FNBP: Damnation Golden Ale & Bon Iver - Bon Iver (2011)

Both fragile and confident Bon Iver’s Bon Iver is a very solid follow-up to the immensely popular For Emma, Forever Ago and the Blood Bank EP. There is certainly more going on here musically than on his past offerings, with layers of instruments and some harder rocking; however, the music remains stripped down, intimate and emotionally impactful. I can’t count how many times I have sung “never gonna break, never gonna break” while sipping my morning coffee or slipped this album on while reading Cormac McCarthy's tales of savagery and hopelessness. From the album art to the music itself, the album just seems right for early mornings and quiet evenings. The soothing “Towers” is best while reclining into a comfy microfiber couch, with “Holocene” and “Calgary” coming in a close second place tie. As far as I’m concerned, the only blemish on Justin Vernon’s record is being associated with the New Moon Soundtrack, for which he was likely pleasantly rewarded, but I'm willing to forgive him for such a move when I am soaking up this album with a tall, cool Damnation in my hand.

Russian River Brewing Co.’s Damnation Golden Ale out of the 750mL cork finished bottle provides the perfect accompaniment to Vernon's sleepy falsetto and rustic instrumentation. Damnation is a smooth, but earthy beer with plenty of kick and a mouthful of flavor. It is a quintessential backwoods log-cabin beer (albeit a Belgian log-cabin) that could be consumed out of an old coffee mug or a tin cup, with the thick creamy head sloshing over into your bowl of waterzooi. The cork bottle is elegant much like a fine champagne, but the name and label make it clear that this is not a beer to be trifled with. Much like Bon Iver, it is a real strong effort for a wide range of occasions that I would certainly recommend to folks who haven't tried it yet.

FNBP: Humming Ale & Guidance Counselor (2010)

Few things bring on the weekend better than energetic dance rock paired with delicious ale.  This week the bold and the daring come together in the form of Anchor Brewing's Humming Ale and Guidance Counselor's fearless dance rock off their self-titled album.

Guidance Counselor makes sure-to-wake-your-neighbors, dance-beat fiasco tracks with wall-shakin' drums and spastic vocals. When 'stached, lead singer Ian Anderson (not THAT Ian Anderson) looks like your creepy '80s uncle (on the left), but his energy and enthusiasm for getting the listener moving shines through in his role as frontman and dance commander and is infectious. Even the songs that don't sound like singles are still fun, if more for the dance floor than the headphones. I dare you to try and sit still to tracks like, "Talk It Out," "Creature" or "I Don't Wanna Speak." Simply put, they are pure energy and pure fun. Is Guidance Counselor for everyone? Probably not. But neither is being super awesome. This group is clearly humming!

As described by Anchor's website, "Humming" is a term that has a long history in association with malted beverages, used centuries ago to describe both ales and beers. In this particular case "Humming Ale" suits this bold, hoppy ale, which Anchor created to celebrate the anniversary of their first brew. The name reflects the productivity and constant exertion of the brewery since its inception in San Francisco in the late 1800s. Humming appears as a pale or golden ale that provides a nice mixture of hoppiness with a substantial malt body that will get you buzzing, but also won't sit too heavy should your body give into the music.

So forget Michelob Ultra, Humming Ale should be your activity beer of choice for the holidays, and most certainly if those activities include sweating on the dance-floor to Guidance Counselor while your creepy conservative Uncle looks on outwardly horrified... but secretly jealous.

FNBP: Dead Guy Ale & Interpol's Interpol (2010)

I have been a consistent advocate for Interpol for some time now. When they fire on all the right cylinders, they are (were) one of the best bands making music. The antithesis to that is, when they don't fire, they sound like an unenthusiastic and uncreatively monotone version of their previously awesome selves. Interpol, Interpol's 4th studio album (seriously, who self-titles their 4th album), sounds exactly as it should, and is decent, but falls squarely within the narrow fjord of sound and style that Interpol established prominently over their first two albums. Our Love To Admire, Interpol's 2007 release, established the "it worked before, let's do it again" attitude and Interpol sadly just extends that trend three years further with Interpol. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy some of the tracks on this album, such as "Barricade" and "The Undoing;" however, this album ventures very few steps beyond the inventiveness and effort that originally won over so many fans. Unfortunately, I say this as a legitimate fan. Has the band lost its spark, or do they simply not care as much? I hope it is the former so that the band marches on and continues to create inspiring music.

