A really interesting thing that came from that thread, though, are the specific connections you made to your gym music. I've written about this once before, how music is as much a part of my training as chalk, iron and rubber. But I didn't realize how many of you are just as particular about what you listen to, and when. I GET that. I appreciate that. And reading some of your playlists (and your anti-playlists, Michael with the Nine Inch Nails) gave me another idea.
I've been looking for some new gym music. I have about 250 tracks on my CrossFit playlist, and another 150 on my Oly playlist, and I'm bored with all of them. And I could spend a few hours poking around iTunes for some new stuff... But maybe I don't need to do that. See, you all seem pretty convinced that YOUR music is the BEST music for big lifts, fast met-cons and PR parties. So here's what I propose.
- Post your best/favorite/most guaranteed to work musical track (artist and song title) to comments.
- You only get to post ONE SONG, so choose carefully. No changing your mind, one post per person.
- I'll download every single one of your tracks and put them in a new PR Party playlist.
- I'll make sure to hit each track at some point over the coming weeks, whether it's in my own workout or during one of the 603's group W0Ds.
- In the meantime, you guys can see what other people are listening too, get some ideas and maybe make your own new playlists too.
- We'll regroup back here on June 1st to discuss which tracks worked for us during which workouts, and (hopefully) share some cool "I PR'd to this song" stories.
I'll kick this PR Party off with MY song (something I haven't referenced yet)... J Squad's "ttbz Anthem". It's perfect for a weighted met-con... there's something about the beat that just makes me want to, as Jenn puts it, hit my swagger.
So, you in? Post your song to comments - let's make some magic, people.

103 people drop some props (leave a comment here):
Pantera 'Cowboys from hell'. I was going to put a song from my vast hardcore collection, but this one you can actually find on itunes, unlike my favourite Blood for Blood track.
Aw, how can I not reply to this request? There can be only one track for max effort work, or even very short duration metcon:
"Baddest Ruffest" by Backyard Dog
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoXKzIrOWIU (certified RickRoll SAFE)
Fun idea! Now to narrow it down to one...
Excellent - it's the return of my favorite source for new workout music. My favorite heavy metcon track:
"Spitfire" by Prodigy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4BU0SS-8x0
The song: "Blood on our Hands"
The artist: Death from Above 1979
In addition to this being just a good mother-effin' song, the tempo is perfect for double-unders. Or, I put it on during those metcons when I know I have move fast.
I only get one?!?! This is such a dilemma, especially since it's usually me who volunteers my I-Pod and 25 days worth of music to CFOT... although then they sometimes wonder how they wound up with Abba mixed with NIN, ACDC, and the Jackson 5... ;)
Alright, I guess I'll have to go with Zombie Nation, by Kernkraft 400. I'm sure you're laughing at my techno choice, but I swear. Try just once doing abmats, push-ups, pull-ups, or burpees to that beat...
Hmm...just one song...I'd have to say "Send the Pain Below" by Chevelle
Long time follower, first time poster.
For any thing heavy...oly lifts, PR's, or heavy WOD's like heavy Grace...I've got to go with "Name of the Game" by Crystal Method.
The beginning gives me time to visualize the lift then it's 3, 2, 1...GO!!!
Calling all freaks...
No brainer, it's Disturbed, "Down with the Sickness"
What is with all this rock and techno? We do nothing but hip-hop in my garage...
DEAD PREZ
"That's War!"
nuff said.
Well, mine would have to be "Return of Tres" by Delinquent Habits. I can lift more than Hercules listening to that song.
The Outsider -- A Perfect Circle
(I get sick of stuff after awhile and it changes)
Angels on the Moon by Thriving Ivory.
Another great post Melissa!
Probably not the best for met-conny things due to the slow beat, but my current favorite for heavy deadlifts, squats, etc. is "Waving Flag" by K'naan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC8V8S_REhk
When I get older, I will be stronger...
Smack my bitch up, Prodigy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD5I-srSIbc
I love Death From Above 1979and Dead Prez - glad to see them well represented.
Here's the thing: there's waay too much Butt Rock going on in CrossFit. If I hear another Disturbed, Seether, Nickleback, 3 Doors Down, Buckcherry, or Hinder song I'll probably hurl.
Here's the first song that I thought of that get's me CISED:
Comback Kid - "Talk is Cheap"
I know it sounds bizarre, but I always do Fran to James Brown's "Give it Up, Turn it Loose." It's 6:27, so I know I'd better be done by the time it's over (yes, my Fran time sucks).
