Record Store Day 2018

Each year I kind of forget, and then, I'll re-remember or be reminded that Record Store Day has revealed their annual list. This year I'll again be in Charleston. Most of my adult life I've perused the collection at The Last Record Store, or a couple of years at Harvest Records. Hopefully the little shop my wife and friends led me to last year will have a selection or two I'm looking to score. Here's a link to the Record Store Day list and below is a quick-hitting rundown of the artists piquing my interest on the list. Long gone are the days of no lines and only die-hards, happy hunting.  

» The Allman Brothers Band, Chuck Berry, J. Dilla, Dylan & The Dead, Grateful Dead, Funk in France, NAS, Prince, Tank & The Bangas, New Orleans Soul, Wilco, and Johnny Winter »

Record Store Day is April 21st

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Asheville (part 2)

WNC

Western North Carolina is beautiful for many reasons, topography and geology are among the highest ranking. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, the mountains, rivers and bears, oh my. Fortunately we were able to enjoy some of these magical outdoor settings. Paddling on Lake Lure was a definite highlight. We found our way to a private little sand bar along a small island; it became our de facto swimming hole. We also braved some strong wind into the main stretch of the Lake to take in one of the better views of Chimney Rock and the surrounding tree-covered mountains. What a great detour with two dear friends. 

After our time on the water we darted to a neighboring marina for a picnic. This delicious intermission was aided considerably by our host's foresight and the tasty luncheon prepared by The Rhu. We had started our morning with a slough of The Rhu's strong breakfast choices. A homemade breakfast biscuit with egg and cheese, sea salt cacao donut, a french inspired summer fruit pastry and good coffee were our fuels for the day. At lunch we crushed egg salad sandwiches on seeded rolls with an amazing fermented root salad. Some bottles of Wicked Weed Tropic Most were on hand as well. A day at the lake was just what I needed. 

A favorite local businesses of mine in West Asheville is Harvest Records. This record shop came to town while we were living there; it has been a vital community hub. I scored a mint Chess Records LP of Bobby Womack & The Valentinos, plus a decent pressing of The Platters, I Love You 1,000 Times. Not only did I get a vinyl fix, I was hooked up with a new T-shirt and some fresh stickers. Thanks Harvest Records, you're a great example of business done right. I love this shop. 

Burial Beer Co.

Another fantastic district of Asheville is the South Slope neighborhood (we used to live there). One of our other amazing friends took us to Burial Beer Co. Immediately Burial resinated with me. Some thoughts on their aesthetic; the tap handles were great (the skillet is my fave) and the carrier\rack to transport your tasting flight, was the easiest to handle while not spilling, or sacrificing cool. Also, having two zones with taps is a good idea. Now on to the beer.

The Americana Farmhouse had good body with lingering flavor. A lasting finish stayed with you. Blooming early in the nose was the Ceremonial session at 4%. Burial's Hay-saw Saison felt less traditional, in a good way. This particular saison had more of grainy feel to it, yet was also dry. Good work on the Hay-saw. My potential belt-holder on this beer journey was the Hibiscus Gose! At 4.5% you can knock these back all day. With or without sunlight, the see-through copper color of this libation beams. There are few beers that simply illicit awesome, but this is one of them. Slight nuances ring out first, the later stages punch with tartness—definitely a knockout. I also gave Surf Wax a try. This 7.2% IPA had recently undergone a change in its hop-bill. Centennial, Mosaic and Citrus hops create the profile now, as the beer-keep told of their intentions to begin canning. Surf Wax resembled a British IPA that was a bit more clean; not my idea of a left coast IPA. There was however a skunk-like aroma. Regardless of my tasting notes, Burial Beer was the best scene yet within the friendly confines of Asheville. 

If you missed Part 1 continue scrolling down or click here. Please check back for the final installment of PUBlication: Asheville. Reviews of a western mid-mega brewery who opened up shop in WNC, tasting Appalachian Cider, Hi-Wire Brewing and Foggy Mountain Pub are on deck. Cheers.  

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Asheville (part 1)

ty

828 Graffiti 

Asheville, the best little big town their side of the Mississippi? After having spent an amazing week, culminating with a wonderfully decadent wedding, our old stomping grounds have since changed, yet are still deserving of high praise. The week leading up to Father's Day made downtown feel almost too busy. Thankfully our great hosts took us in and helped us to explore that which we knew, and that which was new. Asheville's economy seems to be booming. Three super-cranes were in the downtown, erecting towers for the people and cars. 

Our first full day was filled with some gluttony. Vortex Doughnuts were brought to us at breakfast—inside the newly built home of our friends, which is outstanding by the way—and Taco Billy for lunch. Each place was crushing what they do best. We also went down along the French Broad River to scope the graffiti co-op. Let's just say the aerosol game in the 828 is strong. Later that afternoon our adventure led us to Wicked Weed Brewing. This libation station was not around when we were in town, but I'm sure glad they're there now. Wicked Weed's brew is on lock—delicious on many fronts. Their infrastructure/design aesthetic was appealing too. No messing around from this establishment; tucked in next to the Orange Peel conveniently. We lucky three, who drank from the funkatorium and beyond, had a good old time. 