Nevertheless, Interpol will always have a special place in my heart, and in no small part due to delicious malted beverages. I was living in Santa Barbara and friends were in town visiting. After a jovial evening at the State Street bars we brought the party back to Chateau Nightrain for an  after-hours dance-off. After about 15 minutes of hot and heavy dance-offing, Interpol's "Slow Hands" came on. Rockin'. That's about the time when the neighbor from next door pounds on the door. Quickly I turn down the tunes, and answer the door with a "I'm really sorry... were we being too loud?" Clearly annoyed and in his jammies, the neighbor answered, "Yeah, really loud... It's 3:30 in the morning!" I quickly replied, "Sorry, I promise it won't happen again." To which the neighbor responded, "...wait... is that, uh, Interpol?!? I fucking love Interpol!" The tone of the conversation shifted and we all invited him to join the epic dance competition. Sadly, he declined. After that, we ended up being quite cordial. The moral: Delicious beer and Interpol brings people together and can potentially fix even the most unfixable problems.

With that in mind, for this Friday Night Beer Pairing (the Halloweekend edition—the darkest and sexiest of holidays), Interpol's dark and sexy music and haunting vocals pair well with Rogue's cryptically named Dead Guy Ale. DGA was originally developed as a tribute to the Mayan version of the Day of the Dead, also known as "All Souls Day." It is a German-style maibock with a spooky logo and plenty of flavor & kick. It has a slight citrus flavor with moderate hoppiness, and is a perfect end of the work week beverage. In fact, despite being dead, I actually don't feel bad for the logo's "dead guy" at all, because he has a whole keg of the stuff to enjoy. Good times for that man! In general, Dead Guy Ale is a pretty hip beer to have in the mini fridge next to your bed. Specifically for Halloweekend, Dead Guy Ale is the perfect beer to bust out at your adult gathering. With that, I leave you to enjoy your happy, and hopefully safe, Halloweekend. Stay dead my friends.

FNBP: Spaten Oktoberfest & Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

I know what you're thinking, because I'm thinking the same thing — It is not Friday and the events I'm about to pair have already passed. How inept can I get? Nevertheless, I move forward. 

Nearly everything I know about the history of bluegrass I learned from a Robert Earl Keen song. I think there was a time in college when I alienated myself from nearly everyone on my dorm room floor by listening to country and bluegrass, but honestly, I couldn’t have cared less. The DMXes of the world come and go, but there is an enduring factor to those old-timey sounds that trumps the need to conform musically with your peers. Although the particular beverage I enjoyed at the time of alienation was probably something on the lower end of the cost spectrum, for this Hardly Strictly pairing I'd like to bring out the gourmet (ironically, I sipped Modelo Especial for the bulk of the weekend). Meet Spaten Oktoberfest. 

Out of Munich, the origin of the fall festival, the Oktoberfest edition is subtly sweet and reminds me of a slightly cloudy Belgian. It is crisp and refreshing, but has a slightly strange aftertaste. The pairing goes well not only because of the timing, but also due to the strong associations I have with Oktoberfest, bluegrass and being outdoors. For live bluegrass I enjoyed the Bright Eyes front-man Conor Oberst, Bonnie Prince Billy and Robert Earl Keen Jr. on Saturday followed by Lucero, James McMurtry, Randy Newman, a fleeting moment of Elvis Costello, Yonder Mountain String Band and, finally, The Avett Brothers. I must admit, I was most impressed going in and coming out of the weekend with a longstanding QuickCrit favorite, Lucero. Absolutely worth the "early" start-time arrival.  In totality, certainly hardly, strictly bluegrass, but quite entertaining and especially so considering the event is free to all. 

