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New Music Monday Blog Alice In Chains The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here

In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into the new release from Alice In Chains.  The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here is their fifth studio record from this Metal Grunge band.

History

Alice In Chains was formed in 1987 by original lead singer Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell, who is the lead guitar player.  The band was filled out with Sean Kinney, who is the drummer that was in another band with Jerry, along with original bassist Mike Starr.  Alice In Chains signed with Columbia Record in 1989.  They release their first official release which was their EP We Die Young.  The huge success of the EP Columbia rushed the band back in the studio to record their first full studio record, which was called Dirt.  Dirt was release in July 1990.  In 1991, Man In The Box music video hit the MTV rotation and the band did not look back since.  In 1993, Mike Starr left the band during the band’s tour and was replaced by Mike Inez.  It is kind hard to believe this is true, however, the summer of 1993 Alice In Chains did their last major tour with Layne Staley under Lollapalooza.  Alice In Chains went back into the studio with acoustic guitars to record songs, which was never supposed to be release.  This EP became the first EP to be at the top of the charts.  Jar Of Flies had such hits like No Excuses, I Stay Away, and Don’t Follow.  Before 1994 tour, Layne went into rehab for his drug issues.  This tour would have had Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies, Danzing, and Fight but Layne went back using heroin.  This forced Alice In Chains to pull out of the tour and was replaced by Candlebox.  Alice In Chains was not active in the beginning of 1995 which led Layne Staley to join the supergroup, who was Mad Season, for one release.  In the middle part of 1995, Alice In Chains enters the studio for the final record with original lead singer Layne Staley.  This self title called by the record company but the band called it Grind.  This 1995 release had four hits on it, which three of the songs had Jerry Cantrell as the lead singer.  The band choose not to support the record with a tour, which is believe there was drug abuse in the band again.  The band did a live show for the famous MTV Unplugged, which was their first live show in three years.  The band went on to do a few live shows with reunited Kiss with their original line up.  I saw them for the first time at old Tiger Stadium on June 28th, 1996.  Layne Staley last show live was on July 3rd, 1996 in Kansas City.  Jerry Cantrell and the rest of his band mates recorded his first solo record, which was Boggy Depot, which was supposed to be Alice In Chains songs but Layne could not record new music.  In 1998, Alice In Chains with reunited Layne Staley went into the studio to record Layne’s two final record songs.  The two songs, which are Get Borned Again and Died, were suppose to be on Jerry Cantrell’s second solo record, which was Degradetion Trip.  Jerry Cantrell’s second solo record he dedicated the record to Layne Staley after finding out about his death in 2002.  Mike Starr pasted on in 2011 with years of drug abuse.  In 2005, Alice In Chains reunite with new lead singer Willian DuVall.  They released their fourth studio record and first with new lead singer called Black Gives Away To Blue in 2009.  Alice In Chains has released five studio records, two live records, a few greatest hits, and three EPs.  Let us get into this record.

Track List

Hollow

Hollow has that classic Alice In Chains riff style.  It has the old school Alice In Chains feeling.  The vocal is what made Alice In Chains back in the day and today.  I know this song and record has it through out.  The drums and bass playing is pretty solid.  This is a great opening track for their second record with new lead singer William DuVall.  AIC (Alice In Chains) has done a great job on the music and I am joining the guitar solo does the end of the song.

Pretty Done

Pretty Done just like Hollow does not miss a beat.  There is some solid music so far on this record.  I am loving the lyrics so far on both songs.  This record so far sounds like their last record which is not a bad thing.  The last record was a great comeback record for AIC.  Jerry has a solid guitar solo halfway through the song.  There is solid playing on Pretty Done and a nice finish to it.

Stone

I am loving the bass and drums start to Stone.  It reminds me of the old days of AIC.  The guitars are solid too.  Jerry and William singing is perfect just like when Layne and Jerry did it on the first three records.  I am loving the lyrics like the other two songs.  I love the break on the music.  There is a nice guitar break and then turns into a nice guitar solo halfway period of the song.

Voices

I love the start of Voices with the distance and then fade in with the acoustic guitars.  Voices reminds me of something I would have heard off Jars of Flies EP.  There is some pretty solid lyrics along with some great music.  This is one of my favorite songs off this record so far.  I really like how they went back to use the acoustic guitars.  I have always thought that Jar of Flies was the best music they have ever put out.  This is a very talented band and I am glad they are still around.

The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here

I love the start of this song and I also love how everyone is playing different things.  It gives a different feeling to the song.  This is a pretty creepy song so far.  This has a little Black Sabbath feeling in the music.  I will be honest I am not a huge fan of the lyrics but the music is pretty good.  Mike is walking up and down his bass guitar.  Asides the lyrics, I just feel like this song is too long for itself.  I hate to say this about the title track of the record.  At least, it has a pretty solid ending.

Lab Monkey

Lab Monkey has a weird start on the guitar.  The drums and bass are pretty strong when they come into the song.  William has some pretty solid singing.  I love how they are able to keep the old AIC singing style.  I was afraid this band would be doomed with a new singer.  This is a pretty good song from the music and lyrics.  I love the wah petal on the guitar towards the end of the song.  Lab Monkey picks up with the creepy stand point like The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here.  There is nothing wrong with that.  It is a great song.

Low Ceiling

Low Ceiling has that Man In The Box guitar riff kind of at the beginning but changes through it.  This song reminds me of something and I just do not know what it is.  There is some great music and lyrics on Low Ceiling.  I am loving the drumming along with the bass playing.  Jerry does not have the best guitar solo but it is fitting for the song but the later part of it is gets better.

Breath On A Window

Breath On A Window has some great guitar playing with great playing by bass and drums.  There is some great lyrics and music.  This record has not been a disappointment.  AIC has done a great job so far.  There is a nice guitar break halfway through the song.  I am loving the guitar work towards the end of the song.

