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New Beer Blog Deschutes Brewery Red Chair NWPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the seasonal for Deschutes Brewery.  The beer is called Red Chair NWPA (Northwest Pale Ale).  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the rich history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog.  Let us get into beer.

This seasonal pale ale has a clear copper color with a white head on the beer.  The smell is vague piney to earthly to the beer. The taste is a carbonation earthly with a dry piney aftertaste that linger. It is drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Witness the subtle aromatic seduction of the original Northwest Pale Ale.  Another slap at brewing convention.  Another kick in the pants.  Enjoy.

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

The citrus punch of a big IPA, minus the one-dimensional hop sledgehammer.   Seven select European and domestic malts round out the edges for a complex, copper-colored brew.  Like its namesake ski lift, it’s an insider’s ride to fresh thrills.

Malt: Pale, Crystal, Munich, Carapils, Pilsner, Carastan Hops: Cascade, Centennial

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.deschutesbrewery.com

Twitter:  @deschutesbeer

Closing, this was a pretty enjoyable beer.  The problem I have with this beer is the bottle says pale ale and the website is saying this is India Pale Ale.  I will be honest this does taste like an IPA but more like an English style India Pale Ale.  If this is a Pale Ale, which I do not believe it is, this is better than their Mirror Pond Pale Ale.  I really love this beer.  I will add it to my line up until the season ends.  I recommend you trying this beer if you are a pale ale to india pale ale fan.  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 Black Butte Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to take a look at another beer from the Deschutes Brewery.  The beer is their flagship called Black Butte Porter.  If you read my earlier beer blog, you know about this brewery.  If you have not, please, the first part of that beer blog.  This brewery has been around for a while so you might know about this brewery pretty well.  Let us get into the beer.

This porter dark brown to black in color with a light tan color head on the beer.  The smell is a slight coffee to the beer. The taste is a dry chocolate to a little coffee to the beer. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from beer bottle:

AHH, Our creamy contrary flagship a dark zig to the usual zag.

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

With a dark beer as our first and flagship brand, Black Butte defined Deschutes as a radical player.   A slight hop bitterness up front enhances the distinctive chocolate and roasted finish.  It’s prized for its creamy mouthfeel and intense complex flavors.

Malt: Pale, Carapils, Chocolate, Crystal, Wheat Hops: Cascade, Bravo, Tettnang

Watch Brewer Veronica Vega talk about the wisdom in failure and the brewery’s flagship beer, Black Butte Porter.

Awards

Bronze Medal, Brown Porter

2009 Great American Beer Festival

Best Porter

2007 Readers’ Choice Awards, Northwest Brewing News
Gold Medal, Porter Category
2007 Australian International Beer Awards
Silver Medal, Porter Category
2006 Australian International Beer Awards
Silver Medal (88 – Highly Recommended)
2005 World Beer Championships
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Twitter:  @deschutesbeer

Closing out, this is an extremely creamy and drinkable porter.  It is a little different then the rest of the porters on the market.  The key to this porter it is the fact it is drinkable and sessionable.  In other words, you can have several of these beers in a seating.  It is pretty balances with the hops but yet gives you a ton of chocolate notes.  Black Butte being a full body beer has a ton of flavor and I am glad it is in Chicago.  This is a great beer for any season and any weather.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog O’so Brewing Hopdinger

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a new brewery to hit the Chicago market from Wisconsin.  The brewery is called O’so Brewing and the beer is their Hopdinger.   O’so Brewing was founded in a small town in Wisconsin and design to give the local people some good craft beer.  They had some help from the Central Waters and Point Brewery and they are also good friends.  It does not say when they were founded on their website but they are a pretty small brewery.  O’so is in the town of Plover, Wisconsin.  I wish I could find more on this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

This beer has a clear, constant bubbles, and copper color with a constant white head. The smell is a citrus to the beer.  The taste of this pale ale is a sweet citrus and grapefruit together.  The aftertaste is a dry citrus to the beer. Being a full body beer, it is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Pungent, Hoppy, Crisp, Floral, Bitter, Piney, Resinous, and Engaging

Join the fight against boring beer at osobrewing.com brewed and bottled by O’So Brewing Company Plover, WI Discover the art of freestyle brewing.

