New Radio Show Tonight at 11PM EST, (12/06/2011)

The show is dedicated to The Black Keys. Their new album El Camino is out today, so we'll celebrate here at The Eclectic Taste by playing some deep cuts from the new album. Also in between the new tracks, I'll advocate some beer that will pair well with listening to the group.

Link to Show: http://cyberstationlive.com/theeclectictaste

New Radio Show Tonight at 11PM EST (11/22/2011)

. NEW RADIO SHOW TONIGHT AT 11PM ON cyberstationlive.com/theeclectictaste

Talk about THANKSGIVING beers for the beer enthusiast segment, play various music including new music from ATLAS SOUND and CAVEMAN. Also few forgotten and ignored classics. Local concert listings.

Add A Little Pumpkin Spice To Your Thanksgiving Buzz!

Released in the fall as a seasonal, Pumpkin Ales are unique. Some brewers use real pumpkin mash in the ale giving it a less starchy body, while others use pumpkin flavoring and puree (engregious!). Pumpkin ales tend to be spicy similar to a pumpkin pie with flavors such as ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon.

Pumpkin Ales are also usually session ales (5-5.5% ABV), with more of a malty and spicy taste compared to hoppy. Although the best pumpkins ales are the one's with higher alcohol content and made with real pumpkins ingredients, and are well balanced in both sweet and spice.

Here's My Top 5:

5. Cambridge Brewing Company's Great Pumpkin:

Thoughts:  Light and malty with well balanced spices. A very tasty pumpkin beer and also one of the first company to brew a Pumpkin ale, it should be noted it's the original recipe for the style of ale. ABV 4.2%

NOTE: Will be served Till MID DECEMBER AT THE BREW PUB!

4. Cape Ann Brewing Company's Fisherman Imperial Coffee Pumpkin Stout:

Thoughts: Okay they only made one batch of this last year but I was fortunate enough to try this at the Winter Beer Summit this past January. Astonishing! I may of  found one of the greatest pumpkin ales ever produced. It was blended through with coffee bean which matched well with the nutmeg pumpkin spices, it was also sweet like a french vanilla coffee with a hint of chocolate malts. Now for somone this may have too much flavors, but for me it was orgasmic. Do visit their brewpub this fall and winter, because rumor has it their currently aging a new batch for a limited release. As for their fall seasonal pumpkin stout, original creamy silky like a guiness but with balanced spices and a toasty finish. ABV Imperial 11.0% & 7.0% Seasonal Ale.

 3. Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin (Pugsley's Signature Series):

Thoughts: This Shipyard Ale is the only year round pumpkin offering on the market, has a taste that can be welcomed in all climates. Far supperior to their popular session ale Pumpkinhead, this ale is Pumpkinhead's "Big Burly Brother" with more of a sugary pumpkin pie taste. Despite being 9 percent in alcohol, its mellow with a slight spicy hop finish and a medium sweet malt. I've been told it ages well which is hard to resist considering it's stature. 9% ABV


2. Dogfish Head Punk'n Ale:

Thoughts:
Been described as the perfect pumpkin ale and the smell alone will overpower any other pumpkin ale's in the vicinity. Has a stout appearance but from the first sip the hops send a strange sensation to your tongue, similar to a british brown ale. Has a yeasty biscuit flavor with a well balanced cinnamon spice finish, no cheap gimicky brown sugar on the rim needed for this ale. Puts all the other pumpkin beers to shame. Warning it's very heavy and shouldn't be consumed more than a 4-pack. ABV 7%


1. Southern Tier's Pumking:

Thoughts: The mellowest of all high alcohol pumpkin beers and also despite it's uncarbonated appearance the best pumpkin beer I've ever tried. Now every fall I go back and forth between my favorite being the Punk'n and this one. So far from this years batch, the winner is Southern Tier. Smooth and sweet upon first impressions but with a powerful biscuity-spiced hop finish. The most memorable of it's style and should be served at 45-50 degrees to get the full flavor. As stated earlier, it's intimidating 8.6 abv shouldn't be dismissed by mellower beer enthusiasts. ABV 8.6%


It might be too late to purchase these seasonal's but if your fortunate enough to find one it will certainly pair well with your thanksgiving dinner!