Scalpel

Scalpel has acoustic guitar at the beginning with some great singing.  Once again, I love this band that brings out the acoustic guitars.  There is nice music and lyric writing throughout this song.  This is a nice calming song and it is not in your face.  There is some great singing between Jerry and Will on this song.

Phantom Limb

I love the strong guitar riff along with the drums echoing it.  The music is solid with some great lyrics dancing on top of it.  I love the music changes throughout Phantom Limb.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the later parts of the song.  AIC has done a great job on this song.  I am pretty speechless on it.  I love how they ended the song.

Hung On A Hook

Hung On A Hook has a great start.  There is some pretty interesting music and singing.  I am enjoying the pace of the music.  There is a ton going on in this song.  AIC still has it and I am looking forward to seeing this music and the band live.  I love the turn in the music towards the end.  There is some nice guitar effects.

Choke

The last song is Choke has the perfect ending song for this record.  I love the drums with the bass echoing it.  Of course, there is a nice touch on the acoustic guitars.  This song sounds like it could have been on the last record.  There is some great lyrics and music once again from AIC.  This is a great song to finish this great record.  I love the guitar work towards the end of the song.  It also has a great ending to Choke and the record.

Band Line Up From 1987 to 1993

  • Layne Staley – Lead Singer
  • Jerry Cantrell –  Lead Guitar, Back Up Singer
  • Sean Kinney – Drums, Piano
  • Mike Starr – Bass

Bands Line Up From 1993 to 2002

  • Layne Staley – Lead And Back Up Singer, Rhythm Guitar
  • Jerry Cantrell –  Lead Guitar, Lead And Back Up Singer
  • Sean Kinney – Drums, Piano
  • Mike Inez – Bass

Current Line Up From 2005 to Present

  • William DuVall – Lead Singer And Back Up, Rhythm Guitar
  • Jerry Cantrell –  Lead Guitar, Lead Singer And Back Up Singer
  • Sean Kinney – Drums, Piano
  • Mike Inez – Bass

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.aliceinchains.com

Twitter:  @AliceInChains

In closing, I enjoyed listening to this record and I am looking forward to listening to it a little bit more.  This record is not their best record but Alice In Chains like a very few bands have not put out a bad record.  Some bands have one song and they put some fillers songs around it just to get the record out.  I am not saying Alice In Chains has a bunch singles on this record.  They put some thoughts in their songs and their filler songs above average than the rest of the filler songs from other bands.  I also love how they were able to keep their style and sound.  It is hard for a band with some line up changes and big time with a loss of a orinigal singer.  This is a very talented band and I am glad I was able to grow up listening to them and Candlebox and Stone Temple Pilots.  I highly recommend this record and let me know what your thoughts are about this record.  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

(History information was pulled from wikipedia website. The credit goes to them during my research.)

New Sports Thought Thursday Blog How To Act As A Sports Fan To Other Fans.

In this Sports Thought Thursday blog, I might be wrong or right on this subject.  I will be talking on both sides of coin.  This has been a pretty big issue  to me of late living in the Chicago market.  Here is my thought.

Fan of a Team Not in the Market

At Stadium

Beware where you are and what you are doing.  For example, if you are going to see your team in another team’s stadium.  There is nothing wrong showing your team proud but there is an issue when you are acting like a jackass.  If you wear your team colors, you need to act like you are not there but you are there.  It is OK to clap when your team scores but do not stand up when they make a big hit and clap.  You are asking for problems.  You need to watch your alcohol in tank.  We all know people do dumb things when they are drunk.  It is fine to drink but know your limit.  If some other team’s fan says something, just ignore them.  If they keep going, just say, I am here just like you are and I am not bothering anyone.   You will need to know where security and Customer service.  Remember, you might be out-of-town but you are still a paying customer.  You deserve what the hometown fans get in their sports experience.  You need to show respect and it is pretty easy.  They will see it and just be nice. They will talk to you nicely.  At least, they will not get in your face and try to start a fight.

Out And About In The Town

This is part that bugs me.  I will wear a Red Wings hat around Chicago.  I am supporting my team like you are supporting your team.  I will not wearing a jersey around unless I am going to the game or bar event.  I know that is wrong and I am asking for problems.  I mind my busy and go about my errands just in my hat.  You need to be yourself and just respect your surrounds.

Fan In A City With Opposite Team’s Fan

At Stadium

Remember these people are human and they have feelings like you.  Treat them like you would treat yourself because what you give out will come back around.  It is fine to say their team sucks but do not get in their face to start a fight.  I realize you have to support your team with the rest of the fan base but remember you might be in that same situation down the road.  Plus, you need to realize how much you are drinking because you might do something you might regret.  Respect them and you might have a nice talk with them.  You might learn something from them.  Of course, if they do something, you know when to put them in their place.  Remember this is your building but that does not give you the right to be a jerk.  They are there like you to enjoy the game.  I get it they are rivalries. Respect!

Out And About To See Another Team’s Fan

Here is the big one for me.  I had this happen to me yesterday (Saturday).  I walk into a place with my Chicago Cubs coat and Red Wings hat.  There was a Blackhawks fan shouts across the place saying “Detroit Sucks!”  I just ignored him and then he goes on to say, “you made my day bad now! Detroit Sucks!”  I get it they are a really good team and they are better than the Red Wings.  I just looked at him and said, “I am minding my own busy.”  He just left me alone.  I did not just walk in and say Red Wings Rule because then I am asking for it.  Those are the fans that put a bad name on fan bases.  Remember that, when you see a co-fan doing something, you might want to step in or say sorry for how that person acted.

