90s One Hit Wonders on AXS

I was watching an old episode of "The Top Ten Revealed" on AXS tv and it was about the One Hit Wonders of the 90's. Here is the list as presented, with my commentary, and the caveat that all music is subjective (no 'right or wrong' answers, merely opinions based on personal taste):

• 10: I Touch Myself - Divinyls - I didn't care for it then, and I don't care for it now. Her pronunciation of the letter 'S' is SO grating, and I prefer my songs to be less overt in their sexuality.
• 9: Breakfast at Tiffany's - Deep Blue Something - I enjoy the chorus and the instrumental parts, but the rest of the song just feels weak.
• 8: Bitch - Meredith Brooks - I enjoy the solo and the chorus, but the rest is dull.
• 7: Jump Around - House of Pain - I still really like the energy and vibe of the song (thanks, Hollywood), but the video just rubs me the wrong way.
• 6: Baby Got Back - Sir Mix a Lot - Every once in awhile this song still hits right. Plus the way it's featured in an episode (S9E7) of "FRIENDS" is hilarious.
• 5: Mambo #5 - Lou Bega - Definitely a product of its time, enjoyable for nostalgia purposes only.
• 4: What is Love - Haddaway - On its own or in the "SNL" skits & movie (Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan), this song still holds up quite well when it turn up at parties.
• 3: Tubthumping - Chumbawumba - In small doses this song still holds up well as a party anthem, especially the chorus.
• 2: No Rain - Blind Melon - I liked it then (until it was overplayed), and I like it now. It feels timeless. However, I've never had any use for the annoying 'Bee Girl'.
• 1: I'm Too Sexy - Right Said Fred - Um, no. I didn't like it then, and I don't much care for it now. Or the video. It's just not my style on any level.

Overall I wasn't a fan of the music that was popular in the 1990's. I didn't care for grunge, and I could take or leave all of the boy bands and solo-girl pop stars. For me the first half of that decade was still all about shoegaze, and the second half was singer/songwriters (Jewel, Tori Amos, Liz Phair, Sheryl Crow, etc...), with dominating threads of R.E.M., The Cranberries, Cocteau Twins, No Doubt and Dave Matthews (plus all of their live shows) weaving their way throughout my particular music tapestry. So it's no wonder that only a few of the ten songs above resonated with me. I'd enjoy songs 7, 4, 3 and 2 if they were slipped into my current rotation, but I wouldn't actively seek them out, nor miss the rest.

Feel free to leave your opinions in the comments section below. I'm definitely interested to hear others' takes on this particular TopTen!

BEER - Atlantic Fog NEPA

Atlantic Fog New England IPA is a great beer from Moon Hill Brewing (part of the Gardner Ale House) in Gardner, MA. I'll paraphrase from my review on Untappd.

The beer has a piney scent and flavor, but it's not super bitter. There is a floral aftertaste which is faint but quite pleasing. And the 6.9% ABV doesn't hit you all at once, nor is there a boozy note to be found. I like it. And since I haven't been to the Ale House since it began making beer to take home, or hung out with Jay in awhile, perhaps it's time to have a few from the tap sometime this year...

BEER - Star Gazer IPA

My first beer of the new year is Star Gazer IPA from Element Brewing Company out of Millers Falls, MA. I had a few of them last night.

Star Gazer a session IPA (4.5%) with a faint floral scent out of the can. It's flavor profile is rather muted, with nothing too outstanding. That being said, it's a pleasant drinking experience. I'd put it on the list of beers I wouldn't necessarily seek out, but that I'd order if it was on tap somewhere, because it won't steal focus from the meal, and would probably pair well with most pub fare.

BEER - Half Light Sunbeam IPA

For my final beer of 2023, I ended on a super high note!

The fantastic Half-Light Sunbeam IPA hails from Brick & Feather Brewery out of Turners Falls, MA.

The beer is light, fresh, citrusy and very hazy. It smells fantastic coming out of the can into the pint glass, there is no boozy scent or flavor, despite the 6.5% ABV. It's surprisingly refreshing. I'd rank it in my Top 10 Beers of the year, and since their In Absentia IPA is also very good (see recent post) I have marked the brewery down for a visit sometime in 2024.

A Niece Night for Davis

Tonight I took my sister's 3 daughters into Davis Square to 'Hang Out with Food', and show them a few of my regular haunts.

After a swift, little-traffic drive down Route 2, we had dinner at The Burren (because who doesn't love Guinness and live music?). Celia and I each had a Burren Burger (the thick cut fries were amazing), and the twins (Helena & Georgia) split a Margarita Flatbread Pizza and a basket of sweet potato fries. Plus beers all around. We hung out there for about 90 minutes and then headed off for my next planned destination.

Sadly, for some reason, Saloon was closed.

So we backtracked a bit and went to The Foundry instead. With its red leather booths beyond the main bar, exotic lighting, and being not very crowded, it was a worthy alternative to Saloon, with a similar drinks menu. The girls were all enamored with the selection and the ambiance, and it was cool to have them see one of the newer hang outs of the Not Lame Minus crew. They each tried something different (for their first round - I was the driver), and I, not being a big spirits drinker, chose a Velvet Crush (rum, spiced pear, lemon, velvet falernum, and amaretto) which was very good, and I'd definitely have again. Another 90 minute hang out there, and then it was a walk back to the Red Line, back in the car, and amazingly, home by ten.

SUCH a fun night, with three of my favorite people! I'm sure we will do something similar sometime soon...