I grew up in the 70's & 80's listening and admiring the rock music of the 60's. My LP collection included the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Kinks, and the Doors. I was big on "British invasion" bands, but I listened to just about anything from the decade. I did have a Bob Dylan greatest hits album, but it was never in heavy rotation on my turntable. I owned it because Dylan is an icon, and I knew I was supposed to like it. Fast forward a couple decades, and I decided to hear what I've been missing. The fact is, I don't think I missed anything.
Bob Dylan is a clever songwriter, and a sort of 60's anti-hero. When he broke away from conventional folk and started playing electric, he found a terrific backing group in what later became known as The Band. I'll give him credit for that. The things I can't get past are his nasel vocals, and his hideous harmonica playing.
The studio recordings don't excite me, but they're a whole lot better than his live shows. Rhythm and pitch are optional in Dylan's shows. (and when it's one man and a guitar, it's almost passable, but not plugged in) I know his fans won't agree with me, but in all the live footage I've seen, Bob is the weak link in the band. In more recent work, his singing is a pale imitation of a blues singer. Howlin' Wolf he is not.
Bob Dylan was a man for his time and place. He helped popularize music that was deeper than the Twist. He was a gritty folk singer in a time of polished showtunes. There's no doubt he influenced his contemporaries, and his reputation as songwriter is mostly deserved. There just isn't any of his performances that I need to revisit. I guess you had to be there.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
11 Beers for St. Patrick's Day
I've always had a love/hate feeling for St. Patrick's Day. I never quite understood the wearing of the green, or how a day honoring a Catholic saint became a free-for-all drunk fest. There's nothing wrong with celebrating your heritage with a few hundred friends, but let's not go too crazy. After all, friends don't let friends drink green beer. With that out of the way, here's a list of eleven beers for the irish in you.
11. Guinness Draught Stout. Guinness. Ireland. 4.20% ABV.
There are more myths and wives tales about Guinness than just about any other beer. The truth is the Guinness you find on tap at the local pub is a very mild beer that's equal in strength to Bud Light.
10. Dogfish Head Chicory Stout. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Delaware. 5.20% ABV.
Dogfish Head is known for experimental brewing and extreme beer. Chicory Stout fits the experimental label, but it's hardly extreme. It's a little step up from the pint of Guinness.
9. Conway's Irish Ale. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Ohio. 6.5% ABV.
Conway's Irish Ale comes out just in time for the holiday. It's a little stronger than my first two choices, but it's hardly an extreme beer.
8. Anchor Porter. Anchor Brewing Co. California. 5.6% ABV.
The term "stout" (in the case of Guinness) is a shortened version of "stout porter". Anchor's porter predates most of craft breweries in the U.S.A.
7. Founders Breakfast Stout. Founders Brewing Company. Michigan. 8.3% ABV.
If your going the kegs and eggs route, go with a hearty breakfast beverage. Made with oatmeal and coffee, you could make it breakfast on it's own.
6. Sam Adams Irish Red. Boston Beer Co. Massachusetts. 5.8% ABV.
Sam Adams is often talked as gateway beer. Take a step toward beervana with this red ale.
5. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. Guinness. Ireland. 7.5% ABV.
There are actually many different versions of Guinness Stout. The FES is the big brother of the draught stout. It's stronger and maltier. The bottles are carbonated unlike the draught's nitrogen gassed body.
4. Old #38 Stout. North Coast Brewing Co. California. 5.6% ABV.
North Coast's Old #38 is a little stronger, but still very drinkable stout.
3. Brian Boru Old Irish Red. Three Floyds Brewing Co. Indiana. 5.9% ABV.
Three Floyds is favorite brewery of midwestern hop heads. Brian Boru doesn't shy away from hops, but it's not as powerful as the Alpha King.
2. Kalamazoo Stout. Bell's Brewery, Inc. Michigan. 6.0% ABV.
Bell's is the godfather of Michigan brewing. Their Kalamazoo Stout is a good match for your corned beef and cabbage.
1. Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Ohio. 5.8% ABV.
There is a fine line between porter and stout. Edmund Fitzgerald is a good choice any day in my book. I wonder how a half & half pour of Conway's & Edmund Fitz would work...
11. Guinness Draught Stout. Guinness. Ireland. 4.20% ABV.
There are more myths and wives tales about Guinness than just about any other beer. The truth is the Guinness you find on tap at the local pub is a very mild beer that's equal in strength to Bud Light.
