My Last Twelve Beers
No, this is not a list of the twelve worst beers I’ve had this year. I won’t do that. What I will do is put together a cheap post, a list of my last twelve beers as a way to fill some space. Think of it as the twelve beers of this Christmas or something. Some of these I’ve had and might have reviewed somewhere, but I thought I’d look back and see what I’ve enjoyed recently*. Of course, most of these happened on Sunday at a beer geek holiday party, but they still count…
Parabola Russian imperial stout by Firestone Walker Brewing Company – Sycamore, a favorite place to get a beer and a fine meal was hosting a Firestone Walker beer dinner. I didn’t get tickets, but I was able to score a seat for my daughter and I. We ate pork belly sliders, their special salad (soft boiled egg, bacon, etc.), smoked trout belly, and their famous Parmesan fries. I washed all that down with this beer. At 13%, it was the only beer I could safely drink in order to get my kid home in time for bed. It’s a huge and intense flavor experience, but it’s plenty drinkable now and should be out of this world in a year or two.
Fuego del Otono by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales – We had guests over for dinner. My wife makes this pumpkin soup where she bakes it inside a Long Island cheese pumpkin and we scoop out pulp with the broth and melted Gruyere. Somehow the brown ale I chose to pair was not going to make the cut. So, I quickly chilled this Jolly Pumpkin. The nuttiness, spices, and slight tartness played well with the soup.
Double Bastard by Stone Brewing Company – This one was served before dinner for a couple of bastards (myself included). I’ve always had an interest in drinks named “bastard” ever since I had my first Miserable Bastard at the bar around the corner from my college apartment. I like to pretend when I drink this beer that it’s what the regular Arrogant Bastard used to taste like before we all became acclimated to such big beers.
Firestone 15 (XV) Anniversary Ale byFirestone Walker Brewing Company – I was lucky enough to get a nice sample of this beer which should age nicely. I still have several bottles in my possession at the moment, but one is promised to a friend. This means that I either have one to sell or trade or I’ll drink it over the holiday with friends and age another for the future. Either way, I feel pretty lucky to have any and to have tasted it already. Did I mention that it’s pretty incredible already?
N’Ice Chouffe by Brasserie d’Achouffe (Duvel Moortgat) – After a while, I feel all these great Belgian beers – seasonal or not – begin to all taste the same. Of course they don’t really and of course this is not a bad thing. My underdeveloped tongue for Belgian beers just struggles to differentiate. This one was nice. I don’t remember anything that set it apart particularly. Plus, it was in the midst of a decent haul for a Sunday afternoon.
4 Calling Birds by The Bruery – I love The Bruery. This one was interesting. Unlike the one above, it stuck out as a Belgian style beer. However, I sensed a lot more clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, you know, Christmas spices. Still, it didn’t quite stand up to the actual Belgian beer. Had I consumed it alone, I might think differently. Of course, I’d drink this over 97% of the holiday beers out there. So, there’s that. (On a side note, this holiday get-together included a Yankee Swap. I walked off with a Cuir from The Bruery. I can’t wait for the perfect occasion to crack this baby open.)
Wytchmaker Rye IPA by Jester King Craft Brewery – I was very excited to try this beer as I have been reading for months about all the cool beers they’re brewing. It didn’t disappoint. Some couldn’t get past the rye, but I thought the rye was almost an afterthought as the tartness and hoppy bitterness shared center stage. I have to find a way to try more of these beers.
Doodle Dubbel by Doodle Brewing – So, the great thing about craft beer – like punk rock 25-30 years ago – is that anyone can brew beer. The bad thing about craft beer – also like punk rock – is that anyone can brew beer. I’ll just leave it at that.
Harvest wheat wine (2009 vintage) by Boulevard Brewing Co. – This beer came out two year ago. I hated it two years ago, but I still had an unopened bottle. So, I cellared it. Time passed by and I couldn’t find the appropriate time to pull it out of the cellar until the holiday party happened. I was considering contributions and noticed that the best by date was 10/10. I figured we might as well open it now. There’s no shame in pouring a beer down the drain…but we didn’t have to. In fact, this beer mellowed a ton and was well worth the wait. Sweet and smooth, nothing like I remembered it. It makes me rethink my dislike of the wheat wine altogether.
Sailing Santa IPA by Saint Arnold Brewing Company – Meh.
Winter Ale by Petrus – OK.
