STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING

The best part about commuting in New York is that it is easy to get your 10,000 steps every day!  So, as I contemplated 5+ weeks working from home, keeping my fitness level up was one concern that came to mind.  My wife and I made a pact over the weekend that I wanted to share: Dance Every Day!  I log 1,000 steps every 10 minutes, so with 40 minutes of dancing and a nice walk around the ‘hood here in Brooklyn, 10,000 is attainable!

I decided to put together a series of playlists: one from each decade of my life.  Here’s the first version of the 60’s playlist (think Summer of Love!).  I’ll post another one each day for the rest of the week.  Grab your partner, your dog or your cat and dance!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39emCfVAk85CxSXXLn5szb?si=utuHOe3KTwSYqqfVQQ6aZw>

 STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part II – the 70s)

Hope you all enjoyed doing the Twist, the Mashed Potato and the Swim yesterday.  If you’re too young to remember these, I suggest watching “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World” which has a couple very memorable dance scenes.  If you need a tutorial for the 70s, YouTube has some excellent recordings of Soul Train.

Here is today’s playlist; bring on the Funk! 

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0FYlcjhf4XIlnU9ZPQU9Fa?si=IXAy6s9DQiSKLOf7Sgeslg>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part III – the 80s)

Given that the 80s encapsulated both my high school and college years, this selection had to be one of the most difficult.  I decided to stick with the line up that would most likely have been heard at Washington University in St. Louis on a Saturday night!  Personally, I can’t wait for this hour of dancing!

Hope you enjoy it too! 

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2COdHB8kdrMSmF42LEgLtm?si=qzqPyzb_SLObTzB1OU_04g>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part IV – the 90s)

The biggest highlight of yesterday’s mix was reconnecting with so many college friends.  Thanks for the notes and the laughs!  I highly recommend using this time to share some smiles and reminisce with people you have not spoken with in a while!  I also convinced both of my teenagers to join me on the dance floor and we shared some great laughs.

Today we enter the decade of grunge.  I borrowed the Alice Cooper wig that I wore to the last 70s party I went to, but somewhere in my closet I’m sure I have a flannel shirt I can wear for today’s dance work out!  Enjoy!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6O1GfeNstrCbL4I9SvesKU?si=JdB8ph9kRpOQxVQd3xpX_A>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part V – the 00s)

While looking through today’s playlist, I was reminded that the turn of the century brought us Pandora and an entirely new way to introduce us to new music. While I discovered many of the artists on this dance track from my friends and colleagues, others are groups that I never would have found without someone’s brilliant algorithm recommending it to me. 2004 also saw the birth of our twins, so I celebrate with this picture the memory of dancing to some of these tunes with my toddlers. Fifteen years later, it’s great to have them back out on the family dance floor!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0TInRlkUVIhTkgrMLKFubS?si=ktx_kwRYSS-Ck-cOi6ZuWw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 1 – the 60s, Vol. II)

As we go into the second week of working from home, I hope you are all well and beginning to find a rhythm in your new daily routines.  I have reconnected with more people in the last week than the previous several months and found it incredibly up-lifting.  Thank you Zoom, Skype and Facetime!

The other new daily beat for me has been the family dance party.  It’s too early to tell whether the kids being back in school will keep my teens from joining the workout, but it is definitely a new daily activity that I’m happy to have incorporated into my routine!  Here is the second 60s playlist: more Motown, Surfers and English Invasion!  Hope you are enjoying them.

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39emCfVAk85CxSXXLn5szb?si=utuHOe3KTwSYqqfVQQ6aZw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 2 – the 70s, Vol. II)

While last week’s 70s playlist (mostly Funk) made my family laugh (“Car Wash” has been a road trip favorite for many years), my wife lamented the absence of her rock and roll favorites.  So here is the next 70s dance list, which only contains one of my beloved Funk tunes and a sentimental track from BTO, who my friend Dave and I had the opportunity to interview when we had a college radio show.  Fittingly, we were called “The Vegetable Club.”

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7eAICsPrJ08s1KeClNp8QK?si=Y0eDtQD8RuaDvjl618U02g>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 3 – the 80s, Vol. II)

In honor of Women’s History Month, “Ladies of the 80s” is the theme for today’s playlist.  Standing on the shoulders of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and many others, the 80s delivered a flood of female talent with voices as big as their hair!  In addition to strong soloists, the decade also saw women fronting many rock and punk bands.  I had so much fun pulling this list together and can’t wait to dance to it later myself!  Enjoy.