PS - your blog rocks.
PSS - I'm a feng shui lifter; numbers in only.
Velvet Revolver- Sucker Train Blues
I am going to have to say Bodies, by Drowning Pool. I am addicted to this song. It gets my ass in gear every time.
Man the pressure... Only one song. Well since you have Bro Hymn already covered, Im going to have to go with War Ensemble by Slayer. Works for heavy metcons or heavy lifting. I dont do "chippers" so I cant speak for how well it does with those.
I might not get much love for this one as it is a drum and bass remix but it works for me. I attribute my squat PR directly to this song.
Unknown Error - Shadows (Unicron Remix)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mje4QB9mXvI
I am sure this is often over played, but it gets me going...
'Coming Undone' by Korn
Song Title: Black in the Burn
Artist: Masterplan
Album: Aeronautics.
Description: The band is a super group featuring Jorn Lande, Roland Grapow, and Uli Kusch. The song lasts 9:44 and is good for a variety of workouts. The track starts with a soothing keyboard piece and abruptly goes power metal. Uli's fast-paced double bass drumming and Grapow's heavy guitar riffs complement Lande's melodic yet powerful voice. The talented musicians offer a nice break from the basic riff oriented rock music that is frequently heard in CrossFit videos
My Chemical Romance - Dead!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo9lkkCgcQQ
There is one word you need to know when it comes to workout music:
Hatebreed
Check out "This is Now" by Hatebreed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM2tVZ0UtVc
"Powertrip" by Monster Magnet. From the ridiculously over-the-top lyrics to the driving beat, it's awesome for running and lifting. A lyrical sampling for your reading pleasure:
Who's gonna teach you how to dance?
Who's gonna show you how to fly?
Who's gonna call you on the lame-dope-smoking,
Slackin' little sucker you are?
See it in action here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByCXe3rrSY8
Rock on!
"Cold and Ugly" by Tool. That song fires me up more than any other, but it definitely a close call.
I am so glad you posted this. I am so damn bored with my music. Well, I could listen to Tool all day long, but my clients can't. I am going to download each and every one of the songs listed, if I don't already have them, and make a playlist. I'm so excited.
"Attitude" from Hardknox
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYB9IP0mhkA
Greg H
Artist: AFI
Song: Totalimmortal
Extra points for the live version of the song. I listened to this before we got off the bus for every college softball game of my career.
Have to say I see a lot of good stuff, return of the tres, dead prez.
I really am a little weird in selections, for a DL or squat PR I usually like a song that tells a story, builds up to something and I listen until I'm ready to go.
For metcons gotta go with some old school punk, ramones, the clash etc.
My song though for quick met con would be Science of Myth (live version) by Screeching Weasel. Only about 2:15 long but the beat is so fast. The last 4 songs on that album total 10-12 mins and get you through any metcon with the same beat.
Search and Destroy: Iggy and the Stooges
great video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKYALsp-sIg
Even Greater Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0yucFw3qCQ
have a great day!
Artist : tool
Song : sober
I so badly need to update my ipod, i've had the same songs on there forever, and not enough songs either.
Iron Maiden, "The Trooper"
That song makes me want to power clean dead people who I've just slain with a 2.5lb plate to the neck.
"Bullet in the Head" by Rage Against the Machine, the live version.
Hartz
Its no match for many of the classics listed but Burn Halo's "Dirty little girl" has been poking the back of my mind for a while waiting for the right video to match it to.
Of course it would work best with a named Girl WOD.
I like to listen to heavy post-progressive/ hardcore stuff when I lift- especially on met-con days.
Met-con mixed with oly? The harder and more screaming the better!!! (unfortunately the CF'ers at FRCF like to listen to hip hop for reasons beyond me so my music gets vetoed frequently) but I am going to have to go with.... "We built this city!" by "A Wilhelm Scream"
It has a steady beat that I can move with and the screaming just really makes me try to throw the weight through the ceiling....
"The Force Majeure" by Boysetsfire
My vote, "Tear's Don't Fall" by Bullet for My Valentine....personally this song is responsible for my 425lb DL pr.
Awesome to see the Hardknox and Prodigy getting called out.
Long time/first time. Great blog/great idea. Now lets dispose with all of this faux-tough neo-metal whatever:
artist: Ted Nugent
song: Stranglehold
It's just like me. Old, a little cliche', and badasssss...