In closing, I get it you are a fan of your team.  Congrats but there are a time in place for everything.  I love the passion of any fan for their team.  What I do not like are jerks killing my sports experience or to any fan. I love to see all ballparks in the MLB and that goes with NHL and NFL.  The big think you need to put this in mind.  If I pay money to come into your town, I am helping your team and your city.  In the end, we are here to enjoy the sports event and just respect each other to have some fun.  This is not to paint a cloud on any fan base. I am basing my experience on my experience. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Hard Rock And Metal Bands and Beers

In this Music Monday blog, we are going to take a look at something that is going rapid just like the Craft Beer industry.  I want to say this right off the start of this blog.  There is nothing wrong with these bands making or teaming up with a beer brewery to make beers.  They have that right to do that in their career and they earn this opportunity. I just feel in the past most are not that good.  I am going to highlight some of the beers you might see on your local liquor beer stores along with the growing craft beers too.  Let us get into this!

Motorhead Beer

This beer is a normal lager.  I have never had this beer but it could be a normal American Lager or it could be an import lager.

Here is a description from their website (www.brandsforfans.se):

Motörhead Bastards Lager Beer

For all beer drinkers and hell raisers, fans of loud and fast rock and roll, no matter if you have no class or if you are a damage case, this mean machine lager is fuel for any head banging opportunity. They are using Swedish brewery called Krönleins.  This beer is not available in the United States yet but if you live in Europe this is where you can buy it.  Order Motorhead Lager
Motörhead Bastards Lager Product code: 1234-03 (In Sweden)
Origin: Sweden Type of beer:
Lager Volume: 330 ml
Alcohol: 4,7%
Contains: Barley malt and hops

This Bastard has a malty and fruity taste with great character of malt and a hint of citrus. A quality beer that can be appreciated by rock’n’roll fans of all ages. Enjoy anytime when the craving for a beer hits you, but especially well with burgers, grilled meat or fish, pizza and friends.

Iron Maiden Trooper Ale

This one was just released  and at least Iron Maiden are true to the beer styles that are in their area and country.  I am kind interested in this beer.  I love my ales and hoppy ones to that point.  Please, watch the video below.  I love what Bruce said during the video.  This beer sounds like English Ale Beer Style.  Iron Maiden is taking this beer pretty seriously and I love how they have an idea on the beer.  I believe this is unique ale and I cannot wait to try it.  It is not available in the United States but if you are in Europe this is where you can order.  Order Iron Maiden Trooper Ale In Europe

Here is a video with Bruce Dickenson (Iron Maiden Singer) from their website (www.ironmaiden.com):

AC/DC German Lager

I heard about this a while ago and I just let it go through me.  I am not a huge lager fan but I will try a beer at least once.  AC/DC is a legendary hard rock band and they are using their name to push a beer.  Just like Iron Maiden they are looking to put this beer around the world for their fans to enjoy.  Right now, this beer is not available but the closest to me is Canada.  You can order it online but not in the United States.  Order AC/DC Lager In Europe

Here is a description from their website (www.acdc-beer.com):

True Taste for Rock`n Roll.

 If you wanna rock hard, you need the right beer.  AC/DC, the infamous Hardrock Legends from down under, have been delivering true rock for the last 40 years. Now they give their name for true, pint-sized Australian taste as well.
“AC/DC Premium Lager Beer ” is 568mL of true German Premium Lager with mouthwatering 5.0% alc.  This lager fires up your tongue like TNT, comes with a great beer-loving taste and is brewed in accordance with the Rock`n Roll manifesto of 1973 and the German purity law of 1516.

Jackyl – Jesse James America’s Outlaw Beer

Jesse James has been ahead of the curve than the rest of his metal peers.  This beer is American Wheat Ale.  The more I am digging into this subject.  I am seeing a ton of lagers so it is nice to Trooper and America’s Outlaw Beer are ales.  This beer is only available in a few states.

Here is a descriation from their website (www.jessejamesbeer.com):

AMERICA’S OUTLAW BEER is a true American original.

Our beer is an unfiltered wheat beer. American wheat beer is a style invented by specialty brewers in the United States in the 1980’s. It may even stretch the definition of “style,” for nowhere is the creativity and diversity of America’s craft brewers better displayed than in wheat beers.   Our beer is crisp and refreshing with an extremely soft finish.

AMERICA’S OUTLAW BEER is brewed with 40% malted wheat. The remaining grain bill is a wonderful blend of Pale, Caramel, and Munich malts designed to provide more body and mouth feel. Our Nottingham yeast delivers the soft finish that consumers will enjoy time and time again. Wilamette, Fuggles, and Cascade hops balance this refreshing beer perfectly.

This beer is delicious by itself or garnished with fruit.

AMERICA’S OUTLAW BEER is 5.5% abv.

In closing, there are a lot more beers teaming up with bands.  The ones that I am talking about are limited edition beers.  What I mean by that, they are beers that are made and release.  They will never made again in good chances.  I am talking about a beer that Clutch with New Belgian.  It was a 22oz bottles and it was a limited run.  I believe 3 Floyds have done several beers with bands.  I will say this.  This thought will never end.  Breweries and bands will team up to make money off each fan base.  I am excited to try these beers but I know some are good and others will be bad.  I cannot give you a thought because I never had some of these.  Please, let me know your thoughts if you have any of these.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Summer Hard Rock And Metal Tours

In this Music Monday blog, I am going to give my thoughts on this Summer tours in 2013.  I know most people do not have a ton of money and I hope this helps people who cannot do a ton of research on Hard Rock and Metal tours.  Plus, I will let you know which ones I am looking to attend.  I will be looking at a few cities to see some of these bands.  The cities that I am looking at are Chicago and Detroit markets.

