January 27, 2010

Hey, June: A Playlist of Summery Songs to Snap Winter’s Icy Grip

You would have to have “a mind of winter,” as poet Wallace Stevens once remarked, to look around at all the snow, ice, and cold, cold rain that’s poured down on much of the country this January and not be affected by it all somehow. Call it the Modernist’s remedy for SAD.

But this winter — which could be one of the coldest in 25 years — has instead inspired me to develop a mind of summer. When I glance at the pine-tree boughs “crusted with snow,” for instance, what I see (or tell myself I see) are beaches frothy with sea foam. The leaden, gray clouds stretching from horizon to horizon are not the harbingers of a sleet-storm but simply the remnants of a summer squall, warm and gentle and fleeting. Or so I believe. And the cracked, itchy skin stretched across my hands and face is the byproduct of sunburn, not windburn. Right?

Take a bite out of winter with new music from Surfer Blood and others.

Well, no. And unfortunately, as it turns out, my imagination is the only destination getaway I can afford these days, warm, warped, or otherwise. So I’m going to have to discover (and learn to love) the advantages of a mental “staycation,” for the foreseeable future. Luckily, though, I know the single, most effective and enjoyable mode of transportation for such a trip — music. Nothing like a few hot licks and a steady back-beat to shake the snow from a wintry state of mind. James Taylor and The Go-Go’s know what I’m talking about.

So if, like me, you are unable take the vacation of your dreams any time soon, then let Scribbleskiff carry you away to a vacation in your dreams, instead. For a little while. Following are 10 new songs that are sure to snap winter’s icy grip — on your psyche, at least — and free your mind to think of warmer days to come.

Be sure to click on the links below to sample the songs (open each as a new tab or window), and then follow the threads to find out where you can download them. Or you can listen to the playlist in its entirety at the Scribbleskiff page on the 8tracks Web site. Just click HERE, open as a new tab or window, and let the music play as you read along. Enjoy!

“Warm Heart of Africa (feat. Ezra Koenig),” The Very Best, Warm Heart of Africa. The title of this song says it all: If the swelling Afro-Cuban rhythm and burbling guitar lines don’t heat your innards, and the fact that the featured singer is the frontman for Vampire Weekend doesn’t get your blood pumping, then you must be made of snow.

“The Rain Becomes the Clouds,” Emanuel and the Fear, Emanuel and the Fear. With its evaporation-themed title, lush instrumentation, and undulating, sparkly dance-pop beat, this catchy single by an 11-piece “orchestra-rock” band from Brooklyn is as beachy as they come. Download it and let it wash over you like a summer shower.

“Floating Vibes,” Surfer Blood, Astro Coast. Angular, fuzzed-out guitar riffs, an uptempo beat, and melodic harmonies — these are the makings of a hit for any number of amped-up indie bands. So, if you like The Shins, for instance, then you should like Surfer Blood. But beware, they will change your life, too.

“C’mon,” The Soft Pack, The Soft Pack. Sometimes all it takes is some bright, slightly raucous, three-chord rock like this to coax my keister off the couch, throw the “wild” Snuggie onto the carpet like a beach blanket, and make me dance like Frankie and Annette (or Frank Black). You? Aw, come on!

“Wishes and Stars,” Harper Simon, Harper Simon. Some famous offspring hide their stellar lineage (think Emilio Estevez), while others embrace their name but distance themselves sonically (think Jakob Dylan). But a glance at the surname and one listen to the deft finger-picking and near-falsetto vocal harmonies here will reveal whose kid this is right away — think “59th Street Bridge Song” meets “I Am a Rock.”

“These Roads Don’t Move,” Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard, One Fast Move or I’m Gone. This is somber summer “road music.” The song is part of a collaboration between the leads for Son Volt and Death Cab for Cutie, respectively, for a documentary about the harrowing events in Jack Kerouac’s novel Big Sur. Which explains why the upbeat, syncopated guitar strumming — like car tires clacking over tar strips on an open highway — never outruns the mournful, this-trip-ends-badly mood of the pedal steel.

“Lives of Strangers,” Friday Mile, Good Luck Studio. Ever attend an outdoor summer concert of your favorite band and wonder, who are all these strangers and what are they doing in my backyard? If not, then maybe you’re just curious to hear what a mash-up between Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, and R.E.M. — with a mariachi horn section — might sound like? Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

“Generator^Second Floor,” Freelance Whales, Weathervanes. Any rocker that starts with not one but two near-dueling banjos is always a deliverance. Add in a xylophone, a droning guitar, some group singing, and a big bass drum, and you have the fixings for a baroque-pop classic, similar to what Sufjan Stevens or Arcade Fire churns out. But these young New Yorkers add their own spin, including life-affirming, hopeful lyrics about rebirth. Isn’t that what you need in the dead of winter?

“Coffee Spoon,” Cold War Kids, Behave Yourself EP. Not only is this my favorite song by this smart, sophisticated Long Beach, Calif.-based quartet, but it also might be my favorite song, period. For now, at least. Its groove is bluesy and soulful, comfy and intimate enough to serve as the ideal excuse for a late-day swing in an old hammock. Hold the coffee, though.

“Blue Skies,” Noah and The Whale, The First Days of Spring. Charlie Fink, the lead singer for this alt-folk foursome from London, begins by intoning, hopefully, “this is a song for anyone who can’t get out of bed.” And though he’s speaking to the brokenhearted, it seems like a fitting call to action for anyone suffering any malady — such as cabin fever. Don’t despair, he soothes, “cause blue skies are calling.” And he’s right, dear reader, they are.

So, there you have it, a ten-spot of new songs to keep your mind focused on what lies beyond your frosted windows and frozen lawn. Namely, the other months that begin with “J” and that, though comprised of four letters, don’t inspire four-letter words.

As always, tell us what you think. Have you heard any of these songs before? Or are there other summery tunes that help take your mind off winter? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

And be sure to visit (and join) the Scribbleskiff page on Facebook (find it here), where you can partake in wall-to-wall conversations, find additional information and suggestions from readers, and more.

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January 20, 2010

Finding the ‘Wit’ in Twitter

Hardly leading-edge technologists, we at Scribbleskiff are no Luddites, either. We try to keep pace with newfangledness as best we can, though our vantage point is often the middle, rather than the front or the back, of the pack.

We’ve been faithful bloggers for almost two years now, for instance, though this still makes us relative newbies by comparison to many (one of the first blogs to be termed a “blog” was reportedly started in 1997). We have a groupies’ page on Facebook, with a small but dedicated following (visit and join our ranks, please). Etc.

Electric Aphorisms, by John Roderick

But one techno-gimmick I just haven’t been able to flock to is Twitter. Sure, I signed up for an account awhile back, and I log on as often as I can, reading what the folks I’m “following” are saying, responding in kind to my “followers,” and so on. But I just didn’t see what all the chirping was about. Until now, that is.

Much has been written about the value, longevity, and inherent silliness of this relatively new form of “social networking” (I still haven’t been able to grasp that term, either). I’ve read articles ranging from the sublime (why it will endure, according to the Times) to the subversive (why it shouldn’t, according to The Oatmeal), with everyone praising and condemning Twitter, its peculiar format, quaint rules, and infantile terminology (for example, all updates, or “tweets,” as they’re called, must be written with 140 characters or fewer).

But still I couldn’t get hooked. I was lacking a proper introduction, a way into The Castle that made sense to me. And then I read an entry in John Roderick’s new book, Electric Aphorisms, and it all became clear:

Sometimes I worry that Twitter is an undignified literary format. Then I look to my inspiration, the great Bazooka Joe, and I am humbled.

Now, I’m not expert (or interested) enough to discuss the cultural significance of the so-called “Twitterati.” But I can say that what Roderick makes clear is, tweeting — in the right hands, at least — can be an art form. An invaluable one? Who’s to say? But it’s one that I find downright hilarious, that’s for sure.