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7A64geneppKFYb6rEGLzC8?si=nwWgnoClTNuDsDp98zJLuA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 4 – the 90s, Vol. II)

All I can say for today’s playlist is that I hope you’ve been practicing.  The 90s brought DJ mixes, a string of re-mixes and were the decade of the rave!  Stretch before this mix…and sleep well tonight!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2vHfxmj7ZiphrVlOdS74dy?si=KdZJX0AaRWC9CsozzMm_5w>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 5 – the 00s, Vol. II)

In 2013, Pharrell Williams released his song “Happy.”  For me, this brings back memories of being in a grade school class with all the parents and kids dancing and singing along.  So, I end the week with today’s list and a few select lyrics from the song:

Here come bad news, talking this and that

Well, give me all you got, and don't hold it back

Well, I should probably warn you I'll be just fine

Here's why: Because I’m happy.

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you

Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MBDUGsmSgAjGUoUoz4rTx?si=IG4c15aDTlu6LS85ildE9w>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 1 – the 60s & 50s, Vol. III)

I am a big believer in synchronicity.  I had been toying with this playlist last week when two events over the weekend convinced me that this would be a great way to start the week.  Friday night, my friend Dave Rees sent out a short video of his ’55 Chevy rolling out of the shop after having had the engine rebuilt.  Saturday, my parents (inspired by our daily family dance party) emailed me this video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uluZXe84Y-E> of a 94 and 91 year-old couple doing some of the best swing dancing you have ever seen.

So, for our Monday, Let’s Go To The Hop!!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/488JhP7P6y2mKm00Oo74gv?si=EgbpGh4UQFqgvPEVsCnXfg>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 2 – the 70s, Vol. III)

Two weeks ago, I took a little grief for not including disco music in my 70s mix.  Again last week, I was asked why the Bee Gees were not on the list.  So, without further ado (and without including Xanadu), here is your Disco playlist!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0c2cT7f28B4goD0Clp1Bzy?si=bbpUWVM2SAycHbbO5lA-eg>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 3 – the 80s, Vol. III)

Just when I think pulling these lists is going to start getting difficult, I think of an iconic band from the decade and I’m off.  What fun!  My wife and I have been joking that I’ll need a haircut soon and today’s playlist provides a great idea to rival last week’s ‘Ladies of the 80s’ hairstyles: the Mullet.  Great list today – hope you have as much fun as I do!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60Yk1tWqDsgYOEK3CdWLln?si=XHQGIBKHS6-LuImqa2a7nA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 4 – the 90s, Vol. III)

I hope everyone enjoyed playing their air guitar yesterday as much as I did.  (My wife was laughing so hard, she had to sit down.)  Unlike the 60s, 70s and 80s, it’s difficult for me to think about the 90s with a genre that defined the time, but as I thought about it while putting this playlist together that is likely more a reflection on my life in the 90s…nine different addresses during the decade across multiple states, companies, jobs and people.  Music definitely brings back memories and I do hope these songs are bringing you many smiles along with a great sweat!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2IGR9hPoW5jeOWHt2T11DA?si=-N37XCkYR4qEj9hAs7UPKQ

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 5 – the 00s, Vol. III)

I have never been one for clubbing.  The only club we had where I grew up was the 4-H club (and there wasn’t much dancing going on there).  So, for today’s list, I called in the big guns: my nieces, nephews and (of course) my twins.  Wishing you all a great dance today and a wonderful weekend ahead! 

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6MkKdP9MNDXmveXoUAsBli?si=tATHXPJ5Ts2K6BepAhnKZA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 1 – the 60s, Vol. IV)

It is exciting to kick off the 4th week of family dance parties with a Latin mix, in large part thanks to my lovely better half who hails from Cordoba, Argentina.  I chose to anchor the mix with the 60s sounds of Havana, Cuba.  Get ready to roll those hips!  ¡Arriba, Arriba! ¡Ándale, Ándale!  ¡Yee Haa!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1wWPULweuXcJil2OfPAXuZ?si=Kd2rcpcdSfueTPvRQvpCHg>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 2 – the 70s, Vol. IV)

Back in the 90s, my friends and I planned several sailing vacations in the Caribbean.  Some of my favorite memories are of the reggae parties (aka jump-ups) on the beach.  Someone would bring a couple of coolers, the band would arrive and a party would ensue.  Enjoy the oceans breezes and irresistible beat of today’s family dance party playlist!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Y7nqZs87q7f2skeMoySR7?si=Q9N6VOn6SBGZ5yurdHH9KA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 3 – the 80s, Vol. IV)

When I posted the first 80s mix, a couple of my friends were surprised there wasn’t more Southern Rock in the line-up. The wonderful fact is that in every decade, there are so many genres that make great dancing music.  Stretching our roots southward, today’s playlist starts off with a request from Brian Berk.  (Although I threw a slice of funk in there to highlight just how good it is.)!  For a bit of added fun, I am including a picture of a famous music venue where one of the bands has played.  Can you guess what this one is?