Detroit Shows

DTE Energy Theatre Shows

Gigantour 2013 featuring Megadeth – The one thing I love about this there are other bands on this ticket.  It creates a value for the ticket buyer.  Plus, for me, it is bands I have been wanting to see in a long time.  I am talking about BLS and Hellyeah.  Megadeth alone is worth the price.  I will be looking at getting tickets for this show in any of these cities.   The problem with this show it is during the week.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival – Another great value every year in and out is the Mayhem Festival.  This fest I could see in any city.  I love the line up and I had a chance to get to know some newer bands.  This is an all day event and it makes it even more whole the money.  I try to get down every year for this event.  It is on a Sunday which you might want to take a Monday off.

Ted Nugent with Tesla and Laura Wilde – Well come one it is Uncle Ted in Detroit and with Tesla that has not put out one bad record and is great live.  Then you just toss in my girl that I have been waiting to see her play live forever and a day, who is Laura Wilde.  I know this will put a smile on her face when she sees this post.  I am going to this show.  It is on my list.

Black Sabbath – I am interested but it is during the weekdays.  I hate it when it is during the week.  Black Sabbath will draw like they normally do in the past.  This might be one of the last times you will see this band together.  Bill Ward is not part of this tour and I do not know who is drumming but they will find a good one.  I will look into the other cities.

Chicago Shows

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

It is pretty much the same shows in Chicago as Detroit.  This is the worse Amphitheatre I have ever been too.

In closing,  I am pretty upset I will not be able to see Black Sabbath.  I can see them but I do not like the day of the week they are playing between Chicago and Detroit markets.  However, there are some good shows that I will be seeing, I will be at the Ted Nugent show in Detroit.  If you are there, come by and see hello and let me know.  So far, right now, I will be only be going to one show this summer.  I know I will find a few more shows to see when last-minute ones being release.  Let me know what your thoughts are and who you will be seeing this summer.  I will be looking at the Machine Shop up in Flint, Michigan for a few shows.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Monday Music Blog Left Setter Irene

In this Monday Music Blog, we are going back to 2009 where a local Chicago Hard Rock band, who is Left Setter, puts out a record called Irene.  I decided to go back and listen to this record to write a review because I heard they reunited for a few shows in Chicagoland area this summer of 2013.  There is very little information on the history of this band.  I will have to get with the band to get the history of it.  This is their third release from Left Setter.  Let us get into the music.

Refuse To Care

This song starts out like a 1990’s hard rock music.  It also has a little baby bedtime music theme.  There is a nice simple guitar and off beat bass line.  There is some nice drumming also in this song.  This song sounds like something that Stone Temple Pilots would do in their career.  I do not know about that heavy breathing in the later part of the song.  George has some nice guitar work towards the middle of the song.

Last Days With You

There is some nice heavy guitar work at the beginning and then simmer down.  There is some nice bass and drum work on this song.  It has a nice support to the guitar and vocals.  I like the lyrics on this song.  This song is in your face but you do not realize it until you get to the later parts of this song.  I am loving the bass work towards end of the song with the guitar over the top of it.  Nice touch on the ending.

Good Mourning America

I love the guitar work at the beginning.  I can hear the Beatles influence in this song and a touch of Stone Temple Pilots again.  I wonder if this is what the Beatles would have sounded like in modern-day.  The lyrics and musics has Beatles sound of their heyday or the 1960’s Classic Rock bands.  This song is short and gets to the point.  I like the ending of this song.

March Into The City

March Into The City starts out with a nice bassline and a perfect guitar riff.  It is not over the top like most guitar players normally do in their songs with the bassist.  I love the simple drum beat.  I am also loving the effects on the vocals.  I am loving the build up of this song.  I love the lyrics.  I am loving the endings of the last few songs.

Bobby Deniro

Boddy Deniro has a little punk feel to the song.  It is fast pace and with nice music.  I am not a real fan of the back up vocals on this song.  I just feel it is forced and it is not natural to the song.  George has some nice guitar work from clean to dirty effects on his guitar.  Nick is singing extremely well on this song.

Collide

Collide has some piano work on this song with a nice guitar work over the top of it.  I am love the drums and bass work on this song.  It makes this song powerful.  I am loving the lyrics and singing from Nick.  The back up vocals are perfect on this song.  The piano gives this band another element in a positive light.  George has a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Thief Without A Conscience

I love the beginning of this song.  It has a little Red Hot Chili Peppers feel to it at the beginning.  I love the drums, bass, and guitar work to set the stage to this song.  I love the lyrics.  Nick kind of sounds like Don Dokken off Shadowlife.  This is a deep and well thought up song.  Left Setter put some thought when they wrote this song.

Women And Children First

Women And Children First starts out like an AC/DC song.  It goes to the main riff like something in your face.  I love the theme and the lyrics of this song.  The music is very well written.  I love the drumming and the bass work.  The backbone of the band is playing their ass off on this song.  It has a nice ending to the song.

Drowning Muse

The last song on this record starts off like something you would heard from Beatles or Pink Floyd in early part of their career.  This song more I think about it reminds me Dazed Or Confused from Led Zeppelin or Planet Cavern from Black Sabbath.   Nick wrote a nice melody and lyrics on this song.  I love the pick up towards the end of the song.  I am loving the drumming.  It comes back down to where it was before.  This is a thinking man’s song.  I am loving the ending with Nick just singing it out.

Here is the line up off Irene:

  • Nick Langis – Lead Vocals, Keyboards
  • George Langis – Guitars, Vocals, Piano
  • Sean Keenehan – Drums, Vocals, Percussion
  • Turan Yon – Bass Guitar

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.leftsetter.com

Twitter:  no twitter account

Where to buy their records?

