Slow

Things have been a bit lazy around here this month. No special reason other than I think I just needed a break from all the writing for a while. I'm sure anyone that runs their own blog feels this once in a while and I've just been in one of those moods this month. I have however bought some interesting new CDs recently and after a few more solid listens I'll definitely be getting back to the action and doing what i do best (or at least half assed). Might be later this month or it might not be until next month. Who knows, takin' it easy for a while.

Besides that I have been feeling some sort of strange unexplained lethargy, which has naturally cut into my writing habits. On the plus side were experiencing late summer like weather at the moment and I have to say with the sun finally out and shining on me I think my battery is finally getting recharged.

So, reviews soon, be patient, damn it.

But, if you need something to look at then do check out these lads work. They don't fuck around like me.

Asmodian Coven
Horror Movies and Beer!
Kristel Sergo Kontsertfotograafia
The New Wave of Thrash Metal Blog

Pentagram - First Daze Here Too (2006)

'First Daze Here Too' is the second collection of demos and 7" vinyl recordings released by the original Pentagram line-up, which lasted from 1971 to '76. Over those years the band would go into the studio several times, they wrote close to eighty original songs, changed names numerous times, performed live regularly, they had Gene and Paul from KISS watch them rehearse and they even traveled to New York to record a 3-track demo for Columbia Records, but they never quite made it.

Musically the songs within this collection are much more representative of the time period they were wrote, and as such, they have a very strong 70's or classic rock sort of vibe to them and not so much the heavy doom metal sound the band would later adapt years later in the 80's with a completely different line-up. Perhaps what really sets them apart though is just how fluid and energetic the bulk of these songs are and the overall musicianship is way above average. Vincent McAllister is an underrated and unknown guitar God whose riffs and solos are quite simply breathtaking and rock just as hard if not even harder than most other rock n' roll guitarists of the time (or past). Greg Mayne's bass guitar is audible, heavy and has total class, while Geof O'Keefe's drum work is implausibly superb and of course Bobby Liebling's vocals are filled with such passion and drive that its hard to believe anything could stop this gang.

Songs like, 'Smokescreen' or 'Teaser' have a total 70's vibe to them with such dexterity and energy, while the Rolling Stones and Yardbirds cover songs are dead on and tight as hell. 'Much Too Young To Know' is the song that stands out the most for me and goddamn what a song it is. The excitement, groove and drive within this song is... I don't even have a word for it. Rocks, it just freakin' rocks! Wow, is all I can after hearing this song... and those vocals, those fucking vocals! Just incredible, man!

Some of the songs on this compilation also have a strong funk rock sort of vibe to them, 'Yes I Do,' is one such example or the hilarious, 'Man,' which is a total anthem to men and their ladies serving them well. There's also a lot of early versions of songs that would be slightly re-arranged and re-recorded for albums years later. 'Ask No More,' 'Be Forwarned,' 'Show 'em How' and 'Everything's Turning to Night' to name a few, the later of which was just re-recorded on Pentagram's most recent studio album, 'Last Rites.' It's interesting hearing these early versions since in some cases I actually prefer these demos over their studio counterparts, but there's just something different and something special about these songs and this line-up. In some cases the production is very demo-ish, though the instruments and vocals are still fairly well heard, though they don't sound as clean as a proper studio session would make them sound.

The booklet is also quite well done with stories from Geof O'Keefe on the early years of Pentagram as well as the other members of the band plus some old photos, lyrics and notes on each of the songs within this compilation too.

'First Daze Here Too' isn't for everyone, but if you're already a fan of Pentagram or just enjoy that vintage groovy heavy rock sound of the 70's that's full of character and great musicianship then you really can't go wrong with this one. Its a trove waiting for you to discover.

Woodchuck Belgian White

The latest from the Woodchuck Hard Cider guys in Vermont is their own Belgian White styled ale, which is crafted with classic Belgian beer yeast. Apparently an ultra limited private release, the fellas go so far as to state that I'm joining the select few who get to taste the fruits of their labors on the label.

Belgian White pours out a Golden cider color with just the faintest of heads, which disappears almost instantly. The smell is really something special to behold as it carries both the inviting sweet cider smell that Woodchuck is known for, but also a tangy citrus taste that reminds me of warm summer days for some reason. In fact the scent is so strong that its something of an eye opener. The taste follows my nose fairly well too as its basically a mixture of crisp apple cider, citrusy oranges and with a yeasty finish. Unlike most Woodchuck products its not overly sweet either, which is good, and its probably the most beer-ish tasting ale these guys have come up with. Essentially its like 3/4 Blue Moon with just a pinch of classic Woodchuck Amber on the top.

The bottle states that its well paired with sea food or cheese, but the small pictures suggesting this look more like some sort of sea monster and a sponge, but I guess that's just a shrimp and slice of cheese. I've regrettably not got around to trying it with any pointy monsters or sponges just yet. Frankly, it didn't go half bad with the Hungarian sausages I just ate, but that could just be my lack of care for pairing and my sudden desire to get a little buzzed. Curiously the ABV is nowhere to be found on the bottle, but the lack of any buzz forming after two of them would probably suggest that its not any more than 4%-6% total. These babies come as six packs and the $10 price tag wasn't bad at all as this is a fairly original tasting ale to me. Of course, remember its quite limited and will probably be gone in a few months! Weep, weep, weep!