10. Dogfish Head Chicory Stout. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Delaware. 5.20% ABV.
Dogfish Head is known for experimental brewing and extreme beer. Chicory Stout fits the experimental label, but it's hardly extreme. It's a little step up from the pint of Guinness.
9. Conway's Irish Ale. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Ohio. 6.5% ABV.
Conway's Irish Ale comes out just in time for the holiday. It's a little stronger than my first two choices, but it's hardly an extreme beer.
8. Anchor Porter. Anchor Brewing Co. California. 5.6% ABV.
The term "stout" (in the case of Guinness) is a shortened version of "stout porter". Anchor's porter predates most of craft breweries in the U.S.A.
7. Founders Breakfast Stout. Founders Brewing Company. Michigan. 8.3% ABV.
If your going the kegs and eggs route, go with a hearty breakfast beverage. Made with oatmeal and coffee, you could make it breakfast on it's own.
6. Sam Adams Irish Red. Boston Beer Co. Massachusetts. 5.8% ABV.
Sam Adams is often talked as gateway beer. Take a step toward beervana with this red ale.
5. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. Guinness. Ireland. 7.5% ABV.
There are actually many different versions of Guinness Stout. The FES is the big brother of the draught stout. It's stronger and maltier. The bottles are carbonated unlike the draught's nitrogen gassed body.
4. Old #38 Stout. North Coast Brewing Co. California. 5.6% ABV.
North Coast's Old #38 is a little stronger, but still very drinkable stout.
3. Brian Boru Old Irish Red. Three Floyds Brewing Co. Indiana. 5.9% ABV.
Three Floyds is favorite brewery of midwestern hop heads. Brian Boru doesn't shy away from hops, but it's not as powerful as the Alpha King.
2. Kalamazoo Stout. Bell's Brewery, Inc. Michigan. 6.0% ABV.
Bell's is the godfather of Michigan brewing. Their Kalamazoo Stout is a good match for your corned beef and cabbage.
1. Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Ohio. 5.8% ABV.
There is a fine line between porter and stout. Edmund Fitzgerald is a good choice any day in my book. I wonder how a half & half pour of Conway's & Edmund Fitz would work...
Friday, February 25, 2011
11 Michigan Breweries to Visit
Tomorrow is the Michigan Brewer's Guild Winter Festival outside of Grand Rapids. In honor of this festival and the hardy souls who are attending it, here are 11 Michigan Breweries to visit.
11. New Holland Brewing Company. Holland.
Grab some pub grub and enjoy a pint of Mad Hatter!
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=903
10. Wiltse's Brew Pub & Family Restaurant. Oscoda.
Stop for an Oatmeal Stout on your trip up the Huron shore.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=1423
9. Kuhnhenn Brewing Company. Warren.
How about a little Loonie Kuhnie or a Raspberry Eisboch?
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=727
8. Keweenaw Brewing Company. Houghton.
Let's go way up into the U.P. for a Pick Axe Blonde!
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=719
7. The Livery. Benton Harbor.
Step downstairs for a glass of Wheat Triplebock at this old horse stable.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=771
6. Jolly Pumpkin (Brewpub location). Ann Arbor.
I'd suggest a glass of La Roja or maybe Luciernaga.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=11123
5. Michigan Brewing Company. Webberville.
Have a Superior Stout in this very casual pub.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=3910
4. Bell's Eccentric Cafe. Kalamazoo.
Pick your poison. Two Hearted Ale. Hopslam! Oberon...
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=1459
3. Dark Horse Brewing Company. Marshall.
Fill up a mug of Crooked Tree. (or Double Crooked Tree?)
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=341
2. Founders Brewing Company. Grand Rapids.
I don't think you can go wrong, but let's get one you don't find bottled. How bout a Canadian Breakfast Stout!
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=459
1. Short's Brewing Company. Bellaire.
You can go hoppy with a Humalupalicious, or you could go with one of Joe's many wilder creations like Key Lime Pie Ale, S'more Stout or Black Liquorish Lager.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=1198
Now get over to beermapping and plan that trip!
11. New Holland Brewing Company. Holland.
Grab some pub grub and enjoy a pint of Mad Hatter!
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=903
10. Wiltse's Brew Pub & Family Restaurant. Oscoda.
Stop for an Oatmeal Stout on your trip up the Huron shore.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=1423
9. Kuhnhenn Brewing Company. Warren.
How about a little Loonie Kuhnie or a Raspberry Eisboch?
