I love when I pull a song from an old playlist and remember instantly why I liked
it so much. This is one of those songs that really moves me, and seems to move
my classes as well because I have been getting a lot of great feedback about this
tune. At exactly 5 minutes, and 90 bpm, it works extremely well for a focused flat
road-at, or just under, threshold. Here is Annie Lennox singing, “Money Can”™t
Buy It” from her “Diva” CD
The song has a consistent, driving beat for an established cadence (for those of us
still riding without power and cadence meters!), but starts out softly and builds.
At 2:20, Annie drops back and gives us a wonderful cueing opportunity. I whisper
my cues here, as I am into mixing up my voice cues these days. The song then
builds like crazy, only to pull back at 4:18 until the end, once again giving us nice
cueing entrances as the road finishes.
I also just plain like the lyrics. Let me know what you think.
Other good tunes for cycling classes on the “Diva” CD:
Stay By Me 6:29 90 bpm
Legend In My Living Room 3:46 60 bpm I”™ve also used this in the past and love
this one too. Just for the title alone! This, too, has a great distinctive beat,
without being obnoxious. I always wish it was longer because I like it so much.
Walking On Broken Glass 4:13 64 bpm
I think Annie may actually be the first official white female rapper, since
the “Diva” CD dates back to 1992 and she does a kind of rap in “Money Can”™t Buy
It”.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Amy
OK, here's what you really came for...free music!
As I was sorting through the new free music available this week, in the back of my mind I was looking for something with a big interruption in the middle. A song that as it builds it takes your students to a place inside themselves. You see focused concentration from everyone. You remain quiet, letting the music do the work. And then BANG! Something unexpected happens that brings everyone back to reality - In my class that would typically mean the chase is on 🙂
The Free song for this week is Fly Away from Julius Dobos. If you're into "Tune Mapping" a song like Doug Rusho you are in for a treat! I can see using this song to simulate a Criterium race.
Song slowly builds
@1:53 in is a big push to close a gap for 17 seconds then maintain a time-trial pace...
@2:43 brief recovery while everyone assesses each other until the 3:30 WAKE UP - LOOK AROUND - but we don't go yet...
@3:47 the chase is on
Click the orange button to download. Use the other links to hear more.
Julius Dobos
"Fly Away" (mp3)
from "Transitions"
(Creative Shop Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
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Debbie Harry (Blondie) was first female rapper……methinks
I forgot about Debbie Harry! Me thinks you are right!
Hi Amy,
Wow, i’ve never seen this music video before; she looked amazing (and still does). Also, “Fly Away” is very cool –
reminds me of the 80s..
It’s really great that we IDC instructors have the freedom to choose from the many types of music for our classes.
Someday (?) this may all change — it remains to be seen what happens to the music licensing laws. I think about this from time to time…and how it will definitely affect us. We’ll see…
Thanks and rock on, Amy! 🙂
Thanks, John! I look forward to pulling “Fly Away” back out in July for some Tour de France profiles.
I agree mrwilson. Music is such a part of me and my individuality as an instructor. I would be devastated if I had to use some sort of “canned” music. Ugh. Hope the day never ever comes!