Reputation“
You’re riding along, listening to Joan Jett, and you’re thinking to yourself, “Joan Jett creates some of the best straight-ahead, blunt-force rock and roll in the world.”
And then you realize that if Joan Jett ever found out you’re listening to her while you’re wearing spandex, she’d come beat the tar out of you with her bare fists. And she’d be within her rights.
This does not discourage you, because the music’s that good.
Red Hot Chili Peppers: ”Love Rollercoaster“ / “Parallel Universe“
True story. When Californication came out, I left it in my car’s CD player, playing over and over and over, for a period of about six months. Interesting musical fact: the baseline of “Parallel Universe” actually makes you 15 pounds lighter for the duration of the song — a phenomenon scientists are studying right this very second.
By sneaking in “Love Rollercoaster,” I’m cheating my list up to eight songs. My rationale is this: it’s my list, I’ll sneak it in if I want to. Besides, it really is a perfect climbing song, though it has the somewhat dangerous effect of making you want to sing and dance while on the bike. Well, it’s dangerous if you’re me, anyway. Which I am.
Social Distortion: “Reach for the Sky,” “Don’t Take Me for Granted,” “Nickels and Dimes,” “So Far Away,” “Let it Be Me,” “Sick Boys,” “Ring of Fire,” “She’s a Knockout,” “A Place in My Heart,” “Cold Feelings,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “King of Fools”
I have regrets in my life. One of my greatest regrets is that until last year, I did not own a single Social Distortion album, which means that I did not own anything by the group that has since risen into my Top 7 favorite groups, and is far and away my number one favorite cycling group. As for climbing music, no other group is even close.
Imagine that. This band has been around since I was in highschool, and I’m just now getting to know their music. It makes me think: what else have I missed?
You know what? I’m going to set up my iPod shuffle to play this set of songs, in this order, for my B7 time trial this weekend. I think this will help me drop 15 seconds off my time.
Honorable Mentions
My “Ride” playlist — the playlist I always listen to when I’m on my bike — has 652 songs in it, every single one of which I’m happy to hear served up by the Shuffle. Here are a few extra songs I’m always extra-happy to have served up:
- Prince / Age of Chance: “Kiss” – I went ahead and chained these two versions of this song together. I love both, and like it best when I hear the Age of Chance version right after the original.
- Oingo Boingo: “Nothing to Fear (But Fear Itself)” – Imagine, if you can, the guilt I feel at my very favorite band in the whole world not making the 7 Perfect Climbing Songs list. It just goes to show how fairminded and objective I am.
- Duran Duran: “The Reflex” – The fact that I’m willing to admit to loving “The Reflex” just goes to show how unafraid I am to embarass myself. Still, great riding song. I stand by that.
- Falco: “Rock Me Amadeus” – Why do I like this song? I shouldn’t like this song. But I like this song. And when climbing, I really, really like this song.
- Nirvana: “You Know You’re Right” – You know, Cobain doesn’t sound particularly happy in this song. I’ve often said that if I could’ve gotten to Cobain, he would never have killed himself. I’d have introduced him to biking, and soon he would have found balance and peace. Or, at the very least, he’d have been considering killing himself and would have thought, “If I kill myself today, I won’t be able to ride tomorrow.”
- Steriogram: “Walkie Talkie Man,” “Fat and Proud” – I know, you Aussies and New Zealanders roll your eyes at this group. I don’t care. I love Walkie Talkie Man, and I love Fat and Proud. In fact, practically every song on Schmack! has enough energy in it to propel you up the steepest mountain, while riding a wheelie.
Hesitation to Publish
OK, I’ve put together my list. Now it’s time for me to publish it and see what everyone thinks. There’s a problem, though: Whereas I went into the Seven Perfect Foods list with plenty of confidence and bluster, I realize my taste in music is incredibly dated, and also that my taste in music may not have been all that great to begin with.
Ie, I fully expect to be made fun of a little bit.
Or a lot bit.
That’s fine, I can take it. But you’ve got to give me your own 7 Perfect Climbing Songs if you’re going to ridicule mine. Preferably with links to the music.
If you’ve got a good one, I’ll acknowledge it.
Rock on.
PS: Today’s weight: 161.0. Finally got my eating groove back, and I’m back to my lowest weight of the year. Time to start moving into the 150’s.
Comment by Lins | 04.3.2007 | 9:31 pm
Each to their own FC. I can’t comment on your taste as out of your collection I’ve only ever heard of Linkin Park and the RHCPeppers.
I tend not to play music during heavy duty climbs as breathing like a demon but not hearing said breathing makes me feel as though I just might be dead. But if I do play music on a climb it’s “Faint” by Linkin Park over and over and over and over…
Comment by KatieA | 04.3.2007 | 11:04 pm
Oh, oh, oh, I have so many! A lot of them are also running songs, so you’ll have to bear with me:
Nickelback “Animal”: Now, normally I don’t listen to Nickelback, cause they suck, but this one song just rocks. Parental Advisory Naughty Lyrics – so keep the headphones on. No rude words, just insinuations.
Red Hot Chilli Peppers “Higher Ground”: Yes it’s a cover, but it builds up until that last bit and you just get up and push hard.
Rage Against The Machine “Killing In The Name Of”: The crescendo speaks for itself. The rude word version is the best, but there is a “clean” version.
Audioslave “Gasoline”: They’ve now broken up, and I’m broken hearted. These guys produced some of the best riding and runing music I know.
As for your list FC – I too have only heard of RHCP and Linkin Park, but also Prince. Perhaps people who lose B7 to you should also send a CD from sometime AFTER 1985?? :)
And I don’t have links to the music, because it’s 5pm, and I’m going to netball!!
Comment by Weean | 04.3.2007 | 11:05 pm
No, no, no, no, no, (maybe), no!
For those of us who prefer not to get mown down because we didn’t hear that 18-wheeler coming up behind us, the perfect climbing song is whichever one is going through our heads at the time, even if it is some annoying advertising jingle or (as the father of a three-year old Scots/Spanish girl) something by The Wiggles or Fofito.
Benefits include being able to ‘hear’ it at whatever tempo we like- pitch up to give yourself a push, pitch down to take a rest.
I only wish I knew where to link to some Fofito songs- they’re not that bad for climbing, actually- nice upbeat, perky little ditties.
Comment by Weean | 04.3.2007 | 11:18 pm
ps Before I get Big Mike or KatieA all het up, I should point out that The Wiggles are in fact Australian, but they’re pretty big over here too (at least it saves us from Barney), and if I name-checked the Singing Kettle no-one would have had a clue what I was on about.
Comment by Paul | 04.3.2007 | 11:23 pm
I like your tunes and I definitely need to be inspired on the hills – I needed your list this morning. Have you heard this – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FwEQKiMmLA
Comment by Smeghead | 04.3.2007 | 11:53 pm
Sissy music.
Try Slayer, Kreator, In Flames etc and you’ll fly up the mountain… that’s what I do ;-)
Comment by Tim D | 04.4.2007 | 12:43 am
Climbing is really just shifting your weight from one foot to the other. Stand up now and try it. Not very difficult is it.
