A SWIK Workout Mix

The past few weeks at work were so busy that I could barely breathe, let alone put some thoughts down about new music. Hence, no SWIK post last week. When I get this busy and feel like I’m just hanging on by a thread, the one thing that I try to do is get to the gym. Either take the dance class (see Trina and Madonna posts) or go for a run. Due to meetings that kept me at the office long after dance class and sunset, it was a hopeless week for working out. Dance class is the one place where I think about absolutely nothing else. I have to concentrate to learn the routine and keep up. We move fast so I get a good workout and the music motivates me to push myself. Running on the other hand, I don’t particularly like. I try to think of it as a chance to listen to new music, but it has to be music that keeps me motivated, to essentially imagine that I’m dancing. I tend to like fast and catchy pop tunes and hip-hop for running. Honestly, this is where my inner top 40 pop teenager comes out. Last week, I didn’t manage to get my sneakers on until Saturday. Here’s what was on my iPod as I attempted move my body after all the madness.

A List From Dad

A few weeks ago I read an article about a new album from Rosanne Cash, the daughter of country legend Johnny Cash. The album, simply titled The List, is a selection of cover tunes. They originate from a list of 100 essential country songs that her father created for her in 1973, when she was just out of high school. He was liberal with the term ‘country’ as the list includes many folk and other traditional American songs. I’ve never been a huge fan of country music, but am making an effort to expand my musical horizons. I like the album, it's full of emotion and depth. The songs are sad, but comforting. I discovered that she was performing in Brooklyn on Saturday so headed over to see the show.

Bebel Towers Again

Last weekend was one of those relax, chill out, avoid cleaning, and make no plans kind of weekends. I was looking for some mellow, but not maudlin music (see Camera Obscura). Something with a little pick me up, but still capturing my more relaxed mood. I pulled out Bebel Gilberto, a Brazilian bossa nova singer. While listening to her first album, Tanto Tempo, I went online to see what she’s been up to. Lo-and-behold, last week she released a new album, All In One. Since there are, maybe, two record stores left in NYC, getting a copy of the actual CD would prove to be a challenge. I decided to download it, liner notes and all, so that I could listen to it right away. The album still captures her smooth, sultry vocals and a range of bossa nova tunes with an electronic twist.