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=727
8. Keweenaw Brewing Company. Houghton.
Let's go way up into the U.P. for a Pick Axe Blonde!
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=719
7. The Livery. Benton Harbor.
Step downstairs for a glass of Wheat Triplebock at this old horse stable.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=771
6. Jolly Pumpkin (Brewpub location). Ann Arbor.
I'd suggest a glass of La Roja or maybe Luciernaga.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=11123
5. Michigan Brewing Company. Webberville.
Have a Superior Stout in this very casual pub.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=3910
4. Bell's Eccentric Cafe. Kalamazoo.
Pick your poison. Two Hearted Ale. Hopslam! Oberon...
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=1459
3. Dark Horse Brewing Company. Marshall.
Fill up a mug of Crooked Tree. (or Double Crooked Tree?)
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=341
2. Founders Brewing Company. Grand Rapids.
I don't think you can go wrong, but let's get one you don't find bottled. How bout a Canadian Breakfast Stout!
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=459
1. Short's Brewing Company. Bellaire.
You can go hoppy with a Humalupalicious, or you could go with one of Joe's many wilder creations like Key Lime Pie Ale, S'more Stout or Black Liquorish Lager.
http://beermapping.com/maps/reviews/reviews.php?locid=1198
Now get over to beermapping and plan that trip!
Friday, February 18, 2011
How I Learned To Stop Worrying & Love the Drive-By Truckers
I've started this post at least three times now, and I really just couldn't finish it. The Drive-By Truckers are a band I really love, and I want my little attempt at writing to do them justice. So let's try this one more time.
The Drive-By Truckers have had many members, but at the heart are two singer/songwriters, Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley. These two have been playing together for over two decades in some form or another, but the Drive-By Truckers came together when Hood bought some studio time and invited a few friends to record an album. That first recording was self released in 1998 as Gangstabilly. It was crude, and a little unfocussed, but the songs were solid.
"Buttholeville" is Hood's ode to his hometown.
"Panties In Your Purse" is our introduction to Cooley.
"The Living Bubba" is another winner from Patterson Hood.
In 1999 the Truckers released their 2nd album Pizza Deliverance. It was still a little raw and wild, but Cooley's songs were solid. (Brad Morgan joined as the drummer)
"Uncle Frank" really shows off Cooley's story telling ability.
2001 brought Southern Rock Opera. It was the album that wasn't supposed to work, a double album rock opera loosely based on Lynard Skynard produced by an unsigned band. The band added a third guitar to the mix to produce that southern rock sound. Somehow, it worked.
"Zip City" brings Cooley back to high school. (cover art by Wes Freed becomes another trucker's staple)
"Let There Be Rock" is Hood's anthem and homage to rock and roll.
"Angels And Fuselage" is the Opera's finally.
The Drive-By Truckers had arrived. (not exactly fame and fortune, but they were actually making a living with their music)
The SRO tour brought a new member into the fold, singer/songwriter Jason Isbell. There had been other contributors to the DBT songbook, but Isbell brought a third solid voice. With Decoration Day, the Drive-By Truckers launched their next era.
"Sink Hole" was inspired by the short film "the Accountant"
"Marry Me" starts with Cooley singing "Your Daddy didn't pull out and he never apologized."
"Outfit" is Isbell's advice from his dad.
2004's The Dirty South added Shonna Tucker (Jason Isbell's wife) as bassist. It's probably the best album of the Jason Isbell era truckers.
"Where The Devil Don't Stay" opens the record.
"Lookout Mountain" is the DBT at it's heaviest.
By the time the Drive-By Truckers recorded A Blessing and A Curse, relationships were strained. When two of your band members are on the verge of divorce, it's tough to record and tour.
"Space City" is one of Cooley's best ballads.
"A World of Hurt" is a half spoken statement of Hood's philosophy.
The Drive-By Truckers have had many members, but at the heart are two singer/songwriters, Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley. These two have been playing together for over two decades in some form or another, but the Drive-By Truckers came together when Hood bought some studio time and invited a few friends to record an album. That first recording was self released in 1998 as Gangstabilly. It was crude, and a little unfocussed, but the songs were solid.
"Buttholeville" is Hood's ode to his hometown.
"Panties In Your Purse" is our introduction to Cooley.
"The Living Bubba" is another winner from Patterson Hood.
