Fall is a time of both nostalgia and renewal. It’s also a time of many marathons – and with these two themes on the horizon we thought the time was right for a fresh playlist, yes?

We’re clearly not the only ones reflecting because the new music out right now is something of a mid-2000’s renaissance. The Killers, Bloc Party, Young Jeezy, Stars…all we need now is for The Postal Service to come out with some fresh tracks and the revival will be complete (while we’re thinking of it, that’s not such a bad idea, Ben Gibbard *cough cough*). The best part is that along with all of these old faves, the trend in new music has a suspiciously 90’s feel. I think it’s time for me to rescue my Sophie B. Hawkins t-shirt because I smell a movement.

run into fall marathon playlist

1/ grimes - genesis
Warning: this song is kind of weird but in the BEST way. Originally from Vancouver, Grimes went to university in Montreal, enrolled in some Russian Literature classes (honestly, I can’t make this stuff up) and discovered along the way that she’s a musical wunderkind. Take that, Crime & Punishment!

2/ the killers – flesh and bone (jacques lu cont remix)
Brandon Flowers and the boys are back with yet another album filled with soaring rock anthems. They’re touring this fall through North America…go see them if you get a chance. It’s worth it.

3/ air traffic controller – you know me
The best new female voice in indie music since Jade Castrinos came bursting into the mainstream singing “home is where I’m with you” for Edward Sharpe (and 100,000,000 YouTubers). This group is going to get up to big things, mark my words.

4/ pretty lights – hot like sauce
Samples from every genre of music are layered over a sweet beat to create a curiously enjoyable sound (Pretty Lights kind of remind me of some of the old trip-hop groups from the 90’s). This song is perfect for grinding out a long hill in the middle of your race.

5/ moon boots – got somebody
This is one of those songs that doesn’t seem monumental when you first hear it…and yet it gets under your skin and makes your iTunes “Top 25” list out of NOWHERE. Have I mentioned the 90’s are back?

6/ calvin harris – sweet nothing featuring florence welch
The reigning king of electro collaborates with everyone’s favourite ethereal rock star, Florence Welch. This track kind of feels familiar but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing; filled with soaring vocals, sweet beats and bass drops, “Sweet Nothing” is perfect for finding an extra gear just when you need it.

7/ miguel – kaleidoscope dream
“Sure Thing” was the come-out-of-nowhere surprise hit of 2011. Miguel has gone back, studied his dad’s Isley Brothers records and made a really badass new album. Jump on it.

8/ stars – hold on when you get love and let go when you give it
Canadian duo Stars are back after a hiatus and they sound just as sweet (and a wee bit less emo) as before. Put this puppy on when you seen the finish line – your heart will rise right out of your chest.

9/ muse – madness
I’m not sure if I’m excited about the new Muse album or if they’ve jumped the proverbial leap into self-indulgent prog-rock territory (and not in the awesome Meatloaf way). That being said, just because it’s not “Stockholm Syndrome” doesn’t mean that it sounds like Savage Garden (or does it?!) I’ll let you be the judge.

Getting race ready for the half-marathon in SanFran this weekend? Check out our Grant Ave store event, A Night in Neon, to celebrate all those kms you've clocked.