Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Ironman Countdown - 5 sleeps to go

This morning was my last run before heading to the west. It has been raining non-stop here in Canberra so I was rather amazed that I had a dry run with even some blue sky. I'm pretty sure my achilles has sorted itself out at last so that is an added bonus.

I really like running. As much as I enjoy time on my bike or in the pool, running gives me the most pleasure (and pain!) Running with an iPod is a relatively new thing for me. In the past I couldn't do it because I tried to run to the beat! But it has been my friend for a while now.

I tracked down some statistics via iTunes and here are 10 of my top rating running songs!!

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=735A0986E14A8ECA

I'm on the plane tomorrow so updates may not be forthcoming for a little while!

DJ Rob

Monday, November 29, 2010

Ironman Countdown - 6 sleeps to go

That's the final weekend of training done. The weather held on Saturday so we got a 3hr ride done in the morning followed up by 30mins swimming in the lake. AB and Craig disappeared but the Seppo and I sat on a bench surveying the world while we indulged in the important nutritional supplement known as ice cream!

The weather on Sunday was foul, there is no other word for it. Rain, rain and more rain. At some stage in the afternoon it eased off a bit and I was lucky enough to get a 45 min run in with my friend Al. He was kind enough to give me a loan of his bike bag. All I need to do now is get my bike into it before I have to leave for the airport on Wednesday.

Tonight I'm meant to have an easyish ride but with the rain I think I will be in the garage on the much hated home trainer. Oh well.

AB is already in Busselton making sure he gets the ensuite and checking out coffee shops for us. Hard life but someone has to do it I guess. Fingers crossed that QANTAS deliver his front wheel before too long!

And for no other reason than I totally embarrassed Zoe by knowing all the words to this song...here's a tune for you all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZFwodQVrDY

More later,
DJ Rob

Friday, November 26, 2010

Song of the Week #118

Who out there knows who Lemmy is? If you don't then get to Wikipedia right now, shame, shame, shame! Lemmy is the singer, bass player and founder of English hard rocking legends, Motorhead. A band I like a lot. But then I heard this:

Motorhead - The Ace of Spades (slow version): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjkzbCkZEuQ

All I can say is that I hope they got paid truckloads of money for doing this. It's for a beer commercial. There is a short documentary about the making of the song which is hilarious. Lemmy says at one stage, "I don't want it faster, I just don't want it as slow!" Watch that. Having said all that, the slow version does grow on you...like the warts on Lemmy's face (are they real!!??)

The original version is a classic...required listening for any guitar player.

Motorhead - The Ace of Spades: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iwC2QljLn4

And here's something completely different...a tune that I have loved since a young age done a little differently.

Epica - In The Hall Of The Mountain King: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P1lRJldRx0

Well it seems we've moved into cover versions. Fair enough. Here's one that DJ Fatboy sent through. This is a case where I think the cover is about a million times better than the original.

Disturbed - Land of Confusion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV4oYkIeGJc

And now we have the opposite. The original of a song I first heard as a cover version. Anthrax did this song and I liked it. But the original is just amazing, here you go;

The Temptations - Ball Of Confusion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWtIvoub6XU

Pretty funky? And so we move on. Maybe not too far though. My brother gave me the CD this next song is on years ago. I didn't really get into it for about a year, it just took time to grow on me I suppose. Extreme is the band and they fuse together a whole lot of styles. Sometimes they are a bit sickly sweet for my liking but this next track is just right. Gary Cherone sang briefly with Van Halen and Nuno Bettencourt is simply an amazing guitar player. For lovers of Queen, Hendrix and the Everly Brothers.

Extreme - Rest In Peace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odz3c68JE1c

It isn't a far stretch from Extreme to KISS. This week I found a number of young people who had no idea who KISS were. This next clip sorted that out. Check the make up on the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra!!

KISS - Rock And Roll All Nite (live): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwMcGEYLSbk

That looks like the party to end ALL parties! The DVD of the show is fantastic.

OK, so we've moved into the tapering section of training for Ironman. Basically sessions that are shorter but maintain intensity. Only one week and a day until the race. Wow, can't quite believe I've made it this far. I fly out for Western Australia on Weds morning with DJ Prez and then we go to the Ironman Big Brother House in Busselton with MC AB and the rest of the entourage. I will admit that I feel pretty fit and ready mentally for the big day but I am a bit nervous. The gun goes off at about 7am and the course closes 17hrs later. Who knows what will happen in that time! The 3.8km swim is up one side of the Busso Pier and back down the other. After that there is 180km of flat riding (3 x 60km loops) and I'm really hoping the wind stays away. The good thing is that the ride is like a rolling buffet - you have to eat and drink quite a bit to keep your body going. After that, let's say 6.5 hours of riding if I'm lucky, it is only a short matter of a 42km run to the finish and the medal.

