The Piano Has Been Drinking
Great music. Great beer. That is all.
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Beastie Boys - Egg Man (Paul’s Boutique, 1989)
Not one hour after posting my tribute to Levon Helm, I heard the news about MCA. Needless to say, I’ve got a bone to pick with the man upstairs. Maybe his son is finally getting married and he’s putting together a wedding band.
Adam Yauch wore many hats, and he looked good in all of them. A gentleman, a Buddhist, a filmmaker, a philanthropist, a clown, and above all, a B-Boy to the end. The first thing I did when I heard he was gone was put this album on. It was a Friday, it was late in the day, and I made my incredibly young interns suffer through it. It was Yauch who stumbled upon the Dust Brothers, and their collaboration produced what is easily the best record not just for the Beastie Boys, but for hip-hop as a whole. Wherever you may be, Mr. Hörnblowér, I hope you’ve got plenty of time and money for girls covered with honey.
Victory Brewing Company - Golden Monkey
Whether you’re looking to contemplate, meditate, or inebriate, this wonderful Tripel from Victory is the beverage for you. It’s surprisingly light, when you consider its ABV, but this monkey is dangerous. It starts off tart and fruity with a bit of honey before opening up into something a little maltier with a hoppy bite in the finish. Crack one open, spin this platter as many times as you damn well please, and appreciate the man. Here’s mud in your third eye!
The Band - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band, 1969)
Last month, the world lost an incredible talent, and a damn good man. The Band was hands down one of the most solid groups ever assembled, and at the center of it all…with that big toothy grin of his…was Levon. I toiled over which song to post, but finally settled on a favorite of mine since childhood. Band mate and longtime rival Robbie Robertson may have written it, but nobody was more qualified to sing it than Helm. Only he could truly speak of the American experience, because he was the American experience. Kind hearted, rough throated, and a real southern gentleman (who happened to have one hell of a backbeat).
Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project - Field Mouse’s Farewell
200 miles from where Helm and his cohorts spent their days making pure art, Dann Paquette and his lovely wife Martha have got their own little medicine show going on. A bit of a gypsy himself, Paquette understands that what he’s creating isn’t just beer, it’s an experience. And it’s that notion that possesses him. They do not own their own operation, and all of their magic elixirs are created in the wee hours of the night in a rented brewery. A lot of the expected farmhouse flavors are present in this one, but there’s always a twist with Pretty Things. Hints of banana, coriander, cloves and pepper swirl around in this golden beauty, while notes of citrus fruit make it jump up and sing. I hear this year’s release is getting an extra dose of rye, and I say bring it on!
I chose this beer because of the particularly moving passage that accompanies it, which I felt was quite fitting. Levon, whatever awaits you in the next world, I hope they’re ready for a ramble!
http://theband.hiof.no/
http://www.levonhelm.com/
http://www.prettythingsbeertoday.com/
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Afghan Whigs - The Temple (Congregation, 1992)
Dulli and his crew add a heap of extra grit to Webber and Rice’s already gritty portrayal of history’s very first celebrity. And like Pontius Pilate, you’re gonna want to wash up a bit when it’s over.
Brouwerij Het Anker - Gouden Carolus Easter Beer
And now for something completely different…bunnies! With loads of fig, caramel and brown sugar swirling around, this gorgeous Belgian is as sweet as anything you’re gonna find in your basket this year. Brewed annually to celebrate Easter, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any holiday feast. So let’s all eat, drink, and “be sweet”.
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Clarence Williams’ Blue Five ft. Sidney Bechet - Wild Cat Blues (Okeh, 1923)
I’ve said this before: in order to be a great artist, you’ve gotta be cocky and you’ve gotta be troubled. Sidney Bechet is no exception to this rule. Considered one of the great innovators during the genre’s inception in New Orleans, this early cut of his is arguably the first jazz recording to feature a soloist. And what a soloist! There’s no mistaking Bechet’s sound, particularly that wide, forceful vibrato. Bechet was paving the way for many to follow…and those footsteps were pretty hard to fill.
Elysian Brewing Company - Avatar Jasmine IPA
One of the many stories surrounding the etymology of the word “jazz” is that it came from “jass”, a reference to the strong jasmine perfume prostitutes used to wear in Storyville (the red light district in New Orleans). I was pondering this the other day, and listening to Bechet, when this pairing began to develop in my swollen head.
This IPA is unique for its style, and heavy on the Jasmine. You get it in the nose, and you get it when it hits your lips. The hops are present, but they take a backseat and only provide a light bitterness to counter this oh-so-sweet flower. Pour yourself a glass of this delicious nectar, and let this hot rag consume you.
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Atari Teenage Riot - Revolution Action (60 Second Wipe Out, 1999 )
Spring is in the air once again, and so are the fists. Which means it’s time for another shout out to my brothers and sisters on the street, who’ve now made the exodus north to Union Square. This jerky, twitchy, kick-in-the-teeth, crafted by digital hardcore Berliners Atari Teenage Riot, oughta send enough piss and vinegar through your veins to get you through the night. So keep fighting the good fight, and remember what Kesey said…”the meek ain’t gonna inherit shit”.
Bomb Beer Company - Bomb Lager
I don’t pretend to know much about street art, but I do know that it’s an expression of the people, brought to life by a subculture of artists who will forever resist conforming to social norms. It’s that in-your-face spirit that motivates Bomb Lager, a company that “expresses itself unapologetically”, and hopes you’ll do the same.
This Bavarian Helles is just what the doctor ordered on a day like today. Citrus and floral notes abound, while a bit of sweet malt and a light smack of hops bring you to a crisp, refreshing finish. The can ain’t bad to look at either, and is the perfect vessel for drinkin’ in the park. No paper bags allowed, display it proudly. The cops have bigger concerns.
