If you don't know who the Boss is, you should probably leave right now. If you are stubborn enough to stick around and don't know who it is then here you go. It is Bruce Springsteen. The Boss.
You don't get a name like that for being a weak, low energy song writer who does nothing more than get famous due to your looks and the media hype. He has earned that title and after seeing him 2 times in concert it is very clear why.
At 61 (ish) he rocks out harder than any concert I've seen Including Green Day, Sum 41, Alexisonfire, No Warning and Protest the Hero and I think I could argue that he rocks the hardest of anyone. He is the best show I've ever seen.
On stage you can see the transition from a normal coloured light grey shirt to a sweat soaked dark grey shirt over the course of the 2 hour show. Yep 2 hours which doesn't include the 45 minute to 1 hour encore he did both times. He rocks harder and longer than anyone. Case closed.
If you haven't had a chance to listen to his music, you are losing at the game of life. If you ever get the chance to see him you NEED to so you can appreciate it in all its glory.
You may have noticed that I didn't talk about his music much, if at all, and there is a very good reason for it. I don't need to. Music like this speaks for itself. You won't find better diversity, lyricism or rockability anywhere.
Boss, here is to you and rounding out the month of beer and music. Cheers.
Thursday 31 March 2011
Wednesday 30 March 2011
March 30- The Sadies
Yep, another band closely related to Blue Rodeo but these guys are much more musically diverse than BR. They do foot stomping fiddle rock and alternative punkish stuff. They do very country stuff and some fairly soft mellow tunes. You really don't know what to expect.
I first saw them at a concert with Blue Rodeo at a festival in Paris (ontario, not france. fucking french people) and they were just before BR. I will be honest I may have liked them better since they were so new and so everywhere. I instantly went out and bought a few of their CD's and I haven't stopped listening to them for a while now. They have a song to fit any mood and a lot of energy when they are live. Let alone set in a field on a sunny day with a few good friends and a crowd of other music loving pirates. I love outdoor shows and I hope to see more while I'm here.
Check out the sadies here. Take note of the baller suits and the stand up bass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2hq6gM5znc&feature=related
I first saw them at a concert with Blue Rodeo at a festival in Paris (ontario, not france. fucking french people) and they were just before BR. I will be honest I may have liked them better since they were so new and so everywhere. I instantly went out and bought a few of their CD's and I haven't stopped listening to them for a while now. They have a song to fit any mood and a lot of energy when they are live. Let alone set in a field on a sunny day with a few good friends and a crowd of other music loving pirates. I love outdoor shows and I hope to see more while I'm here.
Check out the sadies here. Take note of the baller suits and the stand up bass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2hq6gM5znc&feature=related
March 29- My third concert
I'm not actually sure what my third concert was but I think it was Blue Rodeo at Centre in the Square.
I was there with UB, Lisa and Michelle and we had some pretty sweet box seats (thanks to Michelle's hook ups I think). The concert had an opening band Cuff the Duke (who I've mentioned a day or 2 ago) which were initially thought of as baby Blue Rodeo, making me see why they were selected as the opening band.
It started off with a guy walking on, turning on a street light and then heading to a chair and selecting a record to put on. It was not Blue Rodeo and he got a few boos and a few laughs.
When Blue Rodeo came on they kicked him off of the stage and started off with a handful of slow songs with just acoustic guitars and a snare drum. I was unimpressed as I wanted to see a more rock show. When the backing band left Keelor and Cuddy to jam a bit I knew something was up and then BAM, the curtain fell and they pumped it out. Badass opening to a show. They played through a number of old, new, fast and slow songs and hit everything bang on. They might be as good, if not better, live than on CD. Purely amazing. They encore was also quite great as they played my favourite song at the time to kick it off and I correctly predicted there would be 3 songs and not 2 and guessed what 2 of the 3 would be.
I've seen them 2 times since then, once at an outdoor festival and once at an airport (weird eh?) and they were just as good both times. They are a band I will never be able do dislike as they have really helped my develop my variety of musical tastes.
I was there with UB, Lisa and Michelle and we had some pretty sweet box seats (thanks to Michelle's hook ups I think). The concert had an opening band Cuff the Duke (who I've mentioned a day or 2 ago) which were initially thought of as baby Blue Rodeo, making me see why they were selected as the opening band.
It started off with a guy walking on, turning on a street light and then heading to a chair and selecting a record to put on. It was not Blue Rodeo and he got a few boos and a few laughs.
When Blue Rodeo came on they kicked him off of the stage and started off with a handful of slow songs with just acoustic guitars and a snare drum. I was unimpressed as I wanted to see a more rock show. When the backing band left Keelor and Cuddy to jam a bit I knew something was up and then BAM, the curtain fell and they pumped it out. Badass opening to a show. They played through a number of old, new, fast and slow songs and hit everything bang on. They might be as good, if not better, live than on CD. Purely amazing. They encore was also quite great as they played my favourite song at the time to kick it off and I correctly predicted there would be 3 songs and not 2 and guessed what 2 of the 3 would be.
I've seen them 2 times since then, once at an outdoor festival and once at an airport (weird eh?) and they were just as good both times. They are a band I will never be able do dislike as they have really helped my develop my variety of musical tastes.
March 28- Cuff the Duke
Another small band from Ontario, Oshawa if I’m correct, is Cuff the Duke. These guys are a bit country, mostly from their Blue Rodeo influence, a bit rock and a touch alternative. They do a variety of stuff. They are one of those bands that I can listen to for quite a while and not get sick of due to so much variety in the music.
The older stuff is much closer the rock side of things where the new stuff is leaning more toward country (again due to a close tie with Blue Rodeo). If you are open to new stuff and don’t mind a tiny bit of country I suggest giving them a listen and seeing what you can find. Some of you will like it. Some won’t. Music is just like everything else. Can’t win ‘em all.
Check out their song "Take my money and run"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEuCXrgWz94
And yes, the lead singer looks like the guy from Weezer.
March 27- The Flat
This update has nothing to do with beer or music. I moved into the flat and man I’m happy. I have a stove, an over and everything else I could want sans Internet (that makes sense right? My French is a bit rusty).
In my flat there are 5 brewers and NONE of them are Scottish, English or welsh. Nobody from the UK. NONE. What we do have is a German, 2 Australians, an American (no we don’t fight contrary to popular belief) and a Dane. Of course we also have a rock star Canadian who you all know quite well. We also have a TV and an Xbox, which is quite awesome because I can watch movies. Most importantly, I get to see people every night and chat with them. I am no longer a loner!!!
Also, we drink lots of beer and I can see this going nowhere good for my liver or state of mind. But, you only live once and you never know when you will live in Scotland again. Let alone in these conditions. Rock on.
Sunday 27 March 2011
March 26- Beer Myths
We all know then, we all have (or had in my case. yes i've evolved bitches) them, we all believed them and some still do but why? Here are 15 beer myths that were posted (surprisingly) on the beer store's website. Who thought the beer store actually knew something about beer? Not me.
http://mybeerstore.blogspot.com/2011/03/15-most-popular-beer-myths.html
If you still believe any of them afterwards let me know so I can knock your head in..Straight. Knock it straight. Set it straight. My bad.
http://mybeerstore.blogspot.com/2011/03/15-most-popular-beer-myths.html
If you still believe any of them afterwards let me know so I can knock your head in..Straight. Knock it straight. Set it straight. My bad.
Friday 25 March 2011
March 25- The Semi-Ultimate Pub Crawl
I'm a mad man, most of you know that. You also know that when it comes to beer I'll go much further than most people to find it, learn about it and drink it (I think being in Scotland is a great example). I am planning a semi-ultimate pub crawl with my buddy Mike for late August/early September of this year. Now that I'm 21, I'm sure you can guess where I'm headed.
We plan on getting a car (not sure where from, so if anyone wants to join us and has a car let me know) and driving down to the states for a week long pub crawl. We are going to hit up Brooklyn, Six Point, Yuengling (oldest craft brewery in the US) and ultimately end up in Delaware at Dogfish Head for a few days. If anyone has other breweries we should see that are on the route let me know and I'll see if we can fit it in.
We plan on sleeping in campgrounds and trailer parks, our car, ditches or pretty much anywhere just to get this done because we obviously won't be driving after making a stop. Hell, we may not even be able to find the car. I also plan on using my growing network of brewers to find a place here or there and get the ultimate brewery tour experience at each stop.
So I ask you. Would you go to this length to learn about and discover your passion? More importantly, do you want to come? I'm sure we can find room for another beer lover or 2.
We plan on getting a car (not sure where from, so if anyone wants to join us and has a car let me know) and driving down to the states for a week long pub crawl. We are going to hit up Brooklyn, Six Point, Yuengling (oldest craft brewery in the US) and ultimately end up in Delaware at Dogfish Head for a few days. If anyone has other breweries we should see that are on the route let me know and I'll see if we can fit it in.
We plan on sleeping in campgrounds and trailer parks, our car, ditches or pretty much anywhere just to get this done because we obviously won't be driving after making a stop. Hell, we may not even be able to find the car. I also plan on using my growing network of brewers to find a place here or there and get the ultimate brewery tour experience at each stop.