This song isn't really about anything to do with Ironman but I am going out west, even if it is a different west. This is a great song from two great Australian singers. Any, yes, it is a cover!

Blundell and Reyne - Way Out West: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb9SbC_PGuU

Next week I'll be coming to you from Busselton I hope. You can keep up with all the pre-Ironman exploits including the goings on in the Big Brother Ironman House on the blog if you are interested.

Hoo Roo,

DJ Rob

Friday, November 19, 2010

Song of the Week #117

Another Royal Wedding? Oh whoop de do. Who cares? Nice for the happy couple I guess. It really would be a step forward get the monarchy out of our country and our political system. We don't need them and they most certainly don't need us. Change the flag at the same time. Australia's flag makes us look like Great Britain at night (Ben Elton said that). Let's not deny our heritage here in Australia but recognise that we've moved on. At least they're not inbreeding this time.

I'm glad that the weather here in Canberra has finally warmed up. It is really, really groovy to get out of bed in the morning and not have to put on thirteen layers of clothes to go cycling! Speaking of cycling and all things Ironman, this is the last big weekend of training, and probably not before time! The race numbers were published during the week and I'm #577 - everyone will need that to track my progress online during the race - ha ha!

The race is in Busselton in Western Australia and the temperature there has been in the 30s recently. Hot, hot, hot! Being wonderfully fair skinned I've bought some arm coolers (the opposite of arm warmers) which provide UV protection. And having little or no hair I'll be needing to wear something under my helmet as well. The next big trick is going to be packing up the bike for air travel! Luckily I have some experienced friends to help me out.

I had the pleasure of seeing Zoƫ playing in a jazz band last week. Pretty fantastic. And she danced as well which was a surprise. She seems to have avoided inheriting my lack of natural dance talent...luckily! Here's a version of one of the tunes they did:

The Ventures - Secret Agent Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8IJLfD9VIY

And, there was another band that attempted this song. They were only kids and I reckon they did a pretty good job of a tough tune...

Muse - Knights of Cydonia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_sBOsh-vyI

I've been watching a bit of this next show on TV. It seems to be one of the few shows from my youth that stands up today. Still amusing to watch. And this is a KILLER theme tune. Great guitar work.

Theme from Magnum PI: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fdzRnS3VuY

And then this is just plain weird...I found a whole lot of TV themes that had been redone with pretty cool loud guitars. Here's a taster.

Sylvain Cloux - Theme from Knight Rider: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDs3GItNPo8

This week I was talking to some people about humour in music. Of course this next artist came up, how could he not...

Weird Al Yankovic - Gump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDR3HqjrzXk

That video is awesome as well - a great rip off of the original as well as the Forrest Gump movie. Sam Kinison sprung to mind but I couldn't find anything appropriate for my wide audience...

I went to a funeral yesterday for a colleague. Funerals are never easy but I remain astounded at how well some people hold it together. Chris' 84 year old Father spoke at the service and was just amazing. This song was played before it all started. It has been a favourite of mine for years and I guess it will have special meaning from now on. Au Revoir Chris.

The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQKcpmnRsP0

But after all that we get to the song of the week. I'm not a huge fan of eletronica, house music, techno or whatever you want to call it. But this version of a New Order song was great. I was reminded of it the other day when someone described an event as bizarre. Interesting how the brain links words, thoughts and music.

Frente - Bizarre Love Triangle - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ1c9ErCn7w

Mango...it makes a man go.

DJ Rob

Friday, November 12, 2010

Song of the Week #116

Are you sitting comfortably? No? Too bad. Here we go.

Ronnie James Dio died a while back and this week a double live CD from him was released. The CDs cover two shows at Donington in England, one in '83 and one in '87. I've had a preview listen and they are just great. Any fan of good rock music would do well to shell out some cash for this release.

Dio - Heaven and Hell(live): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhwCy-fYtg4

Also recently released is a new CD from hardcore legends Suicidal Tendencies. I may have told the story before but, in my final year of school a friend loaned me their first album. It was on red vinyl which I thought was beyond cool! But, 22 years later, I'm still addicted to it! I wore out a cassette copy years ago and now it plays regularly on my iPod or on CD. The latest CD, "No Mercy Fool/TheSuicidal Family" is well worth a listen. Great production, great sounds and attitude to spare. This song is from their first album. It always reminds me of the Dead Kennedy's song, Police Truck.