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

HopdingerTM

This pale ale is generously hopped yet balanced through the use of Munich and Crystal malts. Hops added after fermentation gives this American classic an intense aromatic bouquet. Enjoy! ABV: 6%, 49 IBUs, 14 SRM

Available Yearly!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.osobrewing.com

Twitter:  no twitter account

In closing, this is not my favorite pale ale and it is just like the rest on the market.  If I can get the same pale ale cheaper, I will pass this beer.  I really hate to say it.  This is a great beer but I just feel the price I am paying is not really worth it. If you love pale ales and think it is worth it, please, drink it and support this little brewery.  I do recommend you trying this beer.  I believe you will find the same thing I did about this beer. Please, let me know about your thoughts on this brewery.   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 Dream Line Up

In this Monday music blog, we are going to talk about my fantasy line up for a Hard Rock and Metal band.  Some of these artists might or might not be part of a metal or hard rock group.  It is kind of marriage of music.  They can be alive or dead.  With the growth of these “Super Groups” this could be a fun topic and I am looking at these artists to be together pass their prime of their career.  Let us get into the line up.

Drummer

I have three drummers in mind just in case if you can not get one.

  1. Jason  Bonham (Led Zeppelin) – I believe his hard and soft hitting would bend in to the thought pattern of this band.
  2. Neil Peart (Rush) – Just like Jason Bonham, Neil does the same thing in Rush and could be a better drummer.  It has been a debate for years with friends.
  3. Robb Reiner (Anvil) – Robb is a really good drummer.  He can keep up with Jason and Neil but the problem he plays too hard at times.  I was going to throw Keith Moon (The Who) but he has the same problem.  I love Robb’s drumming in Anvil and he brings the item of thrash metal and speed that Jason and Neil do not.

Bassist

I have three bassists in mind that could support the drummer and build a solid backbone to this fantasy band.

  1. Joey Gittleman (The Mighty Mighty Bosstones) – Joey coming from Ska band with some punk background would give an item that might work or not work in this fantasy band.  This band needs a bassist that will dance but sit in the pocket and Joey is one of the best in the Ska Scene.
  2. Cliff Burton (Metallica) – I believe we did not get to see the true Cliff Burton because he died too soon.  The short body of work shown me enough to put Cliff at the top of the list  Cliff could sit in the pocket with the drummer but go off and dance around any guitar player.
  3. Pete Way (UFO) – Pete’s style could help seal up the drums to the guitar players while still run around like Cliff did in Metallica.  The problem I would have Pete is lack of pushing the limits.

Keyboard

This player needs to be special and another support item to this band. I have three idea players. There are some rich players that play this instrument.

  1. Paul Raymond (UFO) – He will be a great fit. He is use to play with a great guitar player and bassist. Plus, he will play guitar when it make sense in the song over the keyboard and the other way around. Let us face it, not all songs needs two guitar players or keyboards in it.
  2. Tuomas Holopainen (Nightwish) – He plays both the support as back up and yet can go to the lead over the guitar or bass. He is not a very good singer even though he did sing on the first two records of Nightwish. He could help with the song writing and lyrics.
  3. Billy Joel – I know what you are thinking when I am suggesting Billy Joel. He is a talented player on the piano. The only problem is playing more of a keyboard and not be the lead singer. He can sing a few songs but could be a great back up singer for the lead. Just like (Nightwish), he can help with the sing writing.

Rhythm Guitar Player

This band might not be need two guitar players but if we are going to fill it.  Here is the idea three players.

  1. Paul Raymond (UFO) – see above.
  2. John Sykes (Whitesnakes, Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy) – John  can do everything between lead vocals, lead, and rhythm guitar.  There could be a nice balance between two lead guitar players.  John has done a few of that in Thin Lizzy or Whitesnake.  He could be a good fit in this band.
  3. Chris Garza (Sucide Silence) – This band being a newer band.  There is a short body of work.  This band is an extreme metal group with some speed.  It might give something different than all the classic rock members that I have been naming.