The perfect climbing music is 12 bar blues. Anything with a 4/4 beat will do. I can’t criticise your 7 songs cos I only know the Kraftwerk one. I know all of the honorable mentions and they are all rubbish. When you are climbing to Kiss and you’re stomping the pedals in time with the music, do you do a short frenetic burst before the word Kiss.
Comment by Mogule | 04.4.2007 | 1:04 am
Kreator works for me to. “Time to raise the flag of hate!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1DCBma4RA4&mode=related&search=
Other than that:
Ministry- Just one fix (of lactate?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2UA-7Q3ncU
Kraftwerk- Aerodynamik (from the no. 1 biking album of all times)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSm0IEhY55c
Comment by T1mm0 | 04.4.2007 | 1:43 am
Weean: I’m interested to know what you do differently when riding when you hear an 18 wheeler coming up behind you. Do you swerve off the road or something???
I converted to riding with music when I figured it didn’t make a tad of difference whether I could hear something behind me or not – I still ride in a straight line…
The music I’ve been playing while riding is simply shuffling all 2500 songs – which sometimes backfires when something like a 19min “Lazy Sunday” song gets chosen by random.
Comment by Token Skinny Guy | 04.4.2007 | 1:47 am
No, please no! Not The Wiggles, Weean. I’d rather get hit by that 18-wheeler, thanks. Personally, I like the fast tempo of The Bronx, but I never thought of Slayer. I’ll have to try that. Oh, and FC, Steriogram does not deserve honourable mention. How can you climb to that, unless you’re trying to climb away from it?
Comment by HighwayMunky | 04.4.2007 | 4:02 am
Good tunes.
Well my current top 7 climbing songs on my phone (walkman) are.
Foo fighters – All my life
– MonkeyWrench
Fall out boy – Fame
Rammstein – Feur, Frei! (Fire, Fire)
Fightstar – Build an Army
GreenDay – American Idiot
Burnout
Not the best tunes ever but thats whats on the phone at the mo.
Can’t do any real links as can’t get to youtube etc on work internet access…grrr!
Comment by neil on wheels | 04.4.2007 | 4:11 am
anything by The Prodigy, especially Smack My Bitch Up and Charly
Comment by Recto Bold | 04.4.2007 | 4:30 am
I agree with Neil. I have a nice long cycling playlist (MTB – I don’t do the road thing) with plenty of Prodigy thrown in there. For climbing, I nominate the awesome, boombastic “Diesel Power” from Prodigy’s legendary “Fat of the land” album. It’s heavy, rhythmic, fat groove seems to fit the climbing thing very well indeed, or at least it does for me. Worth a listen at least.
Comment by cheapie | 04.4.2007 | 4:44 am
Oingo Boingo? one of our spinning instructors adds that to his mix occasionally
Comment by Al (female) | 04.4.2007 | 4:52 am
Definitely Prodigy. Fat of the land is good for any type of workout. Well maybe not yoga but you get the idea. Most songs by the Foo Fighters (specifically the Colour and the Shape) and a spattering of Chris Cornell songs from any era (mostly Audioslave) do the trick too. I’d give you specific titles but it’s still early and I haven’t had any coffee yet.
If you want something purely for distraction may I suggest the album Gordon by Bare Naked Ladies…. Although that might distract a little too much when you start paying more attention to the lyrics than the road when you hear lines like “haven’t you always wanted a monkey?” and “mmmm sausages”
Comment by mark | 04.4.2007 | 5:31 am
Patti Smith, “Gandhi.” Sublime for long climbs.
Comment by Born 4 Lycra | 04.4.2007 | 5:32 am
Wow is this ever going to generate discussion. Not saying your stuff is no good just taking the opportunity to tell you what gets me over the top – Heavy Oz and English influence here.
Holy Grail by Hunters and Collectors (Live)
Fat Bottomed Girls/Bicycle Race by Queen and there is of course the long lost video to go with it
Mama Weer All Crazy Now – Slade (Live)
Wild One – Suzi Quatro
Take a long Line (This is it Folks – Over The Top) The Angels
Joyride – Roxette (Live)
Run Like Hell – Pink Floyd magic if you time it right as you go over the crest
and you thought you choices were dated!
Comment by GenghisKhan | 04.4.2007 | 5:33 am
Add Sure Shot by the Beastie Boys ( …you can’t, you won’t, and you don’t stop –actually, that’s the only portion of the song I “play” over and over and over and over in my head) and Boingo’s Pain and then you’re good to go!
Comment by Born 4 Lycra | 04.4.2007 | 5:40 am
As an afterthought you could go with albums – Alice Cooper Welcome to My Nightmare and Goes To Hell springs to mind!
Comment by sans auto | 04.4.2007 | 5:44 am
The only time I listened to music while riding was when I raced crits. I dont know why, but they were always playing the Bob Marley Legend Album. I can’t hear any of those songs without thinking of the dopler affect and waiting for the music to go out of ear shot again.
I sometimes sing while riding… My favorites are:
Spin Doctors– What time is it?
Bon Jovi–I’m a cowboy, on a steal horse I ride
I guess I don’t sing often on rides because that is when people start throwing things at me and running me off the road.
Comment by dodger | 04.4.2007 | 5:50 am
I don’t ride with music in my ears but I do have some songs I replay in my head. most climgs around here are short and a little brutal (for me anyway) so the songs are usually the same way.
Death from Above 1979; blood on our hands http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOr3QsJpMZI
Queens of the Stone Age; no one knows http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mobUJVX3UCQ
Rob Zombie; More human than human http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVi0fiTeU7s
for some longer climbs I suggest:
Sublime; Doin’ time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd39XDZOjhw
Tool; Eulogy (could only find the live version) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrcU3nOZyRY
and when i need to zone out on a climb…
Air; all i need http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgfmWfJ11s
And when Im about to give up on a climb, usually neer the top, and need a little push…
Rage Against the Machine; Bulls on Parade http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xw7Bk2krtg And because im heavy, and slow and sometimes people are out walking, or tending to their yard or whatever I do feel like a bull on parade.
Comment by S_H | 04.4.2007 | 5:54 am
Kudos on having the cajones to throw your musical tastes out there for public humiliation. And not to bag on your choices, man, but there are better Duran Duran songs than The Reflex. Rio…hello? I recommend loading up on some Talking Heads. I find myself singing Lifetime Piling Up when I’m riding. YMMV!
Comment by slip | 04.4.2007 | 6:08 am
my morning jacket – one big holiday for the win!
then maybe some ministry – jesus built my hotrod, talking heads – crosseyed and painless, springsteen – born to run, smashing pumpkins – silverf***, modest mouse – bury me with it, tv on the radio – wolf like me, etc…
that said, i’m usually listening to all kinds of heart wrenching, slow, lifesuckers of songs. and i place the blame my slowness squarely on the shoulders of itunes’ random pick algorithm.
