Simian Mobile Disco, Run: Nike+ Original Run Series
by Daniel Finn
I'm working my way through Nike's Original Run series, and somewhere along the way I'm hoping to become a runner. Or preferably a swimmer.
The problem is listening to music while swimming is a nightmare. Everything seems to require MP3 files, which isn't ideal when most of my music comes from streaming. Surely there's a better way? If anyone has figured it out, please let me know.
Anyway, for now, running wins.
This time I'm putting on Simian Mobile Disco.
The duo came out of the UK electronic scene and grew from the band Simian into a project focused on synthesizers, drum machines and live electronic performance.
In 2008, they released Run for Nike's Sport Music series. Unlike the longer 45-minute releases, this one runs for just under 28 minutes, but follows the same basic idea: a continuous piece of music designed to accompany a run rather than a collection of completely separate songs.
What I like about Simian Mobile Disco is how physical their music feels. The repetition gives you something to lock into, while the sounds gradually change around the rhythm.
After listening to a few of these, I'm starting to understand why electronic music works so well for running. There's something about a steady beat giving your body an external rhythm to follow.
Whether my body actually follows it is another question.
So, Simian Mobile Disco is up next.