Lead Guitar Player

The lead guitar player needs to be someone special that will not take over the group and make it all about him or her.  He will need to know his role a super group.  You can take out like Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendix, etc.

  1. Chris DeGarmo (Queensryche) – This guy was it as far as great metal lead guitar players back in the back in the 1980’s.  He was very underrated.  Everyone had their man crush on Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammit, etc.  Chris just like John Sykes can sit in the pocket but when it comes to the solo.  Your mouth will drop to the floor.
  2. John Sykes (Whitesnakes, Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy) – see above.  John could go back and forth, which could be a good thing.
  3. Robby Krieger (The Doors) – Robby like Chris DeGarmo is underrated guitar of his era.  He could fit what the song is doing and the theme of it.  He is a very good player and could support the drums, bass, keyboard, and singer.

Lead Singer

I had a lead singer in mind through out this whole process and I wish  I could head this music from this band.  Here are my three lead singer.

  1. Jim Morrison (The Doors) – Jim could bend his style into in any music and I believe the band could fit this music around his lyrics and poetry.  He was the start of the hard rock and metal music.  His dark themes in his lyrics will go with all the music from all these great artists.
  2. Kevin Martin (Candlebox) – Kevin is an awesome singer.  Kevin’s singing style has an attitude in all songs even in love songs.  Kevin would bend his style to this band. Kevin is a great lyric writer.
  3. Ronnie James Dio (Dio, Rainbow, Black Sabbath) – Why not Ronnie?  Dio is one of the best lead singer in the history of hard rock and metal.  Dio could sing in all styles.  He loved the fantasy so some of these artists could get along with him and write some great music.

Line Up:

  • Jim Morrison (The Doors) – Lead Vocals, Spoke Words
  • Chris DeGarmo (Queensryche) – Lead Guitar, Back Vocals
  • Paul Raymond (UFO) – Rhythm Guitar, Keyboard, Back Vocals
  • Joey Gittleman (The Mighty Mighty Bosstones) – Bass Player, Back Vocals
  • Jason  Bonham (Led Zeppelin) – Drums

In the end, this was tough.  I thought this would be easy.  I realize these band members might not get along.  Jim with his drug and drinking problems would cause a ton of issues in the band alone.  Jim and Jason would be out all night with Joey but Joey would head home after a while.  Chris does not want to be a star nor touring artist that’s why he is not in Queensryche.   Paul would be the leader to keep everyone in line.  The music that this band would put out would be something else.  I would love to hear this music but there are a ton of different styles and I do not know how they would get along.  If you take Joey out on bass and put Cliff, would Cliff put more harmony in this group? Would Kevin or Dio as the lead singer make more sense?  Asides, Jason on drums put Neil on drums.  There are several questions.  How would Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, etc on guitar.  What about Geoff Tate. Tim Ripper Owens, and Rob Halford on vocals?  There are several more questions.  What about extreme metal singer at vocals?  Like Chris Burns?  I like this line up being a fan 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 Metropolitan Iron Works Altbier

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In this beer blog, we are to going to sample out another beer from Metropolitan and the beer is called Iron Works Altbier.    If you read my earlier blog about their Krankshift, you know the history of this young Chicago brewery.  If you have not, please, go and read the blog post to know about this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color with a semi white head on the beer. The smell is a sweet malty caramel to the beer. The taste is a sweet malty carbonation to it. The aftertaste is dry malty to some kind nutty to it. I cannot figure it out. It is drinkable with a ton of flavor.

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

Iron Works

An assertively hoppy top-fermented beer, polished by the wisdom and patience of lagering. Think of it as an octogenarian with a punk rock attitude. Slightly dry, this beer pairs well with hearty cuisine. We also suggest sipping it on its own; the complexity will keep you entertained and happy.