Roderick is best known as the frontman for Seattle indie rock stalwarts, The Long Winters, a band I’ve had a crush on for years. His songs almost always reflect an understated pop sensibility: lo-fi but catchy, with lots of hooks, and lyrics that swing between touching and tongue-in-cheek. (You can see what I mean on this video, a new song featuring Kathleen Edwards and written for a local charity event.)

In late 2008, Roderick hopped on the Twitter bandwagon, transferring his musical gift of glib to the written word, refining and condensing it to fit within the limitations of the form. For a period of about six months, he posted an average of three times a day. And what he discovered in the process is that the essence of tweeting is its precise insignificance: a whole lot of nothing can be said in a tiny space.

Whenever I despair about life’s pointlessness, I remember that one day Richard Gere is going to come carry me out of this paper bag factory.

With his characteristic wit — part haiku, part hi-jinx — Roderick used his Twitter account to provide a running commentary on a wide range of topics, everything from the boon of bachelorhood, and living the rock-and-roll life, to local Seattle and national politics, art, and pop culture. His perspective is often zany, off-kilter (and occasionally off-color), and insightful, just like his songs. Mainly, he’s just LOL funny. Judge for yourself:

It’s inevitable: first you take an interest in plants and gardening, eventually you find ceramic dancing pigs amusing.

* * *

I’m planting several Japanese Maple trees in my yard in anticipation of many stacks of delicious Japanese pancakes once they’ve matured.

* * *

When it’s my time to die, I hope that those closest to me realize that I’m only doing it facetiously. Just as I’ve done everything else.

* * *

When labor is cheaper than raw materials, you get the Chartres Cathedral, when labor is more expensive you get the 1977 Chrysler LeBaron.

Quite often, he speaks directly to my sense of humor and word-wonder:

Spent the first part of today searching for the grammatical derivation of Bread’s 1972 hit “Baby I’m a want you.” What is this “I’m a want”?

* * *

If you’re going to criticize my metaphors, be forewarned that the cat is out of the henhouse and cuts both ways!

* * *

I’m not some guy who just goes around correcting people’s grammar. I only correct the bad grammar.

There’s an everyman’s quality about these missives, too — or, at least, they reveal things that everyman has thought but would not necessarily admit:

My waffle-eyes are always bigger than my waffle-stomach, which is odd considering how closely my chicken-fried-steak eyes and stomach match.

What’s so rewarding to me is that Roderick figured out how to comment on the inanity of the technology while at the same time providing very insightful but totally useless comments about its users (and the rest of us, too). It’s the ultimate Scribbleskiff primer. Moreover, reading Roderick’s little brick of a book, which collects 365 of his messages, one per page, makes me wish I (and everyone else) could tweet in such a concise and cheeky manner.

Go buy Electric Aphorisms (you can get it here). It’s a great deal: for $15 you get the book and a “free” CD of musical “treats” from bands on the Barsuk Records label, many of which are on the favorites list at Scribbleskiff, like Say Hi, Ra Ra Riot, Mates of State, and more. And maybe it will inspire you to discover the “wit” in your Twitter feed.

As always, tell us what you think. Are you a fan of The Long Winters? Have you read any of John Roderick’s “aphorisms” on Twitter? What do you think about social networking in general? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

And be sure to visit (and join) the Scribbleskiff page on Facebook (find it here), where you can partake in wall-to-wall conversations, find additional information and suggestions from readers, and more.

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January 15, 2010

Like IPAs? Then Turn to the Dark Side

How do you like your India Pale Ales, or IPAs? “Hoppy”? Yes. “Brisk and bitter”? You bet. “Strong”? Me, too! “Dark”? Whoa — I dunno. That sounds kinda weird, and scary.

A little "dark" humor from Stone.

Well, that’s what I thought, until I met “Sublimely Self-Righteous,” the newest member of Stone Brewing’s “Year ‘Round Limited Releases.” This new-to-me brew may also be the harbinger of a new beer style, the enigmatically termed dark, or black, IPA.

Technically, this beer ranks as an “American strong ale,” which is really just a catch-all term for — you guessed it — any kind of strong ale (7% alcohol and up) made in the USA. Plenty of other beers fall into this class, including Stone’s very own “Arrogant Bastard Ale” and “Double Bastard Ale,” as well as “Immort Ale” from Dogfish Head and “Eye of the Hawk” from Mendocino Brewing, to name a few. All of these are very hoppy, flavorful, and quite bold — some classmates, such as the Cuvee Series Two from Southern Tier Brewing, clock in at upwards of 10% alcohol or more.

But it’s the “dark” element that makes this relative newcomer so appealing. In addition to the bracing, hops-infused fruity aromas and tangy, resiny bitterness that you would expect from a typically strong India Pale, each mouthful of “Self-Righteous” provides unexpected waves of dark-roasted malt flavors, like caramel and chocolate. And these are bitter- not candy-sweet flavors, dry and earthy, that resemble something like an extremely hoppy porter.

All in all, it’s a super winter sipper, to enjoy before or after supper. I thought it tasted sublime with a slice of a hard Vintage Irish Cheddar, drawing out both the saltiness and creaminess locked in the cheese. It also blended well with homemade chocolate cake topped with Cool Whip (because, why not?), though I suspect it would be great with a grilled steak, too.

Since my encounter with the “Self-Righteous,” I’ve begun to notice other beers, either on the shelf or on the Web, that are similar in nature (and that I want to try), including:

  • “Black Perle,” RJ Rockers Brewing Company. The folks at Beeradvocate.com label this an “American Double/Imperial IPA.” Double the pleasure, double the fun, right?
  • “Yakima Twilight,” Victory Brewing Company. The brewery uses words like “harmonious,” “bright,” and “warm” to describe its dark IPA entrant. Ahhh.
  • “DogZilla Black IPA,” Laughing Dog Brewing. This Northern Idaho-based brewery says its mutt is “a big, bold, hoppy, IPA that finishes with a dark twist.” That should get the tails wagging, for sure!

As always, tell us what you think. Have you tried any of these beers yet, or others like them? What do you think about this newly emerging beer style? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

And be sure to visit (and join) the Scribbleskiff page on Facebook (find it here), where you can partake in wall-to-wall conversations, find additional information and suggestions from readers, and more.

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January 12, 2010

Glancing Backward, Musically Speaking, in Order to Look Ahead

This is the time of year when the supporters of self-help, the boosters of betterment, the promoters of purposefulness, and everyone else who exalts in the ethics of uplift, start hymning the glories of making New Year’s resolutions. Oh, joy.

The general belief is that the start of a new calendar year affords a kind of spiritual and physical tabula rasa, a period of reflection, self-examination, and a chance to wipe the slate clean and start over. Simply create a list of your traits (personality- and otherwise) that are worthy and capable of being changed, and commence creating a better you.

That always sounds appealing, in general. But, specifically, what does it really entail? Not surprising, examples abound on the Web. For instance, some experts suggest a step-by-step method for breaking bad habits (and, presumably, learning new ones). While others believe that merely renaming the problem provides the solution. There are even online tools to help you manage your personal improvement regimen.

Self-reformation is not a new concept, by any stretch. Even the ancient Greek poet Hesiod wrote a book on the subject. Some people, though, seemingly go to great lengths to promote their home-spun remedies.

But don’t worry, dear reader, this is Scribbleskiff and that hog doesn’t wash here. This is a resolution-free zone. We know that no matter what you call them, New Year’s resolutions are made to be broken, and quickly — 20% of the makers abandon their lists by the first week, according to studies. Why bother, then? The only thing worth resolving to do at year’s start, it seems, is to remain firmly irresolute.

(Our patron saint, Issa, has something to say on the matter, of course: “there’s so little / I do it in my head … / New Year’s inventory.”)

