Not a profound New Year entry

I may yet write something substantive with reflections re: the date ending in a different digit, but I have reason to suspect that if I do, it will be melancholy, and right now, I’d rather go for frivolity.

So let me tell you about my dumb problem. No, really, it is a dumb problem.

I have playlist block. Specifically, I have workout playlist block.

I know there are fabulous songs out there that would help increase my heart rate on the elliptical trainer or get me through one more set of curls.

Yet I end up resorting to songs that have been on my workout mix since said mix was on cassette (seriously): Beastie Boys, Fishbone, Ramones, Dead Kennedys, Misfits, Red Hot Chili Peppers. Etc.

And it’s not that I don’t have newer music! I do! Modest Mouse, Franz Ferdinand, Eagles of Death Metal, Franz Ferdinand, M.I.A., the Gossip, Okkervil River. Etc.

But when I scroll through my library, I’m paralyzed: is this song fast enough? Will it sound good next to that one? “Just put a lot of songs on; if you don’t like one, you can skip it,” says practical Steve. But! But! Which songs??

Guide me, Internet friends. Favorite fast workout songs? Songs that start slow and get faster are good, too.