life lately man

beer shorts

Cascade Kriek Ale

ABV: 7.2%

Picked up a bottle of the '2012 Project' over the summer. Nice teeth enamel-removing sourness, tart and fresh cherries; though they lean strongly towards tart. Lemons, oak, some vinegar, bready+herbal tones, and a decent dose of funk. Somewhat big-feeling for the style with high carbonation. A good example of an American kriek, though be prepared for an intense sourness stranglehold.

Jack's Abby Pumpkin Crop Lager

ABV: 5.5%

After two seasons of having it around now, this has become one of my must-buy pumpkin beers when autumn hits. Following in the Jack's Abby tradition, it's a lager - which is unique for the style and works well here, adding some bready and grainy tones. The mouthfeel feels a bit on the watery side, but the authentic pumpkin+squash flavors and restrained spices make this a winner for me. The lightness and drinkability is nice too, the low ABV is great. A definite standout in a style that can often be repetitive.

Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout

ABV: 10.2%

Straight-up roasty and boozy imperial stout, no coffee/barrels/whathaveyou needed, great stuff. The scent is a little tame but the taste improves upon it. Big roasted malt/dark chocolate punch, dark fruits, light molasses sweetness, and perhaps some hops burrowing beneath this deep dark malt attack. Coffee ground-esque finish. Thick and viscous mouthfeel with some alcohol heat, which only compliments the boldness rather than detracting from the beer. Especially at the price, this is a nice 4-pack purchase during these cold months - good for cellaring too.

Dieu Du Ciel Route Des Épices

ABV: 5.3%

A rye ale brewed with peppercorns - unabashed peppercorns, that is. It is indeed a spicy sipper, but not quite overbearing. Other than rye, grassy tones, and general herbs/spices, there are also flavors that resemble ones found in a light brown ale such as nutty malts, toasted bread, and caramel. Carbonation is somewhat on the low side. Probably not for those with little spice tolerance, I love pepper and this still made me break a sweat!

The Alchemist Heady Topper

ABV: 8%

Watching this beer go from a sorta-hyped newcomer to a phenomenon has been an interesting experience to say the least. This has been a classic to me since my first visit to the brewpub (R.I.P.) in 2010, and though it's sort of cliche by now - especially coming from a New Englander - this still holds up as what may be my favorite Double IPA. This was definitely one of the first to nail the whole 'potent and balanced citrus/tropical/earthy/danky hops and warm biscuit malt' thing that so many IPAs go for now, and also remains one of the prime examples of this type. Standout characteristics for me: the level of bitterness, the mouthfeel, and the balance of hop and malt (but mostly hop) flavors. I'm also convinced they pioneered the 'hoppy beer in a 16 oz. can' trend, but that may have to be a debate for a later time.

The Skateparks of Chicopee - Part III (River North)

For the third installment, we will take a look at the smallest park of the bunch, and make a return to the good ol' gray plastic ledges and metal ramps ala Sara Jane.

River North Skatepark

Broadway Street

Besides a few ledges on the other side of the pyramid, these first 2 pictures pretty much sum up this park. It is definitely a tight setup but they've at least managed to stick a decent amount of things to skate considering what they had to work with. This also somehow manages to be the most populated out of the five skateparks - as in, there are usually other people here when I go. I mean, usually it's a 5-year old throwing his scooter around while Dad sits on a ramp texting, or a family of six using the bank as a slide, but it's also common to see actual skatepark enthusiasts - even skateboarders! The main attraction I suppose is the pyramid, if for no other reasons, it's smack in the middle and takes up a bulk of the park.

The pyramid itself is metal and about 2' high, with a 4-stair and handrail on one side, and a plastic, usually EXTRA waxy hubba ledge on the opposite side that is about a foot in height. The handrail is shorter than one you'd usually find at a street spot, and also quite small lengthwise too, making it kinda hard to do anything but tap it via grind or slide. Which is a good and bad thing. The box sitting at the top of the stairs is movable, so in this photo we have a cool example of the many different setups possible with it. The box is identical to the ones you'll find at Sara Jane, plastic, waxy, about a foot high. 