No, at Scribbleskiff we prefer to extol the virtues of other, more wasteful pursuits. Navel-gazing, for example;  it’s one of the things we do best. And thinking about how we think about ourselves at this time of year has allowed us to pursue one of our favorite pastimes: loafing and puzzling over and listening to music.

Right now, at a time when we are looking and moving forward, hoping to improve at least our music collections with some soon-to-be-releaseds — the new Vampire Weekend LP (which is streaming in full here), for instance, or the return of Starbucks’ Sweetheart CD compilation (here’s what we thought about last year’s version) — it’s amusing and gratifying to glance backward, to remember some highlights from a year that had many, musically speaking. Here then are some of the top 2009 musical moments at Scribbleskiff.

Be sure to click on the links below to sample the songs (open each as a new tab or window), and then follow the threads to find out where you can download them. Or you can listen to the playlist in its entirety at the Scribbleskiff page on the 8tracks Web site. Just click HERE, open as a new tab or window, and let the music play as you read along. Enjoy!

Best Musical “Adventures”

Some Songs We Played A Lot

Some Songs That Made Us Laugh A Lot

Most Searched Song Title

Most Popular Tags

  • For no obvious reason, the tags, or search engine terms, that attracted the most traffic to this blog in ‘09 were “indie summer songs.” (Go ahead, Google it and see what comes up.)

Most Seasonally Appropriate Record

Songs We Liked But Didn’t Get to Write About

So, there you have it, a few good reasons to believe that (sometimes, at least) looking backward is the best way to prepare for what lies ahead. As always, tell us what you think. Do you have any favorite musical moments from 2009? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

On a slightly different note: In addition to thinking about what we listen to around here, we have been thinking about how we do things here at Scribbleskiff and how we might do them differently. As a result, you may notice some changes in the coming weeks, such as shorter, more frequent postings, or articles on entirely new subjects, or by different writers, etc. Then again, you might not notice anything new at all because we may have decided to do things exactly the way we’ve always done them. Who knows. This is Scribbleskiff, after all, and we resolve to do whatever we want. We hope you like it that way.

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December 30, 2009

Let Others Say It for You, Say It Best

Flummoxed. Faltering. Discombobulated. Inarticulate. Dumbfounded. Dumbstruck. Nonplussed. Tongue-tied. Tight-lipped. Laconic. Hushed. Speechless.

In other words, dear reader, Scribbleskiff is at a loss for words this week. I’ve been so busy again, getting caught up in the rigmarole of regular life, managing (and being managed by) the important things, that I’ve been unable to get carried away by useless things. When that happens, I turn to other people’s words for inspiration and sustenance.

And what’s kept me going recently? A regular dose of “Daily Issa,” for one thing. Here are a few of his recent, ancient, timely bons mots that I’ve thumbtacked to the bulletin-board:

a bird making a nest
a temple being built…
when will they finish?

…

on the ancestors’ altar
without fail
a lucky wind blows

…

in the next life
don’t be a snake!
temple grounds

…

upon writing a note
of apology, ice
in my ink-stone

And here’s a shard of a gem by Olav H. Hauge, a new-to-me Norwegian poet whose collection, The Dream We Carry, was published by my favorite press, Copper Canyon:

There’s so much to think about here in this world,
one life’s not enough.
After work you can roast pork
and read Chinese poetry.

As Hauge once wrote, “A good poem should smell of tea. Or of raw earth and freshly cut wood.” Hauge offers words to live by, and poems you want to live with every day.

I’ve also been nibbling on some local, home-cooked verse by Steve Ward, the quieter half of the Ward Brothers, legendary decoy carvers. Though known in his hometown as “The Bard of Crisfield,” most of Ward’s poems were never published widely or even collected until now, under the cover of Closed for Business, which my dad gave me for Christmas. This finely carved, touching, little epigraph, in fact, was found written on the bottom of a Canvasback decoy:

The Record I Keep

It isn’t so much what my
neighbor may think
Though I value his friendship a lot.
It isn’t some record they’ve
Written in ink
That I want to keep free
From the blot.
It isn’t some tale people whisper
About the way I gather myself.
I want to keep evil and crookedness
Out of the record
I keep for myself.

And, for a little levity, I’ve been nosing through Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School, which I picked up in the gift shop at Independence Hall last month, on a 5th grade field trip with Will. It’s full of funny, often bawdy bits of Franklin’s wit — including satirical essays, phony letters, cartoons, aphorisms, drinking songs, poems, etc. — much of it not worth a “FARThing,” as he stated, during his lifetime, but all of it worth reading and repeating. Like this pungent apothegm from Poor Richard’s Almanack:

He that is conscious of
A Stink in his Breeches,
is jealous of every Wrinkle
in another’s Nose.

I think I’ll let that be the final word, on this the penultimate day of the year. It’s been a gas, for sure. I’m looking forward to seeing your wrinkling noses poking around here in 2010.

As always, tell us what you think. Do you have any words of wisdom for the rest of us? Are there books or authors that inspire you during this hectic time of year? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

And be sure to visit (and join) the Scribbleskiff page on Facebook (find it here), where you can partake in wall-to-wall conversations, find additional information and suggestions from readers, and more.

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December 22, 2009

A Flurry of Seasonal Beers to Warm Up Any Winter Wonderland

Snow.
Snow, what? So,

snow.

Snow. Snow, snow. Snow!

Snowsnowsnowsnowsnowsnowsnowsnowsnowsnowsnowsnowsnowsnow.

Unless you were living under a rock, or hiding under your bed covers, you have probably heard by now that the normally temperate middle Atlantic region got snowballed over the weekend. It snowed so hard and so quickly, in fact, that it felt like we were living in a snow globe for about 48 hours. Snow much snow.

Snow many beers, snow little time.

Such blizzard-like conditions are truly an amazing and mesmerizing sight. The kind of thing that coaxes the kid out of all of us. In fact, all of us at the offices of Scribbleskiff took turns staring out the window to watch the white stuff at play — swirling, drifting, rising and falling, piling up, blanketing everything: sidewalks, shrubbery, sleds, soccer balls left in the yard, etc. Then, all of a sudden, it would slow, thin out, settle down.

Then, just as suddenly, the big hand in the sky would give us a shake, and it would start all over again.

I know a snowstorm of this caliber is no big deal for many people, especially those living in points north of the Mason-Dixon. But it’s a big deal around here, a truly wondrous and rare event, and something we hope for every year and never tire of, not matter how long it lasts (and, alas, it never lasts long).

I recognize that not everything about this whiteness is wonderful. There’s the clean-up, for instance. Although the Inuit reportedly do not have 100’s of words for snow, I can tell you that, after shoveling as much slush as I did in the course of two days, I have accumulated my fair share of words for the stuff, most of which should not be uttered above my steaming breath.

But I really shouldn’t complain — I got to go sledding on my birthday! And besides, all of this snow, dropping down on us like it did this mid-December, got me think of two of my favorite things: a hearty meal and a warming beer.

Not long before the Nor’easter struck, I had begun investigating this year’s “seasonal” arrivals — Christmas ales, traditional “winter warmers,” etc. — to see how they stacked up. Part of that effort involved partaking in a private tasting of some Belgian imports that, like the Blizzard of ‘09, blew me away. Even more revealing, though, was simply strolling the aisles of The Wine Source, my favorite holiday beer hub (despite all the hubbub). I was overwhelmed by the number of winter beers on the shelf — truly more than are dreamt of in your sugar-plummy visions, Horatio. Every brewery, it seems, has something unique to offer. I would wager that you could consume a mix-pack a day for the 25 days of Advent (not that I advise you to do so) and you would still have leftovers.