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eqB8sQPBhuNo7QuzTt8bk?si=3jldNaxCQGSdtan09EUuiA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 4 – the 90s, Vol. IV)

For those of you that didn’t guess it, yesterday’s picture was the Alpine Valley outdoor music venue in Elkhorn, WI.  That and the Hollywood Bowl are still on my bucket list.  Can you guess today’s location?  Enjoy today’s playlist, which includes a band I saw at this location back in ’94!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2gEoYErw7ZlrvnvWiyhAyc?si=tsYfMEOLQiSEjoDIy7McWA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 5 – the 00s, Vol. IV)

It is hard to believe that four weeks have passed since New York City and many other locations announced the first self-distancing guidelines.  Hoping you are all well and staying safe.  I close the week with another list based on the recommendations of the wonderful teens in my life, this group located in lovely Colorado!  May your video conference happy hours begin early today!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3uqJYElHLO06fzRfJyxWNw?si=xnDxO_oGQ8elwvxC0FgoCg>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 1 – the 60s, Vol. V)

I hope you all had a wonderful Passover / Easter weekend.  Depending the number of deserts you had over the holiday, this playlist will take that right off (although you may have to rewind it a couple times).  We’re back to our 60s beach party and brown swimsuits!!  Happy Monday and have a great day!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4MaRd7wzzsfk2nyWPimDf9?si=qXfiAtq9Szm46AKNHhq1uA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 2 – the 70s, Vol. V)

Each week it surprises me just how sentimental I am about 70s music.  8 track tapes were certainly not the most effective form of storage, but there was something about the feeling when you shoved that big cassette into the slot.  In the 80s, we laughed about people wearing apple green in the 70s, but somehow it worked in contrast with those tan and gold pants.  And the bell-bottom jeans?  Those were special.  Enjoy your trip back to the 70s today!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2TgXdAD2Lme8HIYws6FiOL?si=_9I3ByjzSm6VqIaa_XqjBA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 3 – the 80s, Vol. V)

Just as music can take you back instantaneously to a particular place in your memory, so can it trigger specific memories of people in your life.  A very large side benefit of these playlists is that the songs have reminded me of people from high school and college that have been crowded out of my mind by deadlines and other life events.  I’m happy to say that I have reconnected with four very dear old friends since we’ve been distancing.  So while you are dancing today, let your mind wander back…find a memory and reach out to someone you haven’t spoken with in decades.  They may be a bit hard to recognize (like this picture of an unexpected British pop star), but you won’t be sorry!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tpGEmMcdQfhS6dd923pen?si=E96adB8nTc6xk3yKtugoRw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 4 – the 90s, Vol. V)

My daughter and her best friends describe themselves as Choir Geeks and they love Musicals.  So, when she proposed a playlist of showtunes you can dance to, how could I refuse?  I know we’ll enjoy dancing to this later today, but the best part was sitting down together for a couple hours, just the two of us, and putting it together.

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3DxR3w91SALlh3cIIH4yHw?si=oReaIhXqTT-zTklvPFBwOA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 5 – the 00s, Vol. V)

My wife and I were scheduled to fly to LA earlier this week to attend the TCM Film Festival.  For some reason, this came to mind last night when we were out on our balconies last night at 7pm, clapping with the rest of our neighbors for all the front-line workers that are allowing the rest of us to shelter in place.  I realized that I wasn’t lamenting the loss of the trip when I considered all the blessings this last month has provided: reconnecting with old friends, nightly calls and many laughs with our parents and family, making playlists and dancing with my teens and a little more time to stop doing and just be.  I hope you each find some silver linings today.  As the classic line goes, “Here’s looking at you, kid.”

