Saturday, June 8, 2013

June 8th, 2013 - An Ale And An Album For My Pleasure (And Yours)




Hey gang!  The Meista here with another beer and music pairing "for your pleasure!"  Today finds me enjoying the early 1970s glam stylings of Roxy Music and their sophomore album, "For Your Pleasure" and a Sierra Nevada Summerfest Crisp Summer Lager.

The last album to include the synthesizer and sound treatments of mad scientist Brian Eno, "For Your Pleasure" was released in 1973.  Combining elements of jazz, classical, synth-pop, rock, psychedelia, and glam, Roxy Music was always a band of complexity, mystery, and style.  Along with Eno, Roxy Music was made up of chief songwriter, Bryan Ferry on vocals and keyboards, bassist Graham Simpson, Phil Manzanera on guitar, Andy Mackay on saxophone and oboe, and Paul Thompson on drums and percussion.  Insistent rhythms, pronounced phasing treatments, musical depth and precision, lyrical complexity, and even a little twisted humor ("In Every Dream Home A Heartache")... every song on "For Your Pleasure" is a gem, a glam-rocking masterpiece!  "Do The Strand" is fun as hell, "Beauty Queen" is breathtaking, and "Editions Of You" blows me away every time I hear it!  "The Bogus Man" is mysterious and bizarre.  "Grey Lagoons" is classic rock and roll.  And title track "For Your Pleasure" is a fitting departure for Eno and a hint of the direction he would take as a solo artist and producer.

So... what the hell do you pair with Roxy Music on a hot summers day anyway?  Good question!  With their complex song structure, multi-layered sound, and thoughtful lyrics, a bigger, heavier beer would definitely be apropos, but with their pop sensibility and catchy hooks, this album definitely lend itself well to lighter and crisper flavors.  I opted for something on the more refreshing and crisp side... great for a band that gets you up and moving!  A classic pale ale Pilsner, the Summerfest is brewed with both European and American malts balanced with floral whole-cone hops, which gives it a sharper, spicier bite.  It pours a transparent golden straw hue with a thin, bright head.  Highly carbonated, the body is light and refreshing.    Coming in at 5% ABV, it goes down easy and has a clean finish.  I think it could use a little more flavor, but the Sierra Nevada Summerfest is a great beer for the rock and roll stylings of Roxy Music... especially on a hot day!

Grab a brew and do the Strand!!  Salud!

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