So, once it appeared that the big storm was a sure thing, we decided to stock up on the necessities — including the fixings for some homemade comfort food, and more than a few bottles of malt-based bubbly — to finish my “research.” Here, then, are the byproducts of my inquiries: a sampling of the 2009 seasonals, organized pretty much in order of encounter. Cheers!

Delirium Noel, Brasserie Huyghe. The most distinguishing feature of this alluring, crimson traditional Belgian strong dark ale is its inherent fruitiness. The complex bready, raisiny, dried-currant aroma is unmistakable from the moment you pop the cork — like a pleasing waft of fresh Christmas stollen (which I consumed by the loaf as a child). There’s plenty of rich malty sweetness, nice spice, and racy carbonation to inspire a little holiday giddiness, too.

Kerstmutske, Brouwerij Slaapmutske. If you like rum, you’ll love this ruddy, creamy, very warming Belgian strong ale (by a boutique brewery whose name means “nightcap”). The base malt is molasses, which imparts a slight, tempering bitterness to the overall sweetness, along with a little burn, reminiscent of the West Indian potable. Luckily, the rich assortment of other malts and aromatic hops, along with the noticeable hints of plum, toffee, and other flavors, combine to create the perfect capper for a wintry night.

Santa’s Private Reserve, Rogue Brewery. Despite its ruddy glow, this red ale is not what I think of when it comes to a Christmas beer, not in the traditional sense. Maybe that’s intentional (though there’s a picture of Santa on the label). Nonetheless, this was a very unreserved, hoppy, resiny ale, like an Imperial IPA, with plenty of body and moderate malty sweetness. It was certainly Scrooge-like in terms of the expected spiciness, though, which should please anyone who doesn’t wish to receive the gift of fragrances that some seasonals bring.

Christmas Ale, Abita Brewing Co. As the final beer brewed each year, the recipe for this annual offering reportedly changes with every incarnation. Another reddish amber ale, its spiciness is present but subdued and, as a result, pairs well with traditional holiday fare, such as gingerbread (cookies or house) or spiced cakes. Try it also with a rich, creamy cheese, such as Camembert, which draws out a sweet, nutty aftertaste.

Snow Cap Ale, Pyramid Brewing Co. Styled after a British winter ale, this full-bodied beer pours out mahogany in color with a rich, malty aroma. Although the initial taste is dry with a slight hops bitterness, the chocolate and caramel flavors peak right away, finishing with a touch of spice. Heavier than a pale ale but not quite a porter, it’s quite jolly with dark chocolate.

Winter Ale, Stoudt’s Brewing Co. Here’s another brewery that changes things up for its annual winter release, and it’s always surprising. In 2008, I popped the top to find a porter. This time around, it’s a red ale (I’m sensing a theme). One thing’s for sure, their beers are consistently good. I enjoyed this smooth, hoppy cracker a lot, mainly because it floats nicely between a super-spicy Christmas and a souped-up malty “warmer.” Can’t wait to be surprised again in 2010.

Doppelbock, Fordham Brewing Co. I had the good fortune to taste this old-school Bavarian seasonal when it was released in early December at The Rams Head in Savage Mill (thanks, Jeani). Very stouty, yet smooth and sweet as it is dark. It’s also quite bold and strong (8.4% alcohol), with a hint of smokiness that’s tamped down by a subtle, syrupy almost-molasses quality. Double up with a slice of German chocolate cake.

Winter Ale, Smuttynose Brewing Co. A perennial favorite, this tasty, toasty, full-bodied amber ale features a Trappist ale yeast, creating a Belgian dubbel-like warmth with pleasing fruity aromas and a caramelesque flavor. It’s dry but plenty sweet, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg spice. There is just enough hops to make it the perfect match to homemade carrot cake.

Winter Warmer, Lancaster Brewing Co. As the name implies, this very dark, very strong (9% alcohol), malty-sweet beer will certainly take the edge off a chilly night. What’s less direct is the complexity of flavor, which after a sip or two reveals chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and even some cherry notes. It’s a great with rich and spicy foods, like the salsa and corn chowder that Amy made on Saturday.

Shiner Holiday Cheer, Spoetzel Brewery. Apparently, it’s not just the stars that shine big and bright in Texas. You could even say the beer glows, at least during the holidays. This new-to-me brew, an old world dunkelweizen (or dark wheat ale), is nutty as a fruitcake — literally. With bright peach and pecan flavors, a yeasty aroma, and crisp taste, it’s a unique, refreshing, and cheerful alternative to the usual Christmas beers.

Yule Tide, Clipper City. Like its Heavy Seas siblings, this Belgian triple ale packs a wallop. At 10% alcohol by volume, it is one of the stormiest seasonals I’ve tried. Yet, above decks, it shows a nice balance between malty rich and lightly sweet. It was so surprisingly drinkable, in fact, I nearly forgot it’s intended as a seasonal sipper — though it made a super supper companion to savory homemade chicken pot pie.

Special Ale, Anchor Brewing Co. Every year since 1975, Anchor has brewed a Christmas ale that is both unique and equally as enjoyable as its flagship Steam Beer — and well worth the wait. It’s the closest thing to the traditional winter warmer I have tasted: dark and treacly, pungent, full of old-world aromas, such as balsam, allspice, ginger and peppercorn. It’s also my favorite.

So, there you have it, 12 reasons why winter really is the most wonderful time of the year. At least for beer-drinkers. After all, St. Nicholas himself is the patron saint of brewers and coopers, among others, and reportedly loved nothing more than a mugful of good beer. It’s no wonder, then, his eyes twinkled and his nose was red as a cherry.

As always, tell us what you think. Have you tasted any of these beers? Or are there other seasonals that you prefer? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

And be sure to visit (and join) the Scribbleskiff page on Facebook (find it here), where you can partake in wall-to-wall conversations, find additional information and suggestions from readers, and more.

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December 15, 2009

A Sackful of Ideas for Last-Minute Gift-Giving the Scribbleskiff Way

Dear Reader:

How are things with you? We here at Scribbleskiff have been very busy lately, preparing for and trying to enjoy the holidays. We’ve been trimming trees, decking halls, lighting lights, as well as reading, listening, sipping, supping, and writing ourselves silly. We ought to change our name to “Scrabbleskiff” it’s been so frenetic around these parts.

As a result, we’re once again running out of runway to be able to bring gifts to all our friends and relatives (and relative friends). The staff at this blog may be many things to many people, but we are not highly organized, thoughtful planners; we amble, we meander, we loaf along (we’re “Scribbleskiff,” damn it). Luckily, we’ve been making a list over the past year, keeping track of things we’ve seen or want to see more of, things we have merely skimmed, briefly heard or, in some cases, just heard about. So at least we know what we want to buy, even if we don’t know when we’ll do the buying.

And, in the spirit of generosity, we thought we’d share our list of ideas with you, fellow procrastinators. With Chanukah half over and only 10 days or so left until Christmas, we thought you might appreciate some gift-giving suggestions to please those last-minute, hard-to-buy-for recipients. Keep in mind the following recommendations are geared toward the person who has everything and needs nothing. (That’s the main reason they’re left until last, right?) Frivolity is the motto here, while “aimless” and “a waste of time” come to mind, as well.

But these notions are not mere triflings: our goal is to point out the novelty to the novitiate, to uncover something unusual, something you may not have known about but is worth having, though not necessarily something for the collector. All of these trinkets are readily available and should not require much effort to obtain. Most important, most of these items are on our wish list, too (hint, hint). Happy shopping!

