Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tasty Beverage of the Week
This brew by Dogfish Head is mellow and extremely drinkable. A great introductory beer for friends who are unsure about craft beers. The finish reminds me of vanilla, and leaves me craving another glass. The mouthfeel is smooth, with minimal hoppy bitterness. At just 5% ABV, I assume I can enjoy my share and still feel good about being at work at 8am tomorrow.
"This is our original brew and our most approachable beer. It's brewed with a premium barley and whole-leaf Glacial & Warrior hops. Our Shelter Pale Ale has a fine malt backbone and a slightly nutty flavor. A versatile, quaffable beer. The Shelter Pale Ale is available exclusively in the Mid-Atlantic region... Food Pairing recommendations: Great with burgers, pizza, earthy mushrooms, hummus & cheese."
Let's Go State!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tasty Beverage of the Week
Ratebeer.com gives it an overall score of 99 out of 100. "A dry stout brewed with Sumatra Mandeling coffee. This ale combines the smooth dryness of an Irish stout with the aroma and flavor of a bold coffee. This stout is nitro-poured for a delicious creamy taste."
Traditionally, I drink coffee in the morning, and beer in the evening. Who knew I could do both at the same time? The perfect breakfast beer. The perfect evening coffee. Worlds are colliding.
My plan for the evening is to watch the Steelers play the Rams at one of the "Top 50 Places to Have a Pint" in the country. My only concern is how many other people have the same plan...
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Top 20 Albums of 2007
Phase 1: Find the newest releases. This was accomplished with the help of Sirius Channel 26, music blogs and friends, magazines, and Amazon. I read everything I could about artists I had never heard of.
Phase 2: Listen to entire albums to determine their overall and lasting impression. Sometimes this was done intentionally and on purpose. But I have long been extremely passionate about music, so music is the soundtrack to my daily activities. I generally listen to music while driving, working around the house, running and exercising, grilling on the deck, enjoying tasty beverages with friends, at the pool in Duck, and sitting at the computer. Some albums are tough to make it the whole way through. Some encourage repeat listenings over and over again. Some of these albums became routine favorites completely by accident. All of them remind me of people, places, trips, food, beverages, dogs, weather, and the other adventures that make up my existance.
I've thought alot about how I will feel about this list next year, or five years from now, or 40 years from now. But I think that's part of the fun. Will I be embarrassed by my choices or impressed with my ability to sort through the commercial crap to find true art? But enough already, let's see the list- in no particular order, followed by the top 5!
- The National - Boxer: I heard them on LOC, but it was Gus's stories and passion for the band that made me listen until I understood. "You were always weird but I never had to hold you by the edges like I do now."
- Amy Winehouse - Back to Black: Soul sounds that remind me of a time before I was born. And then a train crash that you can't stop watching.
- Bright Eyes - Cassadega: Wow. I've always respected his songwriting, but this album, to me, is a standout.
- The Good, the Bad, and the Queen: Supergroups sometimes suck (see Velvet Revolver), but this is for reals.
- Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank: Complicated and intense. Equal parts radio-friendly pop rock and melting, crashing oblivion.
- Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris: Great for running on a hot summer day. Hard rock that doesn't suck. This album made me dig into their back catalog, and I like what I've heard. How was I not a fan before?
- Wilco - Sky Blue Sky: Great classic rock - mellow and jammy. Fleeting moments of Allman Brothers greatness.
- The New Pornographers - Challengers: Phenomenal pop music. It reminds me of driving through Virginia in the sun on the way to a hurricane. "Here is the mutiny I promised you, and here is the party it turned into."
- Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger: Halloweenhead rules. Period. And the rest of the album is one you can just put on and let play. Again.
- Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight: Jenny Lewis moans her best fake orgasm Ah, Ah, Ah... Oh Yeah. I never heard of them until they graced the cover of Spin. Another great pop album, which also encouraged me to listen to their earlier efforts. I'm a fan.
- Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Baby 81: This is definitely not what I expected after seeing the name of the band. It's classic guitar-driven hard rock. I was afraid, but not anymore.
- Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer: Psychedelic insanity mixed with Prince. It has so much going on at once. These guys would be fun to see live. I've seen pictures of some interesting stage setups and costumes.
- Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil: Also a band I would like to see live - from a distance. They remind me of punk with a Beach Boys twist.
- Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block: Catchy tunes you can whistle. Some are annoyed, but I love it.
- Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog: Soft and intense. Incredible songwriting. Just listen to it.
#5 Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga: I've been waiting for this since 2005's Gimme Fiction. Great rock and roll music. Reminds me of summertime evenings just before dusk.
#4 The Bees - Octopus: Loads of fun that will release your inner hippie. Rockin' reggae funky grooves. You may want to dance around a little.#3 LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver: It took me several listenings to understand this, but I knew it was worth the effort. Modern-day genius. My most common choice for running. Just thinking about the beats makes me want to lace up my shoes, but it's snowing.
#2 Radiohead - In Rainbows: It's what I'm listening to right now. Disc 1 is awesome. Disc 2 is awesome. Everyone should listen to this album. Alot. Radiohead has been redefining music in the modern context since day one. Never mind the revolutionary online release for no predetermined fee. The songwriting is stuff no one else imagines. "Wakey wakey rise and shine."
#1 Band of Horses - Cease to Begin: Gus introduced me to their previous album. Band of Horses is like a cross between Neil Young, My Morning Jacket, and The Black Crowes. It's my favorite bands all wrapped into one. Haunting yet comforting. I can listen to this nonstop. It may not be as revolutionary or complicated as In Rainbows, but it's intense and pure. Straight up rock and roll from Seattle with a southern twist. This album could have been released any time during the last 40 years. It's universal.
So there you have it. RatBat Bear's Top 20 of 2007. Many albums deserve honorable mention nods, so here are a few: Interpol, M.I.A., Mark Ronson, Feist, Arcade Fire, The White Stripes, Bruce Springsteen, Great Lake Swimmers, Justice, Lifesavas and Clutch.
I can't wait for next year!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Tasty Beverage of the Week
The reason I have had several bottles of Bass recently is because some (otherwise) great restaurants lack variety and selection when it comes to pale ales. Specifically, Prospector's and The Tavern. Why do they choose to serve Bass? Is it because it's imported and everyone has heard of it? I think I probably answered my own question. This is probably also why it's overpriced.
Regardless, apparently the "red triangle" was England's first registered trademark. The logo has appeared countless times through history in many different contexts.
I can't really recommend Bass based on a unique or interesting flavor. It doesn't impress me a whole lot. Nonetheless, when I go back to those particular establishments, I'll probably order another Bass. If you've never had it, give it a whirl. It's a classic English Pale Ale.
But I think I prefer our American version. The good ol' U.S. of A.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Tasty Beverage of the Week
As I once previously mentioned, my wife and I honeymooned in Burlington, VT. It's a beautiful, fun-filled town (actually quite reminiscent of Happy Valley, but with a huge lake). South Burlington is the home to the Magic Hat brewery. I can't describe how much fun the place is. A great atmosphere, and everyone that works there seems to love what they do. But who wouldn't? The trip to VT would not have been complete without a pilgrimage to Ben and Jerry's and Magic Hat. We went to Ben and Jerry's one afternoon; we went to Magic Hat every single day. At that time, they had several offerings on tap that are not available around these parts: Humble Patience, Mother Lager, Single Chair Ale, Jinx, Fat Angel, and Blind Faith (my favorite of all time) to name a few. I brought home several cases worth from that adventure, but it soon ran out.
Before you could buy Magic Hat locally, I drove to Corning, NY to purchase a few cases (it was less than an hour out of the way on the trip home from a Keuka Lake winery mission). Soon after, bars and distributors began to carry the elixers in my hometown.
But enough about the past, let's talk about Odd Notion. A limited edition seasonal brew available in the Feast of Fools variety case.
- The Beer Advocates say: "Odd Notion (Winter '07) is a dark wheat ale that's tagged as an "English Ale," but brewed with 50% malted wheat, pale malts, dark-candy sugar, chocolate and Munich malts, and lightly hopped with Hersbrucker... Pours a dark brown brew with ruby hues and a thick, creamy, tight off-white lace with good stick and retention. Soft fruity and floral aromas with pear and chocolate, a nutty edge and a subtle drop of toffee. Quite smooth; creamy and medium-bodied with a rolling even feel on the palate. Up-front there's a slightly tangy raisin flavor that introduces a flash of hop bitterness, leafy tannins, a grassy bite and floral back. Malt pulls through for some balance with roasted nuts and caramel, with raw cookie dough action and lingering chocolate-cake characters. Alcohol becomes noticeable as things warm up; it first hides among a complexity of spices, but slightly sugary candy notes soon give its presence away. Astringent, husky and tannic towards the finish, leaving behind a bone-dry and wanting palate... Odd Notion is definitely one of the more interesting, complex and drinkable experimental brews to come out of Magic Hat. It runs from smooth to coarse, from sweet to dry, from light to heavy, with changing flavors in each sip. It's a great ride that leaves food-pairing possibilities wide open. For instance, goat cheese with chocolate drizzle and dried date accompaniment sounds good right about now—wrap it in bacon and bake it, even better."
- You can't taste the alcohol, so it goes down smooth and easy.
- It packs one hell of a punch, so by the time you realize you had too many, it may be too late! Odd Notion feels stronger than 7.5% to me. (Kind of in the same way that Jagermeister feels stronger than it is.)
Odd Notion is not necessarily the best beer I've ever had, but one of the most interesting nonetheless. Don't miss your chance to experience this cold weather treat - get your Feast of Fools today!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Finally, Some Exciting News!
Band of Horses' Cease to Begin may be the best album of 2007 (not to ruin any suspense for the highly anticipated RatBat Bear Top 20 of 2007 List). Check out this video from the record release party at Easy Street Records, Queen Anne, Seattle, WA, October 08, 2007.
Anyone able to join me on January 24? Tickets go on sale December 7, so don't dilly-dally!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tasty Beverage of the Week
"Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale represents a time honored tradition of brewing a special beer for the holiday season. There are generous portions of barley malts and fine whole hops of several varieties, creating a brew with a full, rich and hearty character."
Celebration Ale is the perfect brew to warm up with after coming in from the windy cold of early winter. There's not yet enough snow to snuggle up with a Murphy's Irish Stout, and the blood oranges are not yet in season to add to a Blue Moon. I've been eyeing up the Celebration Ale for a few weeks now, but I knew it had to wait until after Turkey Day. (Which reminds me - the Beaujolais Nouveau was extremely disappointing with the big feast. I didn't even finish one glass. And I usually tend to drink wine like it's my job once I get started.) Thanksgiving was barely over, so I knew it was time to pick up a case.
Todd, the Beer Advocate, says: "Dreamy. So smooth. So rich. So fortified with malt goodness. So hoppy. At first there's a creamy feel on the palate, that then opens up to toasty, sweet malt flavours. A bold herbal hop runs rampid on the palate with a semi-prickly, puckering, lemon-rind quality. After a few more mouthfulls the brew begins to warm the body, and you can really feel the alcohol kick in. Finishes a bit dry with grain/husk flavours, and some breadiness as it warms... At 6.8% this is one hell of a Winter seasonal! Warms the body and soul. A brew for hop heads too. One of the best Winter Seasonals that I have ever had, and one of the best Strong Ales. Drink with caution as this brew will kick your ass."
Although I would agree to the claim that it is "perfect for a festive gathering or for a quiet evening at home", I wouldn't go so far as to agree with the San Fransisco Chronicle writer who calls it the "best beer ever made in America".
Monday, November 26, 2007
Recent Discoveries
- The new album by The Hives, The Black and White Album, sounds great. Who knew Swedish garage-punk was so cool? I'm a fan.
- Speaking of garage, I must plug Little Steven's Underground Garage - Sirius Channel 25. For almost a whole year, I didn't switch my radio away from Left of Center. But variety is the spice of life, so lately I've been going back and forth between these two channels. I'm provided with the best of both worlds: the best new music, and the pioneers who got us to this point.
- Good news for Gus - Paste magazine picks The National's Boxer as #1 album of the year. Thanks to Stereogum for providing the access.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Tasty Beverage of the Week - Thanksgiving Edition
Each year, the vintners race to be the first to deliver their "primeur" product to the marketplace. French law does not allow the product to be released prior to midnight on the third Thursday of November. Due to limited production quantities, consumers then race to get their share.
Mine made it to the shelves of the state liquor store in the middle of Pennsylvania by that Thursday afternoon. When I went to purchase the Georges Duboeuf at 7:00pm Friday evening, only four bottles were left from the initial 15 case shipment. I bought all four. Since I'm not particularly patient, I busted open the first bottle that evening. But I plan to consume another with the bird this afternoon.