Rumpkin by Avery Brewing Company – I don’t know about a pumpkin ale, but this tasted more like a huge barley wine. I didn’t really sense much pumpkin at all. It’s so malty and sweet. I wish I was able to get my hands on some for aging purposes. Oh well. Can’t win them all. Still, I got to try some and it’s a nice barley wine – forget the pumpkin angle.
*Honestly, since I started this post, I’ve had a couple of other beers. One was the Shmaltz/Terrapin collab Reunion ’11. It was better than I remembered. There are moments when it’s spicy and others when the chocolate hits. It’s a very nice beer that I wouldn’t turn down. The other was one of my 90 Minute IPA‘s I have lying around, but I want to say more about it in another post. So, it will have to wait.
Your Science Update
When there’s a scientific discovery in the areas of craft beer and indie rock, I feel it is my duty to inform the coalition of such breakthroughs. It is part of the interdisciplinary mission of this blog that I’m making up right now to inform my readers of all aspects of said subject matter. How else will you know how to carry on in the future?
It has come to my attention that loud music makes alcohol taste sweeter. Conversely, more alcohol consumed makes loud music more tolerable. Thank you, Science!
So, what does this mean for the coalition?
Well, for starters, it proves that these two interests of mine can exist together, but one must be careful. For example, if an unsuspecting concert attendee ordered a PBR as a Screamo band started playing, it could be devastating to their evening and possibly entire life. The Screamo band would cause the person to think the “beer” he is consuming tastes better than it does, causing him to buy and drink more. The addition of alcohol to his system will make the music more tolerable as the night wears on, causing irreversible damage to his musical tastes. This is not something we should take lightly, folks.
If handled correctly, this information can be used for good. Go see a good indie band. No matter who it is, the shitty sound system in whatever club they’re playing in will probably have the system turned to 11 just to sound decent. With those loud but dulcet tunes playing, you will yearn for a drink. If you ask for a craft beer, the chances that you’ll enjoy said beer are increased exponentially. The cycle continues and you finally see the point of this blog.
So, thank you, scientists. We will all now continue with the loud music and craft beer enjoyment knowing that one feeds the other.
Just Outside the Top 10 of 2011 (Albums)
Coming up with one’s ten best albums of the year is tough. I’ve done more than that, but narrowing a list to ten is a much more difficult task than simply naming all the albums you bought in a year. Also, I have the terrible habit of proclaiming albums to be the year’s best long before I should. Then, there are all the albums that simply have not been given the time they deserve.
That said, I have narrowed my list to nine. All I need is one more, but the list that follows is what I have left to consider. Sure, I might miss a few when it’s all said and done, but these are albums I’m still considering for one spot. Feel free to comment on what’s here and what isn’t. Keep in mind that I already chose nine to make the final cut. I just need one more…
The Albums I Haven’t Listened to Enough Even Though I’ve Had Them for Awhile: So, I’ve had some of these records almost since they were first released this year, but for whatever reason, I just haven’t had time to give them a proper listen. All of the albums in this group deserve serious consideration as I’ve spent some time over the past couple of weeks trying to get reacquainted.
Okkervil River – I Am Very Far
As I was considering my favorite tracks of the year, I rediscovered “Wake and Be Fine” on another list of top songs. It made me want to rediscover this album just to make sure I didn’t overlook it. I had. While the narratives and poetic flourishes Will Sheff normally demonstrates in his songwriting is somewhat subdued in order to make room for more hooks, the production and instrumental dynamics more than make up for it.
Joan of Arc – Life Like
Honestly, I could write something up that just tells you all I know and/or think about previous JoA records prior to this one and it might be somehow accurate in describing this record. However, I won’t tell you anything. Just know that it’s long overdue a sit-and-git. Maybe I’ll pour a beer also deserving my attention. Either way, I remember loving portions of it, but I never listened to it and it landed on the island of forgotten LP’s.
BOAT – Dress Like Your Idols
The poor man’s Yuck, possibly, deserves more listens. I’ve actually been playing the shit out of it lately, giving it a hard look for the final slot in my list. It’s loaded with all kinds of nods to my heroes and theirs (apparently). The aesthetic reminds me tons of the sort of nineties retro indie that The Soft Pack and Surfer Blood play. It’s good stuff but nothing earth-shattering.
Mogwai – Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will
What a massively great album this is. Why isn’t it in my top-10 already? I really haven’t listened to it enough to make that decision. Maybe I’d hear that one bit that put it over the edge or make it unworthy of top-10 status. I don’t know. I blame the fact that Sub Pop’s digital download system didn’t work and I never bothered to follow up.