Iron Works Alt style beer goes great with sweet potato fries, speed dating, ginger snaps, horseshoes, dark chocolate, Bocce, mushroom empanadas, vegan chili, punk rock, cashews, bourbon, air hockey, tomato soup, soba noodles, bird watching, lasagna, fire-spinning, lettuce wraps, lingerie parties, pumpkin pie, mac & cheese, pot lucks, lentil stew, snow angels, falafel, Canasta, beet salad, risotto, and petting the dog.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.metrobrewing.com

Twitter:  @metrobrewing

Closing, I really enjoy drinking this beer.  I will be adding this in the rotation.  There is not too many of this beer style out on the Chicago market.  They are coming but as of right now.  This is the only Alt available that you can find just about everywhere.  I know if you go to Binny’s Beverage Depot.  You might be able to find some other ones but most Binny’s do not carry everything.  Iron Works can be pair with just about everything you can think of for food or this would be a good beer just sitting around watch the games with the guys.  There is a list of food that I pulled from their website that give you an idea what to eat with this beer.  I recommend this beer and I am looking forward to retrying their the rest of their beers.  Great jobs!  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Soundgarden King Animal

In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to look at the reunion record of Soundgarden.  King Animal was released in the later part of 2012.  Soundgarden was founded in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by Chris Cornell and Kim Thayil.  Soundgarden was the first of the Seattle Grunge bands to sign with a major label in 1988.  They found their success in the 1990’s like the rest of their friends like Alice In Chains, Nirvana, etc.  The band broke up in 1996 because of create direction issues.  They reunion in 2010 and King Animal followed shortly after that.  Soundgarden has six studio records including this record.   They also have one live record, four greatest hits records, and six EP’s.  Let us get into the music.

Songs

Been Away Too Long

This song is the first single off of King Animal.    Nice overdrive guitar riff at the beginning and then the drums come in with the bass.  Chris still has his voice and kept it healthy.    This song is something you would hear off their record called “Down On The Upside.”  It has a nice pace to the song.  This is a great comeback song for this great metal group.  There is some great music on this song.  Great finish to the song.

Non-State Actor

I am loving the guitar effect and the opening riff with a strong backbone from the drums and bass.  I am loving the music and great placement from the singer for his singing lines.  I am loving the lyrics on the last two songs.  There is a nice pace to the song.  I love the short guitar solo from Kim.  This band was never afraid to put guitar solos in their songs.  Nice finish to this song.

By Crooked Steps

I love the drums and guitar work set in the background at the beginning of the song.  It sounds like it comes slowly to the front and then snaps right into your face.  I am loving this song so far.  This reminds me of old school Soundgarden.  It has that deep dark theme in the music and lyrics.  The guitar riff is simple but it fits for what the band is trying to do in this song.  Nice guitar break and solo from Kim in the later part of the song.  This song is my favorite song so far on King Animal.  I am loving the well placed back up vocals with Chris singing over the top of it.  I am loving the building up for the ending of the song.  It has a great finish.

A Thousand Days Before

A Thousand Days Before starts out with some nice guitar work.  I am loving the drumming on this song and Chris comes in with the bass player.  I am loving the timing of the bass when it enters the song.  He does not starts with the drums when most bass players starts playing with the drums.  There is some great guitar work on this song.  It is a little slower pace to the rest of the songs from the beginning of the record.  Chris puts some thought in singing on this song.  I love the lyrics.

Blood On The Valley Floor

This song has that old school Soundgarden guitar playing, which is what made them famous.  It has that Classic Black Sabbath dark evil guitar riff.  I am not saying this is a Black Sabbath guitar work.  It has the sounds of it.  This is something I could hear off their first few records.  I am loving Chris’s singing on Blood On The Valley Floor.  This is one of my favorite songs.  Great drumming towards the end.

Bones Of Birds

There is some great guitar work at the beginning of Bones Of Birds.  This song is slower than the rest of the songs.  It is perfect timing for a slower song.  There is some solid drumming and bass work on this song.  Chris has a nice melody and lyrics in this song.  There is some well placed simple keyboard work on this song.  This is a very well written song.  The music echoes the feeling of the lyrics that Chris wrote for Bones Of Birds.  This is a great song.  I love it.  Nice touch on the end of the song with a simple bass line too.

Taree

Taree starts out with drums and guitar work that echos something off Superunknown.  This sounds like something between Black Hole Sun to Fell On Black Days.  Taree sounds like a loss track off Superunknown.  This is a great song.  I am loving it.  It is one of my favorite song on this record so far.  I love the guitar break in the middle of the song.  This is a great comeback record so far.  All the songs do not sound like fillers.  Soundgarden has put their soul into all of these songs so far.