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6PqXG0J1b4tlf23cBnmjB5?si=tCoZzWPURQqCIFixii2agQ>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 1 – the 60s, Vol. VI)

Week SIX begins and we are back to the 60s!  As these playlists have come together, an attempt has been made to keep each song in the decade in which it has been released.   It is truly impressive to track bands like the Rolling Stones every week through their multiple albums each decade and see how they adapted with the times.  You certainly must admire their staying power!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4EyaKurUNXAAEBTu6KUkjy?si=HImFE27zSXWdZLwkzsjkFA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 2 – the 70s, Vol. VI)

Sentimental Tuesday is back, which means it is time again for the 1970s.  Thinking back to why I might be so sentimental about the 70s took me back to Saturday mornings when Casey Kasem would host “American Top 40” (remember the jingle?) and count down the Top 40 hits on the billboard chart. I listened religiously.  Amongst the hits from today’s tracks is a chart-topper from The Isley Brothers, who’s career spanned seven decades and may be most famous for their tune “Shout” from 1959.  Until tomorrow, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/67ywad72yibdQWcXSHiEPB?si=uo5Y2GwWSCSNrCjNh2MGQw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 3 – the 80s, Vol. VI)

Today’s list is another pull from the Billboard charts.  For many (including myself), these songs bring back memories of driving.  Wherever you listened to the radio in the 80s, I hope you have a good trip down memory lane!  Keep dancing!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ShXGaIJTCngLLNhatsONO?si=yUYivdTrSDuJqkso_p49Og>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 4 – the 90s, Vol. VI)

My daughter came running into my home office last Friday, eyes ablaze.  “I have another idea for a dance playlist: Animated Movies!”  And so, another playlist was born!  Serendipitously, our twins’ babysitter and close family friend now for 15 years just had her first baby yesterday.  Welcome to the world, Madeleine Amelia.  We’ll have you dancing before you know it!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40SBcfz9o3MPObCYEiG2Hx?si=D4oR_ClLTJmNWY96M2IhUQ>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 5 – the 00s, Vol. VI)

I hope many of you had a chance to dance with your children to yesterday’s animated movie playlist.  I was amazed to see how my kids knew almost every word to every song…but then I remembered how children like to watch the same move over and over and over when they are little!  As we end our sixth week of dancing, I wish you and yours a wonderful weekend.  Stay safe.

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/25XzXIP0WU8NXzIJSdSYLt?si=UI0QUqDiSXy2m4OWvx5n3w>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 1 – the 60s, Vol. VII)

This week I’ve decided to highlight some of the fabulous lyrics in the playlists we’ve been dancing to at home.  Kicking off Week 7, have a happy family dance party today and enjoy these lyrics from the Four Tops:

Now if you feel that you can't go on
Because all of your hope is gone,
And your life is filled with much confusion
Until happiness is just an illusion,
And your world around is crumblin' down;
Darling, reach out
Reach out for me
I'll be there, with a love that will shelter you.
I'll be there, with a love that will see you through.

I'll be there to always see you through.
When you feel lost and about to give up
'Cause your best just ain't good enough
And you feel the world has grown cold,
And you're drifting out all on your own,
And you need a hand to hold:
Darling, reach out (come on girl, reach out for me)
Reach out (reach out for me.)
I'll be there, to love and comfort you,

-          The Four Tops (1966)

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Han9W1njFWYgb0sbDbOHS?si=n7xqpDBbQMCD5kdB_k3FCA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 2 – the 70s, Vol. VII)

Continuing with our celebration of great lyrics from our dance playlists, here’s a classic from Orleans to start off your daily family dance party from the 70s:

We've been together since way back when
Sometimes I never want to see you again
But I want you to know, after all these years
You're still the one I want whisperin' in my ear

You're still the one that makes me laugh
Still the one that's my better half
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one that makes me strong
Still the one I want to take along
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

“Still the One,” Orleans (1976)

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jc4AAUwaoiCPhvXsg7Ghz?si=tqYKBQoBTwWGES9kgahYBg>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 3 – the 80s, Vol. VII)

You can’t think about great 1980s lyrics and not think about Bruce Springsteen.  His lyrics about the struggles of the small towns and common worker seem especially poignant now.  Enjoy today’s dance and see if you can’t find a charity or someone to help today.  Every bit helps.

