After my tape deck crapped out in 1997, I was stuck listening to either the radio or full albums in whatever order the artist intended. That all changed in 2001, when the new-fangled MP3 technology got combined with my new CD burner.
In addition to the occasional series of CDs I had burned in order to keep abreast of new music, I had created a bunch of genre-specific mixes that could be used both in the car and at the gym. This week we will take a look at the first disc created specifically for working out. The selection is mostly European dance music which has a good beat intended to keep me moving. Sadly, I can’t say how well it worked. So, without further ado, I bring you Workout, volume 1.
The SKLF – 3 AM Eternal
Numerous versions of the song were released as singles between 1989 and 1992, with the January 1991 acid house pop version of the song becoming an international top ten hit single, reaching #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
iTunes stats: 1 play, on 3/30/2011
Information Society – What’s On Your Mind
The dance/freestyle/synthpop hit, which went straight to No. 1 on the dance chart and spent 39 weeks on the chart and would peak at #3 on the Hot 100 pop chart, included vocal samples of Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy from the Star Trek episodes Errand of Mercy and I, Mudd, respectively.
iTunes stats: 1 play, on 1/27/2009
2 Unlimited – Get Ready For This
The single from the Dutch Eurodance group worked its way up to #38 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart only three after its original release.
iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 1/4/2011
Snap! – Rhythm Is A Dancer
The single from the German Eurodance project shot to #1 in Germany, the UK, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and peaked at #5 in the US.
iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 7/16/2012
Real McCoy – Another Night
The German Eurodance group found worldwide fame when this single shot to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1994.
iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 10/16/2012
Alice Deejay – Better Off Alone
The Dutch Eurodance group launched their career in July 1999 with this single, reaching #3 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play and #27 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 8/22/2012
Garbage – Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go) (Howie B Remix)
This remix of the hit song was included on the Japanese single.
iTunes stats: Never played
Cathy Dennis featuring D-Mob – C’mon And Get My Love
The sing is regarded as an underground classic in the dance music field.
iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 9/7/2011
Culture Beat – Mr. Vain
The 1993 single for the German Eurodance project was a number-one hit in 11 European countries and their first mainstream hit in the United States.
iTunes stats: Never played
Nicki French – Total Eclipse Of The Heart
The 1995 dance cover version of the Bonnie Tyler hit spent 6 months on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #2.
iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 3/12/2012
2Pac & Dr. Dre – California Love
This team-up welcomed 2Pac to Death Row Records just as Dr. Dre was on his way out.
iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 1/28/2013
New Order – Bizarre Love Triangle
Though it is the group’s best known song, it failed to make the Top 40 in either the United Kingdom or the United States.
iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 1/2/2013
Pink – Get This Party Started
Written by former 4 Non Blonde singer Linda Perry, this was the first single from Pink’s second album.
iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 1/4/2013
No Doubt – Hey Baby
The first single from No Doubt’s 5th studio offering is heavily influenced by Jamaican dancehall music.
iTunes stats: 12 plays, most recently on 9/2/2012
Missy Elliot – Get Ur Freak On
The first single from Elliot’s third studio album, the track reached number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 8/17/2011