Their Website:  www.leftsetter.com

CD Baby:  www.cdbaby.com

Closing, I love this record and Left Setter did a great job on all of their songs.  You can hear their influences through out this record.  Neil Young move over Left Setter has taken your spot for today’s youth.  They had some thoughts of time on our government and this is what music is for and the art of it.  The songs that are my favorites are  March Into The City, Last Days With You, and Collide.  If you live in the Chicago area, you need to check out this band during this summer.  If you do not live in Chicago and is a fan of great music, you need to check them out.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Sixpoint Brewing 3Beans

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Sixpoint Brewing.  This is a new beer from this Brooklyn base brewery and the beer is called 3Beans.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on their beers, you know about the history this brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog.  Let us get into the beer.

The color of this unique beer from Sixpoint Brewing is a brown to dark brown color with a slight brown white color head on it. The smell is a heavy coffee bean to the beer. The taste is a full body of complex taste. It has coffee to toffee and a little chocolate. It is a understatement to say there is a ton going on in this beer. It is not drinkable beer but good beer with a cigar on a Sunday afternoon. Even though, I do not smoke.

Here is a description from the beer can:

Take thou also unte thee wheat, and barley, and beans…and part them in one vessel.  The beans of bygone brewers, united with cacao and coffee, to creat a trinity of roasted, rich, and savory flavors.

Here is a desecration of the beans off the packaging of the beer:

Romano Beans

Favored by brewers in centuries past, these hardy legumes are blended with barley malt during the mashing to feed the fermentation, while their proteins add texture and complexity.

Cacao Beans

Liberated from their lager pods, the fermented husks of the roasted cacao beans add notes of rich chocolate to brew. Provided by Mast Brothers Chocolate

Coffee Beans

A cold-brewed concoction of hand-picked, meticulously roasted coffee beans infuses the brew before aging on oak.  Provided by Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Beans And Beers:

A brief history, As the culture of beer spread around the globe, diverse new brewing styles emerged.  When the brewers of old Baltic Europe riffed on a popular foreign style, they formulated new recipes by harnessing familiar techniques and locally available ingredients.  3Beans is a Sixpoint’s tribute to these bygone brewers: a rich, oak-aged brew with our own additions of chocolate and coffee.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sixpoint.com

Twitter:  @sixpoint

In closing, this beer has a ton going on in it.  It has a full body while giving the craft beer drinker a complex taste that will keep them coming back for more.  Every sip, the drinking experience gives the beer drinker something different every time.  At first, you will smell and taste the coffee but when you break it down more you will notice a few other things in the beer.  I really enjoyed this beer and I will be picking it as long as it is available.  I need to get back to Brooklyn to visit their brewery.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter;  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Texas Hippie Coalition Peacemaker

In this Music Monday blog, we are going to get into one of my favorite new artist in the last five years.  I have been a fan since their indy release where I pick it up from www.CDbaby.com.   The band is called Texas Hippie Coalition and the record is their third, which is called Peacemaker.  This band was formed in the northern part of Texas in 2008.  They tour to support from coast to coast for “Pride Of Texas.”  THC, who is Texas Hippie Coalition, calls their music “Red Earth Metal.”  They were influenced by the southern hard rock and some country.  THC signed with Carved Records and release their first national release which is called “Rollin’.”  “Rollin'” topped on the United States Heatseekers, which is entering or new music, at number 29.  “Peacemaker” was released in 2012 under the same record company and this is the record that will be review in this Music Monday blog.  Let us get into the music.

Hands Up

Hands Up starts out with a nice guitar work at the beginning.  It has some great drums and bass work too.  I love the singer’s vocals.  He has the classic rock to Pantera twist to his singing.  This has a nice driving feel to the song.  I love the feeling of this song and this is a great opening track.  I love the start so far to the record. Great ending to the song too.

Damn You To Hell

I love the start of this song.  It reminds me of something from Pantera back in the day.  This is a really great start for THC on this record.  Damn You To Hell has a nice driving feeling to it.  I really enjoying the guitar solo towards in the end of the song.  I love the lyrics and they are right in your face.  This song has a nice ending.

8 Seconds

I love the start of this song from the drums, bass, and guitar.  I love how the guitars bend and twisted between each other.  I love the lyrics and the melody.  This is a great song.  There is some nice guitar breaks  towards the middle of the song.  I love the build up to the end of the song.  Nice ending from the guitar and the drums.

Outlaw

I love the start of this song.  It has a metal country feel in his vocals.  There is some nice drums and guitar work.  I really enjoying the lyrics.  This is one of the best songs I heard from this band.  I love the chorus riff from the guitar.  I love the pace of this song too.  It has a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song.  It has a nice ending to the song.

Turn It Up

Turn it Up has some nice guitar work with some great drums and bass.  I love the singing from the singer when came into the song.  You can tend that it is about to snap into something heavy, which it does during the chorus.  I love the lyrics to this song.  This band could be huge in the 1990’s or even the 1980’s.  I love the pace to this song.  This is a great song.  So far this record is not a disappointment.  I love the guitar solo towards the end of the song.  There is some well placed back up vocals which makes sense in this song.

Wicked

I love the throw back 1980’s heavy guitar riff.  It rides on one note with the bass echoing it.  It is heavy as hell and I miss that in songs today until then.  I love the lyrics from the singer.  It has some great lyrics.  This song reminds me the good old days of metal.  I love the pace to this song.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song.  This is a great song.  I love how they ended the song.  Perfect on the fade out towards the end of it.

Don’t Come Lookin’

I love how they started out with the acoustic guitar and back to the distorted guitar.  It also had a nice short guitar solo towards the beginning of the song.  This song is a well written song.  They did a great job in all parts of the band on this song.  I love how they are bring the touch of the acoustic guitar.  I love the guitar solo towards the end of the song.  I have not heard some good guitar solos from a newer metal group in a long time.  It is very nice to hear it.  It has a great ending like all the rest of the songs.