I get up in the evenin'

And I ain't got nothin' to say

I come home in the mornin'

I go to bed feelin' the same way

I ain't nothin' but tired

Man, I'm just tired and bored with myself

Hey there, baby, I could use just a little help

Messages keeps gettin' clearer

Radio's on and I'm movin' 'round my place

I check my look in the mirror

Wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face

Man, I ain't gettin' nowhere

I'm just livin' in a dump like this

There's somethin' happenin' somewhere

Baby, I just know that there is

You can't start a fire
Worryin' about your little world fallin' apart
This gun's for hire
Even if we're just dancin' in the dark
Even if we're just dancin' in the dark

“Dancing in the Dark,” Bruce Springsteen (1982)

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6wePB4NDNRndY5dJF3a5tM?si=cGy-BODRT2GP6SyMdvAmhw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 4 – the 90s, Vol. VII)

Music lifts the soul and this week we’ve been celebrating the lyrics of the songs we’re dancing to.   Today I share two sets of lyrics from the playlist, one to make you bounce and one to offer reflection. Enjoy your daily dance party!

Hangin' on
Hangin' out
There's a place for me & you
Hangin' round
Hangin' free
We got nothin' else to do
Turn it up
Fade it down
Yeah, that song it saved my life

David Byrne, “Hanging Upside Down” (1992)

One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should
One life
With each other
Sisters, brothers
One life
But we're not the same
We get to carry each other, carry each other

U2, “One” (1991)

< https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0YJU9KBRgPziVG09pqFefc?si=2Rt_7y0EShWyUa7Pe0ItxA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 5 – the 00s, Vol. VII)

Happy Friday once again!  This week we’ve been celebrating the lyrics of various troubadours during our daily dance parties.  Following in the footsteps of Dylan, Joplin, Croce, Lennon and Morissette (just to name a few) comes one of my modern favorites, Jack Johnson.  The message is simple: Whenever life is hard, it’s always better when we’re together.

There is no combination of words I could put on the back of a postcard
No song that I could sing, but I can try for your heart
Our dreams, and they are made out of real things
Like a, shoe box of photographs
With sepia-toned loving
Love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart
Like why are we here? And where do we go?
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy and
Sometimes life can be deceiving
I'll tell you one thing, it's always better when we're together

It's always better when we're together
Yeah, we'll look at the stars when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together

Jack Johnson, “Better Together” (2006)

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2R01Lognz663X8EmwFvZbz?si=edpc4s_cQLucHSIucqxg0g>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 1 – the 60s, Vol. VIII)

Happy Monday begins with an instrumental-oriented theme rooted in the 60s brass section that could be found on nearly every Motown album.  Thanks to the tunes playing in our house (and on the deck – thank you, sun!) this weekend, I had jazz on the mind.  Therefore, there is a bit improv to this playlist, with a little bit of blues, soul, rhythm and funk. 

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0L3uJ4qn1p8QDa3bqOnRKS?si=8ieKLjdbR2C8u-A50PflBQ>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 2 – the 70s, Vol. VIII)

After eight weeks of playlists, my jury is still out whether the 70s or 80s produced the better music.  Putting together today’s playlist, I am tempted to give the honor to the 70s.  It’s not that today’s list is any better than any other from the decade, but the process of putting it together had to be my favorite.  Thinking about one song made me think of another and another and another.  Hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3kJSs133R2RbmRglIDqdQ1?si=f5DcjaaiSyuLLSNblYWAqw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 3 – the 80s, Vol. VIII)

Mullets, mohawks and jheri curls vs. the shag, the wedge and Farrah Fawcett?

Delorean, TR6 and RX-7 vs. the Chevelle, the Stingray and the Firebird?

I still find it hard to pick the decade with the greatest music and am still amazed at the range of style and depth of music both decades offer.  After all, how interesting would life be without rivalries?  Anyone want to debate best football team ever?  ’72 Dolphins?  ’85 Bears? 

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3gf1OVzAuaplHlY5KiCgvs?si=-m15R1_7QCuOY5VpcliNyQ>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 4 – the 90s, Vol. VIII)

In an effort to be completely objective, I’m going to try to make the argument that the 90s were absolutely as strong musically as the 70s and 80s.  It is hard to argue that other forms of entertainment continued to evolve in the 90s.  “Seinfeld” and “Friends,” for example, are arguably the best sitcom series that have ever been produced and certainly have stood the test of time better than “Starsky and Hutch” or “CHiPS.” 

Grunge was a arguably a completely new form of alternative form of music that has more staying power than the 80s punk or the 70s disco.  The 90s also saw new troubadours such as Jack Johnson and Shawn Colvin, who’s lyrics and melodies place them in the same league as their predecessors.  So, how about it Gen Z, were the 90s the true best decade of music from the last century?