Low – C’mon
I loved this album a lot from the beginning, but I worried that I wasn’t giving it enough distance. Then, I gave it too much distance and nearly forgot. It seemed too perfect of an album to be Low’s and maybe I was missing something. That’s not saying Low doesn’t make great albums. I’m just surprised a Low album could contain so many memorable songs. Albums are their thing, not singles.
The Albums that I, for Whatever Reason, Did Not Purchase This Year: I know these bands are good. I’ve read and heard enough to know that these albums should be considered. Why I still haven’t purchased them is unknown to me. Luckily, there’s Spotify. I’ve been trying to catch up on some material I missed over the year. More than likely, I will own all of these albums by February. Still, they sit collectively just outside my top-10.
War on Drugs – Slave Ambient
I don’t know how one determines Spotify statistics, but I’m sure I’ve played this album more than all others over the past month while at my computer. For whatever reason, I didn’t buy this album, nor did I go see them when they came to town. It makes no sense and this record is pretty good.
Kurt Vile – Smoke Ring for My Halo
See above, aside from the not seeing him even though he was in town, because he was not in town this year. I loved his set at Pitchfork last year and loved whichever record I do own. The crime of not owning this record will be rectified soon enough.
Thurston Moore – Demolished Thoughts
I own the other two Moore solo efforts plus a handful of weird records he’s done over the years. I have been loving anything Beck produces as of late – maybe my producer of the year. I am a Sonic Youth fan of like 20 years. So, why don’t I own this record? I have no idea. Now, I’m seeing it pop up on lists and I’m wondering what I’ve missed. Better give it another listen on Spotify.
I Saw These Guys and Was Impressed, So Their Albums Deserve Another Look: The following two acts were among those I saw play live. Somehow, I don’t own either album they were supporting. Upon considering the shows I’ve seen this year, that was an egregious oversight on my part. I’ll rectify it at least by giving them props where props is due.
Bill Callahan – Apocalypse
I made sure to see Callahan while in DC earlier this year, but I didn’t buy the record. Even his track “America” made my top tracks list. It’s a crime that I don’t yet own this record.
Jay-Z/Kanye West – Watch the Throne
Going to see Jay-Z and Kanye West forced me to play this album a ton on Spotify as a way to prep myself. Typically, I don’t like hip-hop records because they are single-heavy and loaded with filler. This album was different as it was complete from beginning to end. So, it deserves some consideration.
The Bands I’m Just Not Sure About at this Juncture: For various reasons, a few bands fell into this category. Some I loved right away, but I don’t know that it’s a long-lasting love, like for life kind of love. These albums still deserve some consideration, though.
Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
At one point, I was ready to name this “album of the year”, but something made me reconsider. It may have been seeing so many bros in the Fleet Foxes camp or my general distaste for hippies. I don’t know. It’s still very, very good. I’m just not ready to commit to including it in the top-10, yet.
Beirut – The Rip Tide
This might be the most complete and realized album of Beirut’s string of excellent albums, but I don’t know that it qualifies this year. In year’s past when I’ve had a hard time thinking of ten albums I like, it would have held down a seven spot. However, I have found an embarrassment of riches in this year’s crop. Beirut’s record is good, but it might not be top-10 good.
Destroyer – Kaputt
This was another album I was ready to crown early in the year, but it seems its eighties aesthetic finally rubbed me the wrong way. Bejar writes a pretty awesome song and somehow harnessed bad Casios to sound cool and even contemporary, but I lost my patience for this record over time. Then, I saw it make a few lists of people I respect, causing me to pause for a moment. Should I reconsider Kaputt?
WU LYF – Go Tell Fire to the Mountain
This album popped up on my radar since its June release or sometime shortly before that thanks in large part to their underground marketing schemes online. It’s big, epic, and incoherent in ways I’ve never heard before. That usually means that it goes directly to my top-10 list, but this year’s list is loaded and I only just laid my hands on this record, maybe six months after its release. So, it may still take time to decide on this one.
Bright Eyes – The People’s Key
Bright Eyes has gone down hill, but this album grew on me for a while, especially after seeing the band on its final trip across the country. Also, it’s been receiving some recognition, making me think that I need to revisit. Of all these records, it may have the longest shot, but it’s still a worthwhile album.
Albums by Locals That Were Really Good and Maybe Could Use a Bump from the Coalition: I don’t often hear local releases that
Ptarmigan – The Forest Darling
I said it back in May and I’ll say it again, Ptarmigan put out a great record that stands out locally or beyond. Read what I thought here and I’ll let that stand on its own.