In 1999 the Truckers released their 2nd album Pizza Deliverance. It was still a little raw and wild, but Cooley's songs were solid. (Brad Morgan joined as the drummer)
"Uncle Frank" really shows off Cooley's story telling ability.
2001 brought Southern Rock Opera. It was the album that wasn't supposed to work, a double album rock opera loosely based on Lynard Skynard produced by an unsigned band. The band added a third guitar to the mix to produce that southern rock sound. Somehow, it worked.
"Zip City" brings Cooley back to high school. (cover art by Wes Freed becomes another trucker's staple)
"Let There Be Rock" is Hood's anthem and homage to rock and roll.
The Drive-By Truckers had arrived. (not exactly fame and fortune, but they were actually making a living with their music)
The SRO tour brought a new member into the fold, singer/songwriter Jason Isbell. There had been other contributors to the DBT songbook, but Isbell brought a third solid voice. With Decoration Day, the Drive-By Truckers launched their next era.
"Sink Hole" was inspired by the short film "the Accountant"
"Marry Me" starts with Cooley singing "Your Daddy didn't pull out and he never apologized."
"Outfit" is Isbell's advice from his dad.
2004's The Dirty South added Shonna Tucker (Jason Isbell's wife) as bassist. It's probably the best album of the Jason Isbell era truckers.
"Where The Devil Don't Stay" opens the record.
"Lookout Mountain" is the DBT at it's heaviest.
By the time the Drive-By Truckers recorded A Blessing and A Curse, relationships were strained. When two of your band members are on the verge of divorce, it's tough to record and tour.
"Space City" is one of Cooley's best ballads.
"A World of Hurt" is a half spoken statement of Hood's philosophy.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
11 Valentine's Day Beers
Here we go. It's 11 beers for Valentine's Day!
11. Russian River Temptation. California. (won't find outside CA)
http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/pages/brews/barrel.html
10. New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red. Wisconsin (WI only)
http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/Beers.cfm?BeerCategoryID=1&BeerID=10
9. Young's Double Chocolate Stout. England. (relatively easy to find)
ttp://www.wellsandyoungs.co.uk/home/our-beers/ales/young-s-double-chocolate-stout
8. Lindeman's Framboise. Belgium (relatively easy to find)
http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/5_breweries/lindemans_framboise.html
7. Abaye De Rocs Brune. Belgium. (relatively easy to find)
http://www.abbaye-des-rocs.com/page%20en%20anglais.htm
6. Chimay Grande Reserve (Blue). Belgium (relatively easy to find)
http://www.chimay.com/en/chimay_blue_220.php
5. Goose Island Sofie. Illinois. (somewhat available)
http://www.gooseisland.com/pages/sofie/28.php
4. Short's The Soft Parade. Michigan. (Michigan only. tough)
http://www.shortsbrewing.com/beer/our-portfolio/annual-beers/the-soft-parade/
3. Rogue Chocolate Stout. Oregon. (relatively easy to find)
http://www.rogue.com/beers/chocolate-stout.php
2. Kuhnhenn Raspberry Eisbock. Michigan. (fat chance)
http://www.kbrewery.com/beer/beer.html
1. Foothills Sexual Chocolate. North Carolina. (special release. NC only)
http://www.foothillsbrewing.com/brews.html
11. Russian River Temptation. California. (won't find outside CA)
http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/pages/brews/barrel.html
10. New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red. Wisconsin (WI only)
http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/Beers.cfm?BeerCategoryID=1&BeerID=10
9. Young's Double Chocolate Stout. England. (relatively easy to find)
ttp://www.wellsandyoungs.co.uk/home/our-beers/ales/young-s-double-chocolate-stout
8. Lindeman's Framboise. Belgium (relatively easy to find)
http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/5_breweries/lindemans_framboise.html
7. Abaye De Rocs Brune. Belgium. (relatively easy to find)
http://www.abbaye-des-rocs.com/page%20en%20anglais.htm
6. Chimay Grande Reserve (Blue). Belgium (relatively easy to find)
http://www.chimay.com/en/chimay_blue_220.php
5. Goose Island Sofie. Illinois. (somewhat available)
http://www.gooseisland.com/pages/sofie/28.php
4. Short's The Soft Parade. Michigan. (Michigan only. tough)
http://www.shortsbrewing.com/beer/our-portfolio/annual-beers/the-soft-parade/
3. Rogue Chocolate Stout. Oregon. (relatively easy to find)
http://www.rogue.com/beers/chocolate-stout.php
2. Kuhnhenn Raspberry Eisbock. Michigan. (fat chance)
http://www.kbrewery.com/beer/beer.html
1. Foothills Sexual Chocolate. North Carolina. (special release. NC only)
http://www.foothillsbrewing.com/brews.html
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sounds of the Super Bowl
I'll get right to it. I'm going to tell you how to fix the Super Bowl. (not the game, but the music surrounding it) Let's start with the national anthem. The Star Spangled Banner is a tough song to sing well. Don't bring in some pop star to do the job. Bring in someone with real chops and the good sense not to over-embellish the song.