Attrition

Attrition starts out with some nice guitar work at the beginning of the song.  I am loving the melody in this song.  There is some great double vocal singing.  One is high and the other is low.  Nice touch and well placed.  There is some great drumming and lyrics also on this song.  This song was straight to the point.  I love the ending of this song too.

Black Saturday

Black Saturday has nice acoustic guitar work with congas in place of the drums.  I love the dancing bass playing with some great singing from Chris.  The drums come in but they play the background.  I love the build of in this song.  The distorted guitar comes in but does not over power the rest of the music.  This is extremely well written song.  This song has some nice rhythm and pace to the music.

Halfway There

Chris with an acoustic guitar playing while singing.  The drums just like the last song comes in but it is more of backup with the bass playing.  I love main and chorus riff.  There is a ton going on in this song.  Yet another well written song from Soundgarden.  Chris has written some great lyrics.  I love the meaning and theme behind them.  Kim has a great guitar break to semi guitar solo.  This is the new Soundgarden.  This song defines the new Soundgarden sound in their music.  This band has a turn a corner unlike their other peers.

Worse Dreams

Worse Dreams has some great guitar work at the beginning of it.  I love the drums and bass line at the beginning.  This is one sick bass line.  It is well placed with the drums.  The guitar echos the bass playing.  The music is pretty powerful.  This band is pushing the limits of music on this song.  This song sounds like something off The Doors hey day.  It is like Soundgarden took their sound and mixed it with the The Doors sound in this song.  I am loving this song.

Eyelid’s Mouth

Eyelid’s Mouth has some drums and bass work with guitar work in the background.  The main riff is something else and powerful.  Chris has some good singing.  There is one part of this song that sounds like deeper Alice In Chains singing.  There is a nice pace to this song.  I am loving the back up vocals on this song.  I love the guitar solo towards the end of the song.  This touch on the fade out for the end of the song.

Rowing

Rowing starts out with a nice bass line and drums.  I am loving the singing.  I am loving that double vocals.  This song has a folk feel to it.  I love the touch on the guitar playing.  The lyrics I could live without but they fit perfectly for this song.  Chris is baring his soul on this song.  Rowing has a nice build up to it.  Kim has a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song.  This is nice finish to this comeback record from Soundgarden.

Current Line Up

  • Chris Cornell – Lead Vocals and Rhthm Guitar
  • Kim Thyil – Lead Guitar
  • Matt Cameron – Drums and Backup Vocals
  • Ben Shepherd – Bass Guitar and Backup Vocals

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.soundgardenworld.com

Twitter:  @soundgarden

In closing, I have been a fan of Soundgarden growing up.  I did not like them at first and they grew on me over time.  Once I understood what they were doing and they were one of the few bands that I liked back in the 1990’s along with Alice In Chains, Candlebox, Cold, and Stone Temple Pilots.  I and everyone else was excited to hear they were getting back together.  I was hoping they would put out some new music and here is some new music since their last record called Down On The Upside in 1996.  King Animal gives the hardcore fan everything that they expect from Soundgarden.  Soundgarden gives the fans and music listeners more  and I am talking about a new sound we have not heard from this band.  I am talking about the songs like Halfway There and Rowing.  King Animal is a great comeback record and I love the direction of this great band.  I am hoping they stay together and keep putting out new music.  I am looking forward to seeing them live this summer.  I recommend this record and let me know what you think of this new music.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Sports Thought Thursday Blog NHL Has A New CBA

In this sports blog, I am doing my follow-up post to my earlier on NHL Lockout.  As many of you know the NHL has reached an agreement with the players on CBA on Sunday Morning about 6:00 am ET.  Does it really matter now?  Will the fans come back? How will the league make a come back now?  Do you think the players, owners, and NHL care about the fans?