Bluegrass, and derivatives thereof, to me is front-porch-music that seems to resonate with old souls and young ruffians alike. Oktoberfest was originally conceptualized around a horse race and agricultural show, so the event, and therefore the beer that bares the name, has rustic and outdoorsy undertones that parallel the stripped down appeal of bluegrass music. A great combo... any time of year.

FNBP: New Belgium's Explore Series & The Gaslight Anthem

One day The Gaslight Anthem wasn't on my radar, the next they where everywhere. The same, I believe, can be said for New Belgium Brewery's ever-growing fleet of beers—one day they weren't anywhere to be found, the next day they were popping up on the shelves of every neighborhood market and the beverage lists of any self-respecting watering hole. For tonight's Friday Night Beer Pairing I would like to focus on New Belgium's Explore Series (consisting of Ranger IPA, Mothership Wit, Abbey and Trippel) and The Gaslight Anthem's American Slang.

The good people at New Belgium, with special credit to Belgian brewmaster Peter Bouckaert, are helping Americans from coast to coast expand their malted beverage horizons by "brewing delicious beers with loads of character and aspiring ingredients." Abbey is a Belgian dubbel brewed with six different malts and authentic Belgian yeast and weighs in at 7.0% alcohol. Trippel is smooth and complex, but the strongest of the four. Mothership Wit, named after the Fort Collins Brewery, is a citrusy, refreshing white beer. Lastly, the Ranger IPA is a deliciously hoppy butt-kicker of a beer with hints of citrus and fruit, but mostly awesomeness. All four make for great sipping and enjoying, and especially with the right musical pairing. When I think New Belgian, I think fresh and refreshing, but with an old-style influence and character. This is almost precisely the way I feel about the amazing things The Gaslight Anthem have been doing with their Boss-esque, invigorating sound.

I think it's fair to say that The Gaslight Anthem's music goes well with a wide variety of beers; however, something about the trailblazing, multi-influence approach of the New Belgium Brewers couples well with the diverse and dynamic music generated by Brian Fallon and the rest of the band. Gaslight's music on American Slang ranges from introspective and touching to jubilant and uplifting. The influences are comprised of the obviously heavy touch of punk and classic rock to more subtle strains of rockabilly and blues. Regardless, the tracks off of this effort are just as catchy and well-structured as those found on The '59 Sound.

Great beer; great album. It is undeniable that you will look and feel ridiculously cool while enjoying both.

FNBP: Kings Go Forth & Coney Island Lager

Hey Quickcrit gang, swooped some beers for a new Friday Night Beer Pairing, Coney Island Lager. I know absolutely nothing about this beer, picked it up cause I thought the label looked really cool. I think it's officially summer now in San Jose as it has stopped raining and is now really hot. I am excited for this, as I could use a change of pace. Lately I have been listening to a lot of blues, punk, and gritty rock in the crummy weather. I need some heat, mama's showin skin with the short hem, and some move your hips music. So to go along with my summertime enthusiasms I am pairing Coney Island with Kings Go Forth and their newest album "The Outsiders are Back" released in April of 2010. These guys are pretty solid, and I am having a real hard time believing they are from Wisconsin. I guess I shouldn't knock Milwaukee since I ain't never been, but when think Wisconsin I think Duane Kuiper and dairy farms, not congo drums and reggae soul. But they display a very talented mix of RnB, Funk, Latin Jazz, and Reggae. Remind me a lot of Third World see "1000 Songs", with maybe some Joe Bataan like on track "One Day", or possibly Earth, Wind and Fire on tracks like "Now We're Gone". Don't get it twisted now, I'm not sayin they are biting people's style, as they definitely have their own flavor and the whole album is very strong work. My favorite track is "Get a Feeling" as it reminds me of music in the park. Horns blastin off the buildings, harmonious vocals that make people step in line on time, and the breakdown bass and congo drums that crank it up a notch to make you sweat hard in the heat. Also, by the way, this Coney Island Lager is really good. I bet it would go perfect with a Nathan's hot dog, or with BBQ ribs at music in the park for that matter. Thumbs up To Kings go Forth and Coney Island beers!

