Go the Distance - Mannheim Steamroller

The world said good-bye this weekend to CHARLTON HESTON who died in his home on Saturday. Although it is unclear at this time what he died of, Heston was battling prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease for many years.

Heston, who is known for his stunning film career (Ben-Hur, Planet of the Apes, The Ten Commandments) and being the President of the National Rifle Association, has a Disney connection that not that many people are aware of. Heston was the voice of the narrator at the beginning of Hercules. It is because of this that I chose a cover of Go the Distance by MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER for today's post as a tribute to Charlton Heston's legacy.

Go the Distance Mannheim Steamroller 1999

Go the Distance - Doping Panda

Japan's indie rock scene has grown a great deal since the turn of the century. DOPING PANDA is one of the many bands that have found success in a culture flooded with JPOP. Since 2001 they have released four albums with another coming out in March.

They contributed this Hercules song for the Japanese Disney tribute album DIVE INTO DISNEY in 2002. Their rock version of Go the Distance is really great. I love what they did to the verses and the Japanese accents is very cute. I love this version far more than hearing Michael Bolton sing it. Michael Bolton = Good writer/Bad singer

There are very few Hercules covers out there but Chris requested one so I deliver! You'll hear another in a few weeks.

Have a great weekend and join me next week for Villains Week!

Go the Distance Doping Panda 2002