New Radio Show Tonight at 11PM EST (11/15/2011)

Look Below: Same show as last week, unfortunately internet connection hindered last week's so I was forced to play an archive from the past. I will Premier the new single from Guided By Voices, whom have recently reunited and will release an album on January 2nd.

Next Week: Thanksgiving show, special guest, pairing beer with your feast, and some classics from Neil Young and The Crazy Horse.

Lack Of Updates!

After briefly posting a column on the Red-Sox collapse I became too self-concious in my writing skills and intended to erase all the postings. However I enjoy doing these blogs. Contrary to my lack of writing skills and amateur approach I've decided to continue this endeavor. With the emphasis solely on the content of my radio show. I plan to update at least 2-3 times a week; with postings on upcoming shows, music, and craft-beer. I hope you continue reading, and please if you feel the need to comment (even maliciously or critiquing) then please do so.

New Radio Show Tonight at 11PM EST

New Music from: Jack White (U2 Cover), The Black Keys (new album comes out El Camino December 6th), and Boston indie group Quilt. Also Revival Of The Rock a band recently reunited that have a new album coming out on the first of next year.

Beer Enthusiast: Rye Beers, an ingredient substitute for wheat that gives the beer a spicy subtle but dry finish. Talk about it's origin and some of my favorites

Local Show Listings: week of nov 9-17, and up coming shows around the Boston area.

Click on Listen Live: https://www.cyberstationlive.com/TheEclecticTaste

New Radio Show Tonight at 11PM EST (10/11/2011)

Content:
Premier's from Metallica/Lou Reed's collaboration "Lulu" (which promises to sound like Reed's Berlin and Metallica's Master Puppets) and Noel Gallagher's first single from his debut solo album "High Flying Birds".
Also latest from New England folksy rockers Deer Tick and quirky indie group Surfer Blood. Revival of The Rock (choosing an ignored or forgotten classic) a band that was suppose to take the reigns over for Nirvana during the nineties but instead drew in to seclusion.

Local Show Listings: Listen tonight or check back for listings tomorrow.

Beer Enthusiast: My top favorite Oktoberfests, look below.

Tonight at 11PM on https://www.cyberstationlive.com/theeclectictaste (click Live Radio)

Feeling Festive!

Because.....

It's that time of year when you have an excuse to indulge in debauchery and let go of the austerity of your diet:
Octoberfest (oktoberfeist).

Every late September(19th)-October(3rd) over 5 million people travel to Munich, Germany to eat fatty food (knockwurst and Brats) and drink the maltiest beers on the planet. The history of Octoberfest dates back to 1810 when Prince Ludwig married  Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen and invited all of the  local citizens to celebrate the ocassion. This gesture by Ludwig was seen as to appease the common man during a time period in Europe when monachies were being overthrown. The tradition has been annual for over 200 years now (give a few cancelations due to disease pandemics and war). It wasn't until 1892 when both food, beer and scantly dressed wenches became the highlight for the festival which attracted people from all over the world.

I plan in the next 5 years(with better wages and being frugal) to participate in this festival.

Despite being a worldy event, Octoberfest does have a few rules that may hinder one's participation. One of those rules is that the only beer that can be served at festival is local within the vicinity of Munich (Purity Law, German law prohibiting artificial ingredients and seen as to boost local competition). Although being apprehensive on this rule, fortunately Munich is home to argubably some of the best beer in the world including styles such as lager, bock (dark malty lager), Dunkelweizen (dark wheat), Rauchbier (smoked dark lager) or Heffeweizen (unfiltered wheat ale). Though the style traditionally served at Octoberfest is the Marzen.

The Marzen/Oktoberfeist Lager

The marzen which is known to beer enthusiasts in North America as Octoberfest, is a beer that was brewed in march and kept refrigerated in storage during the summer at high gravity to prevent it from bacteria. By brewing and storing for several months at high gravity, when comsumed in autumn this beer produces a heavy bodied copper color and toasty flavor comparable to the seasons mood. It also increases the alcohol content which can range from 5.2 % to 7%. Many people mistaken the look of the Marzen as an amber lager, but due to his high gravity brewing and toasty malt flavor the results are a unique perfect fall lager. Today breweries across the globe have been trying to emulate the marzen style, and contrary to beer snobs the United States is home to some of the best Marzens on the planet.