FNBP: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings & Modelo Negra

This week I am pairing Modelo Negra (a personal favorite) , with Sharon Jones and The Dap King's (also a personal favorite) new album "I Learned The Hard Way". Both the beers and the album came not from the fruit of my labor, but from good friends and family. The old man decided to unload his Modelo's on me since he is drinkin wine these days, score! Thanks dad. And the new album comes from Mercy's mafia like connections, granting me access to the new champions of soul before their official release date, which is April 6th. I have to say that just for the record, introducing someone to the new album, then telling them they can only listen once, is like introducing someone to rock cocaine and telling them they can only hit it one time. Needless to say I'm hooked and cannot be held responsible for my actions when it comes to getting my fix, and yes, I am willing to sell my T.V. to cop another listen. Anyway, the single I understand is "I Learned the Hard Way", which isn't bad, but dude, "Better Things To Do", "Window Shopping", "If You Call", and my favorite "Money" make we want to say fuck it. Sell the Honda and buy a Brougham, just so I can play this loud, look people square in the eye and say "that's right" as I hit a corner. And just as Modelo Especial is really good, like "100 Days and 100 Nights", the Negra is just a little bit better, just like "I Learned the Hard Way". The Especial is awesome, great beer, light, smooth, no complaints. But the Negra has that somethin extra, a little fuller flavor, but not overwhelming as to distract from what's workin with the Especial. That's kinda how I feel about "I Learned the Hard Way". The new album has a little more flavor in that the Dap Kings band was able to shine, especial-ly (ha!) in the track "If You Call". They let it hang out more in this album, but do not overshadow Sharon. Splendid album, splendid beer, check em' out!

FNBP: Rogue Wave - Permalight (2010) & Trumer Pils

Permalight: easy to listen to; not “easy listening.” Smooth vocals, catchy instrumentation and a distinct style all add up to a new Rogue Wave album that will make the fans of Asleep at Heaven’s Gate quite content and should continue to generate a fan base far beyond the shores of the East and West Bay. Permalight is a pop album that dances around styles and pacing like an album that was marinated and tinkered with for three years, which it was. The upbeat “Solitary Gun” leads into the bouncy, danceable single "Good Morning (The Future)," but then the pace slows considerably with "Sleepwalker" only to be kicked back into gear by the very catchy "Stars and Stripes" and "Permalight" (be prepared to sing along). I think the album tapers off toward the end after having some really engaging, electro-pop tracks in the beginning. I like what Rogue Wave did with Permalight; however, I don't think many people will be blown outta the water by what is here.

In a similar light, Trumer Pils makes for easy drinking. And speaking of water, Trumer found its way from Salzburg to the East Bay because of  perfect beer brewing water (or so I've been told). Now whether or not this is entirely true, I have no idea; however, the result is a crisp, clean, refreshing award-winning pilsner that resembles champagne in texture. I am not always in the mood for a Pils, but this one is a great option when I am. Conveniently, San Francisco has been inundated with waves of bars serving the golden brew, including my afternoon walk home stop at Tony Nik's. "Refreshing" could be used to describe both Trumer and Rogue Wave, and the combination could make for the perfect sunny afternoon. Check out these two golden gems from the East Bay, and your won't be disappointing.