Oh my god, this is AWESOME. You guys rock - I've already discovered a few new bands that I *love*, and rediscovered some songs that I forgot I loved. I'm already downloading like a madwoman. My iTunes bill is going to be astronomical this month, but I'm going to have the best CrossFit playlist ever.
Also, Ashman, do not think I did not notice that you somehow managed to sneak TWO songs into your comment. Illegal. I'm only taking the first one, as per the previously stated rules.
Keep 'em coming, people.
I have spent a ton of time in the last year or two working out to a couple these albums. Tough to pick one track as they kind of flow together but here is one and a link.
Mash-up artists rule for all types of wods imho. Probably NSFW.
Girl Talk-Smash Your Head
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDDdpxEf9hM&feature=related
I'm gonna go with The Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin. The regular version rather than the acoustic, which is better suited for more relaxed listening.
To be honest though, sometimes I just have my girlfriend stand next to me and sing Eye Of The Tiger while I'm lifting. Works well.
Sam
"Showdown" by Pendulum
anything by them really, shit gets me raaaaged
Too bad Rip listens to Deep Tracks on XM and im scared to go hijack the radio..
system of a down, SUGAR!
It's "Not Falling" by Mudvayne.
wow this is a lot of metal-rage-screaming-im about to fly off the handle music! i LIKE it!
I feel very un-hardcore~but hey, the song works for me. My pick is:
Foo Fighters, ALL MY LIFE
p.s. Byers thanks for the nod on my 20 push ups and my 185# deadlift. I feel semi-FAMOUS!
I'm so glad Kris introduced me to your blog! YOU ROCK!
metallica cover of "die, die my darling" by the misfits
short song, so it's either isabel, grace or 5-1 RM tune.
rise against does a great cover of "built to last" by sick of it all, but the tempo changes a bit too much to make it the number one.
for grrl power, "boys want to be her" by peaches is great. if you're a crossfit blog stalker, you'll recognize it
I'm surprised no-one's mentioned this band yet...
My chosen track is 'Imperium' by Machine Head. Play very loudly and with a frightening facial expression.
Whoever chose Crystal Method and Peaches... THANK YOU! I forgot about those little gems. And to the person who suggested "Baddest Ruffest"... well that song is mighty dangerous for a dancing CrossFitter like myself. I put it on last night at the gym but as soon as that beat kicks in I have a hard time controlling the boogie and I just end up dancing. I'm sure I took a couple dancing breaks during Cindy. No PRs last night but it was the funnest Cindy ever ;)
First time poster, long time reader. I can't help but post on this subject, considering music is often a necessity/driving force for reaching PR's. Sure, I could probably DL a shit-ton without it, but what fun is that?
Anyway-
Jay-Z "Public Service Announcement"
and as a bonus for you-
The Gray Album remix (mash up with the Beatles White Album and Jay-Z's Black Album)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uwIFn-wSJY
When it kicks in, try not to
A. Dance uncontrollably, flashing gang signs
B. Make a mean face at someone.
I'm not a 603er, so you don't have to download my song if you dont want to Melissa. I am a loyal reader of the blog now though. We blast a ton of Rage in the gym, and I think it's some of the best workout music out there.
Rage Against the Machine
"Wake Up"
Ok, I'm gonna start this by saying that I have a playlist on my iPod titled 'In Case of Gym Emergency'. It's just songs that redline my internal tempo, so I really could have put that whole list up. That said:
Song-Prayer of the Refugee
Artist-Rise Against
It's great for short, fast paced Metcon WODs.
You've Got Another Firestarter Comin' [The Prodigy vs. Judas Priest] Mashup by DJ Morgoth
Just another fan of the blog and non603er. But, hope y'all enjoy this track.
"Ladies and Gentlemen" by Saliva
Young Jeezy - By The Way
or
Method Man - Fall Out
i had to cheat :-)
"Swing"
Savage and Soulja Boy
May also cause spontaneous post PR dance party.
Allan, I think you win 'Favorite Person' for this morning - I <3 Mashups. And Prodigy. :D
As for a song... I'm still working on that one, but this list is perfect timing! My poor connection is going to be very busy through the weekend!
(Gah, what to choose!? o_0 )
"Flex"
Doomtree
Just makes you want to run through a wall.
I spent ALL NIGHT downloading. My iTunes bill is going to be wicked.
I'm not sure where to start - there is some GOOD STUFF here.
