Springing to the trails requires the right tunes

Published 5:27 pm Saturday, May 10, 2014

Spring has truly arrived, and I finally got outside for my first blissful outdoor and short-sleeved run of spring … and I promptly paid for it with one killer sinus headache. Thanks, allergies and high pollen counts.

However, there’s still little more rejuvenating than the first few outdoor runs and bike rides of spring.

Thanks to modern, listener-selected online radio stations, it’s easy to pick a Spotify or Pandora radio station based on a band and let tunes roll for a run or a ride. Here are some of my favorite band-themed stations to listen to when I’m out for a run or a bike ride:

ListenIn The Doors

Email newsletter signup

What to listen for: In my experience, The Doors online stations have produced the most consistent classic rock.

Other bands to expect: Credence Clearwater Revival, The Who, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton

 Spacemen 3

What to listen for: Even if you haven’t heard of this late 1980s, early 1990s alternative band, it makes a great, guitar-driven alternative rock/psychedelic station. There will be droning, psychedelic guitars.

Other bands to expect: Jesus Mary and Chin, Psychic Ills, Faust, Galaxie 500, Spiritualized, and The Feelies.

 The Stooges

What to listen for: Want guitar-rock with raw power and attitude instead of droning psychedelics? This is your station.

Other bands to expect: The Misfits, Patti Smith, Joy Division, and The Velvet Underground.

 My Morning Jacket

What to listen for: The nice thing about My Morning Jacket-themed stations is that they’ll play a nice variety of modern rock, from bands with a bluesy bent like the Alabama Shakes and bands with a more psychedelic-angle like the Flaming Lips. There’s a nice variety.

Other bands to expect: The Alabama Shakes, The Flaming Lips, Wilco. Delta Spirit, and M. Ward.

 TV On the Radio

What to listen for: TV On the Radio has always been my favorite running band, because their songs always boast a great beat and great energy — especially everything on their album “Dear Science.” The band’s online stations are typically no different.

Other bands to expect: Fitz and the Tantrums, White Rabbits, The War On Drugs, and of Monteal.