Sex & Drugs & Rock And Roll

This song has some great guitar work and I love the effect that they put on it at the beginning.  I am also loving the acoustic guitar touch to this song just like Don’t Come Lookin’.  The singer is singing his heart out of this song.  There is some well written lyrics on this song.  He has some great ideas on songs.  I love the theme of this song.  I love the touch on the singing at the end of the song.  This is a great song.

Paw Paw Hill

I love the start of this song.  It has a heavy folk and southern theme.  It comes in with some great guitar work that is heavy as hell.  I love lyrics that touch on the sweet leaf and moonshine.   This song has a nice pace to it.  He has written some great lyrics on this song too.  I feel this song needs a guitar solo to break up the singing.  Asides that, this is a great song.

Peacemaker

I love the beginning of the song with the singer and the high-end bass riff.  Bassist goes lower as the song goes on with the nice touch with the guitar and drums.  I love the lyrics.  I have a feeling this song has back meaning that will come out in the later part of their career.  There is some nice guitar work from the rhythm and the lead.  I love the guitar solo towards the end of the song.  This is a great song.

Think Of Me

I love the piano action and the nice over the top guitar solo.  I really love the singing from the singer and the lyrics.  There is some great guitar work when it hits the main part of the song.  This is a great song and I did not see this one coming from this band.  I love the theme and lyrics in this song.  THC did a great job writing this song and record.  This is today’s power Ballard taken to the next level.  Nice guitar solo towards the end of this song.  I love the fact that they finish this song with the piano and then go back to the drums, guitar, and bass.  I love how they ended the song with the piano and the singer.

Here is the current line up of Texas Hippie Coalition:

Big Dad Ritch – Vocals
John Exall – Bass
Wes Wallace – Guitar
Gunnar Molton – Dummer

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.theoutlaw.com

Twitter:  @THCOffical

In closing, I am really happy with this record.  THC did a great job on this record and I love the process of this band as they move through their career.  I enjoy the music and the feeling of the old times when I was growing up listening to Pantera and White Zombie.  I am glad there is a band like Texas Hippie Coalition.  I am looking forward to seeing this band live.  I hope to see more music in the next few years.  This band is for really and I will write any review to get more people to know this band.  This is modern-day metal and I hope they stay together.  I hope one time in my life I could have some beers with this band.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Aerosmith Music from Another Dimension!

In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into the latest and overdue record from Boston Legends known as Aerosmith.  Aerosmith’s last record was Honkin’ On Bobo which was released in 2004.  It has been twelve years for original music and that record was Just Push Play in 2001.  Aerosmith was founded in 1970 in Boston.  Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records in 1971 and in 1973 Aerosmith debut record hit the shelves.  Aerosmith is a really successful band in American history.  They have sold over 150 million records worldwide and 65.5 million in the United States.  Aerosmith was put in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2001 and listed in Rolling Stones 100 Greatest Artist Of All Time.  Aerosmith has put out 15 studio records, 5 live records, 11 greatest records, 68 singles, and 7 video records.  We are going to do the latest from this band and it is 15th record, which is called Music From Another Dimension!  Let us get into the music.

LUV XXX

There is a voice in the opening track.  It gives you an outer space type of feel and sets theme of this record from Aerosmith.  I am loving the drums, bass, and guitar work at the beginning of the song.  I am not liking the singing and effects on Tyler’s vocals.  I am not a fan of lyrics either.  The music is old school Aerosmith but the singing is something you would hear from Moroon 5.  The music kind sounds like Love In Elevator and melody.  I am love the guitar break from Joe Perry.  Joey Kramer still has it on the drums.  Great music but just bad lyrics on this song.  I hope this not a theme throughout this record.

Oh Yeah

Great drumming at the beginning of Oh Yeah, the guitar has a late 1970’s feel to it.  I am not too sure on the lyrics just like the opening track.  The music is pretty solid with a nice guitar break and then a little guitar solo from Joe.  I am not a fan of singing and lyrics.  This record is missing something and it feels like it was rushed even though they took forever to out this record.  I did like that ending to Oh Yeah.

Beautiful

What is up with the beginning of this song?  Come on stop reliving the rap days of Aerosmtih and Run DMC.  Steve you can not rap and same thing with the rest of your band members.  This song is really bad.  They should have put a rapper on this song.  It would have been a little better because the music is pretty solid.  I love the guitar solo from Joe.  I am glad there was a good solo at least.  So far this is the worse song out there and on this record.

Tell Me

I am love the beginning of this song.  It has nice singing from Steve and acoustic.  Please cut off the reverb on Steve’s vocals.  You are not the greatest singer in the world but you do hold your own.  I did not like how the drums came into Tell Me.  I am kind of liking the lyrics on Tell me.  This is a pretty solid song.  So far this is beyond the best song on the record.  This is what I am looking from this legendary band.

Out Go The Lights

Out Go The Lights has a some solid guitar and drumming that echoes some from their earlier work.  Joey has some solid drumming and bass playing from Brad.  The lyrics are pretty good too.  Steve is singing like he did in the past.   Is this record turning period in the right direction after the first three bad songs? Joe has a solid guitar break in the first quarter part of the song.  This is a pretty solid song.  It has well written in every part of this band.  I am loving the back up singing too.  There was a great stop and the start-up from the drums.  Joey then rides the cow bell into sunset.  The back half of the song has some nice trade-off from all the guys in the band while Steve just chills in the background.  There is a nice touch on the fade out of the music for the ending.

Legendardy Child

This song sounds like something off Get A Grip or Just Push Play.  There is a solid start to the song.  I am enjoying the lyrics and guitar work.  The drums and bass are right there up to Aerosmith standards.  So far, Aerosmith has turn the corner on this record.  This is another good song.  Joe has a great guitar solo towards the end of the song.  I like the ending of Legendary Child.