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3tgl1LONI8kGbW9Sj2sEdT?si=ggWqHx_3QOCsjDCVl-W5sQ>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING (Part 5 – the 00s, Vol. VIII)

I will admit that when we started the family dance parties eight weeks ago, I always dreaded making Friday’s playlist.  I am not a huge hip-hop fan and the popular music I was familiar with sounded a bit formulaic.  After being educated by my twin teens, nieces and nephews (including those non-blood relatives that call me Uncle), I have a new appreciation for the today’s bands, especially the rock bands. The lyrics are creative, the instrumentalization is tight and I wait with anticipation to see the look on my kids’ faces with each new song that comes up as we dance.  After all, it is the simple things in life that give us the greatest joy!  Happy Friday!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4PpvPbwBQWggrefu3DzB4G?si=AN4v7bjGTPShK2lHuoZ0og>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING

(Battle of the Decades, Part 1 – the 60s vs 70s, Vol. IX)

For this week, we are going to take battle of the bands to a whole new level.  Monday through Thursday, we are going to pit one decade against another for a single genre on each playlist and see if we can’t get a poll to see which decade really produced the best music.  Let’s start with Rock and Roll, shall we?

To select the bands and the songs to represent each decade, the following rules were used:

·         The band/songwriter had to have at least 1 top 10 hit in the decade

·         The band/songwriter had to fall into the classification of rock

·         The song from the band had to be released in that decade

To determine which decade a band represented, a combination of the “Top 100 Songs” from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was paired with the top downloaded songs from the band and the year in which their top songs were released.  Here’s a preview of the teams in the playlist:

1960s:  The Kingsmen, Beatles, Stones, Aretha, Jimi, Kinks, Steppenwolf, Jefferson Airplane, CCR

Vs.

1970s:  The Who, Doors, Hollies, Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Skynyrd, Allman Bros, Janis

VOTE NOW!!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ryDq7tE4gLriqNgP1X0lm?si=nXQe907jQcS7Bxc7PWIKjg>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING

(Battle of the Decades, Part 2 – the 70s vs 80s, Vol. IX)

We continue our battle for the best decade of music, today squaring off the 1970s vs the 1980s for best rock and roll.  As per the rules posted yesterday, bands are first classified into a decade based on a combination of the popularity of the band and their songs at the time as well as the most popular downloads from that band on today’s current music platforms.  The first 30 minutes of the playlist includes 70s songs from 70s bands and the second 30 minutes contains 80s songs from 80s bands.

Here’s who is representing each decade today:

1970s: Grand Funk, Guess Who, Aerosmith, The Who, BOC, BTO, Lynyrd, Elton John

Vs.

1980s:  AC/DC, Bruce, ZZ Top, Van Halen, Foreigner, Loverboy, Def Leppard, Joan Jett

VOTE NOW!!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ClkcmSuTfWAXwCAlbLJBP?si=4D9r0aLxQm2A4R94MmAFFA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING

(Battle of the Decades, Part 3 – the 80s vs 90s, Vol. IX)

Apologies for those of you that do not like rock and roll, for this week we have been pitting rock bands from different decades against each other and today is the 1980s vs. the 1990s.  The playlist is split in half, allowing you to decide in the span of one family dance party which playlist you and yours liked dancing to most.

Here are the bands representing each decade today:

1980s: Heart, Boston, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, White Snake, Sammy Hagar and Guns n’ Roses

Vs.

1990s: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Black Crowes, Foo Fighters, RHCP, Stone Temple Pilots, Days of the New

VOTE NOW!!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0D6OivXikUkdZUi1BaLSCH?si=OWkde1HoTpSUVbGis_zo5A>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING

(Battle of the Decades, Part 4 – the 90s vs 00s, Vol. IX)

Here’s the last decade vs. decade battle for best rock and roll bands.  Today we’re pitting bands that made it big in the 90s vs those from the new millennium.  The hour-long playlist is split in half with each team getting 30 minutes to convince you that their decade produced better rock.  To those that haven’t been following the rules, the bands were classified into a decade based on a combination of the popularity of the band during the time period (based on billboard charts) as well as the most popular downloads from that band on today’s current music platforms. 

The battling groups are represented today by:

1990s: Lenny Kravitz, Third Eye Blind, Spoon, Gin Blossoms, Bush Better than Ezra, Collective Soul

Vs.

2000s: Weezer, Beck, Nickelback, The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, MCRM, Porcupine Tree

VOTE NOW!!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/22IDFhXHoCFO7FJu8t2pAJ?si=4kRqhNVjR2a0qUdXgftOvg>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Battle of the Decades, Part 5 - FINAL MATCH: 1970s vs. 1980s, Vol. IX)

Maybe it was fate that we’d land back here after a week-long battle, but we’re back to the 1970s vs. the 1980s for a battle to decide which decade offered up the best rock and roll.  The gloves are off.  In order to be on today’s playlist, the song had to hit #1 on the Billboard Chart.

