BRMC Video

Here's some excellent quality video from the BRMC show at the State Theatre on Sunday night. No, I didn't film it myself - it's from YouTube. So, thanks to whoever did such a great job filming the show!

Red Eyes and Tears


Mercy


Restless Sinner


In Like the Rose

BRMC - State Theatre, State College, PA - 4/13/08

Tasty Beverage of the Week

As the weather turns warm, I find myself gravitating to summer style ales. I started with Sam Adams' offering, and then I tried Weyerbacher's Blanche. But when it comes to a Belgian style Witbier, go for the Victory Whirlwind.
"A swirling dynamo of flavor, with a steady calm of satisfaction at its heart, that's Whirlwind Witbier. Offering a tamed tempest of flavors both spicy and sublime, this softly fermented ale greets the nose and tingles the tongue. Imported Belgian yeast charges Whirlwind with an energy all its own. It is a refreshing interpretation of the classic, Belgian 'white beer' style."
But what do the Bros say you ask? They say: "Upfront, a smooth and creamy mouthfeel that immediately quells any thirst with a spicy and lemon puckering flavour. The beer's carbonation is tight and very active -- adding to the overall crispness. As everything calms down, husk tannins pull thru to create a bit of a dry palate, but the feel is soft throughout. Some grass and _extremely_ faint jerky-like flavours follow and linger into the aftertaste... Whirlwind Witbier could hands-down become one of my favourite "gotta quench my monster thirst" beers. A prime example of a Belgian-style Witbier in all respects."
You can't argue with that!

On a side note: we had our first barbecue of the season on Sunday. My favorite things in summertime are grilling and baseball. Maybe the Pirates will go .500 this year. Wouldn't 16 losing seasons in a row break a record held by the Phils?

New Raconteurs

It's been a long time (In Rainbows) since I've been this excited about a new album release...

Tasty Beverage of the Week

My favorite restaurant has unleashed their version of my favorite kind of beer. Otto's Pub and Brewery's newest seasonal offering is a Tripel. The Dubbel Ale is good, and the Tripel is 1/3 better!
The alcohol content is 9.8%, so it's served in a 12 oz. goblet from the bar. After a wonderful meal there on Sunday, I couldn't help but go back to fill up the growler last night.
Tasty, but strong as hell. It's one of the few beers I would both recommend and issue a warning along with it: treat it like wine - both in sipping speed and total amount consumed. It's so sweet, you could easily guzzle down a few before you know what hit you!

On a side note, the Tasty Beverage of Last Week should be noted as Weyerbacher Merry Monk's Ale. Also a Tripel, I thought it would make an excellent Birthday Beer for Rug. Jason the Beer Advocate describes it as "Moderate body, aggressively crisp with a sharp carbonation that stays at a medium-high level. Nutty and earthy from the yeast. Herbal and medicinal from the phenols. Peppery with a quick flash of sugar syrup from the sweet n’ spicy alcohol, relatively dry beer though a minute amount of residuals are apparent. Fruitiness borders on banana, pineapple and plum. Hops are minimal and are hardly noticeable. Dry clove and peppery flavours are dominant with a nutty dry finish. Alcohol warms more and more throughout the beer with mild solvent flavours from the fusel part of the alcohol."
I couldn't have said it better myself. Also very tasty.

Pictures From the moe. Show

Just Announced - BRMC!

Can you believe it? Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will play the State Theatre in downtown State College on Sunday 4/13.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

Who's coming with me?

moe. State Theatre, State College, PA 3/5/08

I think everyone had the same idea - start out the adventure with some pre-moe. beers at Zeno's. My wife and I enjoyed a few of the best: La Fin Du Monde, Weyerbacher Hops Infusion, and Delirium Tremens.

Although I have always respected moe.'s music, I was never a huge fan. When I heard they were coming to the State Theatre, I almost passed on the opportunity. I sure am glad I got some of the last seats in the house before the show sold out. Seeing them live in such a small venue was a mind-bending experience. I have seen alot (alot) of bands over the years, and I must admit - moe. is one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Dueling guitarists, dueling drummers, and an awesome bass as the centerpiece. We're talking some serious jams here.

My love affair with jambands has been hot and cold lately, but moe. just reignited the passion. The light show alone will blow your ass away. This video is of terribly shitty quality, as I took it with my cell phone. But, it's enough to give you a pretty damn good idea of the intensity of the show. It's a four hour roller coaster ride with haunting valleys and ominous peaks. Check 'em out!

As the Years Go Passing By

The world lost blues legend Jeff Healey yesterday, Sunday 3/2/08, to cancer at the age of 41. Jeff was blind since he was 1, and he played the guitar since he was 3.
I saw Jeff play once in the Pittsburgh area in the mid-1990's, and it was one of those experiences I will never forget.

Needs vs. Wants

Just because you don't actually need something doesn't mean you shouldn't have it. Sometimes it's the little things in life that get us through the tough times. Although I agree that these items are not something any human could actually need, they are quite valuable nonetheless. So check out 10 Things You Don't Need. If you had to pick just one, which would you buy?
I've already decided...

Kanye West for President

After catching Kanye's mind-shattering performance with Daft Punk at the Grammys, there is no doubt left in my mind that he is THE entertainer of the new millenium. The man is headlining at Bonnaroo! I can't even imagine how much fun that show would be. And now this new video for "Flashing Lights"? You've got to be kidding me. Kanye's on fire.

If you haven't already heard, her name is Rita G. Check it out at rita-g.com, where she'll even sell you her worn panties for the low, low value price of $24.95.

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?

Recent Discoveries

Vampire Weekend's full length debut album is the most exciting new music I've heard so far this year. They're from New York City, where they formed the band while attending Columbia University. Although they are the darlings of the blog community, there are those out there who don't appreciate the tunes. I recently heard this joke: "Why are they called Vampire Weekend? ... Because they suck."
I disagree, and I appreciate their original sound. Check out this clip from 6/17/07, Roosevelt Island, Manhattan. It's how real bands get their start. It reminds me of my buddy Verno and I back in high school, only we actually did suck.

My Favorite Day of the Year

Super Bowl Sunday only means one thing in 2008 - Puppy Bowl IV. Check out some clips from last year's action, and then tune in to Animal Planet from 3pm-3am for the most aniticipated TV program of the season! Be sure to check out this year's Starting Lineup.

New Crowes!

Wow! Listen to that slide guitar by Luther Dickinson (of the North Mississippi All-Stars). He seems to fit in perfectly with the new Black Crowes lineup. Follow this link to check out the new track from the forthcoming album, Warpaint. It appears as though the "Most Rock n Roll Rock n Roll Band in the World" is about to deliver exactly what we've come to expect once again - straight up bluesy classic rock music.

Only 30 days until the new album drops on 3/4/08!

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.