Just Do What?

Nike’s iTunes-exclusive Original Run series offers 45-minute compositions written by acclaimed artists designed for working out. But I’m not buying it. When LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy unveiled his running regime 45:33, I was all ready to break a sweat. But after hearing it, I wasn’t exactly making a beeline for the treadmill. A persistent, solid piece of electrofied disco and funk, the wonky tempos and erratic timeline really only suited its composer’s routine, not mine. All Day, the recent third entry in the series by Aesop Rock, has the same problem: fascinating concept and great execution, but unproductive in its goal — unless I’m supposed to adjust my workout to meet his impossible pacing. As great as the music and iTunes directly installing a "Workout” folder into my library is, I’m sticking with the C&C Music Factory and 2Unlimited to get my heart racing.