Dubb Nubb – Sunrise Sleepeyed
It’s hard to believe sometimes that Dubb Nubb are so young as their songs demonstrate a wisdom well beyond their years. On top of that, they have an infectious sound that’s hard not to notice. I’m looking forward to seeing them play again at True/False in 2012.
Jerusalem & the Starbaskets – Dost
Dost is getting some good press and deservedly so. Lo-fi and blues revivalism with a touch of country seem to be coming along at just the right time. The band is touring extensively, but I have to believe that their one big opening gig from breaking. People eat this shit up. I do.
That’s not even the final list. As mentioned before, I have nine other albums I love more than these, but I felt they all deserved some mention and the benefit of 100 page views. Which one would you pick to add to my top-10? Did any of these make your list? Comment freely. My top-10 will hit eventually. There will probably be something similar for beer as well.
Top 5: Xmas Beers
OK. So, I don’t actually like seasonal beers. The only exception are those beers that happen to always come out at certain times of the year, but aren’t necessarily tied to the season. There are other exceptions, but I find fall and winter seasonals to be particularly dreadful as it becomes the time of year to overload mediocre brews with spices. This is something homebrewers do, not quality craft brewers.
Still, there are a few holiday ales which I like to try every year. I typically only drink holiday ales that are available here in Missouri. So, the list is a bit limited that way as well. Here are five of the better holiday ales I enjoy…
5. Avery Old Jubilation – Sweet, malty old ales should be on every brewery’s holiday lineup. This one is a favorite and almost criminally available everywhere, sitting beside their spiced brethren. The Christmas-y and seemingly pedestrian presentation make me think 1995 micro-brewed concoction of frankincense and myrrh.
4. Boulevard Nutcracker Ale / Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale – I couldn’t decide between these two as they are the same beers in my mind (not really even close). Sure, Celebration is…well… more celebrated, but they are very similar beers. Instead of coming with spice, they hit you with hops, lots of them… Actually, the point is that that both beers contain a surprising amount of hoppiness in two rather different beers. Are you confused yet? I am. The hoppiness contained in the winter warmer and IPA are of the crisp variety, how I’ve been liking my hops as of late.
3. Mikkeller Red White / Santa’s Little Helper / To From / Hoppy Lovin’ Christmas – Some of these are better than others, but it’s the fact that Mikkeller puts out a full lineup of holiday ales that strikes me. All are uniquely Mikkeller and all are worth the holiday bonus you may fork over for some. I’m particularly interested in the Hoppy Lovin’ Christmas, an IPA brewed with ginger and pine needles, as it’s new to me this year.
2. Samichlaus – This beer has an enormous reputation in these parts, almost as large as its 14% ABV. The rep is much deserved and the beer is a Christmastime necessity. I don’t know that it actually has anything to do with Christmas other than the fact that it sounds like “Santa Claus,” but it’s a giant lager with which you should not trifle.
1. Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza – JP is one of those breweries at the top of my favorites list that just does it for me every time. Sure, they’re all variations of the same beer, but they’re all delicious.Tartness galore as always but this time in the form or a Belgian strong dark ale. I would have even accepted spice, but JP didn’t stoop to those levels and kept it on the real. In other words, it’s your typical Jolly Pumpkin but in super-awesome Christmas form.
Special Mention: Stone/Nøgne Ø/Jolly Pumpkin Special Holiday Ale – From what I understand, this beer has long been retired. All three breweries can be found in this beer. It’s a bit of a mangled mess, but it was my mangled mess at one time. I’ve had versions bottled by the first two breweries and each brought with them something different. I feel like the JP version has been around, possibly passing my lips at a tasting, but I have no proof and could be totally mistaken.
Chocolate and Beer
Below is the post I published on a chocolate dinner I attended Sunday night. It’s not really about beer, nor Pavement, but I thought it a good way to fill Friday’s slot without stressing. As you’ll see, I drank an Ommegang Abbey Ale which is a Belgian Dubbel. The beer goes excellently with chocolate, but I wonder if there are other options. I currently have a Mikkeller Chipotle Porter which should go well with a dark chocolate, possibly Patric’s 70% Signature Blend or even the 75% Madagascar Sambirano Valley. I’m not sure I can go wrong with either. We are also hosting the dessert portion of a progressive holiday dinner. I want to serve chocolate cake or brownies with a lambic or kriek. There are just so many possibilities.