HERE IS MY TOP FIVE:

1. Thomas Hooker:  A very herbal and malty lager, resembling a Vienna lager (Austrian style) but with a crisp caramel finish. The finest Marzen/Octoberfest I've ever tried. 6.1% ABV

2. Berkshire: By far the heaviest Marzen I've tried, smooth and crisp . Has almost a copper-ester fruit flavor but, with a warm toasty finish. 6.8 ABV

3. Hacker Pschorr- A Munich brew which finally makes my list, also is served at the festival. As for the taste; it's a rich, malty caramel bodied larger, but with a sweet bitter finish. This is how I imagine the original recipe is for a Marzen. Although hard to find here in the states, I first consumed it at a German restaurant in Boston called Jacob Wirths. 5.8 ABV

4. Victory Festbier: One of the most flavorful Marzen's I've tasted, though well balanced. It has a caramel, medium malt but with a toasty nutty dry finish. One of the most accessible and adventurous Marzens. 5.6 ABV

5. Sam Adams: This brew hasn't changed much in the last few years, and that's fine by me. I love this beer, it's simple and accessible but it's release date is what really excites me. It's taste and look reminds me why fall is my favorite season; humidity is gone, baseball playoffs, football and hockey season begins, release of darker beers, booze festivals, and the clean crisp air. I guess Sam Adams Octoberfest is a symbol of my favorite time of year. As for the taste it's got a smooth toffee, amber crisp and thats well carbonated. And, more importantly it's a very consistent brew.

Hurry up! Because Marzen/Octoberfest beers won't last long, November 1st usually is the last day to purchase them.

New Radio Show Tonight at 11PM EST

http://cyberstationlive.com/theeclectictaste (Click On Listen Live Radio)
New radio show tonight at 11PM EST :

Premier of new Wilco (from upcoming album Whole Love), Boston alt-rock group Minks, Yuck, EMA and Austin rockers White Denim. Also Beer Enthusiast segment, talk about oktoberfest.

Another Great Indie Band Calls It A Day!

The Low Anthem: (Indie Folk)

Providence's The Low Anthem formed in 2006, when Ben Knox Miller and Jeff Prystowsky met each other broadcasting an overnight jazz radio show on WBUR (Brown). The two bonded over their diverse tastes in music and would soon team up with Dan Lefkowitz (left during the sessions for their sophomore album) and Jocie Adams for their self-titled debut album. Due to lack of funds the group self-produced their first three albums, before releasing their first major label album Smart Flesh this past February. The group's unique marketing was showcased for their sophomore album "What The Crow Brings" by garbage dumping and using cereal boxes to package their album. The group showcased more of a folk sound, with multi-instrumental arrangements giving the band their own unique sound which was perfectly orchestrated on the track "Yellowed By The Sun" (which got my attention).

The group's third album cleverly titled "Oh God, Charlie Darwin" gained them a following in Britain which eventually led them to sign with UK label Bella Union, and then with Nonesuch Records here in the US. The band went on to play big festivals including Bonnaro, Lollapolooza, and Newport Folk festival. The group also have performed twice on The David Letterman (whom is a big fan), and the BBC show Later with Jools Holland. In 2009 Nonesuch Records released and re-mastered "Oh My God, Charlie Darwin" and supported it by co-headlining a tour with The Avett Brothers. It took the group over a year to complete their fourth album "Smart Flesh", in which they collaborated with Bright Eyes and Monsters Of Folk's Mike Morgis in the production. "Smart Flesh" was released in February 22nd and received glowing reviews for the beauty in its arrangements and poignancy. Despite being at the height of their artistic peak they've decided to call it quits at the end of their current North America tour, which ends here in Boston on October 21st at the Somerville theater (which I hope to attend and you should too). Tickets available here: http://www.lowanthem.com/site/touring/

The Low Anthem -"Boeing 737" Smart Flesh

This greatly disappoints me since I've just become a fan and hoped to hear the group have many years of success and artistic vibrancy. Although hearing about their inevitable demise made me ponder whether or not it was due to the state of the music industry. As I wrote on my first blog here in January, musicians are finding it very hard to fund their art. Due to technology, music is becoming less profitable and record labels are forcing their artists to finance tours and their own production. This is leading to groups and artists prematurely exiting the scene, because they can no longer make a profitable living from being a musician. Bills, mortgages/rent, loans, transportation, food and tools are essential to everyday life, and for group to live on the road it becomes taxing and leaves a prominent future. Now the Low Anthem haven't declared this being the decision for their exit, but I bet signing with the record labels made their expectations desolate.

