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4. “Brother John” performed by the Neville Brothers

We haven’t featured this New Orleans classic on the blog, but have sent it out on our Facebook page for Mardi Gras. Part of the Mardi Gras Indian tradition exemplified by The Wild Tchoupitoulas, “Brother John” will get you moving while lamenting this mighty “warrior’s” loss on the battlefield. The “Iko Iko” beat is a fitting follow-up to the Dead.

3. “St. James Infirmary” performed by Rising Appalachia

We just covered this performance in our recent installment on “The Unfortunate Rake” series of ballads. Rising Appalachia also dips into the New Orleans musical tradition with a performance of “St. James,” that moves through the somber and exuberant passages of a Big Easy funeral procession. And, that bass won’t quit.

2. “Who Killed Cock Robin” performed by Dana and Susan Robinson

This nursery rhyme murder ballad in others’ hands doesn’t normally get your booty shaking, but Dana and Susan Robinson bring undeniable energy in their version. They deliver musical joy despite the grim (for a child) lyrics. A tasteful bit of percussion in partnership with the Robinsons’ mandolin and guitar give this one an exuberant bent.

1. “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People

As I probably mentioned when I covered this song in a week focused on songs inspired by school shootings, we had set this song apart early on in our blog planning for “when we really sell out.” Despite being the most pop-oriented of any of the songs we list here, the infectious pop hooks from Foster the People come with deliberate intent. As one of the band members had a relative who was a survivor of the Columbine High School shooting, the band viewed the song as one to get people dancing first, listening second, and thinking third. They hoped the song would open up conversation among kids and parents, and it’s not a bad strategy for getting people invested in the song.

That’s it for our inaugural dance track list. What would you add? I’m sure we’ll come back for more later.