Dogfish Head - Punkin Ale
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Well its that time of year again and if you do not know what I am talking about its Punkin Ale time. I was going back thru my posts and this is my 3rd Punkin Ale posting and the 3rd time I have used the same photo. Either I need to find a different photograph or Dogfish Head needs to change their website. Anyways, its the end of summer and beginning of fall which means pumpkin will be everywhere, in coffee, cakes, pie and beer. Yesterday was the beginning of the season for me, I took a trip over to Great Harvest where I had a pumpkin and chocolate chip muffin which was amazing. From there I stopped by Holiday Market to find out when the Punkin Ale would be out and low and behold it was sitting there right in front of me begging to be taken home.
The story doesn't end there and since we are still on the subject of Dogfish Head, I need to tell you about my crazy deal on the Festina Peache summer beer. This is Erika's favorite beer and last year we stocked up on a number of bottles at the end of the season courtesy of Holiday Market. This year I was able to pick up a case of Festina Peache for $39 which is a freakin steal. We are now well stocked for the winter and will be ready for more next summer. We also had some Festina Peache on tap over at the Berkley Front the other nite which is something everyone must try at least once in their lifetime.
Ok, my tangent is over and I am now back to the Punkin Ale. As usual it is a rich amber ale with hints of nutmeg, clove and other fall spices. It surpasses any pumpkin ale on the market and one I will drink for the next couple months.
http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Seasonal_Beers/Punkin_Ale/3/index.htm
Posted by mardenhill 9/07/2008 10:38:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Beer
The Gutter Twins - Adorata EP
Saturday, September 06, 2008
............................
Track 1 - Belles (Vetiver)
Track 2 - Down The Line (José González)
Track 3 - Deep Hit Of Morning (Primal Scream)
Track 4 - Flow Like A River (Eleven)
Track 5 - St James Infirmary (Traditional)
Track 6 - Duchess (Scott Walker)
Track 7 - Spanish Doors
Track 8 - We Have Met Before
The opening track features an organ with a bit of swoon, reminiscent of the way the Whigs would start off cds. Although its a cover it could easily been a Dulli original with the melody and tempo. Although its an upbeat song, the piano and violin compliment each other on track 2. Both Greg and Mark are on vocals with Greg taking the lead and adding his trademark passion and snarl. Track 3 is one of my favorites since it is a cover of Primal Scream and done without the electronic backbone. Its amazing and almost eclipses the original. Track 4 is dark and full of electro blues punk but stays close to the original. On track 5, Mark takes over on lead vocal duty and will remain throughout the remaining 3 songs. This song was covered by Mark and Isobell and could have easily been a track on I'll Take Care Of You. As usual its amazing and showcases Mark's ability to dig up traditional songs and breathe new life into them. Track 7 is an original and takes the cinematic orchestra of the Whigs and adds a layer of Mark Lanegan. The final track is a climber, starts off slow with just a few picks and strums of a guitar then builds and builds. Its closer to a Twilight Singers song than a Whigs but you can tell Greg had a big part in writing this one. Overall its an amazing EP and one that you should pick up. As of now I believe its an iTunes exclusive so fire up that jukebox and head right over to the store.
Posted by mardenhill 9/06/2008 11:50:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Music
Volkl AC20
I was in need of new skis and this year I decided to get some. My old skis were 1998 Volkl Carvers which were amazing for the time. They were the first generation parabolic skis and for years I enjoyed skiing on them. Unfortunately 10 years later the technology and shapes have changed so much that it was time to invest in a new pair. I had demoed the Dynastar Legend 8000s last winter but was not able to find them for a decent price. I also didn't want to leave the Volkl family and when I found these at Boyne Country Sports I was sold. They are great all around skis, perfect for groomed runs, moguls, powder or ice. They have shock absorbers on top of the skis to help prevent some of the chatter that can occur. The curves are huge on these skis which will make for some easy turns and deep carves down the mountain. The big change for me will be the length, I purchased 163s and have never skied on something this short before. I have not doubt that I will be very happy with these and can't wait for the first snowfall.
I also bought new boots, I got a pair of Head Edge 8.5 (last seasons) which are very comfortable. My boots were even older than my skis so it was definitely time to upgrade. The bindings are much easier to latch and the fit is much nicer. My bindings are being mounted as we speak and should be ready in another week or so. Below is a description of the skis.
