Get Up & Get Down

The Dramatics | "Get Up and Get Down" | Whatcha See is Whatcha Get |

Let me see your tight wire come alive ...

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Listen All Y'all It's A...

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Cloudy Shoes

Damien Jurado | "Cloudy Shoes" | Saint Bartlett |

I wish that I could float
Float up from the ground
I will never know
What that's like

You have a way about you
I wish that I had
Thought it was impossible 
To live and love like you
...


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Concrete & Barbed Wire

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Doctor My Eyes

Jackson Browne | "Doctor My Eyes" | Jackson Browne |

Doctor my eyes have seen the years
And the slow parade of fears, without crying
Now I want to understand

I have done all that I could
To see the evil and the good, without hiding
You must help me if you can

Doctor my eyes
Tell me what is wrong
Was I unwise, to leave them open for so long
...


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Brew Detective: Reubens' Brews Summer IPA

Reuben's Brews just keeps crushing deliciousness, this time it's their Summer IPA. Buy a six pack as soon as you see it, or get ye growler filled if ya live in the PNW. The Thrillist named it one of 21 beers we should be drinking this summer, so it's got that going for it, which is nice.

When this IPA hits your glass, you'll witness outstanding clarity and a fluffy head. Carbonation continues long after the pour. The nose is all IPA, not so juice-forward. This is a true west coast IPA, both in look and taste. The transparent nature of the ale does not surrender one iota of mouth feel. This IPA reflects so positively on Reuben's brewing team, they truly work toward crafting excellent beer. 

I really dig the cleaner, more clear IPA's. Those of us lucky enough to live within beer-crazed areas have ample opportunities to drink quality beer. As my fairy hop-father once told me, "life's too short to drink bad beer. If you don't like it, you don't have to finish it." With somewhere in the neighborhood of 6K breweries nationwide there's plenty to be had. Happy hunting.

Reuben's Summer IPA | 6.5% | 50 IBU

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Baby Blue

The 13th Floor Elevators | "(It's All Over Now) Baby Blue" | Easter Everywhere |

Leave your stepping stones behind, there's something that calls for you
Forget the dead you left, they will not follow you
Your vagabond who's rapping at your door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore
The sky too, is falling, over you
And it's all over now, Baby Blue
     - Bob Dylan


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Revolution Blues

Neil Young | "Revolution Blues" | On the Beach |

Yes, that was me with the doves,
Setting them free near the factory
Where ya built your computer love
...


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Brew Detective: Reuben's Brews vs. Ex Novo

Tart Cherry Weisse vs. Marryin' Berries Gose -

Reuben's Brews and Ex Novo are two of the finest breweries in the PNW. Their takes on two German standards epitomize how classic brews can be rejiggered. Both glow, tinted by the fruit they were brewed with, they're attractive in the glass. These ales are best appreciated on warm days. Craving something a little sour and lower in ABV is far more palatable when the sun's out. 

One is brewed in WA, the other PDX. If you find yourself wanting to break free of the dearth of hop-driven ales, these are two fine fixes. Neither one is over powered by the fruit. The yeast is what's packing the punch. The sugary sweet of the fruit helps to balance the puckering elements in each of these beautiful beers. Obviously the tart cherry used in the Weisse offers a different nuance than the combination of raspberries and marionberries that are added to the Gose.

The effervescence of Reuben's is full of beautiful carbonation, it almost dances in the glass, as well as on the palate. The Tart Cherry probably wins out in the end, but they're both phenomenal. Reuben's weighs in at 3.2% and Ex Novo rounds out at 4.6%. If you're in the mood for a change of pace, grab these selections from your local grocer or bottle shop. Enjoy responsibly.

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Crazy Baldhead

Current Mood |

Bob Marley & The Wailers | "Crazy Baldhead" | Rastaman Vibration |

Here comes the conman
Coming with his con plan
We won't take no bribe
We've got to stay alive

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Brew Detective: Heater Allen Pils

The Pils by Heater Allen is probably the best pilsner I've had since moving to Oregon. The benchmark for me has always been Trumer. Another stalwart is Russian River's STS Pils. North Coast's Scrimshaw is also a credible choice. Now that I've listed a few of my all-time faves along the left coast, it's time to add Heater Allen to the group. My first experience with Heater was at the fantastic Navarre on NE 28th, just off the corner of Burnside (get their potatoes gratin!). 

The clarity is topnotch, as is the crispness. Perfect carbonation adds to both the look and taste. As I've mentioned in the past, carbonation is a vital component to craft beer, decidedly so when dealing with certain types. This pilsner takes its cues from the Czech Republic; It's unfiltered, so the time it takes from brewing to bottling is a bit longer than most. The balance between malt and hop is fantastic. Each characteristic shows through within the golden hue of this delicious pilsner. Look for Heater Allen on tap or in the bottle. Cheers.

Heater Allen Pils | 5.2% | 36 IBU

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