Comment by Al Maviva | 04.4.2007 | 6:11 am
If I’m hitting the mountains – on the East Coast that is any climb longer than 20 minutes – I cue up a handful of albums. Ill Communication and Paul’s Boutique by the Beasties are in there. Chili Peppers “What Hits?” Kid Rock “Devil Without a Cause.” Sometimes Led Zeppelin IV goes in there, or one of several by Stevie Ray Vaughn or Robert Cray. (Texas Blues work pretty well on hills). REM Eponymous, or Fables of the Reconstruction. Allman Brothers Greatest Hits.
I have a hill ride I like to do that has a series of 10-12 minute climbs. For that I have a singles mix. Sure Shot by the Beasties is in there. Blister in the Sun by the Violent Femmes. Take me to the River by the Talking Heads (perfect rhythm for climbing, BTW). Knock you Out, by LL Cool J. Kid Rock – the first four off of Devil Without a Cause (Bawitdaba, Cowboy, Pump it Up, Bullgod); Cash (Folsom Prison Blues); Hanging from the Gallas Pole, Leadbelly; Renegades of Funk, Rage Against the Machine; a tempo version of the Overture from Il Barbiere di Siviglia by Rossini, which is great to spin with (hey, my handle is Al Maviva, what do you think I’d like?). Driver Eight and Cuyahoga, REM. Plus a lot of other good stuff. Those are just the highlights. There is a lot of stuff you can climb to. Since I tend to alternate seated and standing climbing, I like to mix up the tempo a little bit.
Comment by Lurch | 04.4.2007 | 6:29 am
Al,
I think I’ve seen that you are from the DC area in other posts. Check out “The Pietasters – Strapped Live” It is great climbing music from a “local” band. I think you’d like it from the ecletability (I just made that word up) of you other tastes.
Lurch
Comment by Demonic1 | 04.4.2007 | 6:31 am
I prefer electronica/ industrial while on the bike- KMFDM, Rammstein, Funker Vogt, Eishbrecher.
Or perhaps some metal: Iron Maiden, Slayer, Lamb of God.
I think the trick is to find an album without any slow songs on it, which can be tough. The angrier the better, it keeps the RPMs and attitude high.
Comment by the weak link | 04.4.2007 | 6:50 am
Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #6 1st movement makes a surprisingly good climbing song.
Comment by Lissee | 04.4.2007 | 6:57 am
I started clicking on the links, and for a moment I thought to myself, “Self, I think fatty’s really bombed for the first time!” (That is if you don’t include the time you called an iPod a generic mp3 player. I Eye iPod)
I even started to make a list.
1. Sucks.
2. Sucks even worse.
3. Now we’re talking… after that, I started making a different list. One where I copied down the artist info. I’m on my way to iTunes right now… that is when I make it home from work… oops did I say the ‘W’ word?
Um… I’d better go…I think there might be some paperwork calling my name.
-Liss
Comment by msk | 04.4.2007 | 6:59 am
ok so i am not going to cast any stones looking out from my glass house but
you certainly need some dance in there
i no special order, other than how they popped into my head
darude – sandstorm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSYxT9GM0fQ
tamia – stranger in my house
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmV_cG6zFH4
just saw the video for the first time and like it even better now
britney spears – toxic (i’m really sorry, don’t judge me)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XhExl67EH0
christina – fighter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARTRCduC0nA
bonnie tyler – holding our for a hero (showing my age now)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltps17if3t8
the video is hysterically dated
killers – mr. brightside
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVPjx-7DxsY
ac/dc – thunderstruck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tauEh_DFDPM
thunder – na na na naaaa na na na naaaaaaa
Comment by MTB W | 04.4.2007 | 7:04 am
While much of the aforementioned music is pretty good, I also prefer most anything from Disturbed’s “The Sickness” album as well as Rush’s Moving Pictures album, the Who, Pearl Jam. I am still working on getting my mp3 player filled so will have to think about what other music to add. BTW, it’s great that everybody is giving suggestions that I can use!
Comment by Jason | 04.4.2007 | 7:08 am
Way more than 7 here, but here’s one of my fave mixes i use on the trainer. I don’t like to ride outdoors with music (just doesn’t feel right) but on the trainer this one keeps me going (along with many others:
01. 2:1 / Elastica
02. No Buses / Arctic Monkeys
03. Open Book / The Rakes
04. Colin Zeal / Blur
05. Train In Vain / The Clash
06. Jumping Someone Else’s Train / The Cure
07. The Fallen / Franz Ferdinand
08. Digsy’s Dinner / Oasis
09. Salvador / Jamie T
10. Caught By The Fuzz / Supergrass
11. She’s Got Standards / Rifles
12. Boys In The Band / The Libertines
13. Carnival Kids / The Futureheads
14. Shoplifters Of The World Unite (Live: At Earl’s Court) / Morrissey
15. I Am The Resurrection / The Stone Roses
16. The Last One Standing / Ladytron
17. Bittersweet Symphony / The Verve
18. The Queen Is Dead / The Smiths
jm

Comment by msk | 04.4.2007 | 7:17 am
while i shouldn’t cast any stones looking out from my glass house i must agree with lissee and others in saying your taste in music is shocking
you certainly need some dance in there
i no special order, other than how they popped into my head
all on youtube and tried to add links link but wouldn’t let me submit comment
darude – sandstorm
tamia – stranger in my house
just watched the video for the first time in youtube – big fan
britney spears – toxic (i’m really sorry, don’t judge me)
christina – fighter
bonnie tyler – holding our for a hero (showing my age now)
the video is hysterically dated
killers – mr. brightside
ac/dc – thunderstruck
thunder na na na naaa na na na naaaaaa
Comment by Brian C | 04.4.2007 | 7:18 am
lurch – no one ever talks about the pietasters! i have been listening to them for years and years, and worn out several copies of oolooloo. what ever happened to them?
as for me, i prefer tough guy hardcore and metal for climbing. for me, angry climbing is the best climbing.
Comment by Lissee | 04.4.2007 | 7:27 am
Ooooooo a ‘Cycling in France link’!!! A new Ad’s for Schwag Partner? Or did someone hack your site?
Okay, now back to work.
-Liss
Comment by MTB W | 04.4.2007 | 7:30 am
msk, good call on ac/dc! I will be playing that in my head for the rest of the day. However, britney spears? Not judging, but still, britney?
Comment by dug | 04.4.2007 | 7:50 am
i say, vive le random. i just switched to the new shuffle for riding, and i love the sheer unpredictability of what it produces.
and climbing to angry music is fine for a 10 min climb. maybe even for a 20 min climb. but for a one hour climb, or, say, a marathon, ya gotta mix it up.
for example, last time i climbed suncrest, i started with elliot smith–needle in the hay, followed by rage against the machine–bullet in the head, followed by radiohead–exit, followed by U2–wake up dead man, and finished up with madonna (?!!)–music.
oh, i love the shuffle.
and those of you who say, no music while riding, why? cuz it’s dangerous? what do you do differerently when you can hear traffic? or cuz it’s rude to your companions? why? don’t you have the radio on in the car, and you can still converse politely?
just curious.