Which beers do you prefer with chocolate? Also, let me know what you think of the dinner described below. You may also want to keep an eye out for Patric Chocolate…
Local Smoked Pecan & Mustard Encrusted Lamb Chops with Mint-Chocolate Bread Pudding, Wilted Spinach and a Norton Wine & Rosemary Jus
When one thinks of chocolate, a Hershey’s bar comes to mind or maybe the obligatory box of chocolates in the shape of a heart. Rarely do we think “food,” but that’s what chocolate is. It’s food. We’ve just grown accustomed to adding loads of sugar (and/or high-fructose corn syrup) and calling it a treat or dessert. However, in those cases, we’re just eating sugar, not chocolate.
Columbia is lucky in that we are home to one of the very few artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate producers in the country. Alan Patric McClure is the man behind the award-winning Patric Chocolate. I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with Alan and he is all about the food aspect of chocolate – and other foods for that matter. We once drove up to Macon just to bring back an entire Berkshire hog. His passion for food goes way past his profession. Still, it’s hard to deny the prowess of his chocolate-making.
Wine Cellar & Bistro executive chef Craig Cyr creates unique dishes you find anywhere else in Columbia. He masterfully incorporates local foodstuffs into seasonally-specific dishes that will amaze and plat with flavor in unexpected ways. Getting a chance to work with Patric Chocolate (for the second time) provided numerous possibilities, especially with Patric’s extended line of bars that now use outside flavors to augment the chocolate. This is what happened Sunday evening.
The two CoMo food commodities combined for one of the more memorable meals I’ve had since moving here over six years ago. The menu looked something like this along with my notes:
Blue Cheese Cracker with Toasted Black Walnuts & Thyme
and with Dark Milk Chocolate Fondue
Dark Milk Bar
What a start! The blue cheese dominated the the cracker but was matched with the dark milk chocolate fondue. It was an intense match enlivened by a glass of sparkling wine.
Arugula Salad with Local Coffee & Salt-Roasted Beets, Dried Cherries, Crispy
Shallots, Mocha Chocolate and a Balsamic Vinaigrette
Mocha OMG Bar
One would think that chocolate, much less coffee-infused chocolate, wouldn’t pair well with a salad. Well, one would be wrong. The bar was worked into the dressing. The coffee and salt-roasted beets and arugula had enough bitterness to stand up to the dressing, leaving us with a mouthful of a salad.
Grilled Scallop with Nibs wrapped with Prosciutto Americana, served with
Cinnamon & Cardamon-Butternut Squash Custard, Grapefruit Chutney and
Madagascar Chocolate-Dipped Candied Grapefruit
Madagascar 67% Dark Chocolate
This dish may have been my favorite of the night. The nibs created a dark stripe down the middle of the scallop one could barely make out below the prosciutto. The only way to fully enjoy this dish was to somehow shovel all the parts onto one’s fork at one time. Bitterness, smokiness, sweetness, tartness all worked together to create a symphony in one’s mouth. (Sorry. Did I overdo it?) Patric Chocolate is known for its bouquet of flavors and this dish captured them all.
Sweet & Sour Chocolate-Glazed Fried Chicken with Garlic, Ginger and Chili, served
with Stir-Fry Rice Noodles, Shiitakes, Sesame, Cabbage
and Sarsaparilla Poached Apples
Signature 70% Blend
The flavors, particularly the chocolate, shot off my fork upon the first bite. However, the saltiness of the sweet & sour sauce took over and rendered them MIA. Still, this was a great way to enjoy a little fried chicken (Alan’s suggestion for the menu).
Local Smoked Pecan & Mustard Encrusted Lamb Chops with Mint-Chocolate Bread
Pudding, Wilted Spinach and a Norton Wine & Rosemary Jus
Mint OMG Bar
Mint makes sense for lamb chops. In this case, I was surprised at what the chocolate was also able to bring to my palate. In a meal of richness and decadence, this one took the prize for most indulgent. I just wish it weren’t too uncouth to pick up the chop and suck the meat from the bone.
Banana & Nib Belgian Waffle topped with PBJ Chocolate Mousse, Caramelized
Bananas and Chocolate Ganache
PBJ OMG Bar
Of course there was a dessert course for a chocolate dinner. I had forgotten just how peanut buttery the PBJ OMG bar actually was. I was able to try early incarnations of the bar before it hit store shelves. The mousse was so full of peanut buttery-goodness that it reminded me of some of those first versions of the bar. The nibs also made the perfect nut replacement within the waffle.
