Songs/Stories For Scattered Ears
Ever find that on a longer run, a mishmash of iPod singles pulls you out of the zone rather than keeping you in it?
If so, check these five story-centric albums. The tunes therein won’t just trick you into keeping pace, they’ll captivate you, song-by-song, for at least 10K.
1) Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run
The title track is a runner’s anthem, obvs, but what about the virtuosic heights of “Backstreets”, the epic breadth of “Jungleland”, and Mary’s dress waving as the screen door slams in “Thunder Road”? If ever there were tales told in poems, Springsteen spun ‘em in the skeleton frames of burned out Chevrolets.
2) The Streets - A Grand Don't Come For Free
It’s like contemporary Dickens set against hot grime-pop beats. Mike Skinner’s girl leaves him for a mate, a friend robs him of 1000 quid, and he’s bloodied in his own home. How does he react? Listen to “Dry Your Eyes” to find out…
3) The Hold Steady - Boys And Girls In America
Vocalist Craig Finn dishes melodic novellas about girls who make boys like them, a horse named “Chip’s Ahoy!”, and partying too hard at all-day music festivals (and eventually finding love in the chillout tent).
4) Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter III
The best rapper alive (apologies to Jay) hits all the right notes: lettin’ the beat build, setting Beyonce straight, and, on “Dr. Carter”, single-handedly saving hip hop’s life. Not too shabs!
5) Lou Reed - Berlin
Maybe save this one for a rainy day run – it’s a rock opera, it’s a tragedy, and “The Kids” has one of the most harrowing bridges ever…but again – you’ll be captivated.
If so, check these five story-centric albums. The tunes therein won’t just trick you into keeping pace, they’ll captivate you, song-by-song, for at least 10K.
1) Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run
The title track is a runner’s anthem, obvs, but what about the virtuosic heights of “Backstreets”, the epic breadth of “Jungleland”, and Mary’s dress waving as the screen door slams in “Thunder Road”? If ever there were tales told in poems, Springsteen spun ‘em in the skeleton frames of burned out Chevrolets.
2) The Streets - A Grand Don't Come For Free
It’s like contemporary Dickens set against hot grime-pop beats. Mike Skinner’s girl leaves him for a mate, a friend robs him of 1000 quid, and he’s bloodied in his own home. How does he react? Listen to “Dry Your Eyes” to find out…
3) The Hold Steady - Boys And Girls In America
Vocalist Craig Finn dishes melodic novellas about girls who make boys like them, a horse named “Chip’s Ahoy!”, and partying too hard at all-day music festivals (and eventually finding love in the chillout tent).
4) Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter III
The best rapper alive (apologies to Jay) hits all the right notes: lettin’ the beat build, setting Beyonce straight, and, on “Dr. Carter”, single-handedly saving hip hop’s life. Not too shabs!
5) Lou Reed - Berlin
Maybe save this one for a rainy day run – it’s a rock opera, it’s a tragedy, and “The Kids” has one of the most harrowing bridges ever…but again – you’ll be captivated.