For the Beer Lover
Not surprising, a number of breweries use this season of celebration as an opportunity to roll out very limited releases. I’m not talking about your typical “winter warmers” or Christmas beers, which are as numerous and varied as fruitcake recipes this time of year. No, I’m thinking of extra-ordinary malt-based beverages that are as unique as they are extravagant. Top of the list has to be Samichlaus Bier, an Austrian dopplebock that’s brewed only once a year (Dec. 6) and aged for 10 months before bottling. As such, it’s one of the rarest beers in the world (at 14% alcohol, it’s one of the strongest, too) and it’s the ideal gift for the adventurous beer drinker on your list. Also, because each vintage is unique and the beer is made to age in the bottle, it’s ideally suited for the collector. Best of all, it’s delicious. Serve with hearty dishes or dessert, especially chocolate.

Another exclusive elixir is Prestige de Nuits, from Brasserie Dubuisson. Aged for six months in Pinot noir barrels, this very complex Belgian pale strong ale is awash in flavors and textures — tart and fruity aromas, yet with a hint of toffee and caramel; a dry and slightly bitter initial taste that mellows sweet and slightly sour; a high alcohol content (12%) that’s kept in check by the yeasty, Champagne-like carbonation; etc. All in all, it’s a beer that’s so pleasing and easy-going you may almost forget such sudsy sophistication comes at a price — $45/750 ml — I said almost. Enjoy it with sweet, complex cheeses, such as Beemster Extra Old.

Glassware is another distinct, often overlooked bestowal for the bibulous on your list. As with wine, a good beer goblet can enhance the enjoyment of its contents. Unfortunately, the typical pint glass used by most bartenders is not well suited for the job. Primarily designed to serve as a tumbler, or top half of a cocktail shaker, this glass is durable and easy to stack but not much good for drinking good beer — its cylindrical shape lets the aromas and fizzy goodness escape. You need a vessel with some shape, like a tulip, that will trap the aromas and guide them to your nose and palate. A wine glass will do in a pinch, but why not furnish the proper beer glasses (not to be confused with “beer goggles”). Sam Adams recently introduced “The Perfect Pint,” a glass specifically designed for beer-drinking (you may read about it here). A set of four retails for $30. I’ve also seen beer glasses that are both functional and elegant for sale at places like Pottery Barn and, locally, Red Tree. Here’s a quick, concise guide to the basics, to help you get started.

Then, once you have your memorable malts properly poured, it’s time to sit down and watch “Beer Wars: Brewed in America,” an eye-opening documentary that offers both an insider’s look at the battle between breweries (both big and little) and a heady examination of the plight of small business in America. Think of it as a pint-sized “Roger and Me.”

For the Music Lover
In retrospect, 2009 could be called the year of the compilation, or at least be notable for marking its comeback. So often, the idea of getting a group of musicians together to celebrate an artist’s life or to provide the soundtrack to a movie sounds charming in theory but often falls flat on vinyl (or polycarbonate). You may get one or two real “hits” while the rest are, well, misses. This year, however, was different. Not only was there a greater-than-usual outfall of such records (as far as I can recall) but also a higher amount of quality issue. And since compilations are essentially mixtapes, offering an admixture of music that’s similar in sound or theme with enough variety to make it interesting, they make uniquely personal presents. Here are this year’s standouts:

  • Dark Was the Night, 4AD, a double-CD benefit collection featuring songs by major and minor indie-rock all-stars, such as Feist, Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie), The Decemberists, Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear, The National, Spoon, and more.
  • War Child — Heroes, War Child, another benefit collection, this time featuring new bands covering songs by their “heroes” — for instance, The Hold Steady rocking up Springsteen’s “Atlantic City” — often with help from the original artists.
  • Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy, Mezzotint, a tribute album created as a fundraiser for Mulcahy (of Miracle Legion), featuring covers by everyone from Thom Yorke, Frank Black, and Vic Chesnutt, to Ben Kweller, Josh Rouse, and Juliana Hatfield.
  • The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack, Chop Shop Records, a veritable who’s who of hip artists — including The Killers, OK Go, Editors, and Lupe Fiasco — all penned new material for this sparkling teen swooner.
  • Live at KEXP Volume Five, KEXP.org, is what the name implies — a compilation of exclusive live tracks, recorded in studios at or affiliated with Seattle’s KEXP (Scribbleskiff’s favorite radio station), by a wide range of musicians, including DeVotchKa, Andrew Bird, MGMT, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Vivian Girls, and more.

As any reader of this blog knows, I have become single-minded, as it were, when it comes to digital music. I don’t pay much heed to full-lengths anymore — not right away, at least. I prefer downloading a song on its own first; then, if I like it, I might go back and buy the rest. Over this past year, I did that at least five times, and I can heartily recommend those decisions to you here, in no particular order (click the links to find out why):

But I still have an affinity for phonographs, as I have mentioned several times in the past. I have a large collection of LP records that I can’t bear to and won’t part with. Why? Music just sounds better played on a record player, and the album side provides the perfect amount of the music for any given mood. The problem with (or inherent beauty of, it could be argued) a turntable is that it must be connected to the stereo console to be of service. In other words, it is an anti-mobile device — until now, that is. I have recently encountered several portable turntables that are not only versatile and affordable but also elegant and nostalgical (like this handsome throwback). Now the audiophile on your list can live in the past, wherever he or she may roam.

What Scribbleskiff musical compendium would be complete (or completely gratuitous) without mention of REM? Although our favorite band did not release any new material this year, they did make two offerings that could serve as bookends to their career thus far. The first, the 25th anniversary Deluxe Edition of Reckoning, came out in June, remastered and including a second CD-ful of songs recorded live during their 1984 tour. Perhaps not their best record, Reckoning was certainly their best-known for years and, looking back a quarter-century later, it’s a clear-eyed indication of their star-making potential. A more recent release, Live at the Olympia (CD and DVD), captures the band’s gutsy five-night “rehearsal,” held live in Dublin in 2007, of new songs written for their most recent LP, the aptly titled Accelerate. (I’m sorry.)

For the Book Lover
Why does the book industry hold competitions? To sell more books, of course. The National Book Award may not be the most popular of all American literary prizes — that superlative belongs to the Pulitzer — but I think it usually points out the best new books. That’s especially true with poetry, and I always try to buy the winning volume each year, even if or especially if I don’t know the author’s work. This year’s winner was Keith Waldrop. Although I have read some of his poems, I’ve never nosed my way through a complete book. So I’m hoping to find a copy of his award-winning Transcendental Studies: A Trilogy under the tree (you can read an excerpt here).

In terms of new poetry books I’ve read, enjoyed, and in some cases written about, I can recommend Endpoint and Other Poems, the final collection of poems published by the late John Updike. Although Updike forged a lucrative career as a novelist, short-story writer, and essayist, it’s his poems that appealed most to me. There are several reasons why I think his matter will matter to you.  I was also dazzled by the bountiful bouquet of new poems that were distributed via e-mail, one day at a time, this past April in honor of National Poetry Month. Check out a sampling (with links) here. You never know, you might find something you like and (like me) want to track down the whole collection.

I also want to mention Poem in Your Pocket: 200 Poems to Read and Carry, a clever belles-lettric device created by the Academy of American Poets. The idea is simple: select a poem you like, tear it from the book, and carry it around with you all day to read alone or share with others. It’s an indispensable literary dispenser, ideal for the poet or poetry lover on your list.

Two other items on my list could serve to satisfy any books-and-music or books-and-beer connoisseur you may know. The first, By the Time We Got to Woodstock: The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Revolution of 1969, written by Bruce Pollock, a self-professed “player in the deviant subculture,” promises to be a rollicking chronicle of one of the most important years in the history of rock music. You may also want to eyeball, though warily (and blearily), Things Drunk People Say, a compendium of humorous, sometimes crass, and embarrassing quotes from a group of New York-based “boozy social butterflies.” Potty talk begets bathroom reading, I suppose. Fortunately, or unfortunately, there’s no index of names — yes, that’s where I turned first, wouldn’t you?

Seasonally speaking, the most interesting book on my coffee table right now is Christmas Miscellany: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Christmas, by Jonathan Green. This little cracker is filled with tons of information, useless or otherwise, about Christianity’s second-biggest day.  Discover everything, from the origins of your cherished traditions — why stockings are hung on Christmas Eve, why we use evergreens as decorations, what a yule log is — to explanations of more arcane items — where myrrh comes from, who the real Santa Claus is, and why reindeer didn’t always pull his sleigh. No one sitting within reach of this book has been able to resist picking it up, and neither should you.

So there you have it, a sackful of Scribbleskiffian gift ideas, suitable for an assortment of holidays. Maybe, if you’re good, and you pick the right prizes for the right people, they’ll all re-gift them right back to you right away.

As always, tell us what you think. Do you have other, unique holiday gift ideas that you’d like to share? Who tops your list of last-minute shop-fors? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

And be sure to visit (and join) the Scribbleskiff page on Facebook (find it here), where you can partake in wall-to-wall conversations, find additional information and suggestions from readers, and more.

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December 9, 2009

Why Doubt Your Senses? A Medley of New Music to Please the Holiday Spirits

A few weeks ago, I used this space to bemoan the fact that quote-unquote holiday music had begun to haunt the halls of my mind like some musical Marley’s ghost. “Bah! Be gone,” I said, “it’s too early.” It wasn’t even Thanksgiving, and yet the strains of carols old and new were already jingling and clinking their tinny notes, bearing down on me like some funereal locomotive, unexpectedly and unwelcome, no doubt triggered by the appearance of some annoying TV advertisement, an undigested bit of cheese, or some suchlike other humbug.

I tried ignoring them at first, hoping they’d eventually settle down and merge with the general murmur that normally fills the chambers between my ears. But I couldn’t, and they didn’t. They grew louder and merrier, in fact, and over the course of the ensuing days began appearing before me in the shapes of beings I dreaded most. I tried getting angry: “Out upon Christmas!” I shouted. “What right have you to be merry? What’s Christmas but a time for paying bills without money, a time for finding yourself a year older and not a hair richer?” Nothing worked. On they came, continuing to vex me, subtly at times — in the quiet of an elevator, for instance — and at other times brazenly, loudly, as if every bell was ringing in my house at once, on its own accord.

So I decided I’d better pay attention to what I was hearing and, believe it or not, these restless specters spoke to me in a way I hadn’t anticipated. “Why do you doubt your senses?” they queried. “There are many things from which you have derived good but by which you have never profited. Blogging, for one thing, and Christmas, too, among the rest.” To which I had no response. I howled, but I knew they were right.

Thus, I soon found myself seeking out Christmas songs and other seasonal music in great haste (see, miracles really do happen). After all, I realized, I will only be able to enjoy — and, let’s be honest, to tolerate — this sudden, joyful melomania for a few short weeks; like eggnog, one can only stomach all that syrupy sweetness for so long.

I also discovered that, when it comes to holiday music, I have fairly wide tolerance. There are a few artists and genres that don’t make me cheerful (for instance, I keep hoping Mannheim Steamroller will run out of hot air), but I like pretty much everything else, from Bing to Brian Setzer, The Muppets to Motown, New Age to Nat King Cole. And, as with other musical adventures I go on, I try to seek out the holiday novelties rather than just settle for the old chestnuts crackling on the Victrola, so to speak.

Following is a playlist of seasonal songs plucked from this year’s furze of new releases. They run the gamut from new compositions to reinterpretations of old standbys. There are appearances by some usual suspects, along with a few surprises and a couple of misfits to please even the stubbornest Scrooge. I am certain some of these songs will become instant classics for you; some may need a little time to simmer, cider-like, for your full enjoyment; and a few you may decide to re-gift right away. And that’s OK — ’tis the season!

Be sure to click on each of the links below to sample the songs (open each as a new tab or window), and then follow the threads to find out where you can download them. Or you can listen to the playlist in its entirety at the Scribbleskiff page on the 8tracks Web site. Just click HERE, open as a new tab or window, and let the music play as you read along. Enjoy!

“The Snow It Melts the Soonest,” Sting, If On a Winter’s Night. Former Police-man Sting lately has transformed himself from pop star to troubadour, rediscovering and revitalizing music from the ancient and not-so-distant past. He has recorded songs penned by an eclectic mix of writers and composers, including William Blake, John Dowland, and Robert Johnson, with a variety of musicians, from hip-hoppers to lutanists. So it’s not surprising his first holiday CD should favor obscure over more obvious compositions (ie, no “Jingle Bells” here). What makes his choices so effective, especially on this spare, wintry Newcastle folksong, is that he has found music that suits his softened, slightly tattered voice (raddled from reaching too many “Roxannas” to the highest?), not the other way round. It’s a haunting, lovely prelude to the season, and I’ll wager a crown you’ll agree.

“Snow Angel,” Tori Amos. Midwinter Graces. I have to admit that Tori Amos recordings can be an acquired taste for me, sometimes requiring a more labored acquisition than others. Mostly she wears her fantastical, Kate Bush-inspired mantle with grace and panache. But some of her more overtly confessional songs can be, well, too distracting. Here, though, she won me over right away. The seasonally themed lyrics are touching and catchy, and the breezy, backing strings lend her characteristically lolling, moody piano playing both a sense of gravitas and uplift that seem appropriate and necessary.

“Christmas Time Is Here,” A Fine Frenzy, Oh, Blue Christmas (EP). Sometimes it takes a reinterpretation to better appreciate something you’ve known a long time (and possibly taken for granted). The most memorable scenes in “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” one of my favorite holiday TV specials, revolve around Vince Guaraldi’s jazzy instrumentals — the dance party (“Linus & Lucy”) being the most popular. And yet I had nearly forgotten how much I liked this song, which mostly serves as background music for a montage of scenes (including the ice-skating party), until I heard this cover by indie darling A Fine Frenzy (aka, Alison Sudol). Not only does her crystalline, sylphish take on it make me want to watch the show again, this new version also might be the Charlie Brownest.

“Candy Cane Christmas,” Darius Rucker, Candy Cane Christmas (Single). Look who’s all grown up. Rucker, the frontman for Hootie & The Blowfish, a college-rock band hugely popular in the mid-1990s (though fairly uninspiring since then), has traded in his tour T-shirts for a button-down and some quality time with the family. And he’s added a string section and a touch of down-home country twang, to boot. What keeps this “sweet,” waltzy original from sliding into schmaltzy, however, is Rucker’s voice: the man can sing. In fact, his smooth, soulful Nat King Cole-like voice should place this tune alongside the best of the Christmas crooners in your collection.

“A Christmas Compromise,” The Bird and The Bee. Safety Harbor Kids Holiday Collection. I know I’m not alone in stating that the best holiday “classics” were created in the mid to late 1960s. I mean, don’t you need a little Rankin/Bass, right this very minute? If so, then listen to “A Christmas Compromise,” by The Bird and The Bee, an indie  band from LA whose infectious melodies have a campy, throwback sound — somewhere between the bossa nova and the B-52’s — that’s perfect for the job. Their new song, found on a compilation CD created to raise money for the Safety Harbor Kids organization, is at once goofy and cool, fun and earnest, and seasonably essential. Just like Frosty himself.

“Cool Yule,” Hot Club of San Francisco, Cool Yule. If you like mistletoe-tapping jazz music with a gypsy swagger, the way Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli used to cut it, then you’ve found your bliss. Originally written by Steve Allen and recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1953, this updated version trades Satchmo’s brassy licks for a guitar- and violin-based rhythm that really swings. So hot it’s cool.

