Music Designed for Running

High-intensity, cadence-based music designed specifically for running.

Friday Finish — Caboose ‘08 #27

in the category: Hella Sound

Yep, it's Thursday, but if you're in the USA, it's 4th of July weekend, so it may as well be Friday. Time for the Caboose!

Happy 4th of July!

I'm thinking you don't need me to tell you what to do with your weekend. I'm betting you've been looking forward to this long weekend for quite some time. As a matter of fact, why don't you tell me what you've got on tap for the 3-day festivities? (Canadians, forgive me for not making a ruckus about Canada Day. Do I at least get credit for being part French Canadian?)

I do, however, have some music recommendations (immediately following the gratuitous weinerage).

4th of July Music Recommendations

• Bill Dolan is the man. A staple of the Chicago rock scene through the 90s, Bill Dolan is one of my musical heroes. His guitar style is loose and fluid, percussive yet lyrical. Great tone, great taste, and he leaves his imperfections in his recordings (a la Jimmy Page) to reinforce the overall vibe. I was geeked to see he had a new release last October—it somehow passed under my radar, but I bought it yesterday and plan to wear it out this weekend. So far it's great! Here's some truly great works with his bands past:

  • 5ive Style — 5ive Style

    Listen with the Amazon Widget →
    Great, great rock/funk album. It's instrumental, reminiscent of classic The Meters, but with a whole lot else going on under the hood. Fun, funky, labeled as "math rock"; drummer John Herndon of Tortoise fame mans the drums, providing a loose and feel-centric rhythmic underpinning to the songs' flow. I can't say anything else, other than "Buy. This. Album. Now."

  • Heroic Doses — Heroic Doses

    Listen with the Amazon Widget →
    Billy Dolan assembles a new group (trio) for this one. Heavier than 5ive Style's work, with some songs employing layered tracks of guitar. Ostensibly an homage to Led Zeppelin, some songs (instrumental, all) almost have Robert Plant-esque vocal wails and outbursts. Listen to the opening track and tell me you can't imagine hearing Plant scream "Alllllright!" in place of the added guitar accents. Another great, great album.

Relax, enjoy yourself, drive safely/soberly, and be careful with those fireworks! Don't blow your fingers off!

Photo courtesy of basheertome at Flickr

Related Articles

• Friday Finish — Caboose ‘08 #26
• Friday Finish — Caboose ‘08 #25
• Friday Finish — Caboose ‘08 #24

Leave a Comment

Let's keep it polite and on topic.