We took down multiple tasting flights and a couple of others from the pint. Due to our mildly copious consumption, I'll limit my rambling review to three favorites. Roy G. Biv was an otherworldly ale the dutifully embraces its name, taste the rainbow. Roy's subtle nose opens up to a snappy mouth feel. An airy head appears. The first taste is dangerous, because it made me want to down it. Potency is hidden by an illustrious list of yum: cactus water, passion fruit, pineapple, blood orange and Jasmine flowers. Roy rounds at 7.2%. Give me more!

Wicked Weed Brewing | Asheville, NC

Next up was perhaps my favorite ale of the entire trip—the Tropic Most Gose. This all-time tasty ale had an immensely fruity nose, it surprises you. I liked every nuance along the way. Both of the beautiful ladies tasting with me remarked, "summer beer extraordinaire." Passion Fruit prevails in the slightest over the entirety of the bouquet. The clarity of bright canary-yellow nectar reveals itself to be tart, let me say that again, tart. Of all traits, fresh is a label all beer makers clamor to achieve. The Tropic Most Gose is fresh. Five stars and only 4.1%, so drink up and do so responsibly. 

The third concoction to make this PUBlication list is the Brettanomyces Farmhouse Ale with peaches (6.2%). Oh My! They sold this amazing ale in the bottle. All told, I think we downed two of their 500ML bottles on top of what we took down in house. Imagine the creative possibilities of the Brett strain, coupled to the sweetness peaches; a match made in fermentation heaven. Wicked Weed is a must for any beer fan when in Asheville. 

Check back in the coming days to read more on the bounty of Western North Carolina. Upcoming installments of the Asheville PUBlication will focus on Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, The Rhu, Harvest Records, as well as, Hi-Wire Brewing, Burial Beer Co. and more...

eightychoices. 

TV on the Radio harvests Seeds

Seeds | TV on the Radio | Nov.18th

Brooklyn has undergone a transformation, an influx of money tends to have that effect, and yet, Brooklyn still embodies cool. The same could be said of TV on the Radio. They release Seeds their fifth album November 18th. The band and the borough have experienced comparable growth. Money's been made and spent. Some art cannot easily escape consumption. TV on the Radio has been devoured ever since the Return to Cookie Mountain. Blame them you should not. 

Unfortunately there has been sadness too. Longtime bassist Gerard Smith passed away shortly after the release of Nine Types of Light. 

TVOTR has also signed with Harvest Records (leaving Interscope). They've managed to wade through expectations, maturing into what they want to be, rather than what everyone else thought they would become. An early gem on this record is, 'Careful You,' which cleverly blends dub-like bass with songwriting. TV chose to jump start the song 'Ride' with soft strings, a piano, and some vibes. After allowing it to warm up they shift into tones we're more accustomed to. The pesky pace and political lyricism of 'Right Now' is reminiscent of their earlier stuff. Reverb hits early and often on the track 'Winter,' reminding us of their rock n roll chops. Seeds deserves more time, it feels good because it harbors their unique sound—they too have their tendencies. For more than a decade I've been a fan, I see no reason why to ignore them now. Besides, they keep me curious. It's worth the unknown to see what these Seeds will spawn. On iTunes and in stores Nov. 18th. Enjoy.

eightychoices.

Record Store Day Reminder

Record Store Day is April 19th, this Saturday!

Don't forget Record Store Day is this Saturday and with it comes the joy that only vinyl can bring. I'll be frequenting the Last Record Store in Santa Rosa in hopes of scoring one of the favorites on my personal list. Options that I'm stoked on this year come from LCD Soundsystem, Built to Spill, Johnny Cash, Phosphorescent, The Black Angels, Tame Impala, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and the Grateful Dead, let alone the countless other rad options.

Remember, this year there are three types of releases. There's the RSD exclusives, RSD limited run/regional focus, and the RSD 'first' releases. The last option also has a later release date, so if you can't grab it this Saturday, don't fret. Those titles will be re-released to the masses.

See you at the Last Record Store. Be there or be square. Besides, who wants to be square on a day that celebrates records, they're round? Enjoy, I know I will.

eightychoices.

PS. If you live in the City (SF), hit up Amoeba. For my peeps in Asheville, it's all about Harvest Records. Those back in Minneapolis, check out The Electric Fetus, Know Name, Roadrunner, Hymie's, or Tree House.

record store day

support the music & local businesses...
record store day is the one day, in which i don't feel guilty making a purchase, on a day created solely for consumption. why? because i love music. that & the fact that my favorite record store is in my home county. the last record store is a great place to spend some time looking for your favorite tracks or hard to find rarities. they do an amazing job of bringing in good quality used vinyls, as well as, staying stocked with new LP's. they also carry CD's, used & new, DVD's & a small collections of apparel. which i might add, is kick ass!
if you happen to live in western north carolina, i recommend hitting harvest records, in asheville. another gem tucked away on the west side of town. it's a super cool neighborhood, check it out.
some of the vinyl high-lights i'm stoked for this year are: built to spill, ripple; a "side by side" record of love hurts, the A side is gram parsons with emmylou harris. the B side is jenny & johnny. it seems as though the gorillaz are releasing an album around record store day. the fall, as it's titled, is a collection of live tracks taken from their performances on tour in north america.
anyway you slice it, record store day is the day for audiophiles. plus you get to support a local business in your community. enjoy!

~eightychoices