So I ask you. Would you go to this length to learn about and discover your passion? More importantly, do you want to come? I'm sure we can find room for another beer lover or 2.
Thursday 24 March 2011
March 24- Music and beer
Remember when I said that beer opened up my pallet to new foods and how they work so well together when done properly? Apparently the same goes for music.
Recently (about 10 minutes ago) I bought Miles Davis's album Bitches Brew based entirely on the fact that Dogfish Head did a beer to commemorate the re-release of the album. No demos, no research I just decided that I'd give it a shot. Sometimes taking chances pays off and sometimes it just flops. This time it worked. As I lay in my bed about to hit the sack after a long day off of nothing I'm listening to the album and really getting into it. Jazz is awesome and I'm sad I didn't get into it earlier. This may be the start of a whole new me. Well, not entirely but maybe a new side of me??
If you get a chance and haven't listened to Miles Davis I would. If you are disappointed then you clearly don't appreciate music (listen to me talking like an expert. if you don't like it it probably just isn't for you). I'm keeping this short because I am tired. Night
Recently (about 10 minutes ago) I bought Miles Davis's album Bitches Brew based entirely on the fact that Dogfish Head did a beer to commemorate the re-release of the album. No demos, no research I just decided that I'd give it a shot. Sometimes taking chances pays off and sometimes it just flops. This time it worked. As I lay in my bed about to hit the sack after a long day off of nothing I'm listening to the album and really getting into it. Jazz is awesome and I'm sad I didn't get into it earlier. This may be the start of a whole new me. Well, not entirely but maybe a new side of me??
If you get a chance and haven't listened to Miles Davis I would. If you are disappointed then you clearly don't appreciate music (listen to me talking like an expert. if you don't like it it probably just isn't for you). I'm keeping this short because I am tired. Night
March 23- Delirium Tremens
This is a beer identified by its distinctive label consisting of crocodiles, dragons and most notably the famous pink elephants. At 8.5% enough of these will make you see pink elephants. I haven't been that far yet but I may make it a life goal along with Oktoberfest in Munich and Dublin for St Patrick's day. This is the bottle to look for.
This was the first belgian beer that made me like Belgian strong ales, and if it wasn't for the Moorings (sweet pirate bar) and Red, Jack and Franz, I may not have discovered it this fast. I also had their Nocturnum while in Edinburgh and it was amazing.
So you may think that this sounds awesome with pink elephants and a sweet name?
Delirium Tremens is also an acute (read, very bad) form of delirium caused from alcohol withdrawal and will cause the sufferer to hallucinate. It is latin for "shaking frenzy" and I'm sure too many or severe withdrawal would cause these symptoms.
To be honest, I'll stick with the beer.
This was the first belgian beer that made me like Belgian strong ales, and if it wasn't for the Moorings (sweet pirate bar) and Red, Jack and Franz, I may not have discovered it this fast. I also had their Nocturnum while in Edinburgh and it was amazing.
So you may think that this sounds awesome with pink elephants and a sweet name?
Delirium Tremens is also an acute (read, very bad) form of delirium caused from alcohol withdrawal and will cause the sufferer to hallucinate. It is latin for "shaking frenzy" and I'm sure too many or severe withdrawal would cause these symptoms.
To be honest, I'll stick with the beer.
Wednesday 23 March 2011
March 22nd - A fun fictional story
Note: I DID NOT WRITE THIS. IT WASN'T ME. But it is an interesting thing to think about. Wouldn't life be sad if it were like this? Isn't it sad that some peoples lives are?
He finds himself sitting in the neighborhood bar drinking a beer at about the same time that he began to think about going there for one. In fact, he has finished it. Perhaps he’ll have a second one, he thinks, as he downs it and asks for a third. There is a young woman sitting not far from him who is not exactly good-looking but good-looking enough, and probably good in bed, as indeed she is. Did he finish his beer? Can’t remember. What really matters is: Did he enjoy his orgasm? Or even have one? This he is wondering on his way home through the foggy night streets from the young woman’s apartment. Which was full of Kewpie dolls, the sort won at carnivals, and they made a date, as he recalls, to go to one. Where she wins another—she has a knack for it. Whereupon they’re in her apartment again, taking their clothes off, she excitedly cuddling her new doll in a bed heaped with them. He can’t remember when he last slept, and he’s no longer sure, as he staggers through the night streets, still foggy, where his own apartment is, his orgasm, if he had one, already fading from memory. Maybe he should take her back to the carnival, he thinks, where she wins another Kewpie doll (this is at least their second date, maybe their fourth), and this time they go for a romantic nightcap at the bar where they first met. Where a brawny dude starts hassling her. He intervenes and she turns up at his hospital bed, bringing him one of her Kewpie dolls to keep him company. Which is her way of expressing the bond between them, or so he supposes, as he leaves the hospital on crutches, uncertain what part of town he is in. Or what part of the year. He decides that it’s time to call the affair off—she’s driving him crazy—but then the brawny dude turns up at their wedding and apologizes for the pounding he gave him. He didn’t realize, he says, how serious they were. The guy’s wedding present is a gift certificate for two free drinks at the bar where they met and a pair of white satin ribbons for his crutches. During the ceremony, they both carry Kewpie dolls that probably have some barely hidden significance, and indeed do. The child she bears him, his or another’s, reminds him, as if he needed reminding, that time is fast moving on. He has responsibilities now and he decides to check whether he still has the job that he had when he first met her. He does. His absence, if he has been absent, is not remarked on, but he is not congratulated on his marriage, either, no doubt because—it comes back to him now—before he met his wife he was engaged to one of his colleagues and their co-workers had already thrown them an engagement party, so they must resent the money they spent on gifts. It’s embarrassing and the atmosphere is somewhat hostile, but he has a child in kindergarten and another on the way, so what can he do? Well, he still hasn’t cashed in the gift certificate, so, for one thing, what the hell, he can go for a beer, two, in fact, and he can afford a third. There’s a young woman sitting near him who looks like she’s probably good in bed, but she’s not his wife and he has no desire to commit adultery, or so he tells himself, as he sits on the edge of her bed with his pants around his ankles. Is he taking them off or putting them on? He’s not sure, but now he pulls them on and limps home, having left his beribboned crutches somewhere. On arrival, he finds all the Kewpie dolls, which were put on a shelf when the babies started coming, now scattered about the apartment, beheaded and with their limbs amputated. One of the babies is crying, so, while he warms up a bottle of milk on the stove, he goes into its room to give it a pacifier and discovers a note from his wife pinned to its pajamas, which says that she has gone off to the hospital to have another baby and she’d better not find him here when she gets back, because if she does she’ll kill him. He believes her, so he’s soon out on the streets again, wondering if he ever gave that bottle to the baby, or if it’s still boiling away on the stove. He passes the old neighborhood bar and is tempted but decides that he has had enough trouble for one lifetime and is about to walk on when he is stopped by that hulk who beat him up and who now gives him a cigar because he’s just become a father and drags him into the bar for a celebratory drink, or, rather, several, he has lost count. The celebrations are already over, however, and the new father, who has married the same woman who threw him out, is crying in his beer about the miseries of married life and congratulating him on being well out of it, a lucky man. But he doesn’t feel lucky, especially when he sees a young woman sitting near them who looks like she’s probably good in bed and decides to suggest that they go to her place, but too late—she’s already out the door with the guy who beat him up and stole his wife. So he has another beer, wondering where he’s supposed to live now, and realizing—it’s the bartender who so remarks while offering him another on the house—that life is short and brutal and before he knows it he’ll be dead. He’s right. After a few more beers and orgasms, some vaguely remembered, most not, one of his sons, now a racecar driver and the president of the company he used to work for, comes to visit him on his deathbed and, apologizing for arriving so late (I went for a beer, Dad, things happened), says he’s going to miss him but it’s probably for the best. For the best what? he asks, but his son is gone, if he was ever there in the first place. Well . . . you know . . . life, he says to the nurse who has come to pull the sheet over his face and wheel him away. ♦
Read more http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2011/03/14/110314fi_fiction_coover#ixzz1HTDSHqay
