Album: The Constant (2010) Artist: I Blame Coco Ever wondered what rock you’ve been under?  Sting has a daughter whose making music?  And it’s good music?  How do you miss something like this? Italian-born “Coco” is the child of Gordon Sumner and Trudie Styler—and she’s more than just the daughter of a legend.  She’s got … Read more →

Album: Loud (2010) Artist: Rihanna She’s back and sounding good on her fifth studio album, Loud.  From the sweet, romantic California King Bed to the almost P!nk feel of Cheers (Drink to That), Rihanna is shining on her new collection and working with talent such as Taio Cruz, David Guetta, Ne-Yo, Timbaland, and more. The … Read more →

There’s lots of new energy out there. This playlist features the recent radio airplay hits from Rihanna, P!nk, and Far East Movement—as well as some higher energy tracks that are a little less mainstream. Too bad iTunes doesn’t have the Fred Falke Radio Edit of Shampain. It adds that little boost that the song needs … Read more →

Energy abounds in this mix. Have fun with the new Taio Cruz and Ke$ha collaboration or the punchy Hey Hey by Dennis Ferrer. You can also sample a couple of Dave Aude remixes.  Great for running, he injects energy without overdoing it.  At 32.1 minutes, this playlist is slightly more than a 10 minute per … Read more →

Album: Teenage Dream (2010) Artist: Katy Perry Skimming everything from lost love to a relationship with a drug-addicted partner, Teenage Dream tackles a lot while staying light and poppy and even uplifting and encouraging. From the Natasha Bedingfield feel of Firework to the Pat Benatar anthem energy of Circle the Drain, it’s a sound addition … Read more →

A little less energetic than some 5K mixes, this is a set of fun and light songs.  I am loving Take It Off by Ke$ha—and Home by Kelis is great for running. I am sure she didn’t literally mean we were all running in a race—but the song works for one.  She sounds nothing like … Read more →

Album: Over You (2010) Artist: Offer Nissim Feat. Maya Simantov Over You is the latest album by Israeli DJ Offer Nissim and the first sole collaboration with Maya Simantov. While most of the material has been released bit-by-bit over 2009, the album is a nice set of his most recent work and is strong electronic—almost … Read more →

This 5K playlist comes in at nearly 34 minutes so it would be good for any runner between a 10 and 11-min-per-mile pace.  Right now, I’m loving Kelis’ Scream and Wynter Gordon’s Dirty Talk. However, other favorites to run to include Rihanna, Utada, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. I just wish iTunes had her new one: Bittersweet. … Read more →

Something happens for many runners between miles 9 and 10. It’s not that mile 10 is some magic number where suddenly your needs for a run change, but it seems to be the point where many runners notice it. This may be partly due to the fact that most training schedules ramp you up at … Read more →

Album: 100 Miles from Memphis (2010) Artist: Sheryl Crow Her 7th studio album abandons her previous rock/country/pop roots.  Instead, 100 Miles from Memphis has a rich blues feel that is soul-inspired. Crow tackles religion, politics, and love without getting heavy. Perhaps the most pointed messages come through on Say What You Want. “So much noise, … Read more →