FNBP: The Amazing Royal Crowns & Bear Republic

Howdy Ladies and Gents, gettin on the record now as a lover of beer and Friday nights. This evening I decided to drink a nice I.P.A, Racer #5 to be exact. It comes from the Bear Republic Brewery in Sonoma County, and is described as having a "trophy in every glass". I think it's not too heavy (which I enjoy in an I.P.A), and is very smooth and crisp, with a high and tight bite at the end, very refreshing. Reminds me of the high and tight fade on the singer King Kendell of the Amazing Royal Crowns. This is the kind of beer a workin man in the summer drinks to cool down, or while workin on a "1965 GTO", which just happens to be the title of an awesome song that the Crowns do. So I am pairing the Crowns with the Racer no. 5, and I have to say it's going really well. I used to drink IPAs all the time in college then switched over to lagers later on, and it's nice to taste a good one again. It brings back good memories of the Sierra Nevada Brewery, good friends, and nights of front porch sittin with shorts and a beater till 2AM. Just as the beer is givin me good vibes, so is the tunes. I fucking love this band and I never listen to them anymore. "Shiverin' in the Corner" has to be one of my favorite songs of all time, and I guess I have moved on to other bands since, like I did eventually with the IPAs, for no apparent reason other than to rediscover them later and be stoked. Like finding a $20 in your coat pocket, or catchin a flirty look from the hot new bartender at your local watering hole. Sometimes I guess it's important to take time and reflect on good times and the simple things we love, instead of focusing on tomorrow's agenda and constantly moving forward with things. So I think tonight I will slow it down, take the time to enjoy my six pack, stroll down memory lane, and periodically rock out to jams like "Mr Lucky", "Still Royal", and "Invitation to Alienation", bottoms up!!

Friday Night Beer Pairing: 21st A's Golden Doom & In Flames

The first time I listened to In Flames I was floored by both their phenomenal musical abilities and how awesome and invincible their music made me feel. I would not classify myself as a metal connoisseur, but with In Flames I feel compelled to let each note and lyric sink in. They are my go-to band for everything from gym trips and runs, to pre-test focusing and preparing for an evening out. Although I tend to like their earlier stuff slightly better, every time I hear something new from them I become temporarily obsessed with their raw intensity and classical influenced guitar work. Ironically for this post, the one time I've seen In Flames live, I couldn't drink due to an intense bout with Giardiasis. Giardiasis (better know as Giardia) is an infection of the small intestine caused by a microscopic organisms called protozoa. So, not only could I not drink, I couldn't hit the mosh pit nor headbang too vigorously with fear of jostling the stomach to sharply and triggering a rapid sprint to the restroom, which did not have doors on the stalls. Precarious indeed, but damn that was a good show. At one point during the set Anders Fridén the lead singer, and former vocalist for Dark Tranquility, asked for someone to come up on stage to sing a song while he rested his pipes. So, this little metal-head dude freaks out and gets pulled up onto stage as the band starts in on the opening notes of "Bullet Ride." The kid breaks into a neck whipping headbang with black hair flipping like a snapped towel. He even growls like 3 times into the mike to assert himself, and I was like "Holy shit! This kid is kicking ass... live In Flames karaoke style. So killer!" But then, when it  is his turn to sing the opening lines ("Do you feel anything at all? / Do you hear steps at the door?") nothing comes out. No vocals! The kid apparently doesn't know the lyrics. What followed was probably the most excruciating 5 minutes of concert watching I have ever experienced live. The band was feeding him the lyrics as he tried to figure out what to do, and the crowd members were looking at each other with a clearly defined "Are you fucking serious!" face. The band played the entire song without lyrics, and when they finished, Anders came back out onto stage and said something like "Well... that was the strangest fucking thing I have ever seen." Now I can't listen to "Bullet Ride" without feeling slightly uncomfortable. Thanks little metal dude for ruining that song for me... Epic!