He finds himself sitting in the neighborhood bar drinking a beer at about the same time that he began to think about going there for one. In fact, he has finished it. Perhaps he’ll have a second one, he thinks, as he downs it and asks for a third. There is a young woman sitting not far from him who is not exactly good-looking but good-looking enough, and probably good in bed, as indeed she is. Did he finish his beer? Can’t remember. What really matters is: Did he enjoy his orgasm? Or even have one? This he is wondering on his way home through the foggy night streets from the young woman’s apartment. Which was full of Kewpie dolls, the sort won at carnivals, and they made a date, as he recalls, to go to one. Where she wins another—she has a knack for it. Whereupon they’re in her apartment again, taking their clothes off, she excitedly cuddling her new doll in a bed heaped with them. He can’t remember when he last slept, and he’s no longer sure, as he staggers through the night streets, still foggy, where his own apartment is, his orgasm, if he had one, already fading from memory. Maybe he should take her back to the carnival, he thinks, where she wins another Kewpie doll (this is at least their second date, maybe their fourth), and this time they go for a romantic nightcap at the bar where they first met. Where a brawny dude starts hassling her. He intervenes and she turns up at his hospital bed, bringing him one of her Kewpie dolls to keep him company. Which is her way of expressing the bond between them, or so he supposes, as he leaves the hospital on crutches, uncertain what part of town he is in. Or what part of the year. He decides that it’s time to call the affair off—she’s driving him crazy—but then the brawny dude turns up at their wedding and apologizes for the pounding he gave him. He didn’t realize, he says, how serious they were. The guy’s wedding present is a gift certificate for two free drinks at the bar where they met and a pair of white satin ribbons for his crutches. During the ceremony, they both carry Kewpie dolls that probably have some barely hidden significance, and indeed do. The child she bears him, his or another’s, reminds him, as if he needed reminding, that time is fast moving on. He has responsibilities now and he decides to check whether he still has the job that he had when he first met her. He does. His absence, if he has been absent, is not remarked on, but he is not congratulated on his marriage, either, no doubt because—it comes back to him now—before he met his wife he was engaged to one of his colleagues and their co-workers had already thrown them an engagement party, so they must resent the money they spent on gifts. It’s embarrassing and the atmosphere is somewhat hostile, but he has a child in kindergarten and another on the way, so what can he do? Well, he still hasn’t cashed in the gift certificate, so, for one thing, what the hell, he can go for a beer, two, in fact, and he can afford a third. There’s a young woman sitting near him who looks like she’s probably good in bed, but she’s not his wife and he has no desire to commit adultery, or so he tells himself, as he sits on the edge of her bed with his pants around his ankles. Is he taking them off or putting them on? He’s not sure, but now he pulls them on and limps home, having left his beribboned crutches somewhere. On arrival, he finds all the Kewpie dolls, which were put on a shelf when the babies started coming, now scattered about the apartment, beheaded and with their limbs amputated. One of the babies is crying, so, while he warms up a bottle of milk on the stove, he goes into its room to give it a pacifier and discovers a note from his wife pinned to its pajamas, which says that she has gone off to the hospital to have another baby and she’d better not find him here when she gets back, because if she does she’ll kill him. He believes her, so he’s soon out on the streets again, wondering if he ever gave that bottle to the baby, or if it’s still boiling away on the stove. He passes the old neighborhood bar and is tempted but decides that he has had enough trouble for one lifetime and is about to walk on when he is stopped by that hulk who beat him up and who now gives him a cigar because he’s just become a father and drags him into the bar for a celebratory drink, or, rather, several, he has lost count. The celebrations are already over, however, and the new father, who has married the same woman who threw him out, is crying in his beer about the miseries of married life and congratulating him on being well out of it, a lucky man. But he doesn’t feel lucky, especially when he sees a young woman sitting near them who looks like she’s probably good in bed and decides to suggest that they go to her place, but too late—she’s already out the door with the guy who beat him up and stole his wife. So he has another beer, wondering where he’s supposed to live now, and realizing—it’s the bartender who so remarks while offering him another on the house—that life is short and brutal and before he knows it he’ll be dead. He’s right. After a few more beers and orgasms, some vaguely remembered, most not, one of his sons, now a racecar driver and the president of the company he used to work for, comes to visit him on his deathbed and, apologizing for arriving so late (I went for a beer, Dad, things happened), says he’s going to miss him but it’s probably for the best. For the best what? he asks, but his son is gone, if he was ever there in the first place. Well . . . you know . . . life, he says to the nurse who has come to pull the sheet over his face and wheel him away. ♦
Read more http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2011/03/14/110314fi_fiction_coover#ixzz1HTDSHqay
March 21st - A fun music game
This is something I've done a few times with friends while we are both bored on facebook. You need to be really bored and have a decent iTunes or music collection for it to be any fun. You also need to have a different ish collection than a friend. Are you ready? Here we go.
Get one and chat about music. Then hit play on your media player with it on complete shuffle (whole library) and compare each song based on which one you think is better. Obviously there are cases of each other not knowing a song or flat out disagreement but it is bound to happen.
Why is this fun? It gives you a chance to talk about the music you like and to learn about your friends taste in music. It is a decent way to learn something about your friends, have a fun argument and defend the music you listen to. Give it a shot, have a few beers and remember... I have nothing that special to say so don't hold this against me.
Get one and chat about music. Then hit play on your media player with it on complete shuffle (whole library) and compare each song based on which one you think is better. Obviously there are cases of each other not knowing a song or flat out disagreement but it is bound to happen.
Why is this fun? It gives you a chance to talk about the music you like and to learn about your friends taste in music. It is a decent way to learn something about your friends, have a fun argument and defend the music you listen to. Give it a shot, have a few beers and remember... I have nothing that special to say so don't hold this against me.
Tuesday 22 March 2011
March 20th - The music that shaped who I am
I've been thinking recently about the music that really has shaped who I am and the bands that were dominnant in the key stages of my growing up. There is a trend so pay attention.
Blink 182 - These guys are hard to hate. They are fun, loud, in your face and just plain catchy. Textbook Californian punk rock. These guys were my first taste of rebellion and since they are a fun band it was easy to jump on board. They took up about the 12-14 year old times. Mixed with skateboarding how can one lose?
Billy Talent- These guys were my progression into more hardcore mild rebellion. The next step from Blink to a more adult oriented adult themes like suicide, drug use and mental instability. THe fact that they were local didn't hurt either. Like Blink they just rocked out and had a very hard sound that I really enjoyed.
Bob Dylan- It was in grade 10 when I was 16 I first heard this thanks to my history teacher Ms. Collis. I owe her a lot since I'm pretty sure this was the most influential music I've ever listened to. I connected with the lyrics and the wide range of styles with ease. He just spoke to me (in his twangy BD voice of course) but I just understood what he was going on about. I was a compulsive listener for years and still am from time to time these days. Much different than the previous 2 bands mentioned. I've seen him live and it was like listening to a Dog play music. But it was still awesome and I love it all.
Blur Rodeo - These guys are not as country as you may think. The older stuff is more rock and the newer stuff is getting more country (due to their age I assume). They were introduced based on the gounds that if I liked Bob Dylan's rough voice I'd like Keelor's. UB was right, I did. It also became one thing that Michelle and I really shared and could connect over. I love what music can do for you. Seen them live 3 or 4 times. Great show.
Bruce Springsteen- The. Fucking. Boss. Enough said, but I'll say some more. This was again introduced by UB a few months after Blue Rodeo but I never got into it until a year or 2 later. It must have been the lyricism again and the very rock and roll style I liked because it was a blend of the past bands. Fun, poetic, up beat and catchy. Attitude is everything and the Boss has a lot of it but its positive. Oddly enough I always connected with the darker depressing side of his music (and the others as well) for the first while before liking the other stuff as much or more. I'm not sure why but I think it contributes to my generally happy attitude. I've seen him live. Twice.
Notice the theme? They all start with a B. Yeah, I love my first letter of my first name a lot.
Now let me ask. What bands shaped you?
Blink 182 - These guys are hard to hate. They are fun, loud, in your face and just plain catchy. Textbook Californian punk rock. These guys were my first taste of rebellion and since they are a fun band it was easy to jump on board. They took up about the 12-14 year old times. Mixed with skateboarding how can one lose?
Billy Talent- These guys were my progression into more hardcore mild rebellion. The next step from Blink to a more adult oriented adult themes like suicide, drug use and mental instability. THe fact that they were local didn't hurt either. Like Blink they just rocked out and had a very hard sound that I really enjoyed.
Bob Dylan- It was in grade 10 when I was 16 I first heard this thanks to my history teacher Ms. Collis. I owe her a lot since I'm pretty sure this was the most influential music I've ever listened to. I connected with the lyrics and the wide range of styles with ease. He just spoke to me (in his twangy BD voice of course) but I just understood what he was going on about. I was a compulsive listener for years and still am from time to time these days. Much different than the previous 2 bands mentioned. I've seen him live and it was like listening to a Dog play music. But it was still awesome and I love it all.
Blur Rodeo - These guys are not as country as you may think. The older stuff is more rock and the newer stuff is getting more country (due to their age I assume). They were introduced based on the gounds that if I liked Bob Dylan's rough voice I'd like Keelor's. UB was right, I did. It also became one thing that Michelle and I really shared and could connect over. I love what music can do for you. Seen them live 3 or 4 times. Great show.
Bruce Springsteen- The. Fucking. Boss. Enough said, but I'll say some more. This was again introduced by UB a few months after Blue Rodeo but I never got into it until a year or 2 later. It must have been the lyricism again and the very rock and roll style I liked because it was a blend of the past bands. Fun, poetic, up beat and catchy. Attitude is everything and the Boss has a lot of it but its positive. Oddly enough I always connected with the darker depressing side of his music (and the others as well) for the first while before liking the other stuff as much or more. I'm not sure why but I think it contributes to my generally happy attitude. I've seen him live. Twice.
Notice the theme? They all start with a B. Yeah, I love my first letter of my first name a lot.
Now let me ask. What bands shaped you?
