Well, “tune-up” will probably be subjective to some, but today I wanted to share a few of my ultra-cool (I did say ‘subjective’, didn’t I?) Spotify playlists.
The first is just some of my ‘feel good’, favorite songs. Things that really get my foot tapping. Stuff I’ll bring up when relaxing, writing, playing video games, whatever. I grew up in the 70s and 80s, so you’ll find quite a few songs from the MTV generation here. Aldo Nova’s Fantasy and Eddie Money’s I Think I’m In Love are prime examples. Lots of Toto and Steely Dan here, too.
The second is a list of songs I’ll listen to when working out. High energy (at least for me) tunes that don’t assault my eardrums while I get the blood pumping. Yes, I have a lot of Kenny Loggins (hey, Kenny could rock it!) and even Boy Meets Girl, but I also have some Judas Priest so don’t judge me! Aldo Nova’s Fantasy does double duty here, as well.
A lot of movie soundtracks just seem to give me that ‘oomph!’ I like when hitting the gym. That’s reflected here in the theme from Remo Williams the Adventure Continues (again, a totally underrated movie!), St. Elmo’s Fire theme by John Parr, a couple of Caddyshack offerings from Mr. Loggins (stop laughing!), The Secret of My Success by Night Ranger, and Ray Parker Jr’s Ghostbusters.
If you find you’ve been Rick-rolled at the end of this list, remember it IS a workout compilation. You’ve been warned.
And, finally, I’ve been a fan of surf music since I was a kid. I picked it up from my dad who, to this day, has a ton of original vinyl from groups such as The Ventures, Jan and Dean, Dick Dale, The Shadows, and the Beach Boys. My surf list, at the moment, is mainly The Ventures and I’m good with that. I mainly listen to this while driving or gaming and it can pinch-hit for the workout list if I’m feeling tropical.
What are some of your favorite songs/groups/genres? Do you find any of your choices ‘odd’? I mean, I don’t <cough, cough> or anything…but if you do, I’d love to hear about it.
Until next time—


I LOVE the Beach Boys - I spent my last two years at secondary school listening to 'Summer Dreams' over and over again in the car - your post has taken me back 30 years.....! :D :D :D
These days I get eye rolls from the other member of my household whenever I ask Siri to play them - which I'm doing RIGHT NOW.
One of my favorite bands is the British New Wave/Pop group XTC, which had quite an interesting career from around 1979 until a few years ago when they finally disbanded as a recording unit (they stopped touring in the early 80s).