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Mark’s Men - Come Out Ye Black And Tans (Stick ‘Em Up, 1971)
I’ve been robbed in Ireland, I’ve been evicted in Ireland, I’ve had my heart broken in Ireland and, most importantly, I’ve been drunk in Ireland. My memories of stomping around Dublin are some of the most precious you’ll find floating around in this swollen head of mine. Still, as much as I love the place, the Irish love it a helluva lot more. This post is a tribute to them, and to their dirty old town.
I do appreciate a good rebel song, and this one is top notch. Recorded live in a pub back in ’71, Declan Hunt and the boys bring a fire to this tune not heard on any other recording.
Guinness - Foreign Extra Stout
A pub owner in Temple Bar once told me that Americans are sent the second worst Guinness next to the English. This is why I do not drink it on this side of the pond. How could I, when I used to drink it when it was “hours old”? Trust me, there is a difference.
So imagine my excitement when I learned that their Foreign Extra Stout, not available since prohibition, was finally making its way back over the Atlantic. This sweet lass pours as dark as the eyes of a selkie, and is far more complex than you’d expect. Starting off with roasted coffee and chocolate, it eventually blooms into dark cherry and tobacco before coming to a dry, bitter end. So finish up your egg on chips and meet me at the early house…we’re gonna get pissed!
http://www.theballadeers.com/dh_d01_marks_men.htm
http://www.guinness.com/
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Cleaners From Venus - Renee (Who’s Driving Your Car) (In The Golden Autumn, 1983)
Among devotees of the cassette underground, Martin Newell is an icon. Using shabby home recording equipment, and often partnering with chums Lawrence “Lol” Elliot or Giles Smith, he produced some fantastic tunes and empowered a nation of DIYers to have a go at it.
I love this song, but I couldn’t subject you to my original copy, which has really taken a beating. Luckily, Burger Records recently “repopped” it, and that’s the version you’re getting here.
Barrier Brewing Co. - Bulkhead Red
What does British cassette culture and nano-brewing have in common? Plenty. Both are creating and self-distributing incredible product in limited quantities to be enjoyed by a very lucky few.
Evan Klein and Craig Frymark out in Long Island are champions of the nano scene, and their Bulkhead Red is some of their finest work. This delicious hopped up amber, with loads of citrus and sweet caramely malt, always hits the spot when I can find it in my local. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Evan and Craig in their tiny operation, and you couldn’t meet a couple of nicer cats. If you’re in the area, do yourself a solid and rush the growler.
http://www.martinnewell.co.uk/
http://burgerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-golden-autumn
http://barrierbrewing.com/Site/HOME.html
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The Rolling Stones - Stray Cat Blues (Beggars Banquet, 1968)
This tune is absolutely sticky with sex, of the seediest variety. If you could smell it, it would probably wreak of jasmine perfume, bourbon, and sweat. Jagger struts and puffs out his chest throughout, while Richards stabs at you with that trademark tone of his as if he’s circling you in a knife fight. These blokes really know how to set a mood, and it promises to be a long night full of bad decisions.
Foothills Brewing - Sexual Chocolate
Everybody’s trying to get their hands on this dark honey from North Carolina, so if you ever have the pleasure of spending an evening with her you’re a lucky man. She starts out a little bitter, but once you warm her up you’re rewarded with fig, molasses, chocolate, a bit of vanilla, and a smoky finish that’ll leave you wondering, how come you taste so good?
http://www.rollingstones.com/
http://www.foothillsbrewing.com/
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The Doc Marshalls - You Know What The Law Is In Texas (Honest For Once, 2008)
How to make a Doc Marshalls album…
In a screaming hot pot, add:
1. A dash of Cajun seasoning
2. A pinch of Texas Swing
3. A bit of Honky-Tonk
4. A splash of the saddest ballads you ever did hear
And don’t forget to throw in a few barnburners like this one. Bring it all to a boil, and you got yourself one helluva gumbo! If you ever get a chance to catch these boys live, do yourself a favor. I guarantee you’ll shake your ass, ‘cause it sure as hell won’t behave in a seat.
Jester King Craft Brewery - Das Wunderkind
If anyone knows the law in Texas, it’s Jester King. They sued the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for chrissakes…and won!
And like The Doc Marshalls, they also know a thing or two about throwing all kinds of critters into the mix and leaving things to chance. When you embrace open fermentation, and are situated near an orchard in the Texas Hill Country, you’re bound to get some interesting characters stopping by and dipping their toe in the drink. This prodigious little beauty pours as golden and as hazy as a southwestern sunset, and the complex flavors surround you like the Texas Rangers; gunning you down with tart cherry, lemon zest, and other sour notes until you’re laid low in a dry, peppery finish. What a way to go.
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Metallica - Motorbreath (Kill ‘Em All, 1983)
Long before completely selling out in the early 90s, Metallica was cranking out gems like this and pioneering a brave new sound that made headbangers everywhere put their chiropractors on speed dial. I bought my first car at 16 with money I earned from a summer job and I’m not embarrassed to say that this was in the tape deck as I tore up the back roads of my hometown. So young…so dumb.
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen
Rauch is German for smoke, so a Rauchbier is a no brainer to put up against this assertive tune. There’s no mistaking what you’re in for once you stick your nose into this meaty and robust brew. The smoky aroma is like a leather-clad fist in your face, and the flavors don’t beat around the bush either. They go straight to work, punishing your tongue with smoke, smoke, and more smoke. There are also hints of wood and bacon sloshing around, while the malt and hops remain in the background, presumably hiding from the stronger personalities. For extra metal points, serve in a spike and jewel-encrusted goblet.
http://www.metallica.com/
http://www.schlenkerla.de/