March 19- Edingburgh. ..and back again
After we got up we headed to Stewarts Brewing company on the outskirts of town to check it out after hitting up Cornelius, a super cool bottle shop where I got a few beers. Stewarts is tiny and they were bottling when we got there. Everything by hand. 12 cases an hour. All day. I couldn't really believe it as I've seen them so many places. Oh well. We then headed back into the city and went for a walk around a few sites with great views of the city. Check it
We then headed down to Caledonian where Chris left as he had to work that night and was dead tired. Sean met me at the gate and we headed inside for a tour. I will say it is the most old school macro brewery every. Open top direct flame coppers, open fermentation, fairly manual brewhouse. I was shocked to say the very least.
We then headed down to the pub and i had a bit of soup with a pint of the 80/- (again cask, again didn't mind it).
The train back was easy and I slept on both that and the bus. What a good weekend.
I've come back a changed man. New opinions on beer, cask ale, BrewDog and how much I like cities. I hope I can get back down for longer than 2 days soon.
Chris and Sean, thanks for the beers, a place to crash, more beers and the tour of the city. It was the highlight of my trip so far and very well may stay that way (depending on what other travelling I do).
Cheers.
We then headed down to Caledonian where Chris left as he had to work that night and was dead tired. Sean met me at the gate and we headed inside for a tour. I will say it is the most old school macro brewery every. Open top direct flame coppers, open fermentation, fairly manual brewhouse. I was shocked to say the very least.
We then headed down to the pub and i had a bit of soup with a pint of the 80/- (again cask, again didn't mind it).
The train back was easy and I slept on both that and the bus. What a good weekend.
I've come back a changed man. New opinions on beer, cask ale, BrewDog and how much I like cities. I hope I can get back down for longer than 2 days soon.
Chris and Sean, thanks for the beers, a place to crash, more beers and the tour of the city. It was the highlight of my trip so far and very well may stay that way (depending on what other travelling I do).
Cheers.
March 18- Edinburgh. There...
Holy shit. This was by far the best trip I've taken in a long time and sadly it was only 2 days.
The train ride down was relatively easy but I had to be up early to get a bus. Then I had to get a railcard. What a headache that was. Stupid machines don't work very well. Anyway.
As soon as I got off the bus Chris, the guy I was meeting who is good friends with Matt, noticed me (well probably the BrewDog box) and we headed off to drop the beers at his flat. We then headed to the oldest pub in scotland, The Sheeps Heid. Was a cool little pub, very dark and quite with lots of cask ales on. We got a half pint of Flying Dutchman Wit and Sharps Doom bar. Neither were too bad and I drank the whole thing.
Next we headed into the city centre and walked around to a number of places like the castle and I got a brief history of the city and how amazing merderous it is. Bad ass. We hit up another bar for another half each and shared a Lagavulin distillers edition. Fucking amazing. Those guys still remain to be my favourite distillery. The pub was a very typical old man pub but it was still awesome. Next we shot across the street for what was essentially a pulled pork. This was also something that I haven't eaten since I left and it was a nice treat. We then headed up to the new BrewDog bar to check it out. It was cool but I learned a lot about pub details what I'd never think of without Chris telling me. Some very interesting stuff. After a beer each and chatting with Ed the new manager we headed to Malones, a typical Irish pub. It might be the most spectacular pub I've ever seen. 2 Floors and tons of space. Keep in mind it was the 17th the day before so everyone was out for St. Patty's day.
We then walked past the cafe where Harry Potter was written and I saw the 2 schools that Hogwarts is based upon. Any jealous fans? Don't be, we only had 2 pints with JK. No big deal.
Then we went to another pub to meet up with Chris's friend. If you haven't guessed yet, the trip turned into a pub crawl. What better way to see a city? Touristy shit is a waste of time and money. Moving on.
After that we headed out for a bit of candy, Double Decker for me and gummies for Chris, and walked to another pub. To be fair, these pubs were far enough apart so it wasn't like binge drinking and I had more brief history lessons and got some cool pics like this one.
Finally we ended up meeting up with Sean, another good friend of Chris and Matt, and we headed to one of the previous pubs for a pint to wait for Chris's friend. After that we headed to the BrewDog bar again and had a samples, Penguin, Hardcore and a few other pints. Kerry did forget my discount so she owes me one. I'm keeping track. After that we got some food, I had deep fried sausage. Yep, eating super healthy. Then to finish we went to beerhaus for a Delirium Nocturnum and a Guinness Export stout.
We then headed back and grabbed a last minute bit of food. Fish and chips and homemade banoffee pie. Amazing, I was so full by this point but had another beer. We then just watched some college humour with Andy, Chris's flat mate, before sleeping. It was badass.
Thoughts on the new BrewDog bar.
Louder music, brighter, younger crowd, worse layout, still good beer.
Thoughts on cask ale
I actually like a nice pint of cask ale now that I've had it properly. I'm glad I'm open minded (and that Sean and Chris didn't give me much of a choice)
The train ride down was relatively easy but I had to be up early to get a bus. Then I had to get a railcard. What a headache that was. Stupid machines don't work very well. Anyway.
As soon as I got off the bus Chris, the guy I was meeting who is good friends with Matt, noticed me (well probably the BrewDog box) and we headed off to drop the beers at his flat. We then headed to the oldest pub in scotland, The Sheeps Heid. Was a cool little pub, very dark and quite with lots of cask ales on. We got a half pint of Flying Dutchman Wit and Sharps Doom bar. Neither were too bad and I drank the whole thing.
Next we headed into the city centre and walked around to a number of places like the castle and I got a brief history of the city and how amazing merderous it is. Bad ass. We hit up another bar for another half each and shared a Lagavulin distillers edition. Fucking amazing. Those guys still remain to be my favourite distillery. The pub was a very typical old man pub but it was still awesome. Next we shot across the street for what was essentially a pulled pork. This was also something that I haven't eaten since I left and it was a nice treat. We then headed up to the new BrewDog bar to check it out. It was cool but I learned a lot about pub details what I'd never think of without Chris telling me. Some very interesting stuff. After a beer each and chatting with Ed the new manager we headed to Malones, a typical Irish pub. It might be the most spectacular pub I've ever seen. 2 Floors and tons of space. Keep in mind it was the 17th the day before so everyone was out for St. Patty's day.
Then we went to another pub to meet up with Chris's friend. If you haven't guessed yet, the trip turned into a pub crawl. What better way to see a city? Touristy shit is a waste of time and money. Moving on.
After that we headed out for a bit of candy, Double Decker for me and gummies for Chris, and walked to another pub. To be fair, these pubs were far enough apart so it wasn't like binge drinking and I had more brief history lessons and got some cool pics like this one.
Finally we ended up meeting up with Sean, another good friend of Chris and Matt, and we headed to one of the previous pubs for a pint to wait for Chris's friend. After that we headed to the BrewDog bar again and had a samples, Penguin, Hardcore and a few other pints. Kerry did forget my discount so she owes me one. I'm keeping track. After that we got some food, I had deep fried sausage. Yep, eating super healthy. Then to finish we went to beerhaus for a Delirium Nocturnum and a Guinness Export stout.
We then headed back and grabbed a last minute bit of food. Fish and chips and homemade banoffee pie. Amazing, I was so full by this point but had another beer. We then just watched some college humour with Andy, Chris's flat mate, before sleeping. It was badass.
Thoughts on the new BrewDog bar.
Louder music, brighter, younger crowd, worse layout, still good beer.
Thoughts on cask ale
I actually like a nice pint of cask ale now that I've had it properly. I'm glad I'm open minded (and that Sean and Chris didn't give me much of a choice)
Monday 21 March 2011
March 17- Kenna
This is an artist I am very new to. I just started to listen to him about 2 weeks ago based on his mention and story in Malcolm Gladwell's book Blink. First of all, one of the best books I've ever read and if you haven't heard of or read it, do it. Now, I'll wait for you to order it on Amazon.
And we're back. This guy is very blended as far as styles go. Rock, hip hop, techno and a fair bit in between. Great lyrics, great musicianship and someone that I would like to meet just based on the fact that he has had a very hard history getting into the industry.
If you don't believe me, check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKEWsijB5AU
I need to get caught up soon, but not today. Cheers.
And we're back. This guy is very blended as far as styles go. Rock, hip hop, techno and a fair bit in between. Great lyrics, great musicianship and someone that I would like to meet just based on the fact that he has had a very hard history getting into the industry.
If you don't believe me, check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKEWsijB5AU
I need to get caught up soon, but not today. Cheers.
Sunday 20 March 2011
March 16 - Oh the boss is comin!!
This might be one thing we have all though at least once while working at a job. Maybe not in a melodic song sort of way, and maybe not with such nice words, but it has happened to everyone who has ever had a job.
No one but the Arkells have put this idea to words and man, they do it well. It is stop and go, loud and makes you want to rock out if your boss is there or not. This is a great band from Hamilton that have become pretty big recently. They have one full length album called Jackson Square, after the sketchy ass mall in downtown Hamilton, and the sound is one that kind of fits with the city. It is poppier music on some tracks and very rock and roll on others. They are definitely worth a look and I hope they do frosh week for Mac next year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFrTZe-wQPI
No one but the Arkells have put this idea to words and man, they do it well. It is stop and go, loud and makes you want to rock out if your boss is there or not. This is a great band from Hamilton that have become pretty big recently. They have one full length album called Jackson Square, after the sketchy ass mall in downtown Hamilton, and the sound is one that kind of fits with the city. It is poppier music on some tracks and very rock and roll on others. They are definitely worth a look and I hope they do frosh week for Mac next year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFrTZe-wQPI
March 15th...on the 20th.
yeah, I'm 6 behind but I do have a good reason for it. I was out drinking and working, and drinking. That makes it ok, right?
