Long May You Run
I have always admired athletes and always dreamt of being one. This past year, for the umpteenth time in my life I returned to my favourite bittersweet activity: running. After a winter of spending hours at the gym imitating a human hamster on a trend mill I have finally been able to get outside come rain or come shine, the asphalt solidly under my feet, and music my ever faithful companion blasting away on my iPod. People usually take up running with the idea of losing weight or getting into shape. I took up running so I could listen to music... to have that one moment of the day where I could be my own DJ playing whatever I want to hear with no interruptions and above all no futile comments. So last Sunday as I was participating in my first 12k race, I didn’t feel so alone as the majority of the runners sped off at the starting line leaving me behind. I didn't mind. I had The Chaos by The Futureheads to keep me company.
If you listen to this jam-packed musical energy, this CD will have your heart rate racing in no time. It's almost like the realization that you have sat down in a seat of a roller coaster and it's too late to get off. You’re sucked into the speed of its guitars riffs while being thrown in the middle of a back-and-forth surround sound of vocals. The idea of chaos doesn't come into play. Everything sounds crisp, catchy and distinct. Just when you wonder where a song is taking you, it finishes with a screeching halt. That is why this CD is fabulous to listen to while running: The tracks are short, the majority under three minutes leaving no time for boredom. You only have a few seconds between tracks to take a deep breath and pick up your running pace until the next song begins.
After you've warmed up and your legs understand that you're in this to win, simply press play and be inspired by the opening chant “5,4,3,2,1, LET’S GO!”. of the first track "The Chaos” .The tempo, and above all the lyrics like "Get on your marks, look up to the skies, Up, up and away, let's travel at the speed of light" almost convince you that you can do anything. The phenomenal drumbeat of "I Can Do That" comes in handy half-way through the race. It's repetitive and positively addictive even puts a smile on your face as you sing the refrain to yourself as you head towards the last kilometers. Finally, with the finish line not too the far off in the distance "The Sun Goes Down" comes on. Its almost soothing beginning helps you to concentrate on mustering up the last strength you have, but its ever-growing crescendo gives you that last burst of energy you need to you cross the finish line, completing your endeavor sweaty, out of breath, but amazingly satisfied.
The Chaos might not help you to win a marathon but it’s a fun, unpretentious, studio perfect CD in the true style of the Futureheads. So if you’re looking to update your iPod with pure energy, look no further.
Karin Andrea Halliwell
www.thefutureheads.co.uk/
www.myspace.com/thefutureheads
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