“Must Be Santa,” Bob Dylan, Christmas in the Heart. I first heard this song years ago, on a Raffi Christmas cassette tape that my then-young kids played endlessly in the car stereo. And since that time, I have always (fondly) equated it with the other mild-mannered children’s holiday music: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Up on the House-Top,” etc. Until now, that is. As only he could do, Dylan has created a grown-up’s version by speeding up the tempo, adding several carousing back-up singers, some Tex-Mex spices, and a few surprises (like the inexplicable roll-call of presidents). In other words, it’s a jolly roadhouse romp sure to make any silent night shake, rattle, and roll.

“The Chanukah Song,” Neil Diamond, A Cherry Cherry Christmas. Neil Diamond is perhaps my mom’s favorite musician, and he has always been a guilty pleasure for her dutiful son, too. So it seems fitting to pick something from Diamond’s new Christmas album (which, cobbled together with some songs from his previous releases, is more like a best of). Although I think the title track and “Christmas Dream,” the two new ones, are nice, this kitschy cover of Adam Sandler’s shtick (think “The Dreidel Song” meets “America,” with Guns ‘N’ Roses as back-up band) is too naughty to pass up. Go tell your friend Veronica.

“Father Christmas,” Cary Brothers, Father Christmas (EP). The story goes like this: A department store Santa Claus gets mugged by a group of poor kids who take his money (leaving the toys for the “little rich boys”) and ask for more practical things, like a job for daddy and a machine gun. Just another heartwarming holiday classic, right? Well, yes, in the hands of The Kinks, who could write great songs about anything, including the unlikely likable combination of violent crime, retribution, and redemption. And although this is a fairly o-come-all-ye-faithful cover, Cary Brothers, a folk-rocker from Nashville, takes a looser, laid-back approach that softens the original’s edge while staying on message.

“Winter,” Christmas, Christmas 7″. Although they label themselves “a psych-dance-punk band from Olympia, Washington,” a description that calls to mind an entirely different kind of sugar plum, I couldn’t resist the name of the band or their song. And so what if, after several spins, I’m not entirely sure what this has to do with the incoming holiday or season. There’s enough raw energy, surf influences, reverb-laden guitars, and pounding drums to make anyone feel like riding the crest of Christmas.

“This Christmas,” The Elves of Heaven. This Christmas (Single). At first I thought this song sounded a little like “Christmas Wrapping,” by The Waitresses, though perhaps produced by (the pre-incarcerated) Phil Spector. Now I think it could be some kind of new Band-Aid song (not that there’s anything wrong with that). In either case, don’t wait until next Christmas to grab this free, breezy, retro ’80s-sounding original, which marks the first release by South Street Records, the new label from New York’s South Street Seaport music venue.

“Winterlove,” Parachute, Winterlove EP. Earlier this year, I played the stuffing out of (and consequently scribbled about) this band’s song “Under Control,” from their debut album, which came my way on a recommendation from my 11-year-old nephew. As newcomers, this Charlottesville-based quintet follow a familiar, piano-based power-ballad path cleared by the likes of The Fray and Gavin DeGraw. And though they don’t stray too far off course for their seasonal release, they slow the pace a bit and add some space, creating a sense of comfort and longing that is anything but ho-ho-humdrum.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Colbie Caillat, A Very Special Christmas 7. Fans of singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, like my teenage daughter, call her “Coco” (the title of her debut LP, BTW). And that seems appropriate for someone whose version of this song feels as warming and comfortable as mug of hot chocolate. It’s a fairly standard treatment of an old standard, but Caillat wraps it up with the right touch of coziness, soulful sophistication, and sunny charm to help put your troubles out of sight, for a little while, at least.

“Deck the Halls,” R.E.M., Gift Wrapped: 20 Songs That Keep on Giving! Talk about the passion: I once was a card-carrying member of the R.E.M. fan club, mainly because they sent out holiday gifts — usually a key-chain or pin, along with a “holiday single” on 45 rpm — to all their members. I have several vinyl versions from the late 1980s, but somehow not this one, which is commercially available for the first time on a new CD compilation from Warner Bros. When I downloaded it from iTunes (for $1.29!) recently, I considered it a very belated present to myself.

“Auld Lang Syne,” The Mumlers, Auld Lang Syne (Single). I don’t know how it was for you, but 2009 was certainly a momentous, gut-churning year here at Scribbleskiff. It was Dickensian (“the best of times … the worst of times”) in so many ways. So, then, what better way to bid farewell to something so bittersweet than with a bluesy, rousing, slightly inebriated rendition of the greatest send-off song of all time? Go download this single by a young Tom Waitsian sextet from Silicon Valley, pour yourself a cup o’ kindness, and sing along, for auld lang syne.

So, there you have it, 15 new songs of the season. Whether you enjoy following the antics of Old St. Nick or simply reveling in the quiet sounds of winter, we at Scribbleskiff hope this music will provide you with some new reasons to gather near your faithful friends (like you, dear reader) once more. Happy holidays!

As always, tell us what you think. Is there another new holiday song that you’d like others to know more about? What’s your favorite seasonal classic? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

And be sure to visit (and join) the Scribbleskiff page on Facebook (find it here), where you can partake in wall-to-wall conversations, find additional information and suggestions from readers, and more.

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December 1, 2009

Posting from Port: Taking Some Time for Resting, Readying, and Rereading

Scribbleskiff is staying in port this week. We’re taking a little extra time to rest from the recent business of busyness, making a few needed adjustments after receiving an overload of plenitude (though we’re still not sure if fare was fowl or fowl was fare) and discovering an understockage of clever. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t readying ourselves for the next adventure. For instance, we’re keeping our weather eye trained on a rapidly approaching, unusually large front of seasonally heavy drafts — and we’re fully prepared to manage the deluge. We’re already hearing the alluring calls of holiday sirens adrift on the channel, as well, and we have been receiving reports of new books and sundry items worthy of gifting (and regifting) during the impending period of mirthfulness (click here if you want additional ideas). And much, much more.

So, we’ll be back next week with a fresh supply of aimless writing intended to distract you from your daily routine. Until then, here are a few of the best and most-read articles, in each category, posted over the past year. If you are a faithful reader (don’t worry, we’ve been making a list and we know who you are), then you may enjoy having the chance to riffle through them again. If this is the first time you have read a post at Scribbleskiff, then these will be new to you. Enjoy!

Beery Scribblings
Patriots of the Caribbean: Tasting Rum and Honoring America’s True Spirit
Not Near Enough: In Search of the Elusive, Authentic German Radler
New Adventures in Homebrewing, Or Lessons in How to Waste a Lifetime?

Bookish Babble
Of Poems and Promises, Meatloaf, Memories, and the Pleasures of Failure
What He Writes About When He Writes About Us: Rediscovering Ray Carver
Odysseus and Me: A ‘Bromance’ of Epic Proportions

Musical Musings
A Playlist of Indie Summer Songs to Help You Reach (and Rock) the Beach
Turn On the Web, Tune In to Your Favorite Station, Drop Down Menu
Look What They’ve Done to That Song, Man

So, there you have it, a Scribbleskiff sampler, the trifecta of trivial treats. As always, tell us what you think. Do you have a favorite post from this past year? Or is there something new you want to learn more about — a seasonal craft beer, for instance, a song by an unknown band, or a recently published poetry collection? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

And be sure to visit (and join) the Scribbleskiff page on Facebook (find it here), where you can partake in wall-to-wall conversations, find additional information and suggestions from readers, and more.

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November 24, 2009

Sacre Bleu! The Best French Beers for Thanksgiving May Be Made in America

I’ve said it before (for instance, here) but it bears repeating: Thanksgiving is my favorite American holiday.

I love everything about it, from the mythology to the mashed potatoes; from my family’s adherence to our culinary traditions (like this regional requisite) to the outlandish reinterpretations I’ve encountered elsewhere (like this ghastly gallinacean); from the nearly non-secular nature of the celebration to its unabashed, yet rational, nationalism; from its emphasis on amplitude and generosity to its freedom from mandatory “gifting,” etc.