The beer name "Golden Doom" says it all and could not go more perfectly with the Swedish melodic death metal produced by In Flames. Available in only limited supply from 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco, Golden Doom is a Belgian-style golden ale that exquisitely balances the smooth with the spicy with a heavy dose of  the strong. Coming in at 7.8% alcohol, Golden Doom packs a heavy metal-like punch that will both leave you on your ass and wanting more. I had my first Golden Doom at 15 Romolo in North Beach and made my decision solely on the name. Five beers later I was close to declaring it the best beer on the planet. When the server came over to the table, I felt obligated to express my admiration for the beverage, to which the server said: "I know! The whole staff has been drinking nothing but Golden Doom since we got it. We're all addicted." Now I find any excuse I can to go have a sip of the golden nectar with some sliders and curry fries at 15 Romolo, or right next door to my work at the 21st A brewery itself. Pinche delicious. Pinche METAL!

Friday Night Beer Pairing: Upright Brewing & Nick Jaina

Tonight I'm pairing two regional adaptations of traditionally rustic genres.

Any beer lover visiting Portland will notice the abundance of pale ales; every brewery seems to have at least three kinds. So the founding of Upright Brewing and its experimental, loosely Belgian-style beers was great news for Brasilliant and me, who were forced to fly to Germany and Belgium to satisfy our thirst for doppelbocks and tripels. Upright uses a Belgian-based brewing process, but are not beholden to any one recipe, which makes a visit to Upright's tasting room so much fun. They are still playing around with their beers, so while you may not love every sip, the flavors are bold and unique. My favorite is the Upright 7, their version of a farmhouse Saison. It's dry, aromatic, and just slightly spicy. Even at 8% it goes down easy.

I'm not sure which Portland loves more, beer or folk music. Probably beer, but judging from the abundance of good singer-songwriters, indie folk isn't far behind. Nick Jaina is one of my favorites and is set to release his new album, A Bird In The Opera House, next month. "Sleep Child" (mp3) captures the album's warm vocals and rhythmic strumming that gently pushes the songs forward. The album incorporates bits of Portland into the lyrics along with subtle layers of strings. It's comfortable, catchy, and perfect for kicking back at home.

Friday Night Beer Pairing: Stella Artois & Ida Maria

Two things immediately come to mind when I hear the name Stella: Marlon Brando’s anguish-filled hollering in “A Streetcar Named Desire;" and, the rough, annoying scrape of paper against your lips when you first put a bottle of Stella Artois up to your mouth. Now, both can be fundamentally abrasive (both literally and metaphorically), but behind the rough edges of each is pure brilliance. I love me some classic Brando, and even though I don't consider myself the biggest Stella fan, I am nonetheless a fan of its inherent qualities. Henceforth, a third thing will come to mind upon the mention of Stella, and that is a Scandinavian power-pop artist named Ida Maria.  Although Ida Maria’s song “Stella” is about a 43-year old hooker and wanting to “give her the world” if she’d just stay with you tonight, I think there are many elements of her sound, style and song themes that fit in with this particular pairing. Her song "Stella" isn’t just about screaming the name of a beer at the top of your lungs, or having a beer oriented theme song to put on at your favorite digital juke joint, but about finding a fitting embodiment of a beer in a song or artist, or vice versa, I'm not quite sure. Ida Maria, like Stella, is of Northern Europe, and although of different ages, they both didn’t break into the "pop" scene until recently. They share that same, distinct rough edges, Stella's being featured in the pointless paper, and Ida Maria's in her raspy, strained, seductive vocals. This is really about grabbing something cold, and putting on something awesome, and the combination of the two successfully makes for a great night... I know because I'm living this recommendation as I write this. If what you are reading sounds enticing, check out Ida Maria's tracks "Oh My God," "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" and, of course "Stella."

 

Friday Night Beer Pairing: Miller High Life & Valient Thorr

After fleeing their overpopulated and war-torn home of Venus, Valient Thorr settled in North Carolina. Since their arrival, the other 49 states are in debt. They have a very unique sound not of this earth, if you will. They have been spreading positive vibrations on an insane touring regime that has only been interrupted by Valient Himself donating one of his kidneys to his earthling father. The band is a hybrid of punk, bluegrass, and metal that is very unique, and so good. It feels as if I am listening to Adolescents, Sir Lord Baltimore, Thin Lizzy, and the dueling banjos of Deliverance all at the same time. Because of this reason, it reminds me of several different times in my life, and there is only one beer that represents my drinking life since its inception at the precious age of 14. Miller High Life.