NHL teams will be hitting the ice again for a short season.  After all the silliest floating around between the owners and players, we as fan can now send a message to the league.  I know for a fact the NHL deep-rooted cities will rebound because it is in the blood for those fans.  I am talking cities like Detroit, Boston, New York, etc.  Now what happens to the teams to the south like Tampa Bay, Phoenix that still does not have a new owner.  I believe it will take NHL over ten years to pick up where they left off before this last lockout.

Lock out, I will be watching hockey because I love the sport and I am glad it is back.  This will be some exciting hockey for the next few months because every game will mean something then a normal eighty-two games.  I will be watching every game.  I am watching the ratings and attendance around the league.  I just have a feeling the hockey fans will make a statement to the league and the players.  I believe that Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr need to resign and/or be fired because of this situation.  Gary Bettman legacy will be having two lockouts in less than ten years.  Donald Fehr will be the guy that has put two sports in Jeopardy of going away.  I believe he just did it to NHL as a business.  Go get some!  GO WINGS!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Blog State Of Tours And Music Industry

In this music blog, we are going to talk about the state of the music industry and what bands have to do to make their money.  We love our music throughout human life.  It was pasted down from Generation to Generation.  We went from Bach to Flo-rida.  I realize how that sounds.  Being a metal head, I enjoy all music.

Bands in the past would put out record and tour to support that record.  They would get their income from record sales.  As many of you know that is not the case.  With the birth of the internet, we as listeners found ways to get music at a cheap price or free.  Napster took a ton of heat back in the day.  It was the Facebook for college student for music.  One person would buy the music and then “share” it with other people for education purpose. Transferring files from computer to computer.  How is  this different with cassette taping when a radio station played the music.  It is really is not.  The question is downloading the digital files is the cause of the lack of CD sales.  This pie graph shows us from 1980 to 2010 of the percentage of way people buy their music.

The Credit to voluntaryXchange

As you can see the growth of the CD in the late 1980s to 2003.  In 2010, CD is about 50% of the sales of how music listeners get their music.  People are still buying music so why do we always say the Music Industry is dying.  Here is my thought.  We look to Wallstreet and seeing the big Record Companies saying their bottom line is just bad.  They have the big acts like the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, etc.  There are ton of Independent Record Companies, Bands make their own record label, and or they are selling their music on their own website.  This article has some great information (Why We Shouldn’t Worry About The Decline Of The Music Industry?)  Here is some data from this article from Frobes.  Music groups in 2003 put out 38,000 new albums but in 2008 music acts put out 75,000 new albums.  With the state of economics, bands keep putting out music in 2010 at 75,000 new albums.  Bands are still putting out more music in 2010 then 2003 when CDs were at its peak as far percentage of sales from the pie graph above.  Here is the stat that proves from this same article (www.forbes.com).

From 1999 to 2009, concert ticket sales in the US tripled from $1.5 billion to $4.6 billion, vastly exceeding the growth of inflation and population growth.

I wonder how much of percentage is coming from the big acts with their high ticket prices.  People want to be entertained and they want to forget about their bills or lack of jobs.  I wonder how much effects physical or digital copy with the lack of money.  The lack of funds is the money going more to the live music then the studio music.  I was talking to friends and others about this issue.  I am finding people are picking live music by how good the new studio records.  It is the opposite from what was going on before the 1990s.

Let us take a look at pretty successful hard rock band.  The band is going to be Bon Jovi.  At the height of their power, Bon Jovi was a huge group back in the 1980’s.  We are going to look at their most successful record in their prime and their latest record.

Here is the stats:

Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet sold 28,000,000 in the world and went in the United States 12x Platinum.

Bon Jovi – The Cicle sold 3,000,000 in the world and went in the United States Gold

What does this say about the band or the music industry?  I do not think it is a negative look at Bon Jovi.  I believe it shows that people are not buying records as much as they use to in the past.  These stats do include downloads.  I believe what is happening on record sales.  People are buying one or two songs that they like from the album asides buying the whole like they did in the past.  Let us look at another artist but current.

Here is the stats:

Britney Spears – …Baby One More Time sold 30,000,000 in the world and sold only 12,144,000 in the United States.

Britney Spears – Femme Fatale sold 3,000,000 in  the world and sold 769,000 in the United States.