You decide which decade offered up the best rock and roll AND was also the most popular song in the US.  Here’s the line-up:

1970s: The Guess Who, Three Dog Night, Free, Blue Image, The Kinks, Chicago, CCR, Rolling Stones, Grand Funk Railroad

Vs.

1980s: Queen, Pink Floyd, Blondie, Billy Joel, Robert Palmer, Bon Jovi, U2, Guns & Roses, Fine Young Cannibals

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3POkDE3Xd0LMEpmYuAZJQo?si=35IsVE2RRtGIcElBt9Nyxw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Battle of the Decades, Alternative Rock: Part 1: 1960s vs. 1970s, Vol. X)

Following last week’s battle to explore which decade produced the best rock n’ roll, we are taking a listen to alternative rock this week.  Since the phrases ‘alternative rock’ and ‘indie rock’ did not appear until the late 70s, the rules were simplified this week, which also allowed “Brown Eyed Girl” to appear on the 1960s playlist again for those of you that claimed it was your favorite in Week 1!

Each playlist contains two decades again this week and you get to vote for your favorite.  Here’s the line-up for today’s battle:

1960s: Sir Douglas Quintet, The Velvet Underground, ? & The Mysterians, The Spencer Davis Group, The Ventures, Van Morrison, The Monkes, Herman’s Hermits, The Archies, Paul Revere & The Raiders

Vs.

1970s: David Bowie, Iggy Pop, XTC, The Clash, The Cars, Roxy Music, T. Rex

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Eo3n5GzZ3nqh8DUg44cPv?si=rs01Bmc9QbKjdFJ-TKBeZA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIALLY DISTANCING

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Battle of the Decades, Alternative Rock: Part 2: 1970s vs. 1980s, Vol. X)

Continuing with week 10’s Alternative Rock theme, each playlist for your family dance party this week will be split into two groups.  The first 30 minutes today contains music from the 1970s and the second 30 minutes is from the 1980s.  You dance.  You stay fit.  You vote for your favorite decade.  Personally, I dance every day so I don’t feel bad about that bowl of ice cream after dinner!

Here are the bands representing the decades today:

1970s: Nick Lowe, The Undertones, Buzzcocks, The Stranglers, X, Gary Numan, Bryan Ferry, The Human League

Vs.

1980s: Talking Heads, Wang Chung, The Fixx, REM, The English Beat, Echo & the Bunnymen, Depeche Mode, Camber Van Beethoven

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bnGes6KAhjHcpw2JSUbno?si=TERsvzN7SE-Ti-jF3BAz2g>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Battle of the Decades, Alternative Rock: Part 3: 1980s vs. 1990s, Vol. X)

Another great lineup awaits you today as we compare alternative rock music from different decades.

Here are the bands representing the decades today:

1980s: The Police, Julian Cope, The English Beat, Generation X, Oingo Boingo, Howard Jones, The Cure

Vs.

1990s: Gin Blossoms, Barenaked Ladies, Counting Crows, Better than Ezra, Green Day, The Boo Radleys, Smashing Pumpkins, Cake

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0S2OoNWJLSP1COa1aF0P1s?si=1trryg_mTouwpU5PHMGaCw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Battle of the Decades, Alternative Rock: Part 4: 1990s vs. 2000s, Vol. X)

This is the last decade vs. decade battle for best Alternative Rock.  Today we pit top Alt in the 90s vs music from the new millennium.  The hour-long playlist is split in half with each team getting 30 minutes to convince you that their decade produced better music.  You can vote if you want, but dancing is NOT optional!

Here are the bands representing the decades today:

1990s: Blind Melon, The Goo Goo Dolls, Reel Big Fish, Spin Doctors, Pavement, Alanis Morissette, Matchbox 20, The Cranberries

Vs.

2000s: The National, Lil Peep, Arcade Fire, Walk the Moon, Panic at the Disco, The XX, The Kooks, My Morning Jacket

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/51mMTzgOUGQ1OLWeI5h6hN?si=Rg28esyeSlWMxSIFETUT2Q>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Battle of the Decades, Alternative Rock: Part 5: 1980s vs. 2000s, Vol. X)

After much debate (and dancing), the finalists for this week’s battle for best decade with Alt Rock has been decided: 80s vs 00s.  As usual, the best thing about the daily family dance party…is the family.  My teens have been joining me EVERY day for the last few weeks.  It has been an incredible silver lining to this pandemic cloud!

