Craidio Music Wintry Mix + Workout Ratings

Updated: Workout ratings based on if the song’s worth putting on your power mix at the gym. Based on rhythm not necessarily speed.

As the twice in a lifetime freeze sets in…. we’ve all wanted to bundle up with some music and movies. Unfortunately, nothing too hot is spinning right now on the record player, but I found a few decent tunes to at least get me through until February. If you’re looking for music in all the wrong places…this is probably one of them as well..but give them a shot.

Winter 2009/2010 Music Wintry Mix

30 Second to Mars – This is War (* 1/2 out of 4 stars)
Used to be a big fan of 30 Seconds to Mars, but this latest release just isn’t doing it for me. Less and less edgy each album, and just sort of whiny now.
Workout Rating: * * 1/2 out of 4 stars

Coldplay – Lost! (* * * out of 4 stars)
Classic Coldplay sound…smooth and moving. Not worse or better than their previous efforts. A good thing.
Workout Rating: * * 1/2 out of 4 stars

Laura Veirs – July Flame (* * * out of 4 stars)
Not quite haunting enough to make you crash your car as you stare out the window, but will make you begin to relax and enjoy a calm world around you for a few fleeting minutes. Unfortunately the song offers no payoff and meanders a bit.
Workout Rating: * 1/2 out of 4 stars

Dead By Sunrise – Let Down (* * 1/2 out of 4 stars)
If you could picture a Linkin Park song without the supporting band driven by only the lead singer..it’s just like that. It is also his side band, so to be expected. Not bad.
Workout Rating: * * 1/2 out of 4 stars

The Avett Brothers – Die Die Die (* * * 1/2 out of 4 stars) and I and Love and You (* * * out of 4 stars)
Apparently I’m late on the Avett Brothers bandwagon…but their folk/rock melodies are very addictive. Not for your workout, or if you’re having a bad day (it will make it worse) but truly quality music and deep lyrics. These two songs above are from their newest and previous album.
Workout Rating: * 1/2 out of 4 stars

The Veils – Sit Down by the Fire (* * * out of 4 stars)
Very slow, lots of piano, sounds european. I likes. Great vocals, a building rhythm, and an easy listen for the winter days you’re staring out the window looking for Spring.
Workout Rating: * * * out of 4 stars

Metric – Gold Guns Girls (* * 1/2 out of 4 stars)
If you like women-singing, electric inspired rock with a buzzing beat, Metric always comes through. A stellar effort, though not their best.
Workout Rating: * * * 1/2 out of 4 stars

Lady GaGa – Bad Romance (* * * out of 4 stars)
I wish I wasn’t entranced by Lady GaGa…but her songs grow on me…and this one has oddly interesting lyrics and a multi-dimensional beat mixing strange pop singing with great melody singing. I don’t like Madonna, but Lady GaGa is probably the new Madonna.
Workout Rating: * * * 1/2 out of 4 stars

Phoenix – 1901 (* * * out of 4 stars)
You’ll feel like you’re in American Eagle looking at jeans as the store station is blasting. I’m pretty sure this is on their regular rotation. Straight up alternative rock, pretty decent but nothing special.
Workout Rating: * * * * out of 4 stars

Transmit Now – Tarantism (Let’s Go Out Tonight) / (* * 1/2 out of four stars)
Standard pop/rock. Decent singing. Somewhat substandard lyrics.
Workout Rating: * * * out of 4 stars

>> To see Fall 2009 mix with updated workout ratings, click here.