June 14th, 2014 - I Am The Village Green Head IPA Preservation Society

Good afternoon!  The Meista here today pairing The Kinks' "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society" and a Green Head IPA from Newburyport Brewing Company out of Newburyport, Massachusetts!

Released on November 22nd, 1968, "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society" is the 6th studio album by English rockers The Kinks (and the last release with the original lineup... Peter Quaife left the band the following year).  A concept album of sorts in thematic terms, the album primarily is an homage to simple country living and focuses on the lamentation of "the passing of old-fashioned English traditions" in light of technological advancement.  Although incredibly influential and recognized as one of the most important rock and roll albums of the 1960s, the album was not commercially successful at the time of its release.  Ray Davies recently referred to it as the "most successful flop of all time".  Regardless of record sales, "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society" highlighted the diverse talents of the band more so than earlier works: Ray Davies (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, accordion, oboe, and flute), Dave Davies (lead guitar, backup vocals, and lead vocals on "Wicked Annabella"), Pete Quaife (bass and backup vocals), and Mick Avory (drums and percussion) along with Nicky Hopkins on keyboards and mellotron and Rasa Davies on backing vocals.  Musically, the band incorporated blues, classical, folk, pop, and rock into richly textured musical tapestry. 

Green Head IPA from Newburyport Brewing Company is a wonderfully drinkable and refreshing American IPA.  It pours a very cloudy, deep copper-amber with a bright, white frothy head.  Brewed in the west coast-style, The Green Head's nose is very hop forward, very citrusy and piney with some nice tropical fruit notes as well.  There are aromas of lemon zest, pink grapefruit rind, mango, and spruce.  Moderately carbonated and medium bodied, the mouthfeel is crisp and dry with a slight oily resin.  The flavor is primarily characterized by big citrus and floral hops notes along with more subtle malty sweetness.  There are notes of juicy pink grapefruit, mango, juniper, cedar, pine, and sweet caramel.  Although the ABV is 7.2%, the Green Head IPA is incredibly refreshing and goes down easy... just like "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society"!

Cheers!!