Comment by Steve | 04.4.2007 | 8:13 am
I’m not a fan of listening to music when I ride. I would miss all of the cycling epithets my unenlightened automobile bound commuters hurl at me as they whiz by honking their horns. Also, I would miss listening to me panting and under my breath convincing myself “Don’t vomit. Don’t vomit. Don’t vomit!”
Now, if I were to listen to music climbing hills, the first track to come to mind would be
-Iron Maiden “Run to the Hills.” You can’t help think you’re riding a horse when listening to this song.
-Metallica “The Four Horsemen.” Anything that sounds like it has a motor driving the music is good for me!
-Dick Dale & the Del-Tones “Night Rider” or “Riders in the Sky.” Anything that can make me think I am somewhere else while still having a driving sound to turn the pedals for me.
-Beastie Boys “Body Movin.” I would name other Beastie’s songs but I find myself pedaling to the beat instead of a rhythm. Not necessarily a good thing.
-Rage Against the Machine “Killing in the Name.” Just exudes power.
Ennio Morricone “The Ecstasy of Gold.” It’s the summit within the summit of a climb.
That should get you over a climb. (Repeat if necessary).
Comment by Brian C | 04.4.2007 | 8:14 am
riding with headphones and other people is rude, in my opinion.
any other time is ok.
Comment by SyracuseStu | 04.4.2007 | 8:16 am
I am surprised that no one has added Rage Against the Machine. Funky, angry, methodically driving guitars and all the songs just flow. Possibly pretty lyrically aggressive for some people, but every one of their songs works like a charm for me. Keeps me drivin’ on!
Comment by turnonthejets | 04.4.2007 | 8:16 am
I don’t listen while riding…yet. I may try it this year. I just love the zen of being on the bike. I do listen to my ipod while running so I’m not ruling it out.
Comment by Lurch | 04.4.2007 | 8:27 am
Brian,
The Pietasters are still out there, doing what they do….check it out:
http://www.stevelaplaca.com/pie/piehome.html
I often ride with music when training solo. I just leave the left earbud tucked in my jersey and the music at a reasonable enough volume that I am not contributing to the sale of hearing aids in a couple of years.
I’ve never had a problem. Don’t think that anyone has ever had a problem with me doing it.
Lurch
Comment by Chris | 04.4.2007 | 8:34 am
Fatty you seem to have a thing with 7 being perfect. I thought the phrase was “A perfect 10″.
Anyway, nice mix of music. Not that I can get down with all of it, but nice to see someone with variety.
Comment by Mocougfan | 04.4.2007 | 8:39 am
Fatty,
With one obvious exception all of your songs are junk. I’m sorry to break the news to you. The exception is LP’s “One Step Closerâ€. You should have chosen “Faint†(Good call on that Lins), Hit the Floor, Numb, Crawling, Forgotten, With You, or Somewhere I belong. All 7 would be an improvement to your other 6.
Additionally you need some AC/DC “Thunderstruck†(MSK), Bon Jovi “Dead or Alive†(Sans), Metallica’s “Fuel†and “Turn the Pageâ€, perhaps even “Wolf” when you’re ‘taking of the falling lamb’ that you just passed on the hill. If you’re on an “Epic†climb try mixing in Faith No More. To have the real “Spirit of Radio†you’ll need some Rush as well. If you are on a mountain bike and need to “Jump†you should add some classic Van Halen. Of course if you quit you will need to “Take the Long Road Home†with Supertramp. You should make a new Creed to not talk about music anymore. Although I do love your other posts.
Comment by Badder | 04.4.2007 | 8:49 am
You missed the greatest adrenaline pumping song of all time. It will make ride faster, drive faster, run faster, hell it will even make you sleep faster
Drum Roll…..
Radar Love by Golden Earring
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGdSmNnz2ZA
Comment by PeteDMeat | 04.4.2007 | 8:54 am
My perfect ride music involves no lyrics. I somehow tend to manage to focus on the lyrics so I space out on riding and find myself slowing down.
So perfect ride music (for me) includes:
Russian Circles – myspace.com/russiancircles
Del Rey – myspace.com/delrey
Mogwai – myspace.com/mogwai
Explosions in the Sky – myspace.com/explosionsintheskyband
Mogwai & EitS must be carefully selected, because at times they slow down to a crawl.
Comment by neil on wheels | 04.4.2007 | 9:10 am
oh yeah-if you can find it, the main theme from Katamari Damacy is GENIUS cycling music. I’m not kidding.
Also, anything by The Crystal Method, whether its their studio stuff, or mixes, will get you up the hill.
Comment by KeepYerBag | 04.4.2007 | 9:19 am
Here’s a seven song playlist that separates the wheat from the chaff, the substance from the fluff, the climbers from the poseurs:
The Trammps: Disco Inferno
Donna Summer: I Feel Love
Heatwave: The Groove Line
Earth Wind and Fire: Boogie Wonderland
Village People: Macho Man
K.C. and the Sunshine Band: Shake Your Booty
The Bee Gees: Tragedy
In that order.
Actually, Here’s a couple of real songs to try. The artist, Chris Rea, was a blip on the US airwaves in ’80s, but he’s like the Bruce Springsteen of Europe. Whether you consider that a good thing is of course up to you.
‘Daytona’ and ‘Texas’ from ‘The Road to Hell’
‘Working On It’ from ‘New Light through Old Windows’
Great ‘old school’ rock music. Don’t have time to find links, but I’m sure they’d be available on iTunes.
Of course, today’s post begs the question, “What are Fatty’s top seven favorite groups?”
Comment by Jouni | 04.4.2007 | 9:21 am
Little Bones by The Tragically Hip
Lust for Life by Iggy Pop
Bring the Noise by Anthrax (the original PE version is good too)
Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J
Monster Hospital by Metric
Thumb by Kyuss
Jesus Built My Hotrod by Ministry
Comment by LanterneRouge | 04.4.2007 | 10:54 am
KYP, I believe that your list will also separate the straight from teh ghey.
Comment by Clydesteve | 04.4.2007 | 11:07 am
FC – your selection of a Joanie Jet (The “Joanie” vs. Joan really dates me – it was a popular way of minimizing her tuff chik image in the day) made me remember another straight-on tuff chick rocker – Pat Benatar.
Here are two hard driving climbing selections from her- (Yes, I know the dash is weak) – I can’t vouch for the videos, didn’t watch. My wife encouraged me to sell my Pat Benatar albums when we married. She didn’t like the album art of PB in some kind of almost under garment thing. Funny thing, that – I bought it for the album art!
You Better RunHit Me With Your Best Shot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR-laOnwjXI&mode=related&search=
I liked all of your Social Distortion picks, except Ring of Fire. The Man in Black should not be remixed, IMAO. But the remaix Would be way better climbing music, & the others sounded way good. Same with the RHCP selection.
Comment by DOM | 04.4.2007 | 11:09 am
AC/DC, Highway to Hell
Have I mentioned I hate climbing?