Allowing for some sense of "flow" we have these on either side of the pyramid:

Both are metal and about 4' in height. The quarter pipe is nice - smooth, good width, decent transition and coping. Definitely beats out Sara Jane in this category. The bank is good too, just a little on the steep side which is appreciated.

Off to the sides you only have a few ledges and rails, but they are mostly worthwhile at least. You've got 2 waxy, narrow benches that are a little over a foot in height and a ledge that is close to the same in size, but portable:

For rails, the highlight for me is definitely this killer round rail:

Just so simple, ya know? It's like 10" high, and just…a straight-up rail. No crazy curves, loops, slants, spikes, what have you. The other rail gets a little crazy:

Slants in the middle of flat rails - maybe one of the most frightening sights a skatepark can offer. The shorter half is about 10" high, while the taller half is probably around 16" or so.

That about does it for ol' River North I suppose. The setup is kinda 'take it or leave it' and may get old fast, but I usually have a fun time here. Go skate it, before snow crushes all of your hopes and dreams.

Founders Breakfast Stout

The first time I had Founders Breakfast Stout was at Smith's Billiards, Springfield MA, fall 2009. I was at the very beginning of my craft beer intrigue but it had already caught my eye on a few occasions while exploring BeerAdvocate: it was (still is) a top-rated imperial stout, the amusing (iconic) label, the fact that it was called Breakfast Stout. Aside from being excited to try this sought after wonder brew, I also knew it as a somewhat limited seasonal release, so I was also grateful to just have stumbled upon it.

The bartender poured my cousin and I each a sample from the tap. Black and viscous, brown head, we took our sips. "This tastes like espresso!", my cousin proclaimed as I was finishing. I stared into my empty glass for a moment, then off into the distance. "Yes, it does", I responded. "Yes, it does."

The label describes it as a 'double chocolate coffee oatmeal stout' - it is indeed brewed with flaked oats, bitter and sweetened imported chocolates, and of course, Sumatra and Kona coffee. It sounds like a mouthful (literally), but they really do make it all come through wonderfully in the nose and the taste, with coffee getting the slight upper hand over it all. There are touches of molasses and smokiness throughout, along with some grassy hop bitterness. An overall superb balance of long-lingering flavors. The mouthfeel is silky smooth and well-carbonated, showing just a bit of alcohol warmth from its 8.3% ABV. 

From that fateful day on, Founders Breakfast Stout had set a high bar for my first coffee stout. Few of the probably hundred different ones I've tried have lived up to this one, specifically in the areas of balance, pure-fresh-coffee-goodness, consistency and drinkability. Classic fall beer, classic imperial coffee stout, and for some, even a classic breakfast beer.

now songs

Helmet "Bad Mood"

from Strap it On

A misprint that is on many copies of this album (including mine) titles this song as "Bad Moon" which I find pretty funny for some reason. "Bad Mood" is a much more sensical name for a Helmet song I think. This one's a classic and definitely sets itself apart from the rest of the tracks. It's fast, heavy, angry, short and to the point; the relentlessly chugging stop n go riff is instantly memorable. The "solo" is great and ups the energy for the end. I love the almost-mechanical feel to it - just helps imbed the image of these dudes as just a well-oiled alt/metal machine, circa 1990, just grinding away.

Link

Wilco "That's Not the Issue"

from A.M.

I'd say this is a moment during the album that might polarize listeners a bit. Whereas during the first 6 tracks there is a noticeable country influence being softened by polite alternative rock, here they let banjo-strumming madness do most of the talking. Is it safe to assume Conor Oberst was probably listening to this stuff? This to me is the ultimate driving-through-rural-Vermont song.

Link

Alice in Chains "Whale & Wasp"

from Jar of Flies

Awesome instrumental track using just guitars and violin I believe. I love the guitar tone, the 'howl' is especially haunting, just an overall very creepy, sad, epic feel to it. Kinda reminds me of some of those old Black Sabbath instrumentals ("Fluff", "Orchid", "Laguna Sunrise"). Goes great with an autumn hike at sunrise.

Link

Pere Ubu "Dub Housing"

from Dub Housing

Honestly any of the tracks from Dub Housing could be in this spot, each one of them has so much resonance and unique charm. The title track is fittingly excellent though - a simple and goofy hook ("We know-ohh") carries it, typical crazed vocals that sound like they're coming through the wall, sax-gone-haywire, randomly uttered syllables, mystery noises. 1:38-2:42 is a stunning musical break that starts off like an aimless shamble only to stumble upon a twisted culmination.

Link

Kendrick Lamar "Money Trees"

from good kid, m.A.A.d city

From the candidate-for-possible-overnight-sensation repetition of "ya bish" to a spittle-soaked and stressed out Jay Rock verse, an exceptional highlight from an album where you get your choice of them.

Link

resurgence

In the weeks leading up to Halloween this year, it was pretty common to see a classic horror movie playing in the living room. Though my horror obsession mostly lay in my high school years, there will always be a special place in my weathered heart for them. Any chance I get to sit down and watch one of my old favorites - a rare thing nowadays - I still always come away not only entertained as ever, but pleasantly surprised just how much most of them have held up for me. Friends and I went through some great standbys this year (Halloween, Dawn of the Dead, Friday the 13th, The Shining, etc.) but one that really caught me by surprise was Day of the Dead. It had probably been at least 10 years I'd seen it. I'd say it is the most slow-moving of the trilogy, but I love the dark and gritty feel of this one. It is very psychological and claustrophobic, and though the gory scenes are few and far between, when they do arise they deliver nicely. I could see why I might not have enjoyed this as much in high school, perhaps a lack of patience - this is not the wild mall-romp that is Dawn of the Dead. But while it lacks in fun, it does succeed at painting a frightening picture of humanity nearing the end of its rope.

In September 2008 I lived in Worcester, MA temporarily; and a great memory of that era is skateboarding and exploring the city. I spent a good amount of my pre-employment time there doing just that - there is nothing quite like having an unfamiliar and sprawling city at your disposal when you have a skateboard, willpower, and free time. These 2 Nate Keegan parts, which were still somewhat recent at the time, were pretty much my exploratory guides. Both are almost exclusively filmed in Worcester, and while it was awesome to see some familiar spots get slaughtered (Clark University, DCU Center, Vocational High) what was really memorable was hunting down and/or stumbling upon some of those unknown spots. These parts still very much hold up for me especially as my interest in East Coast skating grows and grows. Big trick selection and style for days, skating harsh spots and making it look easy. 3 classic tricks that come to mind:

1. Bs nosegrind at a snowy DCU Center.

2. Downhill line outside the parking garage: switch 180 up the curb, crooked grind tall-as-fuck ledge, ollie street gap.

3. Shoveit nose manual fs big spin out on the long ledge at the DCU Center. First off, no one skates that part, it's long, narrow, has big ol cracks in it, etc. and also, it's just done perfectly.

album shorts

Swell Maps - A Trip to Marineville (1979)

Artsy punk that starts to transform into punky art around track 8, and by track 12 it delves into some sort of other undeclared realm of sound. A post-punk album that collects all that is chaotic, noisy, humorous and dark; where slammed piano keys, popping balloons, blowing bubbles and vacuum cleaners are all welcome.

Earl Sweatshirt - EARL (2010)

If nothing else, this makes me remember high-schoolers CAN matter. Matter of fact, this makes me even MISS high school. It perfectly captures that feeling of weirdo-homemade-Eminem worship, with tons of original character and standout lyrics that are equal parts complex, smart, 'uber-offensive' and memorable. Given their age groups, all that 'uber-offensive' stuff is most likely just natural instinct.

