Friday, August 29, 2008

It's getting hot in herre; or is it me?

Yeah -- I can't deny it: I'm goofing off tonight (and totally chillin' in my room, weekend-style, interleaving music searches with random videos on youtube.

Ok, ok.. you're asking: what's in it for me (this "goofing off" by this blog kid)? Well, the benefit of my low-keyness for you -- for you! -- is that I've dug up Tiga's version of "Hot In Herre" (video). Turn that BASS up!

And, besides any low-frequency delight this track embodies, the video reminds me of the power of puppets!! (even as my most recent *real* exposure is via "The Long Christmas Ride Home", performed at The Magic Theater in 2006). But also -- and more specifically (and yeah!) -- dog puppets are universally funny/cool. haha.

In any case, if you haven't seen the original of "Hot in Herre" (by Nelly), check it.

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Also: I was a fan of Stone Brewing's 11th Anniversary Ale when it first came out, but this Black Imperial IPA still rocks today, a year later. And I think I've got two or three more bombers stashed in the apartment somewhere. Ohhhh -- the power of planning ahead!

Hmmm.. I think I'm overdue for an update to my "Top XX Beers", huh?

The Twelves, you never heard it so good

Oh, The Twelves done put out an awesome mixtape this past week; check the tracklist:

01. Zeigeist - Humanitarianism (The Twelves Replay)
02. Radiohead - Reckoner (The Twelves Replay)
03. Mirwais - Naive Song
04. Of Montreal - Gronlandic Edit
05. David E. Sugar - To Yourself
06. The Virgins - Rich Girls (The Twelves Replay)
07. Daft Punk - Voyager
08. Jupiter - CHIP
09. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal (The Twelves Replay)
10. Metronomy - Heartbreaker
11. The Twelves - Works for Me (The Twelves Replay)
12. Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance (The Twelves Replay)

Yeah -- I know what you're thinking: besides Daft Punk, you might not think these other groups are really up my alley. I know; I know. That said, The Twelves have put a great beat behind each track, really threading everything together in a rich, um, tapestry of aural delight. So -- chill, a'ight? ;)

The fabulous package of music, for sure, advances an agenda of mellowdanceyvibe around the house (my house); and, as such, becomes -- or, rather, I imagine it would become -- good background music for all manner of party (including a bit of close-close dancing s'il vous plait). Or whatever. The bottom line is that this mix of "The Twelves Replays" fits my spot-measured aesthetic -- go ahead: take the measurements! -- in the here-and-now. Oh yeah.. I'm gonna rip a track or two of this into my next homemade mix (due for my mix CD club by this weekend -- stay tuned for more info on that in a future post!).

Whoa -- but hey, regardless of my musical-leanings electronique the past couple of years, I *have* been indulging in a little bit of my indie rock roots lately. (By the way, don't tell me that the term "indie rock" is vague.. I know; and I would say to suspend those suspicions and read on..).

Most recently, I've been listening to the new Of Montreal and MGMT albums, "Skeletal Lamping" and "Oracular Spectacular", respectively. And, further.. shizz.. do Dinosaur Jr., Dramarama (video), or any of 'dem oldschool indie rock bands ever, truly, go out of style?

At this point, if you're wondering if I'm "getting soft" in my musical tastes, don't worry!; I can still get down to a good set of bangers. Yeah, so if you want to test that, to rock it late-night, bring it. ;) In the meantime, you can't get this, The Twelves Episode II mixtape, on fast enough.. download it at the kickass Discodust blog; press "play"; and then "repeat".

Please press.
Please press repeat;
Please press on;
And repeat.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Maybe it's time to try another cask ale

Today, William Brand's "What's on Tap" beer blog threw out a last minute heads-up that tonight is Anderson Valley Brewing Night at Toronado; it starts at 6pm.

What this means is that they are tapping the first keg of their Winter Solstice spiced Christmas ale for 2008. They will also be pouring many other beers from the always-quality Anderson Valley lineup, including one I've never heard of: a Deep Enders Dark Porter. I've been drinking a lot of dark porters/stouts lately (mostly of the Imperial variety) so this porter is calling out to me.. although it's going to be on cask, which is an old-school finishing/delivery method that I haven't really developed a taste for (yet?). We'll see..

In any case, find more details for tonight's event over at What's On Tap, but the bottom line is that if you're thirsty tonight, Toronado will be a good place to be. No special cover; just pay for your beers (natch).

I'm going to walk by after my Russian class tonight and if it's not too crowded (around 10:30pm), I'll probably give that porter-on-cask a go..

Oh, and if you're not familiar with Anderson Valley Brewing, they are a solid Northern Californian brewer, most famous for their Boont Amber Ale. And, as I've mentioned before, they throw one hell of a beerfest every year -- put it on your calendars for 2009!

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By the way, Toronado has special beer nights all the time -- mostly in this same format (i.e. no cover, just lots of beers from a particular brewery available -- usually along with the brewers themselves), although occasionally they have a formal tasting in Toronado's back room. Check their calendar for updates, but here are the next couple of events:

September 16th: Lagunitas Night
September 17th: Elysian Brewery Bay Area Kick Off Party!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Nelly: you know it's the right thing to do.

Yeah, yeah.. you know, and I know (even though it was just officially announced today): "MEZZANINE and Ankh Marketing present"..

Um, Nelly, at Mezzanine on September 13th.

Want to go?

Doors at 9am; the shizz is $40 for General Admission (GA), or $55 for tha' VIP (which, at this point, I admit: I'm not sure what "VIP" means in terms of experience, but, still: I'm interested in it, given the high price for GA anyway).

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (here), but I'm out of town for the weekend (doing that climbing thing); if tickets aren't sold out come Monday, I'm going to buy a pair.. and convince someone that gettin' silly to some pophop on a rad Saturday night is the right thing to do.

You know it's the right thing to do.

Oh.. plus free movie night is back at The Independent this Monday night with Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. Check it; if we're lucky, there will be some way to incorporate a bit of the Wilson Phillips (video) in this sequel.. just like in the original, for reals (video). Ah.. to dream!