In the words of the legendary Canadian rock band Sloan, who just closed out Season 2 of our Live at Massey Hall series – “You Don’t Need Excuses to be Good!” This playlist is specifically designed to keep you going, remember some old favourites, and introduce you to some new favourites! If music is what motivates you on your long runs, then this one will put a smile on your face. Admittedly, some of these artists have not (yet!) played on our stage but that doesn’t stop us from loving what they’ve recorded and being thrilled to share it with you.
This list features the infectious pop sounds of Icona Pop who kick-starts this run. The 10-minute soul-saving “Good Name” by the mysterious William Onyeahbor, is the type of track that when it’s over you wish the entire playlist was built around this song on repeat. Afrobeat/funk threads through this middle section with The Funkees and Tony Allen, some new songs from Operators, Youth Lagoon, and El Vy (which is the new recording project from The National lead singer Matt Berninger), there’s also one of my favourite songs from Stone Roses singer Ian Brown (F.E.A.R.), and a fist-pumping Modern Love from the great David Bowie. End your run with the aforementioned Sloan and the artist who is playing the first show in Live at Massey Hall Season 3 with a sold out show, Bahamas, with the decidedly not Sonny and Cher cover, “I Got You, Babe.” Enjoy your run!
Take it out for kicks and let us know what you think. This is the Emergency Running Playlist
Emergency – Icona Pop
Go! – Santigold featuring Karen O
Good Name – William Onyeabor
Modern Love – David Bowie
Breakthrough – The Funkees
Go Back (radio edit) – Tony Allen feat. Damon Albarn
True – Operators
F.E.A.R. – Ian Brown
I’m the Man to Be – El Vy
The Knower – Youth Lagoon
I Got You Babe – Bahamas
You Don’t Need Excuses to be Good – Sloan
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