Today I was lucky enough to get to another MUSA dinner with Jack, Red and Dr. D as well as James and Martin. We got to leave work early (again, a nice change) and we went down to MUSA to drop the beer off. We quickly realized that we would need to get to The Moorings for a cheeky Delirium Tremens before dinner.
The meal was amazing and was 6 courses. They were as follows.
Punk IPA and mini hop pizzas. It is a weird concept but the hops were there as if they were pepperoni. Luckily the cooking takes away the bitterness and leaves a decent flavour. Cool concept, but one will do.
Zeitgeist with Macaroni and shaved dark chocolate. This was amazing. The beer was a perfect match and the rich nature of the cheese and the chocolate worked so well together. I'll have to make this at some point because it was unreal. James gave tasting notes of raisins, chocolate, coffee. All of which samples of were thrown out at the people eating. Seriously. He bombarded people with the stuff. Hilarious.
IPA is Dead Citra and catfish and prawn tacos. The food lacked a bit of spice but was still very good. The pairing was nice and Citra is a very nice beer. Well done.
Hardcore IPA and Burgers with sweet potatoe fries. Fuck Yes. I haven't had a burger since I've been here until this and it was spot on. James also put his music of heavy metal up to 11 while we ate. Some were offended, some enjoyed it and I thought he was just mental. It worked though and made for an interesting course. The shit he does definitely sticks with the punk attitude.
Abstrakt AB:05 floats. Ice cream in the beer. Again, brilliant stuff. They worked well together and who doesn't love a float made with very chocolately ice cream?? Loved it.
Alice Porter with apple tarts. Needless to say I was a bit full (and a bit drunk) at this point but the tart was so good. Warm (nice contrast to the ice cream) and very rich and the cinnamon was bang on. This was also paired with Jack Johnson which was a nice mellow end to what I'd call a hilarious dangerous (for some) learning experience. BrewDog rocks.
Today I was lucky enough to get to another MUSA dinner with Jack, Red and Dr. D as well as James and Martin. We got to leave work early (again, a nice change) and we went down to MUSA to drop the beer off. We quickly realized that we would need to get to The Moorings for a cheeky Delirium Tremens before dinner.
The meal was amazing and was 6 courses. They were as follows.
Punk IPA and mini hop pizzas. It is a weird concept but the hops were there as if they were pepperoni. Luckily the cooking takes away the bitterness and leaves a decent flavour. Cool concept, but one will do.
Zeitgeist with Macaroni and shaved dark chocolate. This was amazing. The beer was a perfect match and the rich nature of the cheese and the chocolate worked so well together. I'll have to make this at some point because it was unreal. James gave tasting notes of raisins, chocolate, coffee. All of which samples of were thrown out at the people eating. Seriously. He bombarded people with the stuff. Hilarious.
IPA is Dead Citra and catfish and prawn tacos. The food lacked a bit of spice but was still very good. The pairing was nice and Citra is a very nice beer. Well done.
Hardcore IPA and Burgers with sweet potatoe fries. Fuck Yes. I haven't had a burger since I've been here until this and it was spot on. James also put his music of heavy metal up to 11 while we ate. Some were offended, some enjoyed it and I thought he was just mental. It worked though and made for an interesting course. The shit he does definitely sticks with the punk attitude.
Abstrakt AB:05 floats. Ice cream in the beer. Again, brilliant stuff. They worked well together and who doesn't love a float made with very chocolately ice cream?? Loved it.
Alice Porter with apple tarts. Needless to say I was a bit full (and a bit drunk) at this point but the tart was so good. Warm (nice contrast to the ice cream) and very rich and the cinnamon was bang on. This was also paired with Jack Johnson which was a nice mellow end to what I'd call a hilarious dangerous (for some) learning experience. BrewDog rocks.
Monday 14 March 2011
March 14- My Second Concert
This post makes me caught up. 3 in a night. Who's lazy now Pat?
My second concert was one I will also never forget. Partially because the music was great but mostly because I was there with a friend and no parents. Win.
It was in March or April of grade 9. I had just turned 15 and was on that whole rebellious/skater/rocker thing. It was Sum 41, a great canadian band, at the Aud in Kitchener. The weather was warm, the arena was warmer and the music was loud. Mitch and I had no idea what was in store for us.
There were 2 opening bands. One was Protest the Hero, who have become bigger in the past 2 years I believe, and No Warning, a band that has split up a few years ago. Both were very good but really couldn't compare to the main act. Sum 41 had just released Chuck, an album named after their tour guide while there were in a war torn country in Africa a year or so earlier. This album was deep, meaningful and had much more going on than the older stuff but they were still that same young, punk band with the "we don't give a shit" attitude to me and that was all that mattered.
The concert started with a video of them doing some stupid stuff (I think) and then they were just there. I didn't see them walk on, I swear they just appeared. The mosh pit started from that first chord (we were on the floor, I didn't mention that) and it didn't stop for about 2 hours. We got pulled in, stepped out, pulled in, pushed around, pushed back and stepped out. Over, and over and over. Amazing. There is nothing like the emotional energy of a show turning into physical energy. The experience just escalates when that happens. It was badass.
Oh, the joys of growing up.
My second concert was one I will also never forget. Partially because the music was great but mostly because I was there with a friend and no parents. Win.
It was in March or April of grade 9. I had just turned 15 and was on that whole rebellious/skater/rocker thing. It was Sum 41, a great canadian band, at the Aud in Kitchener. The weather was warm, the arena was warmer and the music was loud. Mitch and I had no idea what was in store for us.
There were 2 opening bands. One was Protest the Hero, who have become bigger in the past 2 years I believe, and No Warning, a band that has split up a few years ago. Both were very good but really couldn't compare to the main act. Sum 41 had just released Chuck, an album named after their tour guide while there were in a war torn country in Africa a year or so earlier. This album was deep, meaningful and had much more going on than the older stuff but they were still that same young, punk band with the "we don't give a shit" attitude to me and that was all that mattered.
The concert started with a video of them doing some stupid stuff (I think) and then they were just there. I didn't see them walk on, I swear they just appeared. The mosh pit started from that first chord (we were on the floor, I didn't mention that) and it didn't stop for about 2 hours. We got pulled in, stepped out, pulled in, pushed around, pushed back and stepped out. Over, and over and over. Amazing. There is nothing like the emotional energy of a show turning into physical energy. The experience just escalates when that happens. It was badass.
Oh, the joys of growing up.
March 13 - I'm on the BrewDog blog!!
This post is going to be short and sweet because the post has already been done for me. I officially got onto the BrewDog blog for a second time since I've been here. Check out the post and let me know what you think. I am stoked right now. This place rocks!!
http://www.brewdog.com/blog-article/interns-maple-syrup-and-the-exploding-pilot-brew
http://www.brewdog.com/blog-article/interns-maple-syrup-and-the-exploding-pilot-brew
March 12 - David Cavan Fraser
This guy is not scottish, english or from this side of the pond. He is actually a local singer and songwriter from Ontario who I stumbled across in first year university.
I remember the night very clearly. He was playing outside between Mills and the student centre and it was there I met Dave C for the first time as he knew my friend Eve. We sat, talked and listened to this guy play originals and covers (some actually not so good). It was a clear night and while most people were out getting shit faced we were there, sober enjoying the more relaxing things in life. He has 1 song that reminds me of my friend Rosemary who goes to Dal in Halifax. The song is called Nova Scotia and the words just make me feel how she must have felt (to a degree) when moving away from home all the way out there. And here I am about twice the difference and the song still applies. Seriously, go out and check this guy out if you can. His website is http://www.davidcavanfraser.com/ and has his upcoming shows on there. Also, if you want to check out his stuff before hand go here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9HrBJFIZfs&playnext=1&list=PL5353E9E1A1DCB706
This ones for me and Rosemary. Cheers
I remember the night very clearly. He was playing outside between Mills and the student centre and it was there I met Dave C for the first time as he knew my friend Eve. We sat, talked and listened to this guy play originals and covers (some actually not so good). It was a clear night and while most people were out getting shit faced we were there, sober enjoying the more relaxing things in life. He has 1 song that reminds me of my friend Rosemary who goes to Dal in Halifax. The song is called Nova Scotia and the words just make me feel how she must have felt (to a degree) when moving away from home all the way out there. And here I am about twice the difference and the song still applies. Seriously, go out and check this guy out if you can. His website is http://www.davidcavanfraser.com/ and has his upcoming shows on there. Also, if you want to check out his stuff before hand go here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9HrBJFIZfs&playnext=1&list=PL5353E9E1A1DCB706
This ones for me and Rosemary. Cheers
Sunday 13 March 2011
March 11- Pilot Brewing at BrewDog
I've officially joined the R&D team at the brewery. Here's the story.
