Bit of a musical departure tonight from what I have been posting... something a little more mellow in approach, but definitely still intense. I am pairing Michael Dean Damron's "Plea From A Ghost" with Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout from Anderson Valley Brewing Company.
I had the great pleasure of seeing Mr. Michael Dean Damron (of I Can Lick Any Son Of A Bitch In The House fame) live last weekend at the Heavy Metal Shop 25th Anniversary Party. His solo album, "Plea From A Ghost" is wonderfully beautiful album in the folk-rock, country-rock, "hillbilly" acoustic (mostly) rock genre... if it must be labelled. All I know is it is goddamned great music!! Damron writes, sings, and plays from the heart. This is honest, heart-felt music for and from the soul - real, deep, American working man's music... something sorely missing from today's music scene. Damron's gravelly and souful voice juxtaposed by his wonderful guitar work brings a beautiful depth to the overall sound and delivery of the album. What I love about the this album is the brutal honesty and openness by which Damron delivers his music. Songs like "Dolls," "Dark," "The Day Brian Piccolo Died," "The Ghost and the Girl," "Clean," and "Lil' Mike" and of course "Broken Bottle" are beautiful compositions dealing with raw emotion, loss, sorrow, and love. He also injects some good, old-fashioned blues in songs like "Devil Meets the Longhaired Weirdo". He finishes the album up with a wonderful cover of Warren Zevon's "Keep Me in Your Heart." I absolutely love this album!
Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout from Anderson Valley Brewing Company is a rich, full-bodied, all-American oatmeal stout. As with any good oatmeal stout, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout is creamy, somewhat sweet, and rich. Anderson Valley Brewing Company uses pale, carmel, and chocolate malted barleys with a blend of oats and blended hops to create this lovely little beer. The Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout pours a very black, chocolaty color with a thin, creamy head. It smells of chocolate, smoked wood, and roasted oats. The flavor, much like "Plea From A Ghost" is rich, complex, and hearty. A good sipping brew, there are notes of chocolate, coffee, and baked bread... and like Damron's music, there is a bittersweet finish.
Do yourself a huge favor and get a copy of "Plea From A Ghost" or any Michael Dean Damron album for that matter. This guy is the real deal! Sit down with a Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout, relax and crank up "Plea From A Ghost"! That my friends is a perfect evening. Hell, here's a thought: pick this album and beer up for your dad this weekend for Father's Day!
Check out Anderson Valley Brewing Company online at http://www.avbc.com/ and check out Michael Dean Damron online at https://www.facebook.com/biscutsandgravy?ref=tn_tnmn.
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