Britney Spears came into the scene 10 years after Bon Jovi as far as a recording artist.  I believe we are seeing a trend from these numbers.  Numbers do not lie.  As far as big record companies and well known artists their sales are down.  If we go beyond the well known artist and big record companies, there are new bands coming up and doing very well.  I realize some are doing it for the love for the music and that is why most bands get into this career.

In closing, let us face it and it is true.  People are downloading singles and not buying the whole records.  I am old school on getting and listening to my music.  I love getting the hard copy but over the last few years.  I have been downloading my music.  Here is why I am doing it.  I have not time to sit down and order or go to a record store.  Two it is to storage files in a computer then having CDs and racks all over my place.  I believe this is happening in the book industry too.  People are buying less and less paper backs or hard covers and downloading their books into their Nook, Kindle, or Tablets.  We are getting into the computer age and this is the change that most people do not like it.  Music being an art will live on and people will spend their money on this product.  Live music will live on and bands and artists will make their money their. As music fans we need to support the bands. If you have pick, it is fine. Just make sure you are buying your music in any form.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Sports Thought Thursday Blog NFL Playoffs

In this Sports Thought Thursday, we are going to look at NFL playoffs of 2012.  It has been yet another exciting year for football.  Black Monday was interesting after the regular season was over.  Head coaches and general managers being fired from several different teams because they did not reach their goals of winning the Super Bowl. It is going to be exciting off season but it is time for some NFL Playoffs. Let us look at the teams and match ups in the playoffs.

AFC

Bengals vs Taxans

I am loving Bengals over the Taxans.  I just feel there is something wrong with Houston on their losing streak.  They came out strong at the beginning of the season and I believe the league has figured them out.  I would not be shock to see them win either.  Bengals finished the season strong and took care some of their demons.  I believe they will move on into the playoffs.

Win:  Bengals

Colts vs Ravens

This one is a tough one.  This game will feature the number one pick of this year’s draft and this is the first time that number one pick quarterback makes it to the playoffs in his rookie season.  He has been playing like a 3 to 4 year player.  Ravens defense is weak and Luck might pick them apart.  There are questions on their Offense like every year.  I will have to go with the Ravens and it is a shame to watch this amazing rookie season end.

Win:  Ravens

NFC

Vikings vs Packers

These teams will be playing back to back weeks.  That last game of the last week of the season was something else.  It was a great game.  This game comes down to how the weather is going to be like in Green Bay.  If it is like how it is this time of the year, this might be a simple pick.  However, it is not that easy, Green Bay taking a page from the past with their running game.  I just feel that Vikings have the upper hand on the running game.  I do not see a passing game on either side being effected in this game.  I love Vikings defense but did both teams show too much in their last two games.  I am leaning towards the Vikings but if it has to come down to the passing game.  Rogers is the man and I just feel Vikings’ quarterback will make some mistakes.

Win:  Packers

Seahawks vs Redskins

Here is a game that will be something else.  Two rookie quarterbacks are starting in this game that came out of this year’s draft.  Redskins and Seahawks both finished off strong.  However, Seahawks was just really bad but did Hawks turn around their season against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, RG3 is now hurt and cannot run as well as he did in the beginning of the year.  I am liking Seahawks and I believe in their offense and defense.

Win:  Seahawks

AFC Divisional Champions

Bengals vs Broncos

Is there really a debate here?  This game has MVP of the league at QB and maybe the comeback player.  Broncos defense carried this team last season into the playoffs and now Manning is taking that to the Super Bowl.  Sorry Bengals, you had a great year.  I just cannot see you over take this Broncos team.

Win:  Broncos

Ravens vs Patriots

Just like the other game in the AFC, I just feel this game is going to be a lot closer then many of us believe.  Patriots offense is still there like it has in the past and they shown that against my Dolphins in the last game of the season.  Not many people remember Patriots had a ton of problems on defense.  Plus, many have forgotten that loss to the Cardinals.  Maybe they fixed their problems but I have a feeling it might show its ugly head again.  Ravens will find their offense and defense will look like they did in the past.    I have a feeling the Patriots will win but I really like the Ravens.