Haskell - thanks for the reminder of that Prodigy track.
Jeanette - I liked Death from Above 1979 so much I grabbed the whole damn album.
Laney - If possible, your recommendation of Dead Prez makes you even cooler in my book.
Jimi - That drum and bass Unicorn Remix is. The. Shit.
Greg H - I want everything by Hardknox.
J Brown - You officially have the best taste in music, as compared to everyone on the planet (but me, my sister and Dallas). Blog readers, download everything this man recommends. Seriously.
Jenny - I forgot how much I love that Foo Fighters song, and amidst all the Punch-a-Baby death metal, that suggestion was much appreciated.
Adam Kayce - I loooove this track. Love it. Genius. Thank you.
Rory - Waving Flag is fantastic - not too slow at all. I can see that fitting right in with my own training. Gymnastics, maybe?
And finally... Meghan, I have been chair dancing in a most unprofessional manner all morning, thanks to your Soulja Boy offering. That's going on repeat during tonight's met-con. Jenn "J. Spice" Woods is gonna LOVE it.
Thanks to all - I still have a TON of songs to go through and listen to, but so far, these tracks are all pretty snatch-tastic. Keep 'em coming.
I like that fact that K'naan and Ted Nugent where mentioned :) However, looking at my playlist the vote goes to .....
Rock Ranger Record by Matt Mays & El Torpedo
of course this will change next week
Your blog is great, Melissa! I had to leave Lurkdom to post on this thread...
My pick for an all purpose WOD song is AC/DC's "It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Want To Rock N' Roll)".
The tempo works for lifting and met con, plus it has bagpipes!
Dani and I were in Latin America this week and did Fran to some Spanish salsa music...it made me think everyone should broaden their musical horizons and work out to something different...here is a great Eastern Canadian song that fires me up...
Artist - Great big Sea
Song - When I'm up (I can't get down)
Melissa,
Try a 90's techo song called "Descend" by Circle of Dust.
One of my favorite posts so far, Byers...
Here is a short song with a longish title by Queens Of the Stone Age (3:13), "You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire".
Grant
"Sound of Madness" by Shinedown.
Guitar-driven rock with a hard beat
Okay, I'm gonna be that guy.
GWAR- Maggots.
The best song when you need that extra drum beat to get you through the end of a hard workout.
"Supreme People" by Blackalicious.
Thanks Byers;) Props to you for this genius post.. Peeps are gonna be PRin', dance partyin', and head bangin' all over the place.. Can't wait!
"smooth criminal" by Alien ant farm. Great post!
"Place your Hands" by Reef
Every time I hear that opening riff I get a big smile on my face
Chase & Status - Smash TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-KSaJyzRzs
Champion in Me - 3 Doors Down
Always helps push me through those met-cons and runs.
"Harmegeddon" by Apocalyptica
This is required for any heavy lifting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx4XNxHkMuc
Public Enemy "Bring the Noize" feat Anthrax
Anything from the album "Doomsday Machine" by Arch Enemy - one of the few death metal bands with actual musical talent.
Note that the lead singer is a petite blonde female who has been classically trained, and that her voice is not subjected to any digital modifications. She really does sing like that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9AcG0glVu4
Yeah, that's an easy one...
Artist: Dude N Nem
Track: Watch My Feet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCZ-nJ7XdmE
U Diggg!
How about Jet's Are U Gonna Be My Girl ?
How is it possible that no one has put "Harder Better Faster Stronger" by Daft Punk out there? Utter work-out cliches, but crank that track up high and the beat and lyrics are a driving force to be reckoned with!
I bought the Triple J Hottest 100 Volume 15 (legendary Australian radio station's annual compilation for 2008) and found a bunch of kick-ass work out tracks (including the vote above). So it's my regular spin, along with CBC Radio 3's "Sweatin' To The Indies" podcast whenever they compile a fresh one.
Gday MB Awesome post :)
Jezwyn Great shout out to the Js hottest 100.
This post has revitalised my song collection but I dont think anyone has thrown down :
Jimmy Eat World "Pain"
Awesome workout song
you gotta have "I See You Baby (Fatboy Slim Remix)" by Groove Armada - make sure it's the Fatboy Slim version though. Awesome for heavy metcons: steady driving beat at 120 bpm, repetitive in a way that keeps you in the groove, and with lyrics like "I see you baby, shaking that ass..." you can't miss. it just motivates. Enjoy!
