Best workout songs of 2009

I am a runner and a frequent (OK fine, infrequent … OK fine, rare) user of the nearest 24 Hour Fitness gym. Like the majority of runners and workout wonks, I refuse to hit the pavement or the treadmill without an iPod attached to my arm.

Loaded onto the iPod is a careful selection of songs designed to motivate and distract. Here’s my list of the best workout songs of 2009. All songs have been released in the past 12 months so if you’re expecting AC/DC and Van Halen, go to about.com and find a tired, irrelevant mix there.

Memories by David Guetta and Kid CuDi

Starting this off with a poppy dance song from British DJ David Guetta, with lyrics performed by Cleveland hip hop artist Kid CuDi. This song has stayed on my mix longer than any song of 2009. I think it’s because the beat is like an instant cup of espresso and steroids.

Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

You know that guy at the gym who lifts weights while he’s in jeans? He’s probably listening to something like this. He’s happy and he doesn’t care if you think he’s a big tool. This is not a workout song or a running song, but it works for me because it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits during the mid-point doldrums of that 8-mile run or 90-minute workout (or so I’ve been told. I have never actually lifted weights for 90 minutes, which is why I look like the lead singer of Deerhunter.)

Raindrops by Basement Jaxx

Another dance song, but don’t worry, this is nowhere near as annoying as the only Basement Jaxx song you’ve ever heard (Where’s My Head At?).

House of Flying Daggers by Rakewon, Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah and Method Man

This song a) has a lot of bad words and b) might qualify as hardcore rap. That means it’s not for everyone. Once you see the video, you might see the song in the same way I do: this is music for badass ninjas. Also, a Y chromosome is required to like this song.

I Start To Run by White Denim

White Denim is a band from Austin, Texas, cranking out fast-paced, raw rock songs perfect for a running mix. I highly recommend their $7.99 album “Fits” on iTunes because they include an additional 10 bonus tracks. That way you can be choosy with what you put on your mix.

1901 by Phoenix

This follows the same idea as the Edward Sharpe song: good music makes good workout music. Plus every 2009 year-end list in the world includes a Phoenix song. You could make a best of 2009 Liberian polka songs list and somehow Phoenix would end up there.

Got Nuffin by Spoon

This is one of my favorite bands of all-time. The song is a bit uncharacteristic for them with its steadiness and predictability, but it makes for a good running song. Give it a shot.

Little Secrets by Passion Pit
Like all Passion Pit songs, this is like candy for your ears.

Two Weeks (Fred Falke remix) by Grizzly Bear

Techno beats from Fred Falke and smooooooooooth vocals from Grizzly Bear? Yes, please.

My honorable mention 2009 workout songs:
“Swag Surf” by Lil Wayne
“Daily Routine” (Phaseone Remix) by Animal Collective
“Empire State Of Mind” by Jay Z
“Dancing On Our Graves” by The Cave Singers (not 2009. Don’t care. I suck at lists.)
“Jacked Rabbit” by Cheetahsaurus

The missus, also a runner and heavy gym visitor, likes a nice mix of rock, dance and pop music but leans more mainstream. Ignoring release dates, here’s her 10 favorite songs on her 52-song mix right now:

“3″ by Britney Spears
“The Reeling” by Passion Pit
“I Got No Ceilings” by Lil Wayne
“More Human Than Human” by White Zombie
“Woman” by Wolfmother
“Heads Will Roll” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
“Zero” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
“Uprising” by Muse
“No One Knows” by Queens of the Stone Age