As you can see, it was an impressive spread that could not fail. I’m not one to normally comment on the size of servings, but for a meal such as this, there was plenty to eat. The rounds just kept coming, putting my palate through quite a workout. In the end, all the chocolate kept both my partner and I up way past our bedtimes.
Since I am more of a beer drinker than that of wine, I washed down this fantastic meal with an Ommegang Abbey Ale, a Belgian Tripel by way of upstate New York. The malty sweetness and aromas of dark fruits paired nicely with the dishes heavier in chocolate. The Belgian yeast provided a bit of delicacy for matching the salad and grapefruit that accompanied the scallop.
If you needed a reason to buy some Patric Chocolate or to have dinner at Wine Cellar & Bistro, this menu was it. Patric Chocolate can be purchased online or at various stores around town such as World Harvest, Kaldi’s, and Hy-Vee. You may also get your chocolate fix at their website. For dinner at Wine Cellar & Bistro, check their website for hours of service and events like this one.
In the end, pay a little homage to two CoMo food favorites this holiday season.
Believers Kickstarter/Pre-Order
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1718566383/believers-first-ep/widget/video.html
OK. So, I’ve gushed about Believers here in the past. It’s fine. This local band is worthy of your attention. If you don’t believe me, look back through the archives and consider most of the other music I promote on this site. That should be enough for you to buy in.
Believers have launched a Kickstarter campaign in an effort to raise the money to master and manufacture their debut EP. There are various levels of giving and corresponding rewards, but $15 will get you a record and digital download. Consider it a pre-order. Beyond that, there are t-shirts, mixed tapes/CD’s, artwork, even a live performance if you’re willing to give enough. However, the $15 option is still a good one.
Check out the video above (Sorry, but WordPress isn’t playing nice with the embedding. Click on the link for the video.) to get some idea of what these guys are up to. If you listen carefully, you’ll pick up the sounds that you will be purchasing. Also, you can preview two tracks here.
Join in the Coalition’s efforts to make this Believers EP happen. That is all.
We Had a Holiday Party of Sorts
The Saint Nicholas/flaming punch party didn’t happen, but my wife had her Women’s Studies department over for a party tonight. So, there will be no real post for Thursday. In the meantime, consider this beer I had tonight. An old ale on the low ABV side. Nice but not amazing. You won’t find it anywhere outside Missouri.
Twenty Best Songs of 2011
I don’t always do lists for best song, but I’ve paid particular attention to a few that have drilled holes into my brain and set up permanent residence. Most are the regulars but some might surprise. Also, I’m ranking art, y’all.
1. “Senator” – Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks – This, unsurprisingly is a sign of things to come, but I can’t for the life of me figure out why no one is on this bandwagon. Just listen to the song.
2. “Another State” – Dee Bird – Here’s a local song that I haven’t been able to get out of my head all year. It’s simple, lovely, and connected to this past summer’s visit from the cicadas. One-half of the twindie duo Dubb Nubb creates easily my favorite local track in years.
3. “Rubber” – Yuck – Shoegazing, drugged, grungy, feedback-riddled, slacker rock just makes me feel 18 again. Yuck are great nineties revivalists that have captured the decade of my youth and for that, I am eternally grateful. BTW, the video is NSFW. Also considered “The Wall”
4. “Gangsta” – Tune-Yards – Tune-Yards has masterfully figured out how to make dance-able indie rock, utilizing big beats, emo vocals, and the essential loud-quiet-loud dynamic. Although I came into possession of this album late, the songs have been running in my head all year. “Gangsta” is a standout. Also considered: “Bizness”
5. “Michael Jackson” – Das Racist – I like humor and weirdness in my hip-hop. I also like a hook. “Michael Jackson” has it all. After 3 hours of Jay-Z and Kanye West, all I could hear in my head was this track.
6. “Future Crimes” – Wild Flag – This song is just so full of angst and urgency. It makes me uncomfortable in my skin. It makes me want to dance. For me, this is the highlight of one of the year’s best albums. Also considered: “Romance”
7. “Mother” – Wye Oak (cover) – This one was from the A.V. Club’s Undercover series where bands passing through would record a song from a list of suggestions. Wye Oak eventually released this one as well as their first Undercover appearance playing a Kinks song. Also considered: “Holy Holy”
8. “Go Outside” – Cults – For my money, this was the song of the summer. Isn’t going outside all we want to do when it’s so nice out and we have to sit inside working all day?