Win: Ravens

NFC Divisional Champions

Seahawks vs Falcons

I am going to ride the Hawks band wagon.  I believe their defense will stop the running and passing game from Falcons.  Falcons had a great year and they earn their number one seat.  I just have a feeling they will not slay their monkey on their back this season. They will be the same old Falcons.  I am going with their past history.

Win:  Seahawks

Packers vs 49ers

This one is pretty tough.  I will go with experience on this game.  49ers are starting a second year quarterback in the league and I just have a feeling he will show his nerves and inexperience.  Tom will make mistakes and the Packers will jump on them but they are home so he might be comfortable.  I hope for Jim that he picked the right quarterback.

Win:  Packers

AFC Champions

Ravens vs Broncos

I am loving the Broncos moving on to the Super Bowl over the Ravens.  Even if the Patriots make it here, I still will see Broncos move on to the Super Bowl.  This defense from Broncos will stop the Ravens offense.  I just can see this game being close but Manning driving with minutes left on the game for the win.

Win:  Broncos

NFC Champions

Seahawks vs Packers

This will be a fight and a very close game.  Green Bay is a team that runs through what Rogers can do on offense.  This is a tough pick.  I will have to go with my donated team this season.  I will go with Seahawks and I believe it will come down to a field goal.  Packers will loss it because of their inconstant kicker.  I just cannot believe they are still using him.  It will cost them a game.

Win: Seahawks

Super Bowl

Seahawks vs Broncos

Closing the season out, I am liking Seahawks for this reason their defense.  Manning has a Super Bowl experience and a win.  Manning will have problems with those corner backs of Hawks.  I just see him turning the ball over and their DL will cause a ton of problems for the Broncos OL.  I do not think that Broncos will have answers for Hawks offense and/or Russell Wilson, who should be rookie of the year.  Who knows what will happen?  Maybe Manning will show he can play in the big stage unlike he did his last time.  This will be a fight and a great game.  I am picking Seahawks.

Super Bowl Winner:  Seahawks

Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Blog State Of Miami Dolphins

In this sport blog, we are going to talk about my favorite team in the NFL and it is the Miami Dolphins.  As many of you know I am a huge Fins fan so I am going to give my thought on the future of the Dolphins.  You might disagree or agree with these thoughts. Here is my thought.

Offensive

I believe Fins have found their quarterback for the future.  They have a great set of wide receivers (they will need a deep threat at WR) and tight end.  We have some great running backs.  The one thing we need is a deep threat at the wide receiver position and we need some guards.  I believe the Fins will keep Jake Long since the Left Tackle is hard to find.  If they let Jake go, I would say buyer beware. Not too many Left Tackles make it to free agents market. Even though, I believe I am starting to see a decline in him.

Special Teams

Every team needs special teams help.  I believe we are found at our kick and punt returns.  Our kicker Dan Carpenter has come back around from a rough season but maybe a back up plan.  I love our punter.

Defensive

I believe we need little help on the line just like all the team in the NFL.  I believe we need help in our secondary.  I hope we draft in our corner back position and maybe a linebackers in the later rounds of the draft.  Asides that, I love our defensive.

Why do I think they will win and make the playoffs next year?

I believe the Dolphins will be a threat next year to make the playoffs.  Our quarterback will have year under his belt and we give him a good deep threat down the field and improve the offensive line.  Ryan will have time in the pocket.  It will also improve our running game since we have two under rated running backs.  Jets and Bills will take several steps back because of coaching and upper management changes.  New England, I believe will start to take steps back.  Tom is not getting younger and there is no back up plans.  There defensive started out bad this season but improved I can not see their defense being good in New England.  Do they have a great offensive?  Of course, I just believe that offensive will have to take some steps backwards.

In closing, I might be a little meatballish here but this is my thought pattern.  I loved how Dolphins played this year and they were with most of the elite teams in the league when they were playing them. This is why I believe they are a few players away to start making some noise.  Did they get blow out in some games?  Yes, but they are a young team that is learning.  I love our head coach and he has this team going forward and in the right direction.  I am looking forward to seeing my Dolphins in the playoffs next year.  I am not saying Super Bowl but you get in you do not know what will happen.  Drink it! Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser