Before They Were "Cool"

In almost all cases, there is nothing more satisfying for a die-hard music fan than to have been a fan since the beginning. This allows one to talk about how their favorite band sold out and went commercial.
Anyone who didn't go to the shows in the early days isn't a real fan. They don't deserve to listen to the new albums without understanding where the band came from. In most cases.
This article from Cracked.com entitled "Six Musicians with Pasts They Hope You'll Forget" sheds light on the opposite side of the glory. It's quite comical to see the evolution of some of music's biggest names. Apparently selling out to the capitalist machine sometimes has benefits greater than fame and fortune.

Is There a Ghost in My House?

Band of Horses - State Theatre 1/24/08

The show opened with Tyler Ramsey, who played us a few beautiful guitar melodies with no backup band. Cass McCombs followed with a quick set that built in intensity as it progressed. These guys finally appeared to be having a good time by the last two numbers, and it paid off in the quality of the tunes. Then we waited for the headliners. Since the concert bill said nothing of opening acts, I was pleasantly surprised by this opportunity to check out some other bands. Both were good. Tyler also plays guitar for Band of Horses, so it was nice to get to see him twice.
The part of the story I did not yet mention is that my wife got us tickets in the FRONT ROW center stage. I have never been to a concert where I could have reached out to touch the performers (I did not). This was also nice because my wife was close enough to ask one of the roadies after the show for the copy of the setlist that was laying on the stage next to Ben. So, exactly as it was written for the band, the setlist was as follows:

MONSTERS

SNOW

GHOST

SALT

WEED

HOUSE

13 DAYS

OLDER

NO ONE

TOOSOON

GIL

LRC

FUNERAL

MARRY

WRITERS

_____________

?EFFIGY?

?STRONGER?

13 Days was an excellent J.J. Cale cover, Effigy by Creedence, and Stronger by Chicago. Writers is titled The General Specific on Cease to Begin. During Weed Party, the crowd obliged. Ben commented that it was good to see that number still goes over well in State College, and the crowd agreed. House refers to Islands on the Coast.

The State Theatre holds less than 600 fans, so it was an intimate setting for such a great live band. Band of Horses won't be able to fit into venues like this much longer, so check it out while you have the chance!

Check back soon for photos from the show...

The Countdown Continues

Now only two days until Band of Horses comes to Happy Valley. Here's a clip from their New Year's show in Atlanta to help pass the time...

The Countdown Begins

Only 4 days until the BoH show at the State Theatre. Check out this performance of "Is There a Ghost" from Later wth Jools Holland on 12/14/07.

Tasty Beverage of the Week

Many moons ago, Gus procured a case of Unibroue beers. The hazy memory was faint until I had my first sip of La Fin Du Monde just recently. I was instantly reminded of a brewery that had blown my mind in the 90s. The price tag at the beer distributor kept me at bay for almost a decade. But, it being the holiday season, I decided it best to go for broke.
Unibroue produces the finest ales I have ever tasted. That's a bold statement. I spent quite some time at Zeno's working on my passport (around the world in 80 beers), and countless adventures at Brewsky's and Pletcher's. But I feel strong in making this statement: La Fin Du Monde is the best beer that has ever passed my lips.
It pours extremely heady, with a beautiful unfiltered gold color. Yes, it is an "ale on lees", which means it is refermented in the bottle on a yeast base. Don't be scared. Just pour it in a glass and drink the goodness. It's got vitamins in it and stuff.
La Fin Du Monde is the #1 ranked Tripel on Beer Advocate. By definition, "The name "Tripel" actually stems from part of the brewing process, in which brewers use up to three times the amount of malt than a standard Trappist "Simple." Traditionally, Tripels are bright yellow to gold in color, which is a shade or two darker than the average Pilsener. Head should be big, dense and creamy. Aroma and flavor runs along complex, spicy phenolic, powdery yeast, fruity/estery with a sweet finish. Sweetness comes from both the pale malts and the higher alcohol. Bitterness is up there for a beer with such a light body for its strength, but at times is barely perceived amongst the even balance of malts and hops. The lighter body comes from the use of Belgian candy sugar (up to 25% sucrose), which not only lightens the body, but also adds complex alcoholic aromas and flavors. Small amounts of spices are sometimes added as well. Tripels are actually notoriously alcoholic, yet the best crafted ones hide this character quite evil-like and deceivingly, making them sipping beers."
I can't even describe the flavor. If you've ever had one, you would never forget it, and not be able to remember exactly what it tastes like until you have another. The Alstrom Bros both give it the coveted A+ score. I can't sing enough praises of La Fin Du Monde (translated as The End of The World).
It's like a sore dick - you can't beat it.

Tasty Beverage of the Week

The Dirty Martini. 2 oz. Finlandia straight outta the freezer. Add to a shaker containing 3 large ice cubes. Pour in 1 tbsp. of olive juice. Shake until your hand has frostbite.
Drain into a martini glass and garnish with at least 3 blue cheese stuffed olives.
I go through phases. Beer. Whiskey. Light beer. Dark beer. Tequila. But it always comes down the the dirty martini. Made with Finlandia. I've tried the expensive vodkas. I've tried the cheap vodkas. Just use the Finlandia already.
And for Pete's sake, stay away from the gin and vermouth. Call me blasphemous, but I don't care. If you can stomach that juniper crap and all those other herbs or whatever, then more power to you.
And now for my favorite joke of all time:
"How are martinis like boobs? Because one is never enough, and three's too many!"
It's funny because it's true.