Comment by Clydesteve | 04.4.2007 | 11:10 am
OK, the blogware did not like my double link. The last was Hit Me With You Best Shot Here is You Better Run
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDzYVta7L70&mode=related&search=
sp
Comment by LanterneRouge | 04.4.2007 | 11:17 am
Clydesteve, another excellent 80s rocker chic was Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. The songs Precious and My City Was Gone are in heavy rotation on my ipod.
Comment by Clydesteve | 04.4.2007 | 11:29 am
AC/DC, Highway to Hell
Have I mentioned I hate climbing?
So I take it, Highway To Hell is a rec for a song on the road that leads to the climb?
Comment by Clydesteve | 04.4.2007 | 11:45 am
Oooh. Another Pat Benatar number. Very good driving bass line for climbing. they kick up the tempo about 2/3 the way through, and on a real hill (as well as a spin class) the new tempo would either be unsustainable or would go with the words at that point:
“…Hell is for HELL!!!, Hell is for HELL!!, Hell is for Children!…” (this is the correct use for an elipse, btw)
Hell is for Children
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Sa0MkWoeTk
BTW I think this is supposed to be socially conscious rocker awareness of child abuse, not advocacy for sending children to the abbess (sic), which I could only occaisionally support.
Comment by Kathy | 04.4.2007 | 12:00 pm
What, no Lenny Kravitz? You’ve got to be kidding me. I’d suggest Are You Gonna Go My Way, Fly Away or American Woman. You absolutely cannot ride slowly to Stone in Love, Journey. But, I defy you to find a better pump-it-up riding song than Madonna’s Die Another Day.
Comment by Boz | 04.4.2007 | 12:44 pm
third uncle – bauhaus and 801 versions.
beyond beilef – elvis costello.
stop the rock – apollo 440.
sho’ nuff and rockafeller skank – fatboy slim.
lust for life – iggy pop
wolf like me – tv on the radio.
ain’t life grand – widespeard panic.
alo ran across a new one by kings of leon while doing my list – knocked up, that I can’t wait to ride to.
Comment by jill | 04.4.2007 | 12:51 pm
Has anyone else thought about the approach of listening to something that really, really, drives you crazy – something like Enya – with the promise that you can turn it off once you get to the top of the hill?
Comment by BotchedExperiment | 04.4.2007 | 1:18 pm
This is exactly why I don’t ride with you any more.
You’re moving into the 150’s and I’m moving into the 170’s!
Comment by seth | 04.4.2007 | 1:41 pm
this is what I use for my climbing sets in my spinning class and they never cease to get me amped up:
7. The Killers-Somebody told me (sweet beat)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MachHzjTDA
6. Jimmy Eat World-Pain (the name says it all)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Eh5Ww01cg
5. Gnarls Barkley-Crazy (good rhythm for climbing)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-shZs2I4E4
4. Cake-The Distance (excellent rhythm but a little short)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6o69cIOyCQ
3. Jimmy Eat World-Bleed American (fast)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yud6TmNJWhY
2. BT-never going to come back down (perfect for climbing)
1. Jimmy Eat World- Just Tonight (just listening to this song makes me want to climb)
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP2ZYycMYB0
Comment by Mrs. Coach | 04.4.2007 | 2:40 pm
why the heck do i keep getting here so late!
Comment by RaiderHater | 04.4.2007 | 3:23 pm
Survivor – “Eye of the Tiger”
Comment by mrLee | 04.4.2007 | 3:28 pm
That rogue traders song is just a rip off of a true classic……listen to the track, she just sings a few lyrics over the original tune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fbhIzN9-p0
Comment by srettig | 04.4.2007 | 4:08 pm
My incomplete list:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Maps http://fatscott.five24.net/Maps.mp3
X-Dream – Telegram http://fatscott.five24.net/Telegram.mp3
Underworld – Dirty Epic, Moaner, Kittens http://fatscott.five24.net/Moaner.mp3 http://fatscott.five24.net/kittens.mp3 http://fatscott.five24.net/DirtyEpic.mp3
Tori Amos – Heart Of Gold http://fatscott.five24.net/HeartOfGold.mp3
John Digweed – Judy http://fatscott.five24.net/Judy.mp3
Talking Heads – Once In A Lifetime http://fatscott.five24.net/OnceinaLifetime.mp3
Sonic Youth – Kool Thing http://fatscott.five24.net/KoolThing.mp3
The Smiths – How Soon Is Now? http://fatscott.five24.net/howsoonisnow.mp3
Siouxsie and The Banshees – Red Over White http://fatscott.five24.net/redoverwhite.mp3
Sigur Ros – Gong http://fatscott.five24.net/Gong.mp3
Revolting Cocks – Linger Ficken’ Good http://fatscott.five24.net/LingerFickenGood.mp3
Radiohead – The National Anthem, BBC remix http://fatscott.five24.net/TheNationalAnthem.mp3
The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) http://fatscott.five24.net/500Miles.mp3
Portishead – Numb http://fatscott.five24.net/Numb.mp3
Modern Lovers – Pablo Picasso http://fatscott.five24.net/PabloPicasso.mp3
The Chemical Brothers – Out Of Control http://fatscott.five24.net/OutOfControl.mp3
Tribe – Death Valley Days http://fatscott.five24.net/DeathValleyDays.mp3
Comment by Errorista | 04.4.2007 | 5:39 pm
As the official Sister of Fatty, i would like to wholeheartedly endorse his choices as the only true and correct seven songs to climb to.
Unless you were hanging out with fatty and myself in 1982 you would have no idea that he secured the title of music overlord by discovering Oingo Boingo while 8-tracks were still rad. Yeh, that’s right – while you were still rocking out to the Bay City Rollers, and have now moved on to Nickleback, he was discovering Boingo, Ebn Ozn, and banging his head to Rush. He also wore out the Man in Black’s live prison contribution. If I have to explain, you wouldn’t understand.
If fatty says it’s so, then so be it.
Except Reflex. What he meant was Wild Boys.
Word to alla yer motherzzz.
Comment by SYJ | 04.4.2007 | 5:40 pm
Generally good choices (esp. Shadrach & Rock Me Amadeaus – both on my playlist)…I won’t dis you outright – especially since you’re kicking my tail in B7. However, I humbly submit the following (taken from my 1hr warmup/TT playlist) in no particular order:
1) 3 Days – Jane’s Addiction. Perfect first song, it starts out mellow, and finishes rockin’. Ditto for Ain’t No Right (although the transition is considerably shorter, and weighted more toward the rockin’ portion)
2) Get Down Make Love – Nine Inch Nails (Queen Cover). Very good, especially if you have good headphones (kicks some serious bass). Awesome grind it out at lower cadences because you just can’t gear down any further tune.
3) This Is Radio Clash – Clash. good. driving. beat.
4) Lose Yourself – Eminem. Just plain inspirational. I play this whenever I want to get psyched about something. Just hearing those first chords makes me break out in goosebumps.
5) Love Missile F-111 – Sigue Sigue Sputnik. Dumb. But driving.