Your dinner guests will give thanks for receiving these native stand-ins.

In other words, it’s the perfect domestic festival: you stay home from work, cook or contribute dishes of delicious food, celebrate your connectedness with as many of your favorite people as you can stand, watch a parade or two on TV, play some football, say “thank you” more than “please,” and nosh and nip and (when lucky) nap. Rinse and repeat. That’s it, easy as pie — except for all the setting- and cleaning-up, of course. There are endless variations on this theme and very few regulations, and that’s about as American as it gets.

Oddly enough, it’s also one of the exclusively Yankee celebrations that requires the inclusion of French produce — namely wine and beer. As any regular reader of this blog knows (or can guess), we’re not here to discuss the former. In fact, when someone asks me what wine I want to drink with my meal, I say “beer!” Glib and annoying, yes; but no less effective, and no less true on the fourth Thursday of each November. Especially because, in this case, the beer of choice comes from the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France, near Belgium.

Biere de garde, or “beer for keeping,” is a light-bodied, slightly malty, and moderately hopped farmhouse ale (similar to a Belgian ale, such as saison) with a strong herbal component that is, in the words of Garrett Oliver, brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery and author of The Brewmaster’s Table, “brilliant with turkey.” The aromatic quality of biere de garde, which is usually sold in champagne-like bottles, perfectly matches all the various and savory qualities of the Thanksgiving Day meal — from the salty seasonings on the crunchy, browned skin, to the bouquet of veggie flavors in the stuffing and sides, to the rich poultry and game essences in the meat — and it makes everything taste juicy.

Castelain is my favorite biere de garde. It’s like liquid stuffing: slightly sweet, bready, earthy, tangy, and the perfect accompaniment to nearly every ingredient on a plateful of the standard turkey meal — and, I would bet, it pairs well with the components of a non-standard one, too. Unfortunately, as I have come to discover over the past few years, it’s also hard to come by right now. Because biere de garde is typically brewed to be consumed as a summer beer, it’s not readily available the rest of the year. And despite the fact that Belgian-style ales are all the rage among microbrewers — for instance, the number of tripels on the shelf seemingly has trebled in the last six months — scant few Americans are brewing bieres de gardes, based on what I could find in my area, at least. It’s a shame, really, because I think they’re missing the boat (the Mayflower, as it were) when it comes to creating the perfect pour for the premiere American meal.

So, following a failed attempt to locate the proper bottles to serve at my table this year, I decided to turn my deficit into a dare and set out to discover something that is comparable, in terms of flavor and comestible compatibility, easy to obtain, and brewed by our native sons and daughters. Following are the byproducts of this harvesting.

One caveat, however: I have previously (and somewhat unwittingly) reviewed several of the beers that could serve as a stand-in for the Flemish habitue. And although I normally prefer to use this space to talk about novelties (or new-to-me’s, at least), I’m willing to risk repeating myself in order to introduce these quality quaffs to those who either have yet to be served or need a second helping. So, here goes. Enjoy!

Sixteen, Avery Brewing Company. This limited-release saison proved to be a great summer brew and would, I imagine, hold up equally well at turkey time. Created in celebration of the brewery’s 16th anniversary, this Belgian-style ale features just enough unique ingredients, including jasmine, peaches, and honey, to make it a stand-out among its peer beers. Pouring out cloudy-blond, with lots of frothy foam, hoppy floral notes, and a nice balance of fruit and spices, it’s surprisingly less sweet than expected, slightly tart and dry, and assertive enough to pair with a range of flavors.

Le Freak, Green Flash Brewing Company. As the name implies, and as I discovered this summer, this is one unusual farmhouse ale. A cross between an Imperial IPA and a Belgian-style tripel, it appears milky-light-brown, with citrus (grapefruit and orange) aromas and a potent whiff of alcohol. The IPA genes contribute some highly hoppy and dry-sweet flavors, while the tripel lineage confers a mix of herbs and spices and lots of carbonation. In August, it got down with a dinner of baked sweet (turkey) sausages and ears of fresh Silver Queen corn, and would no doubt prove tres chic with sliced turkey breast and sweet corn pudding.

Biere de Mars, Brewery Ommegang. As I predicted I might in my review, I’m definitely going to place this beer front and center on my Turkey Day table. Similar to a biere de garde (and, brewed in Cooperstown, N.Y., the closest thing to an all-American I could find), this more robust amber ale pours out in an orange hue, with lots of spice and citrus notes, and a tart, dry, and, well, funky taste due to a key ingredient: Brettanomyces bruxellensis, or “Brett,” a wild yeast used in secondary fermentation. This late-stage infusion apparently imparts a fruity, peppery, musty bite that, like a dry Chardonnay, will kick-start your tastebuds between forkfuls for an “out of this world” experience.

Saison Athene, Saint Somewhere Brewing Company. It seems fitting that this medium-bodied ale, brewed in Sarasota, Fla., is one of the most citrusy saisons (with pronounced grapefruit highlights) that I’ve ever opened. It’s also one of the sweetest. Both are qualities that I think make it an ideal partner for a meal that includes a variety of lighter-flavored ingredients, such as cranberry sauce (especially if it includes orange peel, the way my grandmother made it), and squash, turnips, and sweet potatoes. It is just dry and sour enough, too, that I’d bet it would do the Schuhplattler with a side of sauerkraut, which is a Maryland must-have.

La Merle, North Coast Brewing Company. Here’s another farmhouse ale that, with its golden complexion, racy carbonation, and earthy, yeasty-biscuity flavors, would serve as a refreshing and versatile table-mate for Tom and all the fixings. Last week I tried it with pork chops baked with apples and acorn squash and discovered that, because the fruity aromas and hops bitterness are less dramatic and more understated here than with other saisons, the spice notes are more noticeable and draw out the sweet and herbal qualities inherent in such a piquant meal. Gobble, gobble!

Coup de Boule, The Brewer’s Art. This is a traditional Belgian dark ale spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron that pours out coppery gold with a lively head of aromatic foam. It’s mildly spicy, with hints of lemon and malty sweetness, and a taste that reminds me of an apple pie. Seems appropriate, doesn’t it? Moreover, because dark ales are considered a good pairing for game-based dishes, I thought this relatively new brew from the Baltimore-based (and Esquire’s favorite) brewpub would be a strong choice for those who favor dark meat and hearty stuffing — like the kind my mom makes, with apples, raisins, and sausage. And, oh yeah, save a little for dessert, too.

Other American-made French-style beers that I’ve read about, figured would be ideal, but couldn’t find on the shelf in time for this posting include Fluxus (Allagash Brewing Company), an ale fermented with sweet potatoes and black pepper — is there a better-sounding second-best beer for the Thanksgiving meal? — Fuego del Otono, or “Autumn Fire” (Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales), an amber ale and one of the few bieres de gardes to be released in the fall, and Garde Dog (Flying Dog Brewing Company), a conventional biere de garde from an unconventional brewery.

I’d also recommend the Pecan Harvest Ale from Abita. Although I’m not a fan of the ubiquitous, often uniformly flavored “autumn ales” that seem to be growing in popularity among brewers, I was intrigued by the possibility of this one, and enjoyed it with a slice of fresh shoofly pie. Mildly flavorful, dry rather than sweet, and slightly nutty, I imagine it’s cracking good paired with its eponymous pastry.

So, there you have it, a selection of six-plus native stand-ins that, though not quite achieving la perfection, nonetheless will squash your desire to serve grape-flavored libations at the dinner table this holiday — and that’s something for which your guests will be thankful. But keep the wine glasses out — you’ll enjoy the beer better if you don’t drink it straight from the bottle.

As always, talk turkey here and tell us what you think. Have you tasted any of these beers? Are there other American-made bieres de gardes, or different beer styles altogether, that you prefer to serve with your Thanksgiving meal? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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