20th Street Block Party

There's going to be a pretty righteous block party in San Francisco on September 12th. This neighborhood bash runs from 12pm-6pm. Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, a favorite of mine, are headlining the event. The 20th Street Block Party is free, so get there early in order to claim  some real estate and catch the other acts. You may want to consider biking into the event. The 20th Street corridor will showcase San Francisco restaurants, businesses and artists in a celebration of their stomping grounds. In the Mission between Bryant and Harrison.

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PUBlication: Double Liberty

Double Liberty IPA | Argonaut Collection

Hot temperatures are always tough to bear, grabbing a cold beer can help to ease the heat. If you're looking for a new option, try Anchor Brewing. America's first craft beer company is still pulling off new tricks. They recently began brewing their Argonaut Collection. One of these limited releases is the Double Liberty IPA (sold as a four pack). The label is beautiful thanks to the hand-drawn art of Jim Stitt. Spring 2015 marked the first time this double IPA was brewed and it might already be out of circulation. It's worth your effort if found. 

Leaving the bottle this double pours apricot in color. A robust foam rises to the top. Below the froth lies a fresh subtlety. You can smell how balanced it is. The body appears heavier, it's a bit maltier than a typical DIPA. The malt base is 2-Row Pale, which melds nicely with the Cascade hops. There isn't one overly-menacing trait. It may be a bit sweet for some hop heads but don't let it fool you, it's still bitter. This palatable beast from Anchor is a rare breed, drink responsibly. 8.2% | 90 IBUs

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Night Sweats @ The Chapel

Get ready to get sweaty, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats are coming to the mission, on a mission. Drinks will be needed and I recommend bringing your dancing shoes. Their self-titled album has them touring the world, but before they head to Europe they're making sold-out stops across the U.S. One of those hard-to-get-tickets-to shows is at The Chapel in San Francisco, September 9th. Brace yourself for some good old-fashioned soul, swinging, American music. Happy Labor Day.

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats | "S.O.B."



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Anderson East: Delilah

A little less than a month ago, Anderson East released Delilah, an album that possesses sonic diversity and poignant lyricism. Initially the songs start out swinging, energized with the snap of R&B. Soulful keys and backing vocals help to shape, "Devil In Me" and "All I Ever Need." These tracks feel inspired, moving from opposing corners like prize fighters dealing with cause and effect. Channeling his inner Ryan Adams on, "What a Woman Wants to Hear," Anderson embraces the buzz of being emotionally punch-drunk. This song is the hornet and the salve, it stings then soothes. He found a way to explain something we've all felt. 

'Wanna talk about tomorrow like it's a real thing. See you when it comes down next spring. Whisper nothings in your ear—I'll tell you what a woman, tell you what a woman wants to hear.' 

Bringing the record to a close is, "Lying in Her Arms," another heartrending number that is painted in truthful pain. Steeped in Nashville's alt-country, his words are fixed to the one he can never forget. You can hear the tremble in his voice. If you want to actually feel music, listen to this song.  

Anderson East | "Lying in Her Arms"



Anderson East | "What a Woman Wants to Hear"



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PUBlication: Mosaic IPA

St. Archer Brewery | Mosaic IPA

St. Archer has released a limited batch of their Mosaic IPA, a testament to their capabilities and the mosaic hop varietal. This double IPA is filled with lush impressions throughout the experience—there's no denying the hop-forward intensity. It possesses an aroma that  demands snouting out the pint glass. This is one of the most palatable double IPA's of the summer. Initially it comes across as mean, but settles into a friendly beast.

How they brewed this with such clean and refreshing characteristics without sacrificing bitterness is impressive. Each taste made me want to drink more. The 'bite' is all on the tongue. The precision of the hop medley, which includes Amarillo, Simcoe and Chinook, is lavishly layered. It is the Mosaic varietal that the spotlight shines brightest upon. Its sticky fruit and citrus notes are the most rousing. The copper clarity invites you in, as the light pillow of carbonated foam further encourages. Having a flavor profile that is both punchy and refined makes it even more alluring. How is it capable of being so deliberate, as well as, so delicate? I guess you call it double trouble. If you see this beer, buy it. There are no mistakes in the Mosaic IPA from St. Archer. 9%

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Dodge & Burn

The Dead Weather are capable of many things, rocking out happens to stand at the front of the line. Their music blasts harder than anything this side of metal, without diluting the talented musicianship that creates said sound scape. Also, why would anyone want to stifle Alison's voice? Dodge & Burn, their latest release, features 12 tracks and is available September 25th. They recently gave us a look-see at one of the upcoming tracks. This visual component is a reminder of just how visceral this band can get. With no tour yet planned, one can only hope they take this show on the road. Until then, check out Third Man Records.

The Dead Weather | "I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)" | Dodge & Burn



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