Music Monday 1.21.08

I've decided I'm going to try to post a new (hopefully motivational) music mix every Monday...we'll see how this goes. I'm also going to try to make it consistent with whatever theme I have going with the quote and the video clip in the sidebar.

Anywho...

We're about mid-way through January, which is but one teetering point for staying on track. The newness of the plans start wearing off and could use a little boosty before the habit of it really takes hold. Also, I'm starting school again this week...that should explain the tie between the quote, the video, and this mix. GET UP AND GET AFTER IT!

Here's what I'm listening to on this front. I admit, this particular mix is pretty thugged out (even with its detours into pop and country), but I already have a few other mixes in the works that span other genres and themes. So, like Iowa weather, if you don't like this...don't worry, you'll get something different soon.


Ass-Kicking Mix (Thuggy Version)
(click titles for samples)

Let's Get it Started
Black Eyed Peas

What could be a more self-evident first track?


SexyBack
Justin Timberlake

Okay, I will own my vanity and say that part of the reason I'm training is just to get back into all my cute clothes...and my cute body. I miss them both.

Yeah!
Usher

Who doesn't want someone yelling "yeah!" while you're working out? (Though I admit, the actual lyrics are pretty reprehensible.)


Till I Collapse
Eminem

Lose Yourself has already become something of a tri anthem (I've included it further down), but I think this little gem might be more appropo. The prologue on this + Nate Dogg's hook = magnifique.

Intro:
Cause sometimes you just feel tired.
You feel weak and when you feel weak you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
and just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
and not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.

Outro:
Until the roof
The roof comes off
Until my legs
give out from underneath me

I will not fall,
I will stand tall,
Feels like no one could beat me.


Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J

This one might be a bit of a throwaway -- sometimes I listen; sometimes I skip it. I just like the opening line: "Don't call it a comeback/I've been here for years," given my recent realizations. But it's a tuff song all the way around.


You Can Do It
Ice Cube

I will just say that in addition to the hook, these lines are why this track is included. Warning: this one is not for the kiddies.

Hear me banging down these back streets
Bumpin' Blackstreet, treated like a athlete
Life ain't a track meet (no) it's a marathon
F*** the cemetery that a nigga get buried on

There is another song by the same name by No Doubt that is also a goodie, but it is for a mix of a different feel (maybe next week).


Fighter
Christina Aguilera

This sorta picks up the boxing theme from Mr. Smith two tracks back...but mostly this track needs no explanation:

Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

'Nuff said.


Lose Yourself
Eminem

Ah...the requisite Iron anthem:

If you had one shot, one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?


The Distance
Cake

This is more of a race day track, but if you don't visualize, how will you ever reach your goals?


Desire
U2

Toward the end of a workout, when I might be tempted to cut it short, this and the next track help me dig a little deeper and help connect my present pain to the future triumph that I want so much.


How Bad Do You Want It?
Tim McGraw

This song alone has gotten me out of bed, out of the house, to the pool, through the last few laps, through the last few reps, away from chicken wings...you name it, this one is just too good not to include no matter how thuggy the mix might be.

Are you hungry?
Are you thirsty?
Is it a fire that burns you up inside?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Are you eating, sleeping, dreaming
With that one thing on your mind?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Cause if you want it all
You've got to lay it all out on the line

See what I mean?