New Radio Show Tonight at 11PM EST, 1 Hour Show

https://www.cyberstationlive.com/TheEclecticTaste (CLICK ON LIVE RADIO)

First show in a couple of weeks, but a special one for that matter: an interview with beer columnist Steve Greenlee of the Boston Globe (also page one editor, and jazz critic). His blog "99 Bottles" is an essential read for craft brew enthusiasts (updated 4-5 times a week, and published every saturday on page one of the Boston Globe): http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/blogs/99bottles/ . We talked about how he created the blog/columns, seasonal beer (pumpkin), and Massachusetts beer news (including the Mass liquor license hearing back in Aug and the Clown Shoes controversy of their supposed offensive labels). Also I fullfilled a request for him, by playing jazz pioneer Gary Burton's "Vibrant Finger" from his 1970 album "Good Vibes". I hope to have him on again in the near future.

Also a special farewell and tribute to Providence indie group The Low Anthem, whom will be disbanding once their tour is over (check out their tour listing: http://www.lowanthem.com/ ). A treat, the premier of Tom Waits's new single "As Bad As Me" which is the title of his new album out on October 17th. Some concert announcements for the Boston area, and other indie rock tracks.

My Top 5 Records of 2011 So Far

1. White Denim-D: Their most sophsiticated and polished sounding record is also their greatest to date. The band has emulated the swagger of The Stooges and the quirkiness of Frank Zappa, the group's over the top ambition is enganging as opposed to pretentious. This should be the stature for all future indie jam bands to follow, don't indulge in narcissism without embracing the engergy and goofiness of the Rock'N Roll formula. All of the tracks on this album are filled with hooks, and even in their jazz noodlings or multi-rhythm breakdowns they manage to conjure up memorable melodies. I wouldn't be surprised if this album retains the number one spot through the rest of the year. Standout Tracks: "Anvil Anything", "Street Joy", "Drug", and "Keys".

2 .Fucked Up-David Comes To Life: A punk rock group made a rock opera? Well, it's a quasi rock opera, but yes Fucked Up are the first punk group to make a good, if not great rock opera. The Follow up to "Chemistry To Comon Life", show's the groups further experimentation of noise-rock and hardcore punk, but with stronger songwriting. One thing for sure despite the many layers of guitars recorded, there isn't a hardcore group that can deliver a Springsteen-like epic without giving up on their punk rock ethics. This album might also be one of the finest productions in the last 15 years, they've somehow found a way to make an album that sounds like My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless" meets Springsteen (Born to Run) meets Black Flags "Damaged". Epic, emotional yet raw. Standout Tracks: "The Other Shoe", "Queen Of Hearts", "Serve Me Right", and "Little Death"

3. Tv On The Radio- Nine Types Of Light: Maybe their weakest album to date, but by being the deacons of ingenuity, they gravitate interest. The band have acclimated to a more polish sound admirably, with sharper soundscapes and lushes harmonies. The group haven't abandoned their primitive energy, especially on a standout track titled "Repetition". As frontman Tunde Adebimpe sings "To arrive ahead of its time is the fate of the fish washed up on shore", the band conveys an errie arrangement that builds into the sound of a submarine launch. Standout Tracks: "Keep Your Heart", "Killer Crane", "New Cannonball Blues", and "Caffeinated Conciousness".

4. Foo Fighters-Wasting Light: Perhaps their finest collection of music ever recorded. Fresh from his stint from Them Crooked Vultures, Dave Grohl decided to turn up the treble and make an album in his garage. The lo-fi quality gives the album some grit (recorded in analog) but the melodies and hooks are as well executed as previous efforts. Standout Tracks: "Bridge Burning", "White Limo", "Rope", and "Walk".