Sunny Day Real Estate - LP2 (1995)

This album has this big, mysterious, whatever/nonchalant thing going for it - the songs, the song titles, the (lack of) album title, the artwork, the liner notes - especially noticeable when compared to their more focused first album, Diary. It works both good and bad - while it may not be the big gamechanger that is their first album, it's obviously not supposed to be - LP2 does a good job showing the band being looser, but not slacking.

Ancient Chinese Secret - Caveat Emptor (1999)

Sounds like the culmination of a woman who, fed up after a long day at a customer service-oriented job, comes home and makes music with a couple powerviolence legends. A little oddball project with innocent/inexperienced female vocalist charm and an instrumental limitation of bass/drums/keyboards, refreshingly unique for the genre. For those who sometimes like their thrash domestic and experimental.

Yes - The Yes Album (1971)

Proudly boasts the essence of the era like a badge of honor, and it certainly adds charm here - the long, proggy songs with multiple sections, out of nowhere transitions, production somewhere between shoddy and trippy - but above all, this is simply a very fun, enjoyable listen.

The Skateparks of Chicopee - Part II (Ray Ash)

For the second installment of this series, we are looking at a skatepark whose design, obstacles, and lack of upkeep is truly dumbfounding and somewhat sad. 

Ray Ash Skatepark

Arcade Street

If you look at the photo above, you will notice there was at least 5 other people in the park when it was taken. This is a true rarity. It is almost always abandoned, for a good reason unfortunately. I will put up with a lot wrong in in a skatepark, but this place is pretty close to being completely worthless, even for me. If this park was literally in my backyard, I might skate it sometimes. But like I said, it's not a total waste - it achieves a unique, top-notch shittiness that most parks couldn't accomplish if they tried. This does give it some appeal in my eyes. Take for instance, this thing - the most wondrous, awe-inspiring obstacle of them all - something I like to call "The Pit".

THE PIT!

Front noseblunt in "the pit".

This extraordinary beast, believe it or not, is probably the most worthwhile thing here. The 'ramps' are about 2' high and pretty much just half-painted concrete jersey barriers. This setup is kind of interesting because you can get creative with it: slide, grind, or ollie into it perhaps? Attempt to skate it like a bowl somehow? Get some speed and launch outta there? Of course there are terrible cracks and random uneven patches of pavement around the whole thing which adds to the sketchiness and challenge. Oh and this one corner. Fun stuff:

Nearby, you have what I assume is supposed to be a spine - really it's just 2 ramps whose backs face each other. They are the same type as the ones found in the pit. There is a little gap in the middle of them that's usually filled with trash. The biggest problem here is the cracks at the bottom of this are especially bad, which makes skating this not a very fun experience. 

Elsewhere we have this…interesting…pyramid-type setup. 

It has 2 very needlessly long concrete banks that lead up to a small platform that's close to 4' in height. The bottom of these banks, of course, are marred with the same cracks as everything else here. My personal suggestion is using these banks maybe as a slanted manual pad on the lower parts, or as a bank-to-bank hip transfer of sorts, as there is a gap between them, which varies in size. It takes a stupid amount of effort, is inconvenient and difficult, etc. but it is a way to make them worthwhile. Otherwise you're headed for this atrocity:

True atrociousness.

                                 











Nothin' like pushing up a big ol' bank only to hit a giant crack right before a 6-stair, ay? You know that kid is stoked on it. At least it doubles as a trash receptacle. I think the last couple stairs are waxed and might grind on a good day. The other bank brings you towards a quarter pipe that is around the same height. 

The transition is pretty mellow and weird-feeling. It looks like someone tried to fix up the bottom of it, but a big crack remains - though it is more tolerable than its brethren. 

The rest of this park is pure, empty space; and even there the pavement is not very smooth, lots of sticks and leaves everywhere, etc. Other than the sketchy/challenging novelty aspect of it all, this park honestly doesn't have much for redeeming qualities. Still - go skate it! Think of it a super-exaggerated East Coast style spot. 

beer shorts

Paulaner Oktoberfest-Marzen

ABV: 5.8%

This is the classic+standard German oktoberfest for me, along with the Ayinger. As soon as the weather showed even the slightest hint at cooling down for the season I ran out and grabbed a 6-pack. The scent is straight up potent toasty lager, the taste is great and quite complex for the style. Lots of flavor including toasted bread, crackers, light floral and herbal hops, and some clove-like spice. Finishes clean and biscuity. The mouthfeel for this beer always feels a bit watery, which is unfortunate, but the flavor makes up for it mostly. Great balance of sweet and toasty. Probably one of my favorite lagers and always a definite purchase for me come the fall.

Sierra Nevada Flipside Red IPA

ABV: 6.2%

A new fall seasonal from Sierra Nevada, I picked up a 6-pack of this soon after the release. A solid dark amber ale that is more balanced than expected, but still packs a nice plethora of hop flavor (pine, floral, earthy, citrus, pineapple). Malts are mostly toasty with some caramel sweetness. The mouthfeel is hefty and smooth with low-end carbonation and mild bitterness. Not super remarkable overall, but certainly a welcome addition to Sierra Nevada's lineup.

La Blaugies/Hill Farmstead La Vermontoise

ABV: 6%

This is a collaboration between La Blaugies of Belgium and Hill Farmstead of Vermont, a saison that intends to combine Belgian and American influence/ingredients I imagine. Great scents of baked bread, farmy yeast, herbal and grassy hops and white grape. The taste is maybe a tad hoppier, but really what we have here is a very traditional, well-made saison with some subtle herbal and citrus hop goodness. Lots of great fresh grain and yeast flavors, cracker-y malts and some earthy farminess to keep things interesting. With all the crazy brett-laden/aged in wine barrel/mega-hopped farmhouse ales coming out nowadays, the straightforwardness of this one is a breath of fresh air, definitely well made.

De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis (Bourbon Barrel-Aged)

ABV: 10%

Many different barrel-aged versions of this imperial stout were released in the past, and most were spirit-specific when labeled (Wild Turkey, Bunnahabhain, etc.) For this one, they decided to confuse everything and simply label it as "bourbon barrel-aged". But who am I to complain when I open a bottle that smells this good? It's slightly boozy and sweet, but quite decadent, with scents of chocolate-covered cherries, caramel, coconut, and bourbon of course. The taste, though very good as well, is a bit of a letdown after the scent. The alcohol and sweetness muddles the beer a bit; bourbon, chocolate and dark fruit still rule overall. Some brown sugar, oak, and char are noticeable as well. The mouthfeel is pretty lowly carbonated, oily and hot with alcohol. No doubt a good beer with nice flavors, but I would've personally preferred a heftier feel and less harshness. It's a sipper, for sure. I have 2 more bottles which I'm planning to age, maybe they will mellow out with some time.

De Struise Pannepot

ABV: 10%

A classic, one of my all-time favorite beers for sure. Huge scent of raisins, leather, chocolate and spice. Taste brings on an abundance of musty dark fruits; raisins, figs and dark cherries especially, along with nice dark malts, chocolate, molasses, and spicy notes. Finishes slightly peppery. The mouthfeel is absolutely velvety smooth with great carbonation. Waaayyyy too drinkable for 10%, I'm not sure what is more impressive, its flavor or ability to hide alcohol content. I've been lucky enough to try this beer a number of times: fresh, aged anywhere from 2 to 6 years, various vintages, etc., and have never been disappointed. This is a treat no matter what stage it's in/vintage it is, but I will say this one really does age spectacularly - don't be afraid to throw a few of these in the cellar!

life lately man