42-47: Nike Original Run Series

So Nike has been furiously gathering artists for their "Run Series." Well...sort of. If you haven't heard about this series, it is a series of continual mixes from artists specifically engineered to the arch of a physical workout. Thus far there are 6 original songs sponsored and made for Nike. You would think that Disturbed or AC/DC would be the first to step in, but thus far it has been quasi independent hip hop and electronic artists. We are completely forgetting about those ridiculous treadmill and yoga mixes you can purchase. Lets believe there are only six. I have found that these mixes are not only good for exercising with dumbbells and a yoga ball but social gatherings as well. Let us be honest. Everyone wants to listen to their own music at a party. This is because your friends have shitty taste in music. So before you bring them the new nachtmystium, try and use one of these releases. All of them are either hip hop, electronic or some weird mix between both. They are all upbeat, instrumental for the most part and more importantly; incidental. I am going to review the six releases that are of any importance starting with the first release of the series.

2006: Crystal Method - Drive (44:59)
By large and by far the most "techno" sounding mix of the bunch. In my narrow mind there is techno (house, breakbeat, techno, jungle, trance and anything rave) and then there is electronic (downtempo, ambient, IDM, chiptune, experimental and anything that uses outdated technology). Techno is driving with giant bass thumps and obvious drops. Electronic is hip mature and suited for quiet get togethers and Sunday reading sessions. The crystal method are good at their craft. It is what I think about when i think of techno (extensions buildups and samples). They provide catchy upbeat mixes for staying alert and ready. I even think their name is still cool.



2007: LCD Soundsystem - 45:33 (45:58)
I have never really been into LCD Soundsystem. I have never really been into the output of DFA Records. Sound of Silver passed through my fingertips with much of a glance. The only reason why I listened to LCD was through this series. 43:33 is perhaps the most well put together mix done by any Nike sponsored artist. The beginning mix is a delightful blend of space disco and vocals which sound like obscure 45 samples. By the halfway point, 43:33 turns into a direct homage to minimal house masterpiece E2E4 by Manuel Göttsching. Besides a tight mix, LCD SS has earned another point for the recreation of their sound the live show.


2007: Aesop Rock - All Day (44:49)
I enjoy Aesop Rock. Ever since Labor Days he has been one of my favorite quasi underground hip hop artists. I haven't been able to get behind the 2007 release None Shall Pass. Because I enjoy Aesop rock, I can enjoy a 45 minute mix of new material. All Day is a fusion of instrumental hip hop, partial verses and a repeating chorus. You would think a Hip Hop song which stretches for a nearly an hour would get annoying. It is not. My girlfriend dislikes Aesop Rock. She says his beats are repetitive. I disagree. She does not mind All day as much. Maybe that is becasue it fades into the background.


2008: A Trak - Running Man (43:00)
this is the first time I heard from this artist. Supposdely he is a turntablist from canada who won some contest. His stuff is pretty cool. It's glitchy. It's noisy. It's rapid and it reminds me a little of Justice



2008: Simian Mobile Disco - Run (27:37)
The Simian Mobile Disco mix is worth listening to. I am going to go out on the proverbial limb and say it is good. Whether or not it is worth your money (or ratio) is another thing. the song almost 30 minutes, which is the shortest in the run series. I am assuming it is for people who really hate running. That cannot make it over the crest which tops at 30. Alright im done. This mix does feel like robotic servitude. It is less pleasant than LCD SS and not as triumphant as Aesop Rock. It is grinding glitchiness. Here is a song by SMD called "hustler" and it comes with a tag of NSFW due to issues dealing with binging and purging. If anyone is interested the original more sexy version of this video which ends in lesbian kissing. You can turn off the lights and see it here:

2008: The Hives - Black White And Run (44:26)
Hey remember The Hives? Remember their Black and white album? well If you missed it you can hear the 45 minute Expensive People's remix of that album. Awesome. I only listened to it once. And never again. You do not need to hear anything by these guys.