Young Mountain is perfect. It is the perfect blend of quiet and loud, of rising and falling, of fast and slow. The six-song debut album from Texas post-rock band This Will Destroy You leaves the listener yearning for much more, even after the final note has faded. The band departs from traditional post-rock conventions of fifteen-minute songs by creating an album that lasts only 36 minutes. But they make every minute count. They start quiet, but build-up quickly, filling the tracks with intensity.

I absolutely love this album, my favorite track being The World is Our _____. I used it for my stretch challenge.

 This Will Destroy You - The World is Our  (6.5 MiB)

Virginia’s Gregor Samsa released their third album, Rest, back in 2008. Although not their best piece of work, it’s still a beautiful album that captivates the listener’s attention. My favorite track is the first, called The Adolescent. The chimes combine with the soothing vocals to start the album off wonderfully. I always imagine a teenager running through a field at dusk with fireflies lighting up everywhere.

I used this song as part of my stretch challenge because it is so calming and relaxing.

 Gregor Samsa - The Adolescent  (8.1 MiB)

And oh so tired of being sick.

That’s the start to Taking Back Sunday’s 2002 debut album, Tell All Your Friends. I realize this album is 8 years old, but it’s still catchy as hell and serves as great running music. The upbeat songs make for excellent sing-along moments. But the main reason I still listen to this album is because it brings back so many fun-filled memories of growing up, making mistakes, and finding your place in life.

“You Know How I Do” has been the song to start off my daily 5K runs, and I think it’ll stay that way for awhile.

I highly recommend adding a good portion of Tell All Your Friends to your workout playlist, but at the very least, add this song.

 Taking Back Sunday - You Know How I Do  (5.7 MiB)