Suicidal Tendencies - Fascist Pig: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erTLYlgHTn8

If, like me, you're subjected to Glee on TV on a weekly basis you've probably heard a version of this song recently. They didn't butcher it too badly but the original is just awesome. Listen to the lyrics. They matter.

En Vogue - Free Your Mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tIYpvlQP_s

Apparently, the Miles Davis album "Bitches Brew" is to jazz what Sgt Pepper's was to rock and roll. Well the 40th Anniversary Edition has just come out so you can all make up your own mind. Have a listen, I'm still not sure about it myself!

Miles Davis - Bitches Brew: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fytOvlJ0MrY

I'm not really sure where my head is after that tune. Somewhere else.

DJ WatzOn impressed on me the need to play a certain song by The Chieftans to mark Remembrance Day. But in looking for it I found this. My favourite Bob Marley song redone...WOW!

Ziggy Marley & The Chieftans - Redemption Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnJgIq48C9k

This week I was interviewed by MC HB for an online triathlon magazine. It was all about Ironman and you can read it here if you like: http://www.triathlontribe.com/article/post/show/id/39-Ironman-WA-The-countdown-is-on


One question asked about my favourite training song. This is it. Again, lyrics and attitude are everything.

Rollins Band - Shine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAXL4R_keTY

I've copped a small amount of flak for my comments about Lionel Richie in last week's ramblings. I love the internet. Anonymous keyboard commandos are everywhere. Anyway, for the record, Lionel is cool, The Commodores are cool, and this is the best ever version of one of their songs.

Faith No More - Easy (Like Sunday Morning): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOdr9FiNZoQ

That is an AWESOME guitar solo!

Here comes Summer!!

DJ Rob

Friday, November 5, 2010

Song of the Week #115

This is a pretty cool edition as we have a couple of guest presenters. Anyone out there is welcome to contribute. Instead of sending me jokes and Nigerian money scams feel free to suggest a song along with your reason for its selection.

DJ Randwick sent me an article this week about Ironman. It was a good read and it also quoted this song. He's probably never heard it but it is a bona fide Motown classic and a tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. Betcha Lionel Richie wishes he was still in the band when they did this one! This song reminds me of a pool room at the house next door in NZ. It must've been big on the radio when I was spending some time there.

Commodores - Nightshift: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrkEDe6Ljqs&ob=av2e

Smooooooth!

MC HB suggested this next track. She's a runner, triathlete and cyclist and has used this in the past as her "pump-up song". The original version was a favourite at the roller disco when I was at high school (and MC HB was in nappies I guess!!)

Unique II - Break My Stride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khmqDEz6TRk

And the original....

Matthew Wilder - Break My Stride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY41o-iZStI

This one isn't really a request, but some of my students thought it was pretty cool and I have to agree. Great video clip - looks like they put on one helluva live performance. And there are so many obvious links to 80's rock!

30 Seconds To Mars - Closer To The Edge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLqHDhF-O28

I have no idea why I thought of this next artist. I was listening to a Redgum LP that my brother had bought second hand and posted to me when Kutcha Edwards popped into my sphere of consciousness. Kutcha is a great singer with an amazing voice. This is a great rendition of a Paul Simon song.

Kutcha Edwards - Mother & Child Reunion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E856hnjKRTw

Only 4 weeks now until Ironman. I was asked today why I was doing it. One reason is that in the past I have been guilty of opting out when things got really tough. Ironman is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. I did a swim last week in foul conditions. After 200m I had been kicked, swallowed some lake water and was seasick. I wanted to turn around, go back to shore and slink home quietly. But I sat up in the water, swore at the wind and rain, vomited and then swam the next 2km feeling awesome. Am I insane? Probably. Will I give up? No.

This morning I got some very sad news. A close friend of mine has been battling cancer. Last I heard it was all good and she had sent me a text from a holiday she was on. Today I got a call telling me she has a couple of days to live. Of course I went to see her right away. There's not much I could say but we chatted away while she had some energy. It was a very sobering and distressing experience. Cancer is such an unfair and indiscriminate killer. I had other songs planned this week but they can wait. This one's for you Chris. Thanks for being my friend.

Queen - Friends Will Be Friends: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AIlz08fZos

See you next week folks.

DJ Rob