M,
Godsmack's Whatever works for me. But not so much on CFT days that I'm trying to be a hardass Trainer. But then again, you already knew that. I'm looking forward to snagging some of this stuff. Sweet. I see PRs in my future, though I'm still focusing on "max tan lines for time" at the moment... ;)
Artist: Dropkick Murphys
Song: I'm Shipping Up to Boston
Good for Helen, Diane, or Karen or any old school WOD
Follow up with Ice Cream and Guiness
artist: eminem
song: mosh
Normally not a huge fan of songs like this, but for some reason it just takes me into a different world after warming up and gets me ready to turn my mind off for a tough WoD like Fran...
I was about to ask why no one listed Dropkick Murphys until I saw the second to last one--if I had to pick one I guess it would be "The Gauntlet."
I am behind in both updating the blog and downloading PR Party tracks. Looks like I know what I'll be doing tonight...
One suggestion from my boy Jeff, who can't access the blog from work but posted his choice to the 603 site.
Butthole Surfers, "Who Was In My Room Last Night".
Sweet - thanks, Jeff.
great blogs, great topic...
lots to choose from, but probably my money song would be:
Mobscene - Marilyn Manson
I've started mixing in Social Distortion's "Winners and Losers" with my WoDs and it's a perfect way to get me pumped up, especially with a chorus of "Winners and losers, which one will you be today?"
I would go with At The Drive-In's "Arc Arsenal." It builds slowly but it delivers a powerful attack that just does it for me.
King's X - "Pillow"
VERY heavy, little slower than most, but you can conquer the world listening to verse 3...
Hey Byers,
sorry I'm late. Hope your still checking out this post cause I think you'll like my fav track. There's a couple versions of it so its gotta be this specific one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F32h7ZUqr6A&feature=PlayList&p=6FC81A6884094143&index=0
Title: Waters Of Nazereth (Erol Alkans Durrr Durrr Durrrrrr Re-Edit, Feat. Pase Rock, With Justice)
and you gotta play it really really really really loud...
Also late to the party, and kicking myself for not having found the blog sooner. Great stuff! I'll be reading it often while I try to convince myself to start Crossfitting. Anyway...
"Party and Bullshit" by Notorious B.I.G., remixed by Ratatat.
Album: The Ratatat Remixes, vol. 2
The first fifteen seconds of that song pump me up like no other sound in the world. AND it's free on the band's website! Can't lose with that.
I'm a half-ass garage crossfitter, but we are about to start training hard as a team to run the Ragnar Relay in Florida in November... It's a 191 mile race from coast to coast. I came across your blog from Crossfit HQ today... How awesome are you and all your peeps?!? This post and some others definitely killed some time this afternoon at work. Kudos to you. Keep up the good work.
Hartzco, Drew...so glad you guys mentioned RATM, so I don't have to go there. And I know Mel likes them, so will skip over that.
Dallas, so glad someone put Godsmack on the list here -- nicely played.
Kevin K - I was STRONGLY debating listing that song - very good choice!
So...here's what I am actually gonna go with...
Rammstein's Rein Raus. Some of the other stuff is too slow, but the hard stuff really rocks. There is just something intensely motivating about some obscenely angry-sounding dudes yelling in foreign tongue. I guess if you speak fluent German this might not work so well -- not a problem for this guy though.
Red fang: Prehistoric Dog
Super mega double bonus: watch the video for pure awesomeness
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Vcoq-QRo4
Gotta have "Omen" by The Prodigy...off the new album...rocked my box jump PR off this baby.
"This Suffering" by Billy Talent
Billy Talent is the only "Punk" band that I listen to. They actually have musical ability. Pretty much everyone of their songs is Crossfittable.
RED has some of my favourite WOD music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiLwrFI5Fv8&feature=related
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMgsC8kVOBI&feature=related
so i'm a little late to the PR party, as it were... i teach a ton of spin classes both CFE-style and traditional ones, and i also use my playlists in classes if the coaches' music starts to piss me off. i post most of these to my blog, and i will continue to post more as i use them in classes.
http://woodfit.45reps.com/category/playlists/
P.O.S- Let it Rattle
How about Lose yourself by Eminem? I don not listen to a lot of his music, but that song never failed to get me pumped before a tough metcon
Easy..."Fuckin in the Bushes", by Oasis. The beat of that song gets me really stoked. Also, "Livin' on a Prayer", Bon Jovi. This one makes me want to start my weekend early, perfect for a end of week CF session.
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