A Full Explanation of Subtlety, Balance, and Moderate ABV Levels is in order so that people that talk loudly and proudly start to get it...

Maybe I'll get on here and do that one day.

Hey Grainbill, I still love ya kid.

I'm tired of people mistaking balance for boredom. One day they'll get big boy tastebuds and understand. Read more!

Creature Comforts - Fall of 2010

The planned fall mix and what actually ended up becoming the fall mix are two entirely different things, although the theme has more or less remained intact. What started as a collection of thoughts and ideas from my friends followed often by songs that those same friends have shared with me turned, originally out of neccessity, into a look at what my own creature comforts seem to be. Fall is a time of year for me that I find hard to put fully into words. The way that this season changes is more satisfying or awakening or inspiring to me than the others and it always marks the coming of my ideal climate and favorite holidays. ("And hoodies, everybody loves hoodies" - Harvey Globetrotter, B-Reel) One day I'll move to where it's fall all the time.

To all those friends I called, recorded, or threatened to call and record: Maybe next time, my technology game is not yet at the level to pull it all off properly. Some of the songs are just too good for me to not lead in with a few words from the friends that showed them to me...so they'll have to wait. Others are here though, along with songs and artists that I really love listening to. Hope you enjoy. Tracklist will be down below. As always, I suggest some headphones and going in without the tracklist the first time around.


Creature Comforts - Dr. Joel (Fall 2010)















Intro - Comforts
Market Fresh - Broken Social Scene
Michigan Girls - Califone
Dynamite Walls - Hayden
Street People - Bobby Charles
Jesus Was A Capricorn - Kris Kristofferson
I Still Miss Someone - Gram Parsons' International Submarine Band
He Don't Love You (And He'll Break Your Heart) - Levon & The Hawks
Better Day - Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee
Mykonos - Fleet Foxes
Eugene - Andrew Bird
Cosmos & Demos - Devendra Banhart
Island Cottage - Sea Oleena
Early Morning - Troyka
The Wild Kindness - Silver Jews
Gotta Cheer Up - Cotton Jones Basket Ride
Ferdinand The Imposter - The Band
Christ For President - Billy Bragg & Wilco
Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window - Bob Dylan
Outro - Learn Cheap...and Spin on the Wheel Read more!

PITTSBURGH!

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Events, Events, Events

Welcome To American Craft Beer Week! For many of us every week is American Craft Beer Week: We're going to our local brewpub, drinking some of our favorite beers at home or out with friends, brewing our own beer, reading through brewery websites and books and blogs. This week is about expanding those ideas and extending the reach of the overall message of all things American Craft Beer. I can hear my buddy Hoge from Highland Brewing Co right now, perched atop a bar in the Outer Banks, "Thanks for coming out here tonight to drink American...Craft...Beer!" This week breweries across the country are celebrating with special events, special beers on at their pubs, and a host of other great ways to toast this beer we all love so dearly.

Just as we approach Philly Beer Week very soon there's still time to get out this week and drink some great beer before a little rest for the insane amount of events for PBW 2010. Here's what I'm up to....

Weds, May 19 - 6pm to ? - Beer & Cheese Night @ Craft Ale House w/ New Holland Brewery & Calkins Creamery

Jay from Calkins and myself will be on hand tasting beer & cheese with a nice list of pairings for the night. Calkins will be showcasing some of the delicious products from their farm in Honesdale, PA and I will be featuring some great beers including one which will be tapped for the first time in the Philly area.

Fri May 21 - Beer Academy @ Bella Vista Distributors - $5 (includes class and samples)

A discussion and presentation on all things New Holland. I'll dive into the history of our brewery and brewing philosophy, present our portfolio and speak on our ideas, plans, and motivations in a rousing fashion. Call Bella Vista for any other details.
*I'll also be grabbing a piping hot bowl of pho beforehand if anyone cares to join me...email me

NEXT UPDATE: Philly Beer Week 2010, my plans, my events, and my deep thoughts..... Read more!

Aristan Spirits

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Envious and You

These are the places in the Philly area/burbs that I know have Envious right now. I will announce more as it gets there. Very, very limited so this is the only place I'll put the info out there.

Right now:

Union Jack's Manatawny
Capone's

Soon:

A place that I eat and drink at quite frequently (other than my kitchen)

&

A place that I'll pair beer & cheese soon on the date the beer and cheese will be paired

&

A place I have DJ'd at Read more!

News'd Up and Updating

- Recent Interview with Amy Strauss (yes, THE Amy Strauss!) on my other blog as well as my duties with New Holland Brewing Company. Read it HERE.

- Looking to do a snappy little review of Louisville, KY when I get some time. New places opening, existing places that I finally got a chance to check out, maybe even some etc's.

- Big trip to North Carolina starting tomorrow that will include a Michigan Beer Dinner at one of my favorite places anywhere, The Raleigh Times Bar, World Beer Fest Raleigh, and several events that will include a moped rally, a hidden beer tasting, and a pig pickin' with great beer called Swine Spectator. Recaps will abound.

- Did my part to close out Sly Fox's original Phoenixville location yesterday. After about 15 years in one spot the guys and gal's will trot across the street and be ready for the masses when the goats run on May 2.

The car's about to be packed up with beer gear and lots of new tunes. So in celebration I leave you with this song that's been stuck in my head for days:

Read more!