Or we could do like they do up north...
... and sing it ourselves with pride! (Beautiful stuff, eh?)
The there's the halftime show. Does it really matter who the performer is? Did anyone tune in to watch the Black Eye Peas? Did anyone tune in to watch the Who? Tom Petty? Prince? The format of the show is problematic, so why not bring in real experts? That's right bring on the marching band!
or bring on mascot football!
Or we could do like they do up north...
... and sing it ourselves with pride! (Beautiful stuff, eh?)
The there's the halftime show. Does it really matter who the performer is? Did anyone tune in to watch the Black Eye Peas? Did anyone tune in to watch the Who? Tom Petty? Prince? The format of the show is problematic, so why not bring in real experts? That's right bring on the marching band!
or bring on mascot football!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
These Go To Eleven: 11 Strong Beers for a Cold January Night.
The great Nigel Tufnel said "These go to eleven". With that I introduce the first Hoppy Notes 11: 11 Strong Beers for a Cold January Night. Sit in front of the fireplace, and pour yourself a glass.
11. Great Lakes Blackout Stout. Cleveland, OH. 9%ABV.
http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/uploads/Beer/Profile%20Blackout%20Stout.pdf
10. Victory Storm King Stout. Downington, PA. 9.1%ABV
http://victorybeer.com/beers/storm-king-stout/
9. Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA. Marshall, MI. 12%ABV
http://www.darkhorsebrewery.com/content.asp?PageName=OurBrew
8. Three Floyds Dreadnaught IPA. Munster, IN. 9.5%ABV.
http://www.3floyds.com/our-beers-2/
7. Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout. Denver, CO. 9.5%ABV.
http://greatdivide.com/#/beer
6. Three Floyds Dark Lord Imperial Stout. Munster, IN. 15%ABV.
http://www.3floyds.com/our-beers-2/
5. Stone Imperial Russian Stout. Escondido, CA.
http://www.stonebrew.com/irs/
4. Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale. Chico, CA. 9.6%ABV
http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/bigfoot.html
3. Hoppin' Frog B.O.R.I.S. the Crusher. Akron, OH. 9.4%ABV
http://www.hoppinfrog.com/beers/
2. Bell's Expedition Stout. Kalamazoo, MI. 10.5%ABV
1. Bell's Hoplam! Kalamazoo, MI. 10%ABV
http://www.bellsbeer.com/brands/
11. Great Lakes Blackout Stout. Cleveland, OH. 9%ABV.
http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/uploads/Beer/Profile%20Blackout%20Stout.pdf
10. Victory Storm King Stout. Downington, PA. 9.1%ABV
http://victorybeer.com/beers/storm-king-stout/
9. Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA. Marshall, MI. 12%ABV
http://www.darkhorsebrewery.com/content.asp?PageName=OurBrew
8. Three Floyds Dreadnaught IPA. Munster, IN. 9.5%ABV.
http://www.3floyds.com/our-beers-2/
7. Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout. Denver, CO. 9.5%ABV.
http://greatdivide.com/#/beer
6. Three Floyds Dark Lord Imperial Stout. Munster, IN. 15%ABV.
http://www.3floyds.com/our-beers-2/
5. Stone Imperial Russian Stout. Escondido, CA.
http://www.stonebrew.com/irs/
4. Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale. Chico, CA. 9.6%ABV
http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/bigfoot.html
3. Hoppin' Frog B.O.R.I.S. the Crusher. Akron, OH. 9.4%ABV
http://www.hoppinfrog.com/beers/
2. Bell's Expedition Stout. Kalamazoo, MI. 10.5%ABV
1. Bell's Hoplam! Kalamazoo, MI. 10%ABV
http://www.bellsbeer.com/brands/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)