Early on Friday (the 11th) James came out and asked Tobias and I to draw up a recipe and brew a batch on the Pilot system. We decided to go for the maple syrup porter. We used Marris otter as our base with munich, chocolate, pale crystal and of course, as Tobias is danish, we used oats. Target alcohol was 6.8% (I think) and we set off to do it. Gave the system a quick clean down and got to work. Of course we had lots of help from Red on how to use the system as well as James coming out to snap a few photos, look over the recipe and taste the wort. He did approve of our plan and we pushed ahead.
Here are a few photos from the day.
Tobias and I mashing in while Red shows us the ropes
James with the hops after checking in on our progress. Apparently he approves.
Early on Friday (the 11th) James came out and asked Tobias and I to draw up a recipe and brew a batch on the Pilot system. We decided to go for the maple syrup porter. We used Marris otter as our base with munich, chocolate, pale crystal and of course, as Tobias is danish, we used oats. Target alcohol was 6.8% (I think) and we set off to do it. Gave the system a quick clean down and got to work. Of course we had lots of help from Red on how to use the system as well as James coming out to snap a few photos, look over the recipe and taste the wort. He did approve of our plan and we pushed ahead.
Here are a few photos from the day.
This is the Pilot system we worked on. Next year for my birthday and christmas gifts, just everyone go in on this.
Tobias and I mashing in while Red shows us the ropes
James with the hops after checking in on our progress. Apparently he approves.
Tobias and I with the hops at the start of the boil
Maple syrup addition at the end of the boil. Can beer be any more canadian?
Lets just hope it all works out in the end. If so, it might see the BrewDog bar for a tasting.
March 10- Beer Made with Odd Ingredients
Here are a few examples of beer made with out of the ordinary, or disgusting sounding, ingredients. I've picked 2 of the weirdest ones I've heard of. These descriptions have been taken off of the website.
Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel
This imperial Oatmeal stout is brewed with one of the world’s most expensive coffees, made from droppings of weasel-like civet cats. The fussy Southeast Asian animals only eat the best and ripest coffee berries. Enzymes in their digestive system help to break down the bean. Workers collect the bean-containing droppings for Civet or Weasel
What do you think of that? Sound good to you? I had a bottle last night in Aberdeen and the bar and it was spectacular.
Dogfish Head Chicha
Chicha is the quintessential native corn beer throughout Central and South American. Indigenous versions with local variations exist in Chile, Bolivia, Colombia and many other countries.
Dogfish Head Chicha is most closely based upon Peruvian brewing traditions. We've sourced indigenous ingredients to make the most authentic interpretation possible: organic pink Peruvian pepper corns, yellow maize and organic Peruvian purple maize. We also use local (US) strawberries - a traditional chicha ingredient that we chose to source locally as we were worried Peruvian strawberries would spoil in transit.The most exotic and unique component of this project, from the perspective of the American beer drinker, happens before the beer is even brewed. As per tradition, instead of germinating all of the grain to release the starches, the purple maize is milled, moistened in the chicha-makers mouths (which we did right here three weeks ago in our Rehoboth brewery), and formed into small cakes which are flattened and laid out to dry. The natural ptyalin enzymes in the saliva act as a catalyst and break the starches into more accessible fermentable sugars. On brewday the muko, or corn cakes, are added to the mash tun pre-boil along with the other grains. This method might sound strange but it is still used regularly today throughout villages in South and Central America. It is actually quite effective and totally sanitary. Since the grain-chewing (known as salivation) happens before the beer is boiled the beer is sterile and free of the wild yeast and bacteria you would find in modern Belgian Lambics. Dogfish Head Chicha is 6.2% ABV, cloudy and unfiltered. It has a beautiful-purple-pink hue from the Peruvian corn, strawberries, and tree seeds - it's dry, fruity, complex, and refreshing. We hope you enjoy drinking this beer as much as we enjoyed making it!
How about that? Drinking other peoples saliva? Would you? I know for a fact I would given the chance to try something to unique and weird.
These types of beers have existed long before the modern brewing process. It is nice to see that Dogfish and Mikkeller are willing to spend more time, money and effort on beers this outrageous beers that just offer something different.
It may be getting to a point where people think it is too much but isn't this what craft brewing is all about? Changing perspectives and turning the industry upside down? You can't really say they are doing anything new, especially with chicha, but it is different to the mass market of people getting into the craft beer scene.
Weasel shit and spit. Maybe we should make a beer with both??
March 9th - Birds of Tokyo
Today is long overdue and thanks to Pat calling me lazy (which I'll admit, I am a bit) I'm going to try and do a better job of keeping it up.
Birds of Tokyo is a band from Perth, Australia. No, unlike most bands we hear from the land down under they aren't like AD/DC. They have their own sound and are really modern. They play a mix of soft rock with a slight hip hop beat at times with a traditional rock style which works very well. They have a number of albums, I believe 4 to date, which have done very well in their home country. These guys were introduced to me by Red and Jack at the brewery as typical shift/mash in music. I currently have 2 albums from them and am rather enjoying them as I type this. I realize that these band posts are a wee bit short and that they could have more substance but I feel that rather than me blabbing about these guys it is better if you hear them and make your own decision. You are a much better judge of what you like than I am but I feel that all I need to do is put it on the table and give you the option.
Check out their song “Wild Eyed Boy” (well, it isn’t their song, it is a cover of David Bowie) here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XQNAjD70ME
Tuesday 8 March 2011
March 8- The First Time I Spewed
I remember it like it was yesterday. That is if yesterday my head was spinning and I could barely walk. We all remember our first proper drinking throw up moment, don't we? If you don't you either party like a boss, haven't drank enough or are a liar. I'd probably go with the third for most of you.
It was St. Patricks day, first year Uni, 1984 (or 2009. Like I've mentioned, I drank a lot). The night started off quite classy. Dinner with the parents at The Keg for my birthday. A few pints, a lobster and steak dinner with some bread and salad. What more could a guy want? I did know what I had planned for that night but I didn't think about the base. I really should have.
After my parents left I met up with a few friends and went to one of their room to drink. It was going to be a guys night with just drinking, video games and stupidity. I will admit they had a better track record of drinking than I did but I tried to keep up. Soon realizing that it was not an easy task I eased off a bit and fell 1 behind. A few hours later my girlfriend and one of the other guys girlfriend showed up with a few other people. We played some drinking games and the floor staff came to check on us since we were being so loud. I remember hiding in the shower with 2 girls with plan to say we were about to have a threesome if they came in. Thankfully it didn't come to that. Then we decided to hit up a bar, knowing that a few were underage but it was worth a shot. We were heading toward the bar and I thoguht it was safe to cross the street. I remember people yelling at me and that I saw lots of lights. If I didn't listen to them I would have died.
We then, obviously, got rejected from the bar and so we hit up Subway for some food. I was feeling a bit dodgy so we all headed off to one of the girls rooms. After a cup of water I thought it was best to leave. The garden is my friend and I think almost every time I've spewed I've done so in a garden (maybe with 1 exception). I remember people saying "hold on man. don't puke" which I'm sure didn't help. When I finally got it out of my system I went to my room and told my friend, who was taunting me, that I would puke on his face if he didn't piss off. I then passed out on the floor with no blanket almost completely naked. Luckily my girl got my shit off my bunk bed and put it on me (ladders and alcohol = hard times).
I survived but with my first true hangover. I woke up early, felt happy and then ate loads of food. About an hour later I passed out again. I did make it to the 1 class I had that day and man did I feel like shit. Not quite as bad as last friday, but close.
I've shared my first drunk puking story. Anyone else have one to share with me?
It was St. Patricks day, first year Uni, 1984 (or 2009. Like I've mentioned, I drank a lot). The night started off quite classy. Dinner with the parents at The Keg for my birthday. A few pints, a lobster and steak dinner with some bread and salad. What more could a guy want? I did know what I had planned for that night but I didn't think about the base. I really should have.
After my parents left I met up with a few friends and went to one of their room to drink. It was going to be a guys night with just drinking, video games and stupidity. I will admit they had a better track record of drinking than I did but I tried to keep up. Soon realizing that it was not an easy task I eased off a bit and fell 1 behind. A few hours later my girlfriend and one of the other guys girlfriend showed up with a few other people. We played some drinking games and the floor staff came to check on us since we were being so loud. I remember hiding in the shower with 2 girls with plan to say we were about to have a threesome if they came in. Thankfully it didn't come to that. Then we decided to hit up a bar, knowing that a few were underage but it was worth a shot. We were heading toward the bar and I thoguht it was safe to cross the street. I remember people yelling at me and that I saw lots of lights. If I didn't listen to them I would have died.
We then, obviously, got rejected from the bar and so we hit up Subway for some food. I was feeling a bit dodgy so we all headed off to one of the girls rooms. After a cup of water I thought it was best to leave. The garden is my friend and I think almost every time I've spewed I've done so in a garden (maybe with 1 exception). I remember people saying "hold on man. don't puke" which I'm sure didn't help. When I finally got it out of my system I went to my room and told my friend, who was taunting me, that I would puke on his face if he didn't piss off. I then passed out on the floor with no blanket almost completely naked. Luckily my girl got my shit off my bunk bed and put it on me (ladders and alcohol = hard times).