6) Killer – Seal. This is largely a carryover from my big-time skiing days. After hearing it accompany nearly every ski flick of the early 90’s, it has become so ingrained with sport in my mind that I find it must accompany whichever endeavor I embark upon. Plus, it has a good beat.
7) Rusty Cage – Soundgarden. Rocks. Especially fun when paired with Johnny Cash’s version (which is considerably less climb-worthy).
In hindsight, it appears that I stopped entertaining new music almost entirely in the mid 90’s. Oh well.
Comment by Alister | 04.4.2007 | 6:30 pm
Lurch for “eclectabilityâ€, try “eclecticismâ€, I think that’d be the correct one.
What’s on mine at the moment:
Dropkick Murphys “Amazing Grace†– pipes which make my hair stand on end; AC/DC “Money Talks†and “Heatseekerâ€,
Motorhead “Burner†– well, I’m hauling 215 up hill. It burns – and “Stay Clean†– a good topical reference at the moment-,
The Pogues “Sally McLennane†– uptempo, and a good song about patience – and “A Man you don’t meet every day†– mournful, for when you’re out in the woods, it’s drizzling, and you really need to hear about someone shooting their dog.
Comment by IndoorRolyPoly | 04.4.2007 | 6:40 pm
Seven just doesn’t work for me
Personal Jesus done by Johnny Cash is always a good warm up cool down for me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQG2BpPfwW0 sorry, couldn’t find a better video
Gorillaz
Feel good Inc. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cQ5NfYYMw0
Black eyed peas ( Just about any song from them can get me going really)
Pump it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwZ6Jv2v_D4
Static-X,
Control it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HygqaVtiYmc (the song starts a min into it) or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFA1mmhqbK4
Bled for days http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HH3blynia0
Staton Moore
Poison Pushy
Nickelback,
Animals http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3dSQbt93hc
Kinda weird I know but the sound track from the movie Mortal Kombat Annhilation is awesome for getting worked up.
Cirrus, Back on a mission
Lunatic calm, Leave you far behind http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiVm-DfDSu8
Rammstein, Engel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVQaixvlMwo
Scooter, Fire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E8MgLHfmDQ
Kings of Leon,
Molly’sChambers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOX8T5aH2IA
Genius http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaAksf3eCR4
Staind
Mudshovel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWOggKJjj3s
Benny Benassi
Who’s your Daddy http://www.bennybenassi.com/video_whos_your_daddy.htm or http://www.slack-time.com/music-videos/Dance-Music/Benny-Benassi/Whos-Your-Daddy.shtml
Both good videos
Time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQv5zCMvhmk (stupid video but it’s the only one I could find)
Comment by Rick S | 04.4.2007 | 7:16 pm
black eyed peas- don’t lie
Red Hot Chili peppers – Snow
are must haves for any climb (especially the north side of Suncrest)
and then there is the entire Paula Abdul – shut up and dance album…..eww
Comment by JET(not a nickname) | 04.4.2007 | 7:32 pm
I would make fun of your taste in music, but given what you listed you obviously have none to begin with so it wouldn’t be worth it. I personally don’t listen to music when I ride (and no, I have absoluetly NO problem with people who do). I instead occupy my mind by going over pathophysiology of congenital heart defects, or the biochemical interplays of the renin/angiotensin/aldosterone system as it pertains to kidney function…good lord, I’ve become everything I’ve always hated. Anyhow, before I know it I’m cruising down that god-awful hill and ready for the next one. Seriously, I hate myself now for admitting to my nerdish ways.
Comment by Willy | 04.4.2007 | 7:53 pm
To get the new school touch try:
When your heart stops beating – +44
Lights and Sounds – Yellowcard
Way Away – Yellowcard
Anna Molly – Incubus
The Saints Are Coming – U2 and Greenday
Mr. Brightside – The Killers
Rough Landing, Holly – Yellowcard
Set it Off – Audioslave
Comment by AngryRoadie | 04.4.2007 | 8:03 pm
Others to consider:
Bawitidaba – Kid Rock
Walk This Way – Aerosmith
Anything John Cash
Anything Metallica
Anything Stone Temple Pilots
Anything ZZ Top
Anything Collective Soul
Anything Fallout Boy
and of course, anything Air Supply (some pun intended) – punk
Comment by KatieA | 04.4.2007 | 10:34 pm
I just realised something FC – your starting weight is actually more like my finishing weight… how tall are you again? Are you not actually counting lean mass?!
Or am I going to have to call Shenanigans?
Comment by Weean | 04.4.2007 | 10:56 pm
I have nothing but envy for all the beraters who think I should be able to avoid being squashed simply by riding in a straight line- you should try riding the truly crappy, narrow, cars-parked-on-the-verge roads that I commute in N Somerset. Riding in a straight line simply isn’t an option, even if I had a full-sus rig with bomb-proof wheels.
And I am happy to report that the Wiggles didn’t feature once in my ‘playlist’ last night- started off with some seriously grimy Drum n Bass (try the Pascal mix on http://realplayaz.co.uk/mainsite/?cat=20%22), followed by the tune for ‘one finger, one thumb keep moving’, a song I vaguely remember from my own childhood, but with the lyrics changed to ‘one calf, one knee keep hurting’. You couldn’t do that with an iPod.
Comment by monkeywebb | 04.4.2007 | 11:19 pm
I actually got pretty excited about your list. Anything off of Social D’s self titled or Heaven or Hell disks could make my climbing list as well.
7. Agenda Suicide, The Faint (or anything else by The Faint)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-NbXGjXT4Q
6. Song 2, Blur (though this one’s almost better for going too fast on the downhill)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ-6xGaETHQ
5. Feel Good Inc, Gorillaz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cQ5NfYYMw0
4. Stupid Kid, Alkaline Trio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD4LMQDKFBY
3. I Fell Asleep on My Arm, Aquabats (I can’t take Kid Rock or any of his ilk seriously, and the Aquabats don’t take anything seriously. This isn’t the real video, but good enough. If you want something a little lighter try “Hurray for Pizza Day!”)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acA2VM7lmDE
2. Paint It Black, Pickin’ on the Rolling Stones (yes, the bluegrass version!)
http://www.amazon.com/Pickin-Rolling-Stones-Various-Artists/dp/B00004U18B
And finally:
1. ANYTHING by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Start with “I Believe I Can Fly”, a song I hated in its original form. I actually sing along with this out loud when going up hills, which is saying something since I usually can’t even gather enough breath to curse those passing me.
http://youtube.com/results?search_query=Me+First+and+the+Gimme+Gimmes&search=Search
More specifically: http://youtube.com/watch?v=vV3XQcCyyPc
Seriously, Fatty. I’ll listen to your list if you listen to mine. Which shouldn’t be a stretch since I already listen to everything on your list.
Comment by Dave Nice | 04.5.2007 | 3:05 am
I like to hear my breathing and my heart pounding out of my chest….