The first time that I drank a High Life was with my old friend Miles Leland. It is a little bit creepy, because he has two first names, and his infatuation with High Life was due to his attraction to the babe on the moon. Little did I know his genius, and the way he would change my life. The ways that I enjoy High Life is just as dynamic as Valent Thorr. Its a perfect beer for camping, watching a movie, road trips, river rafting, chilling at the beach, chores, listening to tunes... but especially for partying super fucking hard. This song reminds me of riding my bike in Santa Cruz, looking for chicks...failing miserably, then getting super trashed with brosephs and getting in a ton of trouble. I saw Valient Thorr last year, and it was the best show I had seen in a long time. I was there with friends, drinking High Life, headbanging with my foot on the monitors, and pouring every third beer on my head. It was amazing. High Life and Valient Thorr remind me of not giving a shit, getting heated, and making bad decisions. Put the video on, get a High Life, and get ready to make bad decisions.

Friday Night Beer Pairing: Yuengling & Hamburg Ramönes

What was once a Ramones cover band broke off from the cliché copy-the-legends riff to write their own songs which emulate those classic New York and Brit rooted punk rock sounds, but with German accents. Can you get more punk rock (rhetorical question)? The Hamburg Ramönes track “Go Yuengling Go” slates the indispensable power-chords with a catchy, football (Euro) stadium chant that repeats the title which essentially roots for the almost exclusively east coast brewery and/or beer. I think there is something in there about the beer and perfect days and making one's life complete, but it don't matter... it's all awesome. It is what you would expect from a former Ramones cover band, yet it has a contemporary and original feel. If you branch off from this recommendation, their 2008 release Long Black Hair sounds straight out of 1978 with Ramones and Clash-like numbers that are wrapped up in tight packages and hit hard and fast. It is fair to say that tracks like “Rock’ N Roller Coaster” and “Long Black Hair” do the bands namesake justice, but also in their own right would stand up to what many would consider unmeasurable expectations.

As for the beverage, I remember the first time I had Yuengling beer. Spring break, Washington D.C., two thousand and somethin'-something. Many Yuenglings later I can honestly say that I am still a fan of the company that is recognized as America's Oldest Brewery and family owned for over 180 years, and look for it whenever I am east of the Mississippi, for nostalgia purposes. I was once at a Manhattan bar, on the upper east side and the bar featured a large Yuengling mirror which had all their beers on tap listed on it. Knowing what I already wanted I ordered what I expected to be a delicious Yuengling, to which the bar maid replied, "Sorry, we don't actually carry Yuengling." The joke was obviously on me. So, tonight, if you can get it, it's all Yuengling and Hamburg Ramönes. Hit it!

Friday Night Beer Pairing: Unibroue & The Dirtbombs

I live a city that loves both beer and indie rock passionately, and since they always improve each other, it makes sense to talk about them together. While I could have started this series with any of the many local microbrews and indie bands I love, I decided to start with the combination that gave the idea – Unibroue and the Dirtbombs "La Fin Du Monde".

The connection here is of course obvious and for some reason once I made that connection I could not have one without wanting the other. It helps that I love both. While We Have You Surrounded is far from my favorite Dirtbombs' album, "La Fin Du Monde" is a great song. It's sung in French, so I have no idea about the lyrics, but figure that the apocolyptic theme of the album carries into a song about the end of the world. Somehow they make it sound wistful and pleasant. The beer pays homage to "great explorers, who believed they had reached the end of the world when they discovered America" and at 9% the beer is a heavy weight and could make you tackle hedges on your way home from the bar.

La Fin Du Monde - The Dirtbomb...