Friday, November 30, 2018

So Good, So Far...2018


Time flies, even though it has also fallen back, as our seasonal tendencies settle in. One of my daily rituals is music. So Good So Far is the second installment of my favorite albums from the calendar year. I posted a quick-hitter back in summer of my then go-to records. Now it's time to complete the list of the dozen or so "best" releases of 2018. Hopefully everyone's had a nice transition into autumn and with a little luck, or preemptive planning, we'll all have a good holiday season too. So Good, So Far...so long 2018.

Yolanda | What Vision
unsigned, talented, mood, must hear... Drivver_New Waltz &  Following Me

The Jayhawks | Back Roads & Abandoned Motels
OG's, can't go wrong, the way i want these songs to sound, thank you jayhawks... Gonna Be a Darkness & Carry You to Safety

Jeff Tweedy | Warm *
tell it like it is, warm, cold, observant, pain, felt, no bull shit, jeff... Some Birds & Having Been is No Way to Be

Michael Nau & The Mighty Thread | Self Titled
timely, honest, makes the real more real, voice, sounds, construction, a favorite song of the year... Less Than Positive

Lydia | Liquor
stripped, soft, strong, rare, mystifying and direct, want more, my other favorite song... Way Out

Cat Power | Wanderer
nothing changed, everything changed, smokey, what i want, more please, cover of the year... Stay 

Khruangbin | Con Todo El Mundo *
no one else is doing this, original, rooted, futuristic, texas gone psychedelia international, the next level, get down... Maria TambiĆ©n & August 10

This, coupled to that, equals a baker's dozen! Happy holidays!

eightychoices.

**

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Brew Detective: Hazy Rock | Pelican Brewing


Oregon has a plethora of tasty breweries to indulge in. One that's held my attention is Pelican Brewing. I recently grabbed a six pack of their latest juicy IPA. Hazy Rock pours a deep golden straw, not quite as hazy as others in this category. The carbonation is an A-plus, bubbles move upward, recharging the smooth foam atop. Even with the greater transparency, you still notice particulates. 

Nosing out early are reminders of pineapple and guava. Hop bitterness arrives up front, unfolding into super balanced flavors as the ale dissipates. Hazy Rock is both nuanced and overly drinkable. The color, mouthfeel and finish make this an approachable juicy IPA. Enjoy fine ales responsibly.

Hazy Rock | 6.2% | 35 IBU

eightychoices.