But heres my list….
higher ground- steveie wonder
the distance- cake
do the evolution-pearl jam
sweet emotion-arrowsmith
in god’s country- u2
song for the dumped- ben folds five
too much- dave mattews
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 04.5.2007 | 4:45 am
Why does everyone have to label Australia as the home of The Wiggles?
Why can’t we be remembered for something more tangible and exciting like winning the Americas Cup? Or Mel Gibson (oops, scratch that), or Russell Crowe (oops, scratch that too) or Paul Hogan?
Anyway, Weean was expecting a Wiggles based rant so there you go.
Now on with the show. I have half a gig of riding music permanently in a crappy $40 MP3 player. It comprises a mish-mash of ’80s various artists along with several albums from Eminem, Prince, Will Smith, Johnny Cash and Snoop Dogg. A fairly broad cross-section of genres if I do say so myself.
And if the tempo of the song doesn’t suit the terrain, there’s always the FF button.
Comment by Lissee | 04.5.2007 | 5:57 am
Big Mike in Oz, I remember Australia as home of Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman. :)
There, does that make you feel better? lol Although, I’m not sure who The Wiggles are . . . maybe if I knew them, I wouldn’t be able to forget that either.
-Liss
Was planning a ride out here in NYC for this weekend, and it snowing right now…so much for that! I know, I know, I’m a coward. However, I proudly admit it, yes, I only ride in fair weather. Perhaps I should move to a place that has perfect weather, wherever that is.
Comment by monkeywebb | 04.5.2007 | 7:27 am
For some reason my playlist was blacklisted when i tried to post it here. I kept getting a “your comment has already been submitted” response, but I don’t see it. Let’s try again:
I actually got pretty excited about your list. Anything off of Social D’s self titled or Heaven or Hell disks could make my climbing list as well.
7. Agenda Suicide, The Faint (or anything else by The Faint) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-NbXGjXT4Q
6. Song 2, Blur (though this one’s almost better for going too fast on the
downhill)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ-6xGaETHQ
5. Feel Good Inc, Gorillaz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cQ5NfYYMw0
4. Stupid Kid, Alkaline Trio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD4LMQDKFBY
3. I Fell Asleep on My Arm, Aquabats (I can’t take Kid Rock or any of his ilk seriously, and the Aquabats don’t take anything seriously. This isn’t the real video, but good enough. If you want something a little lighter try “Hurray for Pizza Day!”) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acA2VM7lmDE
2. Paint It Black, Pickin’ on the Rolling Stones (yes, the bluegrass
version!)
http://www.amazon.com/Pickin-Rolling-Stones-Various-Artists/dp/B00004U18B
And finally:
1. ANYTHING by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Start with “I Believe I Can Fly”, a song I hated in its original form. I actually sing along with this out loud when going up hills, which is saying something since I usually can’t even gather enough breath to curse those passing me.
http://youtube.com/results?search_query=Me+First+and+the+Gimme+Gimmes&search=Search
More specifically: http://youtube.com/watch?v=vV3XQcCyyPc
Seriously, Fatty. I’ll listen to your list if you listen to mine. Which shouldn’t be a stretch since I already listen to everything on your list.
Comment by monkeywebb | 04.5.2007 | 7:44 am
I’m starting to get offended…why won’t this let me post a comment commending Fatty’s choice of music? I even tried to offer him up some (very tasteful) suggestions for expanding his climbing list. The comment authorities must have it out for me today.
Comment by Tone Deaf | 04.5.2007 | 8:44 am
ANYTHING by Sanjaya!!!!
Comment by Brewinman | 04.5.2007 | 8:50 am
I have to agree with the Linkin Park nomination. When I am climbing I often find myself one step closer to the edge than I’d like to be. Here are a couple of other nominations:
The entire A side to Rush’s “2112″
Outkast “Bombs Over Baghdad”
Metallica “Blackened” or “Stone Cold Crazy”
ELO “Fire On High”
Disturbed “Guarded” or “Ten Thousand Fists”
and Godsmack “I F*****g Hate You” (I think this one is most fitting…)
Comment by srettig | 04.5.2007 | 9:20 am
I had the same problem monkeywebb. Apparently at FC.com, much like Bushwood CC, “Some people just don’t belong.”
Comment by Ironmama | 04.5.2007 | 11:27 am
I never listen to music while road riding, but here are my fave spinning songs:
Fall Out Boy – Dance, Dance
Pink – U and Ur Hand
Oakenfold – Ready, Steady, Go
Damone – Out Here All Night
Green Day – Holiday
Holly McNarland – Numb
Eminem – Lose Yourself
And of course, anything by Sanjaya. Man, he’s good.
Comment by allan | 04.5.2007 | 1:04 pm
ALrighty here goes..I prefer the angrier the better approach for climbing music.
Slipknot-Wait and Bleed
Anthrax-Fueled
Metallica-Sanitarium
GnR-Welcome to the Jungle
Slipknot-Everything Ends
Metallica-Dyers Eve
Pantera-Mouth of War
I know I pul Slipknot and Metallica twice. Oh well. That’s my actual B7 playlist for my time trial course. Which luckilyis all uphill so it works out. LOL.
Comment by LMouse | 04.5.2007 | 1:59 pm
Oddly enough, a really tough climb is the one time I really don’t want to listen to music. It becomes nothing more than irritating. If I get to the point where I yank out the earbuds, I know it’s a bugger of a hill and I won’t be going up it again anytime soon.
Comment by IndoorRolyPoly | 04.5.2007 | 7:33 pm
Personal Jesus,
Johnny Cash style
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQG2BpPfwW0
Gorillaz
Feel Good Inc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cQ5NfYYMw0
Black eyed peas
Pump it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwZ6Jv2v_D4
Static-X
Control it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HygqaVtiYmc (the song starts about a min into it)
Bled for days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HH3blynia0
Mortal Kombat Annhilation sound track
Cirrus, Back on a Mission
Lunatic Calm, Leave you far Behind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiVm-DfDSu8
Rammstein, Engel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVQaixvlMwo
Scooter, Fire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E8MgLHfmDQ
Kings of Leon
Molly’s Chambers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOX8T5aH2IA
Genius
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaAksf3eCR4
Staind
Mudshovel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWOggKJjj3s
Benny Benassi
Who’s your daddy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfr40TDfmM0
Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQv5zCMvhmk (stupid Link but it the only one I could find)
Comment by Born 4 Lycra | 04.5.2007 | 7:48 pm
Well I’ve taken my time checked out all the lists and clearly my choices were best. Unless of course you ask my daughter in which case they were clearly the worst. I can vouch for them on a long climb this morning they kicked in about the same time as the JellyBelly Sport Beans and I was most impressive overtaking everyone in my group singing loudly Mama Weer All Crazy Know!
As for Aus I recognise it at least as the home of Big Mike, KatieA, myself, Elle meat pies, kangaroos and Holden Cars. Apologies to other Aussies posting here that I’ve left out. Now there’s a question for the venerable FC – how many countries are represented in the posts back to your website?
My FC top is getting closer.
Comment by DHallaway | 04.6.2007 | 3:51 am
Ok, after reading through some of the 82 plus comments I decided I’d go out and listen to some music while I was riding. My question is, “How do you keep the record on the turn table??”
Comment by Al (female) | 04.6.2007 | 6:50 am
So I was prepared to essentially ignore everyone’s personal lists for this post since musical tastes differ so much for everyone…. then I remembered I’ll be spending a full 2 months doing almost nothing but climbing in the US and Canadian Rockies.
In other words I need to start writing this stuff down. And buy a “bigger” MP3 player.
Comment by BIKEMIKE | 04.6.2007 | 9:26 am
DHallaway
they have handlebar mounts for those with swivels and gyros for balance. keeping the extension cords out of the rear wheel is a whole other issue.
Comment by Lowrydr | 04.6.2007 | 9:36 am
DHallaway, never mind the turntable, just use a car battery and 8-track like I do.
Comment by Tyson | 04.6.2007 | 10:08 am
When i put head phones one I become instantly paranoid about what’s outside of my visual field, and since I ride in forest in northern Canada, I have a lot to be paranoid about.
Many of the animals I share the trail with are higher on the food chain than I am (or at least they think they are), so I like to be able to listen for any warnings they might choose to issue before they try to eat me.
This stategy has helped me to avoid over a dozen bears, and in one instance, a really, really big moose, well before things got ugly.
Comment by JamesDemien | 04.8.2007 | 9:42 am
I am really surprised that no one mentioned Crazy Train its the best cycling song of all time…jeez
Since you guys have provided me with a lot of good new ideas for music I will list some of my own obscure favorites…normally it would be anything by metallica, tool, zepplin etc. but here’s a really cool metal band you may not have heard of. It’s definitely metal and theres a lot of screaming but the guitar and drumming are insanely good…Give it a listen, keep an open mind and ignore the screaming and imagine riding up a huge hill…. Mastodon – Iron Tusk You’ll notice the drummer has almost a jazz style, pretty cool I think especially for climbing… Heres another one Blood and Thunder… and last this is a good mountain biking/climbing tune Colony of Birchmen the opening line “this forest is growing faster than I can tell…” is what it feels like on some climbs around here…
Anyway, give Mastodon a listen…its not something you want while driving your kids to school or for a sunday drive…but this was about songs for climbing…
Comment by Jsun | 04.8.2007 | 7:42 pm
Some of my favorite bicycling songs, in no partiaular order..:?
1- Lance Is King Radio re-do to ABBA’s Dancing Queen
2- Bicycle Race (On The Air Mix) Blumchen
3- Red Rider The Residents
5- Dirt Bike They Might Be Giants
6- Daisy Bell (A Bicycle Made For Two) Blur
7- Bicycle Song David Rovics
8- Bicycle Spaniard Cracker
9- The Bicycle Song Orbit
10- Broken Bicycles Tom Waits
11- South Carolina John Linnell
13- Tour de France – 2e etape Kraftwerk
14- Bike Pink Floyd
Comment by Paula | 04.9.2007 | 9:36 am
“Pedal Power” by Dance Band.
Heard this on the radio this weekend.. they’re a local Minneapolis band…works for me!
http://www.myspace.com/mydanceband
Comment by Pabu | 04.9.2007 | 12:51 pm
Social Distortion is one of the greatest bands ever.
Flogging Molly is also one of the greatest bands ever.
Same type of punk rock energy as Social D, but with a kick ass Irish flavor rather than a kick ass white trash flavor. If you dig Social Distortion, Flogging Molly will easily make it onto your climbing playlist and stay there for a long time.
Swagger and Drunken Lullabies are my favorite albums.
http://www.floggingmolly.com
Comment by TimK | 04.10.2007 | 9:25 am
Where in the hell is Bad Religion on this post? And Helmet? (If “Meantime” doesn’t get you up that hill, then get off your bike and check your breaks and tires.)
And Rollins? Black Flag?
Glad that you finally got hip to Social Distortion, better late than never.
Comment by TimK | 04.10.2007 | 9:31 am
Oh, and for what it’s worth, try our Pandora.com. If you haven’t yet, you will be glad that you did.
Comment by Haldir | 04.10.2007 | 3:12 pm
You won’t go far wrong with these for long steady climbing:
1. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
2. Come With Me – Puff Daddy ft Jimmy Page – Godzilla OST
3. Clubbed To Death – Rob Dougan
4. Wake Up – Rage Against The Machine
5. In The Name Of The Father – Bono & Gavin Friday
6. Zombie – The Cranberries
and my favourite cycling (not climbing) song –
The Acoustic Motorbike – Luka Bloom
Comment by Mocougfan | 04.12.2007 | 5:10 am
Clearly I forgot to mention one of the best climbing songs. Higher by Creed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea_iZ3NfwSU
Comment by Kat | 04.13.2007 | 3:08 pm
Tyson–I run(sorry) with my head phones on for exactly the opposite reason. I figure that if something wants to eat me bad enough, I would rather not hear them coming. I play my audioslave and Johny Cash nice and loud and run on in oblivion.
Kat
Trackback by Cars | 05.7.2009 | 8:51 pm
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Comment by Adrenalynn | 07.14.2009 | 3:03 am
Ok – horrendously old post, but hey, I’m always looking for new music. (thanks to all for sharing their playlists!) I stunk at climbing in the eighties/early nineties, and almost twenty years off from cycling clearly hasn’t made me any better… [Former Women's CAT2, dropped the cycling habit when I got married. Now trying to claw my way back into some shape that isn't "round"...]
It’s hard to pick just seven… So I cleverly snuck a couple extras in too – a warmup and a descent song. :-P
Warmup:
Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lFXy5bIiSA – today is where your book begins : the rest is still unwritten
Seven climbing songs for you, in no particular order:
It’s My Life – Bon Jovi – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOfaYFIHt1g – this is for the ones who stood their ground
Going the Distance – Cake – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__PU5CVSegg – fuel burning fast on an empty tank
Radar Love – Golden Earring – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwqMKf7r7Xg – the road has got me hypnotized and I’m spinnin’ into a new sunrise
Twilight Zone – Golden Earring – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4xhZdP02sU – you’ll come to know when the bullet hits the bone [not orig video, but good recording]
Hell Yeah – Rev Theory – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crywKSFiWXY – are you ready for the best damn ride of your life?
Man in Motion – John Parr – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d9thIPddFw – I can climb the highest mountain, cross the wildest sea [someone had to do it, sorry - it's a classic]
I’m a Bomb – Natasha Bedingfield – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c_sBTvJXhI – Needle Red, Overload
Start just before summit – For the Descent:
Adrenaline – Gavin Rossdale – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuKb7DMx6f8 – [My Theme Song!] only thing you really need a way to find the speed and then you will achieve escape velocity
Shiney Side Up!
- Adrenalynn
Comment by Amir Thompson | 06.5.2010 | 10:03 pm
The song reminds me of some track by other composer that I really liked … can’t remember which one :-/ someone happens to know who I am talking about?
Comment by gUgA | 10.26.2011 | 8:47 am
“Audio Slave” nice for climbers !
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