It may not be the greatest wine I've ever tasted, but the excitement surrounding its release makes it almost as much fun as a trip to the Finger Lakes.
So anyway... Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Tasty Beverage of the Week
Monday, November 12, 2007
Best Rock Album of the 90's?
If I listened to amorica once, I must have listened to it a thousand times during my later high school and early college years. I picked up my first copy on cassette during a trip to Las Vegas. Everything about the album appealed to me (including the cover art from the July 1976 issue of Hustler). It is truly classic rock at its finest.
I would love to recommend the entire catalog of Crowes music to you, but at the very least pick up amorica and The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion.
In the meantime, check out this video for "A Conspiracy" from the 1994 album amorica.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Tasty Beverage of the Week
The overall score on Beer Advocate is a 91-Outstanding. Jason states: "A super hoppy brew with a puckering dryness that I would only put up against the sharpest of cheddars. A hop heads delight without a doubt."
It comes in an unassuming brown cardboard case. The 7% ABV could scare away the uninitiated, but don't be afraid. I am thoroughly enjoying my case of this specimen from Bell's Brewery in Michigan.
The only opportunity I've had to share one with a friend, however, did not lead to similar results. It is quite bitter and has a strong alcohol flavor. So be forewarned... It's for reals!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Magic
The raucaus opening track "Radio Nowhere" and the mental-picture-painting "Girls in Their Summer Clothes" are standouts.
Glide Magazine's review of the 10/17 show at MSG hits the nail on the head:
"The ten-piece E Street Band is indeed a cast of characters, each one personally defined and worthy of their own charms. Guitarist Steven Van Zandt and saxophonist Clarence Clemons are Springsteen foils that hold it down from the wings while The Boss works his own magic over the crowd. From front to back, Springsteen hand-delivers a little piece of himself to every single person in the house. He lets you know that he knows you're there, and he appreciates it immensely. Springsteen's true gift is how he is able to speak his mind without condescension, without judgment of his fellow man, and with a true message of hope. It is reasons like these that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band remains timeless after all these years."
Bruce Springsteen truly is American Music History 35 years in the making. Several years ago, I was given tickets to see him play PNC Park in Pittsburgh. I gave them away because I had to work at 8:00 the next morning. Looking back on it, I should have given up sleep that night and braved the 6 hour round trip, because I may never get such a great opportunity (especially for free) again. And Max Weinberg rules.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Tasty Beverage of the Week
Weyerbacher is made in Easton, PA - gotta support the Pennsylvania brewers. Hops Infusion is crafted using 7 different kinds of hops.
To quote Beer Advocate's review: "Egats! Hops are imploding over taste buds! Mellow medium body, very smooth on the tongue with a lower level of carbonation. Hops, hops and hops ... they go from juicy fruit and citric rind to herbal and earthy with flowery flavour throughout. Hop oil is sweet and overly expressive, tastes of fresh hop tea. Malt is nearly nonexistent other than the mouth feel, they are pretty much masked by the hop's clout. Some fruit esters punch a small hole into the flavour threshold, a very small hole that is. Bitterness is up there but this is more of a hop flavour ale than an overly bitter ale. Complexity of the hops makes the mind go a tad towards madness. This beer never really has an end and has an everlasting finish, it just keeps lingering with hops.... Well, well, well aren't we the little hop bastard of the bunch, delicate but strong. Hop addicts will get a soothing fix of this one, only ballsy beer drinkers should attempt to drink Hop Infusion."
I've always considered Beer Advocate to be THE authority on beer, and this review is a great one.
Someday soon when I'm feeling brave, I look forward to trying some of Weyerbacher's other strong ales.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
When #1 Comes to Happy Valley
Last night's loss to the Buckeyes was especially painful because my tickets to the game were in the visitor section. I had just enough tasty beverages to make the hostile surroundings interesting, but not enough to get myself arrested.
When the Nittany Lions had the lead, it was glorious. There would not have been a better seat in the house if we could have pulled off the upset.
But when Ohio State began to dominate, the second largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history became much quieter. That is except for the drunken asses dressed in red who surrounded me. They became much louder and profane in their celebration. My flask of bourbon was not enough to make it seem okay.
It was definitely an experience I will not forget.
This video has nothing to do with last night's game, and the Ohio State fan pictured is nothing like the jagoffs I met yesterday. But this is much better than watching highlights from the game.
And no, I absolutely do not like Ohio State now.
Oh yeah, it's probably NSFW.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tasty!
Several interesting coincidences led to my revived interest in craft brewed beer:
- Late night shuffleboard with Jameson Irish Whiskey caused a 36 hour unpleasantness, thus halting my desire to consume any form of liquor. Luckily, this came after summertime, so I had several months to enjoy Palomas in the sun.
- Gus blogged about the top 5 ranked beers in 6 different categories. I woke up from my tasteless light beer phase. The lack of Magic Hat's inclusion from the lists led to disgust, and then...
- My bottle cap from a Fat Angel said "You're a Winner", which I came to find out means I get a free t-shirt! This happened almost 3 years to the day from my trip to Burlington with my wife for our honeymoon. That week we stopped at the Magic Hat Brewery each afternoon to pick up a growler of fresh suds.
- Pletcher's, our local beer distributor, carries an excellent selection of hoppy ales. I started with Dogfish Head 60 Minute I.P.A., followed by a Stoudt's Variety Pack, and then a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
Now my only problem is the 14 crappy Labatt Blue cans and the 2 Bud Lights that are wasting valuable space in my refrigerator. Should I take them out? Should I try to feed them to someone else? Should I just drink the damn things? Another one of life's great dilemmas.
This Week's New Releases
But when it comes to new music this week, I've gotta instead recommend Ryan Adams' Follow the Lights EP. I haven't always been a Ryan Adams fan - it took some time for me to get into Easy Tiger.
And if you're feeling adventurous, you can count on Ween. La Cucaracha delivers more of the creativity and disturbing antics we have come to expect from Dean and Gene.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Who'd want to be Harry Truman?
PLAYBOY: In recent years, according to some critics, jazz has lost much of its appeal to the younger generation. Do you agree?
DYLAN: I don't think jazz has ever appealed to the younger generation. Anyway, I don't really know who this younger generation is. I don't think they could get into a jazz club anyway. But jazz is hard to follow; I mean you actually have to like jazz to follow it: and my motto is, never follow anything. I don't know what the motto of the younger generation is, but I would think they'd have to follow their parents. I mean, what would some parent say to his kid if the kid came home with a glass eye, a Charlie Mingus record and a pocketful of feathers? He'd say, "Who are you following?" And the poor kid would have to stand there with water in his shoes, a bow tie on his ear and soot pouring out of his belly button and say, "Jazz, Father, I've been following jazz." And his father would probably say, "Get a broom and clean up all that soot before you go to sleep." Then the kid's mother would tell her friends, "Oh yes, our little Donald, he's part of the younger generation, you know."
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Wakey Wakey, Rise and Shine
Earlier this week, I turned off all the lights downstairs and trekked groggily upstairs for bed at the end of the evening. After realizing I left my phone on the dining room table, I stumbled back down in the dark. A copy of Chuck Palahniuk's Haunted rested on the table near my phone. I did not realize until that moment that the disturbing image on the cover glows in the dark. I was quite surprised to be face to face with such a shocked looking ghost.
One morning this week I went out the front door prior to dawn to walk the dog. One of our neighbors, a retired hippie who drives a Park Avenue, was walking down the street alone in the dark. Why? Where was he going and why was he awake at that hour?
And Radiohead released In Rainbows on October 10th. It doesn't sound much like something representative of sunshine and bright colors. To me it represents the uncomfortable surprise of something you knew was there, but it was always hidden during the daylight. And strangers wandering in the dark for some unknown reason while most of civilization is safely sleeping indoors.
I have not yet finished Palahniuk's Haunted, and I have not formed all the opinions I someday will about Radiohead's latest release. But both are beautifully disturbing and disgustingly pleasing to the senses.
Late in his life, Timothy Leary published Chaos and Cyber Culture where he proposed that the PC was the LSD of the 1990's. In many ways, this is even more true today. There is no way to expand your mind today like the immediate accessibility of information on the internet. And In Rainbows seems to be a perfect soundtrack to that trip.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Flash Strike
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Recent Discoveries
- Check out this article for some extremely interesting descriptions of the Black Lips live shows.
- An Aquarium Drunkard has again recommended some worthwhile tunes in Steve Earle's Washington Square Serenade.
- I finally checked out Culture's Two Sevens Clash. Great rasta reggae reminiscent of very early Marley (not the stuff on Legend).
- Radiohead has decided to sign to a record label for a conventional release of In Rainbows as a CD. Maybe I'm confused, but I thought the whole point of doing what they did was to prove this was unnecessary. Those dudes sure are strange... I hope the new album is worth all this fuss.
- I just got a copy of Ghostland Observatory's 2006 album Paparazzi Lightning. It sounds pretty good so far.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Black Keys - Live at Grimey's Records, Nashville, TN
Not to be confused with Black Lips, The Black Keys are huge and bluesy pure rock and roll music. Yes, it is just a guitarist and a drummer. They should be forced to publicly apologize to Jack White for kicking so much ass. Head over to the AT&T Blue Room to check out video of their set at this year's Lollapalooza. The tracks are also available for download from iTunes as a live EP. The gods of classic rock are smiling.
Black Lips - Cold Hands
The new album by Black Lips, Good Bad Not Evil, dropped less than a month ago. Their "flower punk" sounds like it could have been released any time during the last 40 years. After reading mixed reviews about the collection of songs, I almost passed it by. Now I'm glad I checked it out - and you will be too!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Queens of the Stone Age - 3's & 7's
1. It is loud and the volume control doesn't seem to work. So check your speaker volume and adjust as needed.
2. It is awesome.
"Badass sex kittens flaunt their switchblades and wreak havoc in a dangerous desert town."
Perfect New Music for the Fall
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Quality Television Programming
But seriously, it's the most interesting show on TV right now, since the new season of Weeds just isn't doing it for me.
If you don't get Showtime, you need to find a way to download or watch these episodes. The show is aesthetically appealing, psychologically disturbing, romantic, funny, and it's got lots of nudity. You can't go wrong. Fun for the whole family over the age of 18.
Top Ten Things I Learned at the Outer Banks
Monday, September 3, 2007
Kick It Old School
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Recent Discoveries
-Rilo Kiley's new release, "Under the Blacklight", seems to be quite the rock/pop gem. Sure to become a classic.
-Other new albums I am currently enjoying include (as if you care):
1990s - Cookies
Against Me - New Wave
Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation
Caribou - Andorra
M.I.A. - Kala
Tegan & Sara - The Con
-Jamie T.'s "Panic Prevention" reminds me of a British G. Love & Special Sauce. I can't get enough of the funky beats and odd lyrical stylings. It's not for everyone, and it does take some getting used to, but I recommend it!
-Oasis started recording a new album on August 6th at Abbey Road studios in London. This is now my most anticipated album.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
"Yeah well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man."
It would be extremely difficult to drag my relatively tiny record collection and player even downstairs. Imagine taking the amount of music that fits on a 30 gig Ipod on vacation without the help of technology and the internet.
I do not pretend to believe that my massive mp3 collection won't be obsolete in the near future. But for right now, it's absolutely fantastic.
I can tell when I have a crappy copy of something. I can also tell when I have a great digital recording. Ideally, I would spend tons of money on the best possible stereo equipment. But since I don't choose to do so, what's really more detrimental to the tunes I hear? Hell, Left of Center on Sirius broadcasts in mono! It's amazing to me that they can't send a stereo signal when they are already operating a satellite in outer space. But what do I know... I won't even admit that my brain isn't triggering emotion from my music in mp3 format.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Sharing the Groove
1. Foamfoot - Live at the Troubadour 1-8-94
2. The National - The Black Sessions (Paris, 2005)
Live music at its finest.
Steely McBeam
There is nothing you can say about the Steelers new mascot that can possibly make me feel any worse.
Dylan and Elvis
"Elvis Costello will be serving as the opening act for Bob Dylan's upcoming fall tour. The two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers kick things off Sept. 22 in Duluth, GA. Singer/songwriter Amos Lee will offer additional opening support during the tour."
As if I needed another reason to grow a pencil-thin moustache!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Wouldn't it be nice
The Beach Boys was the first concert I ever attended. The Civic Arena in Pittsburgh with my parents. It was the only time I ever saw them open the roof of what is now known as the Mellon Arena (the oldest in the NHL).
This video seems to take a while to load, but it is worth the wait. Just hit pause, and then check it in a few minutes.
Contrary to popular belief
"Contrary to rumors regarding the release of Radiohead's follow up to 2003's Hail to the Thief before year's end, a U.S.-based band spokesperson told SPIN.com the speculations are indeed false, stating "there were never plans for anything, there was never a scheduled release… there's also not a Beatles or Led Zeppelin album release this year either." Um, ok."
Fine. I can wait. But by that same logic, I'm sure there will be no Zep or Beatles album released next year either. Or the year after that. Huh...
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Reposado Tasting
Monday, August 13, 2007
Give in to Hemptation...
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
How exciting.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
TV on the Radio - Wolf Like Me on Letterman
As Gus would say, "Gonna Teach You Tricks That'll Blow Your Mongrel Mind"...
Clutch - Electric Worry
It's like hardcore blues. I can't get enough of that harmonica player. The live shows must be insane. Imagine seeing them jam out in a shady little underground blues bar like Zeno's...
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Smart Bird
This bird is clearly smarter than everyone else on the set. I think the lady might have too much free time. Is the host that dude from Saved by the Bell? Slater is cool.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
O-Qua Tangin Wann
Not About Love
Also be sure to check out the same comedian, Zach Galifianakis, doing his best Kanye impression: http://www.kanyewest.com/?content=video_cant_tell_alt
Friday, July 27, 2007
Come Waste Your Time With Me
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Playboy's Drink of the Summer
1907-1916: Mamie Taylor - Squeeze half a lime into a tall glass three quarters full of ice, drop in the lime shell, add two ounces of blended scotch and top off with chilled ginger ale. Stir briefly. Feel free to sing.
1917-1926: French 75 - Squeeze half a lemon into a cocktail shaker, add a teaspoon of superfine sugar, stir briefly and add one and a half ounces of gin. Shake well with plenty of ice, strain into a tall glass three quarters full of cracked ice and top off with chilled champagne.
1927-1936: Tequila Sunrise - Fill a tall glass three quarters of the way with ice, squeeze half a lime into it, add two bar spoons of grenadine, one bar spoon of creme de cassis and two ounces of white 100% agave tequila. Top off with club soda.
1937-1946: Singapore Sling - Fill a tall glass three quarters of the way with ice, squeeze half a lime into it, add two ounces of gin, half an ouce of Benedictine and half an ounce of Cherry Heering. Top it off with chilled club soda, stir briefly and garnish with a marashino cherry.
1947-1956: Salty Dog - Rub a piece of lemon around the rim of a tall glass and dip it in kosher salt. Fill the glass three quarters of the way with ice, add two ounces of vodka and top it off with grapefruit juice (the yellow, sweeter kind, not the pink stuff).
1957-1966: Mai Tai - Squeeze a lime into a cocktail shaker and add one ounce of dark Jamaican rum, one ounce of aged rum from Martinique, half an ounce of orange curacao and half an ounce of orgeat (almond) syrup. Fill the shaker with cracked ice, shake well and pour into a large rocks glass. Add one of the squeezed-out lime halves and a sprig of mint.
1967-1976: Harvey Wallbanger - Fill a tall glass three quarters of the way with ice, adding one and a half ounces of vodka and four ounces of chilled orange juice. Stir, then float one ounce of Galliano on top.
1977-1986: Miller Lite - Open can (or, if feeling sophisticated, bottle). Drink.
1987-1996: Vodka Tonic - Fill a tall glass three quarters of the way with ice, add two ounces of vodka, fill with chilled tonic water and perch a lime wedge on the rim of the glass. Have fun at Betty Ford.
1997-2006: Mojito - Put one teaspoon of superfine sugar in the bottom of a tall glass. Add six to eight mint leaves, muddle lightly, squeeze in the juice of half a lime, add two ounces of white rum and stir. Add ice and top off with chilled club soda and a straw.
2007: Paloma - Squeeze half a lime into a tall glass full of ice and drop in the squeezed-out shell. Add two ounces of reposado tequila and a pinch of kosher salt. Fill with grapefruit soda, stir and add a straw. Ahhhh....
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Zen of Exercise
The List on Left of Center
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Man's Best Friend
Is it wrong for me to get so much amusement from dogs dressed up in funny outfits? If so, then I don't want to be right. Just try to tell me that this little fella on the left isn't the funniest thing you've seen all day. Then stop on over to Dogs in Duds where you will find countless pictures of canines just like this one. From there you can follow the link to the blogger's myspace page. It turns out he is also a fan of Sirius radio's channel 26, Left of Center. What a small world we live in!
The Bees - Who Cares What The Question Is?
The Bees(UK)-also known as Band of Bees on this side of the pond- are not to be confused with The Bees(US). I just can't get enough of these dudes.
Forties
Rolling Stone has published its list of the 40 Essential Albums of 1967. The quantity and quality of albums that were released during those 365 days is mind-blowing. Think about it: two from the Doors, two from the Stones, two from the Beatles, two from Jimi, two from the Beach Boys, the Dead, Cream, Big Brother, Floyd, Van Morrison, Buffalo Springfield, Dylan, etc. So here we are 40 years later, and much of the music from that fateful year is still as relevant today. What will people say about 2007 in 40 years? I know Gus, they will say "that's the year The National released Boxer". And Gus will tell his kids the story of how some blonde bombshell sold him a ticket at face value outside the 9:30 Club that June evening...
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Memories of my Y2K
The greatest concert ever? That would not be an exaggeration. We were somewhere beneath all those brightly colored balloons. Remember the hysteria that went along with the beginning of the new millenium? For the 100,000 of us on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation that night, the world could have ended and we wouldn't have noticed or cared. Take the ten minutes to watch this video even if you're not a Phish fan. Talk about total sensory overload...
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Penn State Football 2007
2007 Penn State Football Schedule
Sat., Sept. 1 Florida International TBA Home
Sat., Sept. 8 Notre Dame 6:00 p.m. Home (ESPN)
Sat., Sept. 15 Buffalo TBA Home
Sat., Sept. 22 Michigan TBA Away
Sat., Sept. 29 Illinois TBA Away
Sat., Oct. 6 Iowa TBA Home
Sat., Oct. 13
Homecoming 2007 Wisconsin 3:30 p.m. Home (ABC)
Sat., Oct. 20 Indiana TBA Away
Sat., Oct. 27 Ohio State 8:00 p.m. Home (ABC, ESPN
or ESPN2)
Sat., Nov. 3 Purdue TBA Home
Sat., Nov. 10 Temple TBA Away
Sat., Nov. 17 Michigan St. TBA Away
Pants N'at
Good clothes at good prices. Buy any pair of polyesters and get the second pair for free.
The Underdog
Great song from an even better album. Spoon is secheduled to play the Electric Factory on October 19 in Philly. Be there or be square! All the kids are doing it.
You Can't Be Cereal
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Tastings Gone Wild
Monday, July 9, 2007
Daft Punk is Playing at My House
Those of you who don't believe this is at my house are just jealous because you can't come. I hate you guys. Robot Rock is kewl.
A Sad Day for the Moai
Sunday, July 8, 2007
I Don't Know Butchie Instead
Top Ten
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
Clutch - From Beale Street to Oblivion
The Good, The Bad, and The Queen
Lifesavas - Gutterfly
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
The White Stripes - Icky Thump
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
You Know I'm No Good
It's true. I accidentally left Amy off my top seven list for 2007. I assure you it was just an oversight, but that doesn't make it okay. Amy, I want to make it up to you. Stop over and I'll mix you a drink. Amy's sound is like a 60's girl group singing in a speakeasy. It's what I was looking for in Joss Stone, but never found. Very bold and different from the rest of this decade's scene. And hot.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Lucky Number Seven
Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
Clutch - From Beale Street to Oblivion
Lifesavas - Gutterfly
Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
The White Stripes - Icky Thump
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
Just wait until Gus finds out I omitted his precious Boxer by The National. I hope he doesn't have internet access in Greece. Overall, I was kind of disappointed by the Arctic Monkeys new album, even though they are still one of my favorite bands. If seven isn't enough for you, check out The Nightwatchman, Maximo Park, Panda Bear, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, The Apples in Stereo, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Bloc Party, Dinosaur Jr., Fountains of Wayne, and Kaiser Chiefs. And check out The National if you get a chance.