I survived but with my first true hangover. I woke up early, felt happy and then ate loads of food. About an hour later I passed out again. I did make it to the 1 class I had that day and man did I feel like shit. Not quite as bad as last friday, but close.
I've shared my first drunk puking story. Anyone else have one to share with me?
Monday 7 March 2011
March 7- Again, I am caught up
Well after a whirlwind of a birthday and weekend here I am caught up again after a week of falling behind. I've posted a few pics on my FB of me and martin on the bar at BrewDog last thursday night. I look a wee bit demonic but its still a cool photo.
To celebrate me being caught up I'm going to share the list of the top 5 new beers I've had since I've been here.
5. BrewDog Chaos Theory
This one could be replaced a few IPA's as a top 5 is hard but it stands tall. A beer hopped only with Nelson it is bitter, balanced, fruity and all around the shit. One of the best BrewDog beers we produce. Can't wait for the next batch.
4. Nogne O Imperial Brown Ale
Had this at the bar and it was fantastic. Malty, rich, complex and so much going on. Let it warm up to just below room temperature and you really get the spicy notes. My first reaction was chocolate and cara malts.
3. BrewDog Tokyo*
Close to the last one and the next one. A very high abv beer with lots of nice fruity sweetness (cherries?) with no overpowering, taste bud numbing alcohol at all and a nice subtle oak presence. Very dangerous. A great bottle to share with a friend or 2.
2. Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale
Had this at the bar after a great MUSA dinner with James, Martin, Franz, Dempster and the guy from Molson-Coors. Very thick, heavy, rich and loads going on.
1. Lost Abbey The Angels Share Brandy Cask
One of the best beers I've ever had. There is a perfect balance of sweetness, oak flavours, cherries and alcohol in this bad boy. One of the most unique experiences of my life and what I'm holding while on the bar with Martin at midnight.
To celebrate me being caught up I'm going to share the list of the top 5 new beers I've had since I've been here.
5. BrewDog Chaos Theory
This one could be replaced a few IPA's as a top 5 is hard but it stands tall. A beer hopped only with Nelson it is bitter, balanced, fruity and all around the shit. One of the best BrewDog beers we produce. Can't wait for the next batch.
4. Nogne O Imperial Brown Ale
Had this at the bar and it was fantastic. Malty, rich, complex and so much going on. Let it warm up to just below room temperature and you really get the spicy notes. My first reaction was chocolate and cara malts.
3. BrewDog Tokyo*
Close to the last one and the next one. A very high abv beer with lots of nice fruity sweetness (cherries?) with no overpowering, taste bud numbing alcohol at all and a nice subtle oak presence. Very dangerous. A great bottle to share with a friend or 2.
2. Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale
Had this at the bar after a great MUSA dinner with James, Martin, Franz, Dempster and the guy from Molson-Coors. Very thick, heavy, rich and loads going on.
1. Lost Abbey The Angels Share Brandy Cask
One of the best beers I've ever had. There is a perfect balance of sweetness, oak flavours, cherries and alcohol in this bad boy. One of the most unique experiences of my life and what I'm holding while on the bar with Martin at midnight.
Beer lists are an ever changing phenomenon and I know mine will change again within a week or 2 but when you have so many great beers all the time, picking 5 is like pulling teeth. You don't want to leave out the really good ones but you have to share the amazing ones and the fact that they can easily swap places makes it no easier.
March 6- Kate Rusby
Kate Rusby is a fold musician from England who does a very traditional style of folk. It is pretty amazing actually. I'd say she is a more traditional folk musician with the typical topics of love and friendship. It is very nice to have a relaxing musician like this to listen to. It is very happy and usually upbeat. It just makes me happy and that is really all I can say to describe it. She has the lyricism of Bob Dylan but sounds much better and has a very soft voice. She, like pretty much all other music I've started to enjoy here, was intorduced to me by George. It turns out that the music scene over here is as undiscovered by North America as the beer scene. All I do it seems is learn about new musicians and new beers. I know I've said it before but this has been the best learning experience of my life and overall not much, if any, of it has to do with chemistry. Learning about life >> learning about chemistry. That was my application of math for the day.
Check out Kate with this song (not a real music video) Awkward Annie and tell me you don't feel a bit happier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyFc-pbcO94
Check out Kate with this song (not a real music video) Awkward Annie and tell me you don't feel a bit happier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyFc-pbcO94
Sunday 6 March 2011
March 5th - The Worst Day of my life (on march 4th)
Yep, hangovers are a bitch. My day started off with a shock. Tom, whom I'm sharing a room with currently, showed up home from work early so I jumped up thinking I was late and smoked my head off of the wall.
I had a massive headache and a bit of trouble walking. At work I did the usual with and the mash tun knocked the hangover right out of me. Not the headache however, that stuck around. Shitty. We then had to mash in by hand since the auger was broken. It couldn't be less safe it designed by al queda. Much more fun though. I managed to think up the best way to do this without the auger. Even in my state.
I also maintained my unhealthy streak of eating with 5 double chocolate chip cookies and this amazing cake that Angela got for me. Great cake, funny card and cool bunny (which I ate in about a day).
I had a massive headache and a bit of trouble walking. At work I did the usual with and the mash tun knocked the hangover right out of me. Not the headache however, that stuck around. Shitty. We then had to mash in by hand since the auger was broken. It couldn't be less safe it designed by al queda. Much more fun though. I managed to think up the best way to do this without the auger. Even in my state.
I also maintained my unhealthy streak of eating with 5 double chocolate chip cookies and this amazing cake that Angela got for me. Great cake, funny card and cool bunny (which I ate in about a day).
I did all of those.
BrewDog has really made me feel at home, especially over the past month or so. But this gesture did make me feel a bit homesick for the first time in 2 months. It is very odd how this stuff works. Stuff from home doesn't make me feel homesick but them trying to make me feel more at home does. Either was this was another addition to the best birthday ever.
Tobias made my this cake which was dinner on the 4th. Yep, more cake.
The next few days will resume the music and beer theme but these days needed to be shared. They are unreal.
March 4- Happy 21st To Me!!!
So I got a little over excited but it was the best birthday ever. Let me give you a run down of the week.
I realized that every year leading up to my birthday I listen to loads of Blink 182. I think this is because when I was a kid all I did was listen to them and skateboard. I also got on a skate board for the first time in about 6 or 7 years and went to the skate park for an hour. I always love my birthday but I've learned that I need music to feel younger and want to stay young. This is subconscious of course but I've learned how I work.
March 3rd. I was going down to the BrewDog bar for a special night with the boys from Port Brewing Company/Lost Abbey. About half way through the day Bowman comes walking in yelling "Oh Canada" and a package for me. Early gifts from my parents and friends. Ace. (Special thanks to Michelle). Foot warmers, lots of chocolate you can't get in the country, homemade strawberry jam and peanut butter cookies. What more can you want? It was the best gift ever and oddly it didn't make me homesick. It wasn't like I was missing a birthday it was like I was just getting some stuff from home. The cards it contained however were very great and did bring a tear or 2 to my eye. I shared lots of the chocolate and gave away the Tim Hortons coffee I got to see how it stood up. I also ate 4 chocolate filled doughnuts since I was in a super happy mood due to my birthday and the weather. We had a minor last minute "explosion" with FV 14 which yielded George doing this.
The night ended with a cab ride home but not before some chips and pizza for them. Mike also drank from the squirrel and poured some out. He felt strongly about End of History.
Overall the best night of my life but would only leave room the one of the worst to follow...
I realized that every year leading up to my birthday I listen to loads of Blink 182. I think this is because when I was a kid all I did was listen to them and skateboard. I also got on a skate board for the first time in about 6 or 7 years and went to the skate park for an hour. I always love my birthday but I've learned that I need music to feel younger and want to stay young. This is subconscious of course but I've learned how I work.
March 3rd. I was going down to the BrewDog bar for a special night with the boys from Port Brewing Company/Lost Abbey. About half way through the day Bowman comes walking in yelling "Oh Canada" and a package for me. Early gifts from my parents and friends. Ace. (Special thanks to Michelle). Foot warmers, lots of chocolate you can't get in the country, homemade strawberry jam and peanut butter cookies. What more can you want? It was the best gift ever and oddly it didn't make me homesick. It wasn't like I was missing a birthday it was like I was just getting some stuff from home. The cards it contained however were very great and did bring a tear or 2 to my eye. I shared lots of the chocolate and gave away the Tim Hortons coffee I got to see how it stood up. I also ate 4 chocolate filled doughnuts since I was in a super happy mood due to my birthday and the weather. We had a minor last minute "explosion" with FV 14 which yielded George doing this.
Best. Picture. Ever.
After I ran home and showered since I was drenched by the explosion as well I got a ride to Aberdeen with Andrew (a super posh cunt (who I actually do like. swearing is used when you are happy over here. i love it.)) and went to the bar. Red, Franz, James, Martin and the Port guys were there. It was pretty full and Tobias and his girlfriend showed up later on. I managed to try 6 of the 8 beers they had and I'm sure I got to try the best. The Angels Share in brandy casks was amazing. One of the best beers I've ever had. Hands down. At midnight Martin found out it was my birthday and introduced me and had everyone sing a short and disjointed happy birthday. Mike from Port chatted with me for a bit starting with "so you're the canuck?". Really great guy. It was such a surreal experience and I'm surprised I was able to get on the bar at that point to be honest.
The night ended with a cab ride home but not before some chips and pizza for them. Mike also drank from the squirrel and poured some out. He felt strongly about End of History.
Overall the best night of my life but would only leave room the one of the worst to follow...
March 3 - Biffy Clyro
This is a band from Scotland who kick some serious ass. Of course I listen to them and heard about them at work. They are quite popular here and if you haven't heard of them, now you have and you need to check them out. The past 3 years they have had big success in the UK and it is only a matter of time until they make it across the pond and rock the North American world. Get on the wagon now. I think there is only good to come.
They are a classified as alternative rock, post-hardcore (very BrewDog, no?), experimental rock, new prog and indie rock. Whatever the genre is, it is badass and you need to give it a try. Here is a link to the site
http://www.biffyclyro.com/
and to a video off of youtube, it a softer song of theirs but it really lets you accept the lyricism they have going for them. odd video though. hey, they are scottish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAtacHPAHLI
Rock on
They are a classified as alternative rock, post-hardcore (very BrewDog, no?), experimental rock, new prog and indie rock. Whatever the genre is, it is badass and you need to give it a try. Here is a link to the site
http://www.biffyclyro.com/
and to a video off of youtube, it a softer song of theirs but it really lets you accept the lyricism they have going for them. odd video though. hey, they are scottish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAtacHPAHLI
Rock on
Wednesday 2 March 2011
March 2 - I'm Caught Up!!!
Yes, I'm finally caught up. This post is for today and is going to be about beer.
I was actually going to do something totally different than I'm about to but I was just inspired about a minute ago.
Ghost Brewing - having a brewery where you don't actually brew yourself but you get your recipes made by others. Lazy of brilliant? Both.
You could really argue both and it depends what kind of person you are. I'd like to have my hand in the brew but there are many ghost brewers that do very good beers. Mikkeller makes some wicked stuff and BrewDog brews it. His twin brother owns Evil Twin Brewing and we have his IPA and stout in tanks right now. They are both shaping up.
Now for the one most beer geeks may not have heard of. To Øl Black Ball. WTF is that? It is a very good porter I had for the first time tonight. The brewery is out of Denmark, where Mikkeller and Evil Twin are based, and is owned by another assistant brewer at BrewDog. Tobias drew up this recipe and it turned out very well. Fruity smelling, dark and a bit smokey with some nice chocolate and coffee flavours as well as notable hops. A really good example of a craft porter. This is the third (I think) of his beers and from what I understand and hear the others are very good as well. Can't wait to try them. Since this brewery is small it is very limited distribution but if you find yourself in a spot where you can grab one, DO IT!! You will not be disappointed. Do me, him and yourself a big favour and check out the website. The videos are brilliant. http://www.to-ol.dk/ and some reviews here http://www.ratebeer.com/brewers/to-ol/12119/ .
Cheers Tobias
I was actually going to do something totally different than I'm about to but I was just inspired about a minute ago.
Ghost Brewing - having a brewery where you don't actually brew yourself but you get your recipes made by others. Lazy of brilliant? Both.
You could really argue both and it depends what kind of person you are. I'd like to have my hand in the brew but there are many ghost brewers that do very good beers. Mikkeller makes some wicked stuff and BrewDog brews it. His twin brother owns Evil Twin Brewing and we have his IPA and stout in tanks right now. They are both shaping up.
Now for the one most beer geeks may not have heard of. To Øl Black Ball. WTF is that? It is a very good porter I had for the first time tonight. The brewery is out of Denmark, where Mikkeller and Evil Twin are based, and is owned by another assistant brewer at BrewDog. Tobias drew up this recipe and it turned out very well. Fruity smelling, dark and a bit smokey with some nice chocolate and coffee flavours as well as notable hops. A really good example of a craft porter. This is the third (I think) of his beers and from what I understand and hear the others are very good as well. Can't wait to try them. Since this brewery is small it is very limited distribution but if you find yourself in a spot where you can grab one, DO IT!! You will not be disappointed. Do me, him and yourself a big favour and check out the website. The videos are brilliant. http://www.to-ol.dk/ and some reviews here http://www.ratebeer.com/brewers/to-ol/12119/ .
Cheers Tobias
March 1- My first concert
This month is about music and beer. Today is about music and about my first concert.
Green Day, ACC November of 2004 (I think, maybe 2005)
It was a christmas gift from my uncle about a month or 2 early.
Amazing. I had Just after the release of American Idiot when Green Day was on the upswing I was grabbed by American Idiot. I loved the album and I listened to it non stop. The MOMENT I heard they were coming to the ACC I asked everyone if they were busy and if they could take me. I didn't want to go with my mom or dad because that is just lame. My extremely cool uncle Bob stepped up and got the tickets. A true hero. Time passed and my anticipation grew and grew. I probably never shut up about it but I didn't hear anyone tell me since I was always talking.
Then it came. That first sign of the band, the roar of the crowd and the first chord to American Idiot got me. I was somewhere else (maybe partially due to the place being full of smoke and weed too haha). It was just amazing. The show was great and I just kept playing the songs over and over in my head.
After we grabbed a hot dog and juice at a street vender and walked to the car. I was speechless. The time passed faster than ever and it was almost like a dream.
The other memories? The wall of workers that died on the job had one who died in a fruit juice factory explosion. It is sad but you have to laugh. What a mental image. The other? The drive home just as we were getting to the ramp to my house a bird hit the windshield. It was massive, maybe an owl or something. Who knows but it was huge. I scared the shit out of me but made the night that much more unique. Who know this would be the start of my music obsession and the start of my concert going habits. It was the first but was not the best or last. Not even close.
Green Day, ACC November of 2004 (I think, maybe 2005)
It was a christmas gift from my uncle about a month or 2 early.
Amazing. I had Just after the release of American Idiot when Green Day was on the upswing I was grabbed by American Idiot. I loved the album and I listened to it non stop. The MOMENT I heard they were coming to the ACC I asked everyone if they were busy and if they could take me. I didn't want to go with my mom or dad because that is just lame. My extremely cool uncle Bob stepped up and got the tickets. A true hero. Time passed and my anticipation grew and grew. I probably never shut up about it but I didn't hear anyone tell me since I was always talking.
Then it came. That first sign of the band, the roar of the crowd and the first chord to American Idiot got me. I was somewhere else (maybe partially due to the place being full of smoke and weed too haha). It was just amazing. The show was great and I just kept playing the songs over and over in my head.
After we grabbed a hot dog and juice at a street vender and walked to the car. I was speechless. The time passed faster than ever and it was almost like a dream.
The other memories? The wall of workers that died on the job had one who died in a fruit juice factory explosion. It is sad but you have to laugh. What a mental image. The other? The drive home just as we were getting to the ramp to my house a bird hit the windshield. It was massive, maybe an owl or something. Who knows but it was huge. I scared the shit out of me but made the night that much more unique. Who know this would be the start of my music obsession and the start of my concert going habits. It was the first but was not the best or last. Not even close.
Tuesday 1 March 2011
Special Thanks
I’d like to round out February with a post to thank Dr. Dempster and Ismeal officially. These 2 guys have been more than fantastic and have taken care of me. It may be due to them that I am not suicidal (though my wrists are quite cut up). They have made me many great meals. They introduced me to curry and have let me do my laundry at their place. It is still drying at the flat right now. Martin has also let me borrow his skateboard for the day tomorrow which means I will be out trying to relearn things I could do about 6 or 7 years ago. It is bound to be an adventure. I honestly can’t thank these guys enough so I felt that they have earned a post here so they know that I appreciate it. One thing my parents have always told me and have raised me to do is to take care of people. People are the one thing we need in our lives to keep us grounded, sane and happy and I try and take care of my friends as well as I can. I’m really happy these guys have bailed me out of stupidly priced laundry bills and saved me a few pounds on meals.
Cheers,
You are both gentlemen and scholars
END OF MONTH BONUS!!
DOUBLE RAINBOW!!
Accommodation Shift
No, still not flat. Yet.
Old room I actually don't have a photo of. It was 3 beds and my own fridge, bathroom and TV.
As of Saturday I’ve moved to a new B&B. This new one is much better than the last one. I have a common room I can go to and watch TV so I’m not trapped in my room, I can grab a bit of food when I need to and I have wifi so I don’t have to head to the brewery every time I want to check an email or hop on skype. It has some serious ups. There is, however, one down. My room is tiny. Like super tiny. Maybe about ¼ the size of the last one. I also don’t have my own fridge, toilet or shower but it isn’t too big a deal. I still have my own space. Let me throw up some photos for comparison.
New
It may be super tiny and it isn’t helped by the fact that I have lots of extra stuff (I’ve acquired a guitar, beer and lots of food since I’ve been here) but it is only temporary and I should be heading to the “flat of doom” (as Bowman put it) for the remainder of my stay. That will be a whole new adventure and I’m both excited and scared of what may happen.
Update: I’ve now moved into another room with Tom who is up here on a trial and we have a bathroom and stuff to ourselves. It is much larger as shown below. I move too much.
Newest!
It also has a nice view
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