Want to Enjoy Music More? Go For a Run.
Summary
Producer Lena Richards interviews former New York Times music critic Ben Ratliff about his book, "Run the Song," which explores how running transforms the act of listening to music. Ratliff shares his journey from viewing music as a tool for exercise to using running as a way to deeply engage with and understand musical works. The episode concludes with a curated five-song playlist representing each New York City borough, designed to accompany the 2024 New York City Marathon.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and show introduction
Runners in Central Park share their music choices
Sponsors and transition to interview
Ben Ratliff's background as a music critic
The crisis of listening and the Maine studio visit
Starting to run and the benefits of exercise
Running to listen better: flipping the script
Analyzing Eric Dolphy's 'The Prophet' through running
Introduction to the five-borough marathon playlist
Sponsor: New York Times election coverage
Staten Island: Wu-Tang Clan's 'It's Yours'
Brooklyn: Chic's 'Chic Cheer' and disco history
Queens: Run-DMC's 'Slow and Low' and pacing
The Bronx: Grupo Folklorico's 'Canto Ebioso'
Manhattan: Ashford & Simpson's 'Bougie Bougie'
Playlist link, book details, and credits
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