Friday, March 12, 2010

Song of the Week - Episode 81

For a short week here in Canberra (Monday was a public holiday) it seems to have taken forever to get to Friday!

The triathlon club had a 3 day bike camp over the weekend. Pretty challenging for all involved on a number of levels. I have to look after my knees so I went out for the Sunday ride which everyone says is the hardest. Basically it is a 43km climb from Jindabyne to Charlotte’s Pass. A 21km run around the top there and a 43km descent back home. Well, it wasn’t the best day in terms of weather but apart from that it was a lot of fun. Driving rain and wind made the whole day ‘interesting’. The climb was fine for me. I stopped three times on the way up for a quick stretch and that seemed to keep everyone entertained. 2hrs and 25 minutes (900m of elevation) of climbing got me to the start of the run. Unfortunately the weather was pretty foul so the run had to be cut short – I was sent for a 40 minute trot – wearing as many clothes as I could! After that, and a honey sandwich (secret nutritional weapon!) I headed back down the hill wearing even more gear. It was still raining and the roads were slippery so I will admit I was very conservative. However, there were a few climbs on the way home that I truly don’t remember from going the opposite way! My only bad moment was a puncture about 1500m from the end. After a couple of swear words I changed the tube and got home in time for a coffee and a jam donut! Great fun really, I’m hoping I can convince my knees to do two days next time. The social aspect of riding and training with a large group made that ride a lot easier and I’m thankful for the support of those organising the weekend as well as those cycling with me.

I took the opportunity on the drive to and from Jindabyne to check out some new tunes (well they were new to me) and a couple rate a mention in this week’s missive.

Bob Marley – I’m not really sure why I chose to listen to him but I’m glad I did. I put on the album “Uprising” which is from 1980. For me it is a pretty consistent LP and the production is great. The classic Marley drum introductions are crisp and clear. My favourite Bon Marley song of all time is on this LP – “Redemption Song”. This version is just Bob and a guitar. I admit that I hadn’t paid too much attention to the lyrics before but my interpretation is that Bob wants people to realise that freedom and happiness are perhaps looking forward more than redemption songs which look to the past. Of course, I could be totally wrong. Decide for yourself:

Bob Marley – Redemption Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-wyPaS6bZc

I also took time to listen to a band called Muse. They have a new album out called “The Resistance” and I read somewhere that they were a great rock band so I took a chance on them. Wow. I really, really like this LP. People compare them to Radiohead but I can’t see why. Radiohead never fail to annoy me with their constant droning or to put me to sleep. The first song on the Muse album was like a double shot espresso – kaboom. I reckon it sounds like a magnificent mutant mix of Marilyn Manson, Blondie and the theme from the Dr. Who TV show. It is a pretty groovy clip as well – love the teddy bears at the end.

Muse – Uprising: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8KQmps-Sog

DJ GarE sent me some tunes to check out last week and I’m working my way through them. Here’s a gem from times past that I’m glad he reminded me of. There’s a version of Tori Amos doing this song too – best avoided in my opinion – cringeworthy.

Joe Jackson – Real Men: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41FNXkY9VZY

I listened the new album by Alicia Keys as well. I only chose that because in one of his songs, Bob Dylan sings about looking for her. The jury is out on whether it is worth the purchase price so I’ll get back to you on that one. There is no doubt that she can sing and the album is very polished….but is there any substance to it? Dunno yet.

Some of my favourite sayings come from songs. For example, I often describe things as being “super fab and groovy” which is straight from a Nik Kershaw song. Or “that isn’t phat, it’s morbidly obese” from The Twelfth Man. This week’s song has a line that I often find myself thinking if not saying: “well I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you get nothin’ for nothin’ expecting win”. Rock on.

Judas Priest – Heading Out To The Highway: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54FrsBA1ki8

How absolutely fabulous were the hairstyles and costumes in that blast from 1982!!? Red leather pants – hooray! If you need a laugh then just look on YouTube for the original video for that song.

In about 1986 or 1987 I was in K-Mart with my Mum. Back in the day, K-Mart was a good place to go to buy music – a solid selection and usually the best prices. On this particular day there was a 2 for 1 deal on certain cassettes. I picked up “British Steel” and “Killing Machine” both by Judas Priest probably for about $10. A bargain indeed – they both turned out to be great albums. I always thought the album covers were pretty cool as well. Here they are: British Steel: http://www.metalkingdom.net/album/img/d37/386.jpg and Killing Machine: http://www.progboard.com/graphx/covers/7114.jpg

There is a movie with Mark Wahlberg in it (Rock Star) that is apparently based on Judas Priest and some of the stories are very Spinal Tap-esque. But JP are a great band, and one that has endured some interesting times including the whole PMRC/Tipper Gore mess of the 80s/90s. A lot of my friends were metal and hard rock fans. I’m pretty sure that none of us were or became Satan worshipping, blood drinking, misogynists. Of course, I liked Judas Priest as well because they were a metal band whose singer had short hair! He now has very little – not unlike your truly!

On a parting note – on Sunday I’m participating in “Amy’s Ride”. Amy Gillett was an Australian cyclist killed whilst training in Europe. The foundation set up in her name does great work in promoting safe cycling and understanding between motorists and cyclists. Please check out the information at http://www.amygillett.org.au/ . The ride is a fundraiser and to raise awareness of the cause. I know that at least 600 riders will be out there at this stage.

Ride clean, ride safe, ride often, ride with a helmet on, ride with friends, just ride….

DJ Rob

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