9. “Ni**as in Paris” – Jay-Z/Kanye West – This is a pretty wicked song that the duo played like three times to close out their show in Kansas City. There’s also the perfectly timed and placed sample from Blades of Glory. (NSFW) Also considered “Otis”
10. “Helplessness Blues” – Fleet Foxes – Epic and sprawling, the title track from this year’s Fleet Foxes release all of that and a bag of granola. The sentiment is a bit sappy, but as with most FF tracks, it’s all in the vocal performances. This album faded for me down the stretch, but this track stood strong.
11. “Shell Games” – Bright Eyes – It’s been a long while since I would have ranked a Bright Eyes song so high on a year-end list. The album is really uneven, but when Conor Oberst gets a song right, he really gets it right. The song’s so upbeat for a Bright Eyes track that it’s almost a pop crossover hit.
12. “Ice Cream” – Battles – I can stand Battles in small doses, but those doses are pretty incredible. This song is so bizarre that it appeals to that teenage, indie geek inside me. (NSFW)
13. “Video Games” – Lana Del Ray – OK. Let’s ignore all the hype and debate over her authenticity. This song took the world – indie and otherwise – by storm this year. It’s haunting and beautiful with a highly contemporary narrative. Yes, I’ve fallen for it as well. I probably won’t buy the album, but I’ll listen to this song whenever possible.
14. “America!” – Bill Callahan – I got to see Bill Callahan this summer in Washington, D.C. and this song stuck out. For some reason, I haven’t picked up this record. That may have to be rectified in the coming weeks.
15. “Perth” Bon Iver – Justin Vernon outgrew his cabin in the woods with this one. I mean, there are actual electric guitars in there. Some of his latest effort strayed from the cabin fever he spread across the land his first time out, but even with some electric guitars this track shows Vernon at his atmospheric best.
16. “My Mistakes” – Eleanor Friedberger – This song should describe the conversation I had with Eleanor Friedberger . Nonetheless, this song translates well live, but it doesn’t have to as it’s just a great rock song.
17. “Wake and Be Fine” – Okkervil River – Somehow, I’ve forgotten about this album over the course of the year. Luckily, I remember being pretty excited for its release when this video was released. The big sound played well with the video’s cinematography.
18. “Try to Sleep” – Low – Low really hit it out of the park with this year’s release. “Try to Sleep” was probably the closest they’ll ever come to a hit. It’s sleepy and melodic, much more upbeat than their usual shtick. Also considered “Witches”
19. “For the One” – Waters – Port O’Brien broke up and another narrative was born when Waters was thought up. “For the One” is what Port O’Brien sounded like had they wanted to rock. The Waters album as a whole does not always deliver, but the first single does.
20. “Santa Fe” – Beirut – For several albums, I’ve been curious what Beirut would sound like when not emulating the music and culture of wherever his muse was residing at the time. “Santa Fe” is that song.
As always, what did I forget? What are you favorite songs of 2011?
Hurricane Irene Relief
This is the time of year we all try to give back. We here in Missouri know more about this than most as we pooled together our resources to help the victims of the tornado in Joplin this year. As a community, we are helping that community recover.
Of course, since that tragedy, there have been others. The havoc wreaked on the east coast by Hurricane Irene was pretty devastating in its own right. Thankfully, there are individuals trying to help those communities affected by the hurricane as well.
Kara McGraw is someone I’ve “met” online as she’s worked hard to promote bands at her label to a lowly blogger like myself. I’ve even scored some free music and a spot on a guest list out of it.
Kara is from one of the affected communities in Vermont. She wrote a Christmas song to help raise money for victims of Hurricane Irene in Vermont. Listen & download the song for free here. Donations can be given as it’s one of those “name your price” deals. You get to help out a community in need and receive a nice holiday song in return. Win-win.
There’s more info about the song here and a video below. In the meantime, consider donating what you can this holiday and keep those affected by Hurricane Irene in your thoughts.
More than 10 Beer Blogs You Should Know
The beer blogging community has been good to me. I owe a huge amount of gratitude to bloggers who write about beer and then turn around an comment here and occasionally link back to this lowly space on the interwebs. It’s been a good year for me in the beer blogosphere.
So, I am submitting for your approval a list of ten 24 great beer blogs. I read many times that number, but there’s no way I could comment on them all. Inevitably, I will leave someone out who writes a good beer blog, but I mean no disrespect. These just happen to be the ten 24 beer blogs I read and enjoy the most. They are in no particular order, because you can’t rank art. Well, I’ll probably do that later this month when I rank music. Still, I picked ten(ish) 24 beer blogs you should know about and read.