What Could Have Been Love

This is the first Ballard on this record.  I like Steve’s singing and Joey and Joe’s playing on this song.  The lyrics are well written.  I do enjoy their ballads in the past so this one lives up to those songs.  Joey has some great drumming on this song.  There is some great melody.  I just feel this song does not need back up singing.  This is a great song.  I love the ending to the song.

Street Jesus

Street Jesus start out with a sample from the street and the guitar comes in.  It is an average to below average guitar riff.  Steve’s singing is average.  I have heard better from this band.  The main part of the song is Ok.  I really not liking this song.  The title is a little cheesey.  I like the drum beat and the bass playing on Street Jesus.  I could do without the rest of the members on this song.  I really do not like what they did at the end of the song.  At least Joe has a great guitar break and solo in the middle of the song and it sounds like the two guitar players are trading off solos.   I could not finish listening to this song that how bad it was for me.

Can’t Stop Loving You (feature with Carrie Underwood)

Here is another Ballard song on this record.  Steve and Carrie are a good fit on this song.  Their voices and vocals fit perfectly together.  This song has a nice pace to it.  I love how they bend together.  I am also liking the music.  It has a little country touch to it and it is not because Carrie is singing on this song.  Please, cut the reverb off Steve’s voice.  This is a well written song and it is one of my favorites so far on this record.  I love the fade out of the song at the end.

Love Alot

I love the drum action at the beginning.  There is some great music but the lyrics are a little weak again.  I am enjoying the melody that Tyler has on Love Alot.  I just feel there could be better lyrics than the ones that are on this song.  I just feel he is singing the same thing over and over.  I know there are different words but it echoes too much.  I really did not like the ending of the song.

We All Fall Down

The start of We All Fall Down has some singing with piano work which is well written.  Steve has a nice melody and is singing great.  Here is another slow song and the lyrics are average.  They are livable to what I have heard on this record.  To be honest, drums and bass are great on the song but Aerosmith could live without them on this song.  I am loving the guitar riff on this song but really do not need them.  It might make more sense towards the end of the song for the guitar, bass, and drums.  I really not a fan of the ending.

Freedom Fighter

Freedom Fighter has a great bass, guitar, and drum working.   I am not a fan of the singing and the lyrics.  This is pretty bad song.  I really love the music on this song but I could do without the lyrics and singing.  I do not know where they came up with this song.  To me, this is not Aerosmith.  Is this a Joe Perry solo song that he brought over to Aerosmith? I know he has done that in the past and had some success with it.  This song does fall short but I love the ending of the song.

Closer

I love the effects on the guitar at the beginning and a well written riff.  I love the blues singing from Steve.  It fits the feeling of the song and the theme.  The music is pretty good and nice blues guitar solo between versus.  I am also enjoying the lyrics.  It has a pretty solid ending to the song.

Something

The beginning sounds like something from a hockey game and video game.  I am enjoying the guitar playing.  Joe sounds like Gene Simmons after a bender.  He did get better as the song went on but please Joe play the guitar and do back up vocals.  You are not a lead singer.  I do not know how I feel towards this song.  It has a pretty good ending.

Another Last Goodbye

I am enjoying the piano and flute playing at the beginning.  Steve singing is pretty good also and with some really good lyrics.  Steve is singing his heart out on this song.  This is a great song to end this bad record.  Please, do not get me wrong there are some gems on this record.  Damn!  Steve really hit it on this song.  His singing is the best I have heard from him in a long time.  I have to be honest this song could be shorter.  The lyrics getting pretty boring as the song goes on with the singing at the very end of the song.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.aerosmith.com

Twitter:  @aerosmith

Closing out, I will be really honest on this record.  Is there are some good songs and gems on this record?  Yes, there is but they are not great song or up to Aerosmith’s standards.  I feel they cut them short on many of these songs.  I just feel this record is missing something.  Is the band getting along and are they talking about their music?  I just feel they are not talking to one another.  Two summer ago, Aerosmith almost replace Steve Tyler as lead singer.  I do not know how much of that put into this release.  I just know they have been working on this record for a while.  I am glad they are still together.  I am glad they are touring and I might have to see them this upcoming summer.  I saw them at Tiger Stadium with Kiss and Slavia.  It was one of the best shows I saw that year.  I believe that is the last time I was in Tiger Stadium.  Well to wrap this up, I have to say just because I did not like this record and dogged on it.  It does not mean you will not like it.  We as music fans have a ton of chances to listen to the record before we buy it.  Just what I said there are some good songs.  I just feel there are too many filler songs to get this record out to the people.  Let me know your thoughts.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog To Ol Brewery Launch Party In Chicago

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a beer launch in Chicago.  The brewery is To Ol Brewery from Denmark.  To Ol Brewery was founded in 2005 by Tobias Emil Jensen and Tore Gynther.  They are traveling rogue brewers.  Where they think their beer styles will be brew best that is where they will go to.  They brew in Europe and United States.  This is what makes this brewery unique and their beer is pretty much one and done, which makes their beer pretty special.  Let us get into the beers.

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Goliat Coffee Stout

This stout has a black color with a tan head on the beer.  The smell is a strong coffee and chocolate to the beer. The taste is a strong chocolate to toffee with a heavy aftertaste. This is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the website (www.to-ol.dk):

Goliat Coffee Imperial Stout

The great warrior of Gath. The mighty champion of the Philistines. Embedded in ancient folklore and religion. Coming from the World of Old. His size and stature is not human. He is bigger. The armor of Goliat is black. Creamy black lacings. Stands with a towering height. He can grab elements from both earth and heaven. Earthy, roasted, notes from the earth. Warming, pungent, sweet notes from the skies. His heart is beating slowly, almost endlessly slow. This man is thought to be invincible!

Ingredients: Water, barley malt, roasted barley, dark cassonade sugar, flaked oats, hops, gourmet coffee and yeast.

10.1% ABV / Net content 375 ml (12.7 FL OZ)

Brewed at De Proef Brouwerij, Lochristi-Hijfte, Belgium.

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San Frontiere

This Belgian Blonde has a golden clear color with a white head on the beer. There is really no smell to the beer. The taste is a carbonation sweet with a tart and barnyard aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.to-ol.dk):

Sans Frontiere Belgian Ale

“Heaven knows no frontiers, and I’ve seen heaven in your eyes”

This is how the Frontier beer series lost their ground, missed direction and finally found themselves again. This beer has no frontiers, meaning that it can now pick and choose among brewing specialties. Instead of being an IPA, this is a rather a Belgian ale, hopped and dryhopped with continental european hops and refermented with brettanomyces. A tart, picturesque and rural beer.

Ingredients: Water, barley malt, hops, Rock Candy, yeast and brettanomyces. 7% ABV / Net content 750 ml (25.4 FL OZ)

Brewed at De Proef Brouwerij, Lochristi-Hijfte, Belgium.

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Final Frontier

This double IPA has a light copper color with a white head on it. The smell is a citrus to the beer. The taste is a strong citrus and carbonation with a dry hop to mango aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.to-ol.dk):

Final Frontier DIPA

“Nature is Satan’s Church”

This is it! The sequel to the hop success of First Frontier. This beer is the final in every way. We recommend it as the final of your evening! This is an extremely potent and yet well-balanced Double India Pale Ale. This beer is well suited in extreme environments, whether it be Siberian winter, Volcano eruptions on Java, Danish earthquakes(They exist!) or rush hour. This beer is seeking out frontiers and built for the test.Ingredients: Water, barley malt, flaked oats, Hops (Simcoe, Centennial, Columbus) and yeast.

9% ABV / Net content 330 ml (11.2 FL OZ)

Brewed at De Proef Brouwerij, Lochristi-Hijfte, Belgium

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Black Ball

This porter has dark brown to black color with a tan head on the beer. The smell is a chocolate to roasted coffee to the porter. The taste is a carbonation sweet chocolate with a burn roasted to the beer. The aftertaste is a roasted citrus to the beer. It is kind of drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.to-ol.dk):

Black Ball Porter

Black Ball is a potent porter, boasted with dark cassonade sugar and a good heap of American hops to rebalance the edgy and full-flavoured malt profile. You will find notes of chocolate, caramel and sulphur. This results in a porter with a broad and delicate mouth feel, capable of a good kick and does not leave the mouth voluntarily.

Black IPA? No way! Hoppy Porters is here to stay!

For a perfect evening, Black Ball blends perfect with a Black Rocket from the Pivovar Matuška brewery and Mikkeller Black Hole (Royalties to Theis!)

Ingredients: Water, barley malt (Lager, smoked, chocolate, cara munich and brown), roasted barley, flaked oats, dark cassonade, hops and yeast.

7.1% ABV / Net content 330 ml (11.2 FL OZ)

Brewed at De Proef Brouwerij, Lochristi-Hijfte, Belgium

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Mine Is Bigger Than Yours

This ale has a light clear copper color without a head on the beer. There is a slight to fate sweet malty smell to the beer. The taste is a sweet with a strong wine to the beer. The aftertaste is sweet raisin to it. The aftertaste is like a whiskey burning down your throat but calm. It is a sipping beer.

Here is description from their website (www.to-ol.dk):

Mine is bigger than yours Barley Wine

“When you have to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite”

This beer is a big fat beast packed with every potent ingredient we had at the brewery. This tons of malts and hops combined in one big fat, yet balanced brew.

It  jumps higher than yours, it builds houses bigger than yours, It’s mama is fatter than yours, it chops wood faster than yours, it’s father is could beat yours…. No reason to say, but Mine is bigger than yours!

Ingredients: Water, barley malt, flaked oats, light candy sugar, hops (Columbus, Simcoe, Citra) and yeast.

12.5% ABV / Net content 375 ml (12.7 FL OZ)

Brewed at De Proef Brouwerij, Lochristi-Hijfte, Belgium

Here is their webiste and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.to-ol.dk

Twitter:  @toolbeer

In closing, I enjoy all of these beers.  As a rule, I like to age my Barley Wines at least a year before trying them.  I believe this Barley Wine is ready now, which is pretty rare.  I am not saying Barley Wines are not ready now.  Some barley wines are just too young coming out to the market and they are better when they age in the bottle.  The porter is like any other porter but it is pretty good beer.  I really enjoyed the stout and I believe it is best beer of all these beers.  Their Double IPA is really smooth and drinkable.  It is not over the top hoppy like most Double IPA.  I recommend you trying these beers.  I believe you will like at least a few of them.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Deschutes Brewery Mirror Pond Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Deschutes Brewery.  The beer is part of their everyday line up of beers.  The beer is called Mirror Pond Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this beer.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog.   Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color with a white head on the beer.  The smell is a malty citrus to it.  The taste is a carbonation earthly with a dry citrus aftertaste to the beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

If you could only listen to one album forever, what would it be?  At least there’s Mirror Pond when it comes to Pale Ales.

Here is a description from their website (www.deschutesbrewery.com):

This is base camp, where any craft brew exploration begins.  A distinct hop nose and hop-forward flavor make Mirror Pond the quintessential Pale Ale.  It is aromatically complex, multi-layered, and unmistakably “right.”

Malt: Pale, NW Pale, Crystal, Carapils Hops: Cascade

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.deschutesbrewery.com

Twitter:  @deschutesbeer

Closing, this is not my favorite beer from this beer company.  I am really not a fan of this beer.  I pick it up because every time I go west and have this beer.  There is better Pale Ales in our market here in Chicago.  Just because I do not like it does not mean you will not like this beer.  Please go try this beer and let me know what you think.  I am serious.  I want to hear your thoughts if you like or not, please let me know.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser