26 years ago today, August 3rd, 1987, I was 15 years of age going on 16 and Def Leppard's "Hysteria" was released! In honor of the 26th birthday of this album, I'm pairing it with a Gordon Biersch SommerBrau Kölsch-Style Beer. This one goes out to my pals over at Two Drunk Ladies! Cheers!!
"Hysteria" is the 4th studio album by Def Leppard and the band's best-selling album to date, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. The album took over three years to record, produce, and release and was plagued by multiple delays, including the car accident where drummer Rick Allen lost his arm. Okay, so I will admit that this album is completely over-produced by ass-hat Mutt Lange... it is fluffy, poppy, and very un-metal, and was what took this band from being a cool, true metal band to becoming pretty-boy MTV darlings. However, I must admit, I love this album! It is fun as hell to listen to... especially with a few SommerBraus in ya! Although somewhat hidden by latest sonic technology effects of the late '80s, the late Steve Clark's guitar work is still wonderfully textured, thoughtfully delivered, and what keeps the "metal" element alive in each track. (Just listen to that tone at the beginning of "Animal" and the solo work of "Love Bites" or the power of "Gods Of War.") There are elements that seem dated by today's standards (Casio-like synth effects), but overall, there is a timelessness to the tracks of "Hysteria." Songs like the title track, "Women," super hit "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Run Riot," and "Love And Affection" have all become part of rock and roll vernacular and recognized by kids to this day. Say what you will of integrity, but that speaks volumes in terms of staying power and good songwriting.
The Gordon Biersch SommerBrau Kölsch-Style is a smooth and refreshing summer ale that goes great with the poppy delivery of "Hysteria." It pours a clean and pale straw gold with a bright white head. The nose is an interesting blend of malty notes and fruit ester... apples and lemon citrus. Light-bodied, the mouthfeel is crisp, clean, and dry... and very drinkable. The flavor is bready (sourdough and wheat), citrusy, and there's a hoppy/piney bite on the tale-end from the German Tettnang hops.
Prost!!
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