Happy Friday and enjoy the dance!  Here are the bands representing the decades today:

1980s: Queen, The Proclaimers, The Clash, New Order, Modern English, The Icicle Works, The Knack

Vs.

2000s: Arctic Monkeys, Glass Animals, Imagine Dragons, Mother Mother, Sticky Fingers, Cage the Elephant, Green Day, Hozier

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6PUP7FG4Emy0s94t47wUL5?si=yoImfL1wTGyxVcn5akM-HA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Motown Addition, Vol. XI)

Happy Memorial Day Monday.  During our day of remembrance, a Motown playlist seemed appropriate. Enjoy the music, the dancing and those you dance with.  Remember the fallen and thank you to all that serve to protect all that we hold dear.

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0OIAwke2EOydQa4GSYdFK3?si=cA_znzZbQYGJQfs8htyhPw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Part 2: Disco Addition, Vol. XI)

Motown yesterday and Disco today?!?!?!  Who’s a lucky dog?

Enjoy the family dance today!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/65431AXzDw7RidbwfrWkD3?si=9QsuIdpXS-KGVxw6T2o5OA>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Part 3: Punk Rock, Vol. XI)

Punk rock, mohawks and head banging.  Today’s list won’t change your hair style, but you might want to stretch your neck a bit before dancing to this one.

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4tSHDKbVnTPWaaEh1sH8Qq?si=73E0fSudSxGD7hWPEzBX1w>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Part 4: Reggae, Vol. XI)

Irie, mahn.  Assuming everyone’s neck could use a rest from yesterday’s punk tracks, what could be better than a bit of reggae?  Enjoy the dance! 

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/27JB4gmevA0uh6lLGJcz8D?si=gwl211whQNq3LrNrN5yklw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Part 5: Jam Bands, Vol. XI)

It only seems fit to end this terrific week of celebrating different genres to bring on the jam bands.  Since most of the tracks are live and longer than the studio versions, the playlist is extra long too.  Dance to this and you won’t worry about that chocolate cake!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6C1aWnSmOCKAkF2HaD6saa?si=Vk1xJ0UYTZ22TYfpY1wHjQ>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Part 1: International, Vol. XII)

As we kick off week 12 of our family dance parties, we are going international!  Enjoy this musical trip around the world and keep dancing!

Zou Bisou Bisou!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5KWZ0i695plmfvZivSsDFi?si=Wt_O-uExQ9i96XiAzoBMEg>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Part 2: Female Guitarists, Vol. XII)

Today is a treat:  Female guitarists.  There are certainly some recognizable names such as Bonnie Raitt, Cheryl Crow and Susan Tedeschi, but hopefully this playlist also introduces you to some artists new to you such as Samantha Fish, Ana Popovic and Deborah Coleman.  Enjoy the music and keep on dancing!          

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3S8Ds7xJp5BvuB01CGp57F?si=PMfnrJn9Q1a16p5juwH76Q>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Part 3: Stevie Wonder, Vol. XII)

Stevie Wonder signed with Motown at the age of 11 and had his first #1 hit on the Billboard chart at 12.  His music powers our house on a regular basis and during one of our daily family dance parties back in Week 2, my wife said, “You should do a complete playlist based on Stevie.”  So here it is, honey.

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3rjO052c5qnsqO9moMkDEB?si=ydNuSmSWSAS1-uFiQsAckw>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Part 4: Requests and Boosts! Vol. XII)

As we near the end of the 12th week of self-distancing in NYC, I thought it was appropriate to pull together a playlist of all the songs that have been requested since March.  Today’s playlist is the second to the last one, so dance hard!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qgz22kRZnEb8aKSAHmZ7O?si=r7qRfby_QMaSGWyARcT7Ig>

STAYING FIT while SOCIAL DISTANCING (Episode 60:  Last Call!)

Twelve weeks ago, my wife came up with the great idea to dance an hour every day in lieu of being able to go the gym or for a run outside.  Since then, the family dance parties have become part of our daily routine and hopefully many of you have joined in.  Today will be the last playlist post and it continues the list of the requests and shout-outs for favorite songs over the last 12 weeks.  Thank you for all your comments and laughs… and Keep Dancing!!

<https://open.spotify.com/playlist/10Q7WYgU5fFNXTd0bVy9F1?si=vSUtvOVlSb-JiMvMa6vsgA>