Manufacturer's Description of the Volkl Unlimited AC20:
"The AC20 is a completely new ski in the Unlimited series. This is an example of the new combination of the 3Motion system and new Power Grip construction. The AC20 has a new shape of 118-74-103mm. For true advanced skiers or those who are intermediates and want a ski that will perform well as their ability improves, the AC20 is a great choice."
http://www.volkl.com/ski/unlimited_ac20.htmlPosted by mardenhill 9/06/2008 11:08:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Skiing
Packaged Bliss 2008
Last nite a few of my college friends got the band back together for a benefit show. Helen, Aaron, Jon and the drummer (sorry I can't remember his name) reformed Packaged Bliss for one night only. It was a lot of fun, some songs I remember vividly while others I was scratching my head at. Packaged Bliss used to play around Kalamazoo (amongst other cities) and had a great following. The music was different than the usual bands at the time, it had more brit rock and jangle pop influences which was a nice break from the rest of the scene. I just want to thank the band for a great time last nite, it was nice to take a trip down memory lane.
Posted by mardenhill 9/06/2008 10:43:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Music
Mountain Hardwear - Monkey Man
Saturday, August 30, 2008
I have been talking about this jacket for about a year and decided that I needed to get one this fall. This afternoon we stopped into Moosejaw to see when they would be getting them in and to my surprise they were already hanging on the racks. After trying it on and walking around the store for way too long I got my jacket and I am ready for fall. If you have never tried on one of these coats you are missing out. It is the softest fleece on the planet and is wind and water resistent. Even though its over 80 degrees out I am counting down the days til I can wear this around town. You can find the coat at REI as well but as usual its never on sale..
Posted by mardenhill 8/30/2008 11:37:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Misc
Dem Convention Day 4
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Obama officially accepted the party's nomination tonight and gave an amazing speech probably one of his best. In front of 85K people, Obama laid out his plan for the future and in the process took a few shots at McCain and the GOP. It was nice to see the fighting side of Obama, we all knew it was there but he kept it hidden throughout the primaries. I guess it was another one of his plans, to keep everyone guessing and the interest alive. For months Obama did run on lofty rhetoric but I expected the concrete ideas would surface once the nomination was over.
It will be hard for the GOP to try and top this convention, they know they can't but are still sitting there freaked out not knowing what to do. They will recycle the same old tired themes, will attempt to use fear and attack Obama's character since they have nothing else. Although the hits have hurt Obama he has learned how to withstand the kitchen sink while running against Hillary and this will help him against the GOP.
I am interested to see the temperment issue play out and I expect to see McCain reach his boiling point over it and explode in an interview or debate. If this happens it will be the end of the campaign. It will not look like a waking lion instead like a grumpy old man who fell asleep on the porch. McCain has his hands full and you know that every other guy who ran is secretly happy inside they lost.
Posted by mardenhill 8/28/2008 11:46:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Politics
The Verve - Forth
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
After a 9 year hiatus, (not technically a breakup/reunion since you need to reach 10 years in my book), the Verve are back with a proper 4th cd. After just a few songs you feel like its '96 all over again when the Brit Rock music scene was actually good and the Verve along with Oasis, Blur and Pulp were on top of the world. The music of the Verve is one that takes a few listens, the layers are thick and the mood is tense and dark at times. Forth opens with "Sit And Wonder" a sonic landscape with swirling guitars, re verb and trademark Ashcroft vocals. Track 2 "Love Is Noise" features an interesting loop in the background with light keyboards and a heavy bass line. Track 3 "Rather Be" is the closest to sound of Urban Hymns and more of a straightforward song with little complexity. The melody is quite nice and the song flows and will make an excellent radio single. Over the next few songs the Verve showcase their psychedelic influences and meander thru with multiple tempo changes. I am happy to see the Verve back together and playing in top form. Richard Ashcroft had a pathetic solo career and it goes to show how important Nick McCabe and Simon Jones were to the writing process. With new Oasis on the way, Brit Rock may actually have a chance at a decent revival.
Posted by mardenhill 8/27/2008 08:30:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Music
Dem Convention
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Well we are into the 2nd night of the Dem's convention and no real fireworks. Last nite was nice, Sen Edward Kennedy spoke as did Michelle Obama. Both were great speeches but no attacks. I was expecting more fire tonight and so far its been pretty tepid. Hillary is on next and although she will throw a few jabs out the speech will be more about her. That leaves tomorrow and at that point we are over half way thru. The Dems did this in '04 and it pissed me off. If they don't get off their asses and attack McCain and the Bush Administration I will have to go in and knock some skulls.
Posted by mardenhill 8/26/2008 10:19:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Politics
Joe Biden
Monday, August 25, 2008
Its a few days old but I just wanted to congratulate Obama on his choice for VP. I have been a fan of Joe Biden for a while now and thought it would be a great pick but didn't expect it. I figured that Obama would save Joe for Secretary of State but now that leaves the position open for Bill Richardson. Joe will be a great attack dog and although he is gaffe prone, he has the luxury of the media just laughing about it vs dwelling. He gets the same free pass that McCain gets when it comes to being a Maverick.
Its going to be an interesting and quite exciting campaign season. There will be no punches pulled and I think you will see a more disciplined and united Democratic party that is ready to fight.....
Posted by mardenhill 8/25/2008 08:05:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Politics
