Wachusett Green Monsta IPA

Well, I had a couple of the new Wachusett Green Monsta IPAs down at the lake today, and I have to say I was very disappointed. I am a HUGE fan of India pale ales, and unfortunately this one is just average. It wasn't as hoppy as I expected and I am betting the combination of whatever the "Cascade, Amarillo and Centennial" ingredients are (I've always said I am not an expert, I just know what I like and what I don't like) is responsible.

It's unfortunate, because I am a big fan of my hometown brewery, and I have never had a flavor complaint before. That itself speaks volumes. So I think I will stick with Wachusett's regular IPA (and all of the other fine beers of that type from other microbreweries). However, as I always try to give an unsatisfactory beer a second chance, if I find it on tap somewhere I will definitely give it a another try.

Reload That iPod

I was doing my frequent local music search (and updating our live shows section- see top of page, as always) when I ran across a few musicians worthy of attention. They each have music available on Bandcamp.com (one for free, the others for the pittance of $5), and I decided that I will add them to my iPod in the days to come. Let's do this alphabetically (links to the music located at each band's name):

• Old favorites Dirty Dishes (I saw them live with friends awhile back) have a self-titled 5-song EP available for $5. I would categorize them as 'energetic pop shoegaze' because of their frenetic passion, cheery accessibility, and swirling guitars. Plus, Jenny's voice is hypnotic.
• I came across SARALEE on "Night of The Living Deadhead"'s Facebook page (they do a series of Monday night shows at ZuZu in Cambridge). She is giving away 7 short songs of nostalgic bliss. The music conjures up aural visions of sixties surf music mixed with very early Bangles, and each song is smartly succinct in getting its message across. Liven up that mp3 player with these fantastic free songs, and allow SARALEE to contribute to this year's summer's soundtrack.
  
• Só Solis a sweet blend of American folk and Brazilian (and other world) sounds. The married duo of John Garrett and Jessica DaSilva, plus multi-instrumentalist Nick Heys (mandolin, accordion, cavaquinho, etc...) set the mood with five quiet songs of mystery and exotica. English is mixed with Portuguese to set a unique mood that will transport you away from the mundane and into another place. Get their self-titled EP for just $5.
  

So do yourself a favor and check out these great bands from New England. Upgrade your summer playlist, and at the same time support local music. Plus, tell your friends! And as always, we love the feedback on the musicians we point your way....

Bits of Business

There have been some 'goings on' lately with a couple of our favorite bands:

• Almanac Mountain has a special running for the next few weeks. You can snag the first full-length "So Many Seas" for a mere five dollars now by going here. He will be performing at the 2nd Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest, and if you haven't already picked it up, now is the best time to prepare your mind for the live music awesomeness by grabbing the studio versions. Eleven great songs in an instant digital download, with a physical copy to follow in the mail. You can't lose. And check out his other music while you're there.
  
• The other bit of business: Sadly, 28 Degrees Taurus bids farewell to singer/bassist Karina. They had a fantastic 6-year run, but she wasn't working out anymore. According to the band she will still play with her other projects. Meanwhile, if you play bass, check out the band's site, see if you might be a good fit, and send them a note if you are interested in trying out for a fun band with a great sound. And if you just want to grab some of their music, you can find it all right here. See below for their new demo!

Short Beer Commentary

Let me first say that I am not a beer expert, I just know what I like and what I do not like.

I had a Harpoon Celtic Ale (an Irish red ale) Saturday night, and these are my impressions: it poured nicely into the glass a deep amber color, with very little head; it had a full nose and a nice bite. However, after a few sips I was unimpressed, and even a little annoyed at how unsatisfying it was, and only finished half of the pint. As you can tell from my lack of rambling, it was unremarkable. If I come across it on tap somewhere I will give it another chance (perhaps the bottle was bad), but for now I'll stick to trusty old standby Killian's.

I'll try for more in-depth entries on a reasonably regular basis going forward.

Springtime Sounds

If you have no outdoor barbecue plans, and are looking to be out & about on Saturday (April 30th), why not check out one of two amazing local musicians?

If you enjoy the drive down to Rhode Island, why not check out the full bill at Firehouse No. 13, featuring Abbie Barrett? For ten dollars you get to hear her and another half-dozen quality New England musicians (from across a broad spectrum) all in one place. Located at 41 Central Street in Providence, this venue is going to be abuzz all night, and packed with musical talent.

Or head up to The Press Room in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and check out Almanac Mountain. He will be performing at this Seacoast institution on a split bill with Winterstar for the price of one good pint ($5 at 9 pm), and along with old favorites, you will get to hear some of his new songs for the first time anywhere.

So if you can't wait until July 30th the hear both of these fine folks, hop in your car tomorrow night, and road trip in support of local music at a pair of New England's finest venues. You'll get to hear bands you already love, and with the packed bills, perhaps even discover a few new ones! Either way, you won't regret it.