5. Arctic Monkeys-Suck It and See: Arctic Monkey's fourth album is their most mature offering today, blending the unique word-play of their debut with the muscular desert sound of (previous album) "Humbug". The album kicks off with the track "She's Thunderstorm" which comes across as sounding like a Buddy Holly classic on steroids. The group's vocalist Alex Turner has developed his voice into a nifty charming Lloyd Cole style, the transparency of his cockney brogue gives his English tales more conviction and originality. The group's involvement with Joshua Homme has branched them out of their power-pop sound, and has evolved them into good musicians, while embracing early Rock'N Roll infulences. It's safe to say now Arctic Monkeys are not a one trick pony, and are a band I look forward listening to future material from. Standout Tracks: "She's Thunderstorms", "Don't Sit Down Cause I Moved Your Chair", "Reckless Serenade", and "Suck It and See".

Tears Of A Clown

http://www.boston.com/Boston/politicalintelligence/2011/09/perry-fan-mass-visit-state-tuesday/HHLnziOa2brAbzOebQiVbM/index.html

Thoughts:

First off why is this GW Bush clone coming to my backyard to tout the politics of his state when mine is thriving quite well. Here's the facts:

Massachusetts of late was ranked 4th in state job growth, Texas ranks 2nd (so thats not too much of a difference in rankings, and also may I point out most of those jobs were part-time retail and government jobs) . When it comes to unemployment Texas has a 8.4 % to Massachusetts 7.5, in fact Massachusetts was 9.2 percent last March and in that time Texas has continued to climb from 7.5 to 8.4. Also Texas has a poverty rate of 16.2 to Massachusetts's 10.1 (not impressive for either states, but Mass has been offering more programs to help while Texas has been cutting them). Look at education, Massachusetts ranks 1st in state education compared to Texas's 31st and also having one of the worst high school drop out rates in the nation. Health care (essential to everyday life), nearly 20% of Texans are uninsured while in Massachusetts only 3% uninsured.

 So what's he touting about?

Perhaps Deval Patrick (2007 44th in the country in state job growth when taking office to 4th in a double-dip recession 2011) should go to Texas and do some bragging. Because the reality is those facts prove Massachusetts has a better quality of life for it's citizens. YEAH I'M MESSING WITH YOU TEXAS!!! Except Austin, KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD!

Mass Brewer's Get Some Help

Grant aims to spur brewers to buy local

September 12, 2011

Massachusetts beer brewers are getting an $11,000 boost from the federal government. The grant received by the state from the US Department of Agriculture will help beer makers and farmers by increasing the use of local ingredients by craft brewers. State officials will examine demand, coordinate educational sessions, and promote the use of ingredients grown on Massachusetts farms. Scott Soares, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, said the ingredients go well beyond barley and hops, including cranberries, pumpkins, honey, maple syrup, herbs, and even oysters. (AP)

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/09/12/grant_aims_to_spur_brewers_to_buy_local/?p1=Local_Links

Thoughts: I believe this aid will help several small brewer's and inevitably will create more jobs. Craft breweriers in US have seen sunstantial growth the last 25 years, growing from less than 15 breweries (1985)  to currently close to 2,000 (1,800) in 2011. Growing at a pace of nearly 200 breweries a year, even in a double-dip recession. Now I understand for small government people this pint might be too heavy to chug down, but it's more frugal and productive than a corporate farm subsidy (20 billion in 2011, going to top 10% farmer earner's). Plus it's more organic, tastier, and leaves you with a buzz while giving you the ethical smuggness of buying local.

Rock In Poverty

Today’s rock'n roll community doesn't live the extravagant lifestyle of bands in previous decades; The time for private jets, participating in shark fetishes with worshiping groupies, freebasing with Charlie Sheen, and the overtly clichéd adventure trashing 4 star hotels has passed. With not a single Rock album to be found in the billboard Top Ten of 2010 and several Rock FM Dials signing off (RIP WBCN), rock music is becoming fruitless and irrelevant. For many indie bands, a full-time career in rock'n roll could leave you living in your van, asking to be paid in gas and gift cards for your art, or working in undesired part-time retail gigs . With the record industry declining, labels are becoming less generous funding their talent, forcing groups to pay for their own equipment, studio time, and cutting back on touring expenses. It's taking its toll on the longevity of the bands and slowing their production. 

With the music sharing revolution over the past decade, ultimately band’s are the ones that suffer the most. Without people paying for their ear paraphernalia, hope for rock music becomes increasingly desolate, and the era of a rock music revival is kept away from terrestrial radio, and belongs solely to internet radio. That's the motivation for The Eclectic Taste.


References: http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/no_money_mo_problems