Boozy Beer Blogs: Beer and Whiskey Brothers / It’s Just Booze Dancing – Already, I’m making it hard to stick to ten blogs. Both of these blogs are active and able to post a fair amount on beer while somehow maintaining a decent amount on other boozy topics. B&WB‘s most impressive trait is that they actually respond to every comment which is a lot. Their traffic is impressive, but their thought-provoking posts get people commenting. IJBD brings its game to the people by commenting all over the place, causing one to check out what is an excellent blog along the same vein as the Brothers.
The Pour Curator – For a while, I thought TPC was a one-trick pony, only writing about beer label art. However, we cross paths all the time on comment threads that have very little to do with art. He regularly demonstrates an aptitude for tackling all beery subjects with grace and accuracy. That and the beer art posts are pretty good as well.
Appellation Beer Blog – Stan Hieronymus perfectly balances high-end beer knowledge with engaging discussion. He puts topics out there, gives his two cents, and leaves room for readers or other bloggers to take the conversation from there. That there is good bloggin’. Also, he has been known to feature and idea or two from this rather confused blog you’re reading right now.
Boak & Bailey’s Beer Blog – I’ll be honest, British beer blogs used to turn me off. There’s a pretension around British beer that I don’t get, especially when so much of the beer from the UK that does arrive here is somewhat undrinkable. (Some, not all.) However, B&B have a knack for keeping the discussion both highbrow and approachable. That and they regularly engage their commenters with respect and thoughtfulness.
Living in Missouri: KC Beer Blog / STL Hops – Since there are no regular beer blogs in Middle-Missouri, I have to make due with blogs from the state’s two largest cities. Their regular reports keep me up-to-date on what’s available here. Usually, I can expect that we’ll get whatever beers Kansas City or St. Louis get within a week. If only there was a more dedicated beer blog here in Columbia like one of these great blogs.
Kindred Spirits: Lyrics, Libations, and Life / Beer on My Shirt – Few blogs align closely to what I’m doing. A lot of my readers come from one kind of blog or the other. LL&L is maybe the only blog I’ve found that covers music and beer. Plus, dude is a regular commenter. Another blogger who visits here often is the guy with beer on his shirt. I was drawn to this blog from following his quest for one of my favorite beers, Bell’s Expedition Stout. Now, he stops by and comments on both the beer and music posts.
It’s a Fucking Beer – All you need to know is in the title. The Dude took some time off recently for some filming (his day job), but he’s back and you won’t regret reading his straight-forward beer reviews.
A Good Beer Blog – Well, it’s a good beer blog. Regular features and some great insight into the craft beer scene make AGBB a must read.
R.I.P.: The Hopry – Technically, this doesn’t make the list as The Hopry is now defunct. Like the guys at New Brew Thursday, Mark Starr lets you sit in as he tasted some rare and tasty beers. Add in some music and nice video production, and you have one of the best vlogs – beer or otherwise – on the net. It was also a bonus that Starr was based out of KC, giving it that local feel. Sadly, The Hopry is no more.
Zythophile – At the front of the Oxford Companion to Beer battles, I have learned more about beer’s history than anywhere else from Martyn Cornell’s online project. I appreciate the detailed posts and the genuinely friendly atmosphere in the comments section. It’s a super-interesting read for sure.
Make Mine Potato – An avid beer nerd who trades and goes to the far reaches of Kentucky for rare beers just to provide us plenty of beer porn and to write of beery existential dilemmas or something like that. This is was my first pusher into beer geekdom.
Homebrewing Comrades: Kentucky Brew Review / The North Denver Home Brew Project – I “met” both of these bloggers over at Beer & Whiskey Bros. Since, they have been regular commenters, especially on homebrew posts. KBR is all about the bourbon and bourbon barrel, go figure. TNDHBP hasn’t posted in a while, but I “see” him all the time in comment threads. This blog chronicles the home brewing adventures of Denver suburbanites who seem to thrive on creating great beer and even greater labels.
More homebrew: Mash.Sparge.Boil / The Mad Fermentationist
Some to add to the RSS feed/Blogroll: The following are too new to me to provide accurate commentary. So, I’ll just give them the benefit of my massive traffic flow, all 100 of my page views a day. What I’ve seen so far, it’s good stuff and now just sucking more of my time, time I should be using to drink more beer.
Did I forget your blog? It was not intentional. That or you never leave comments and so I’m unaware of your existence. Let me know either way and I’ll do my best to rectify the situation. I know I’m forgetting someone, but this post has already gone longer than I originally intended.
Comments are welcome.
Beer and Pavement 
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