September 26th, 2015 - Going KooKoo For A Pilsner

Good afternoon!  Something a little different from my usual pairings today.  The Meista here getting kinda funky, kinda poppy, and kinda dancey with Debbie Harry's "KooKoo" and a Pilsner Urquell!

Album Info:

• Artist: Debbie Harry
• Title: "KooKoo"
• Recorded: Throughout 1981
• Release date: July 27th, 1981 (debut solo album by Debby Harry)
• Record company: Chrysalis
• Production: Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards
• Album cover art: H.R. Giger and Brian Aris
• Personnel: Debbie Harry (lead vocals) with Manuel Badrena (percussion), Vinnie Della Rocca (horns), Spud and Pud Devo aka Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale of Devo (backing vocals), Bernard Edwards (bass guitar), Sammy Figueroa (percussion), Nathaniel S. Hardy, Jr. (keyboards), Raymond Jones (keyboards), Ray Maldonado (horns), Chuck Martin (dog bark), Nile Rodgers (guitar and vocals on "Backfired"), Robert Sabino (keyboards), Roger Squitero (percussion), Chris Stein (guitar), and Tony Thompson (drums)
• Musical style: A fusion of funk, rock, pop, and dance music with more subtle elements of jazz and blues
• Sound: Poppy, funky, and full of pep!  Harry's vocals and the music is similar to later Blondie albums, but with a dancier feel. 
• Major themes: Love, loss, dancing, lust, etc.
• Notes: "KooKoo" was recorded while Debbie Harry and her boyfriend and fellow Blondie band mate Chris Stein were taking a year long break from the band.
• Tracks: 

1. "Jump Jump"
2. "The Jam Was Moving"
3. "Chrome"
4. "Surrender"
5. "Inner City Spillover"
6. "Backfired"
7. "Now I Know You Know"
8. "Under Arrest"
9. "Military Rap"
10. "Oasis"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Plzeňský Prazdroj (Czech Republic)
• Website: http://www.pilsner-urquell.cz/
• Brew: Pilsner Urquell
• Style: Czech Pilsner
• Serving: 12 ounce bottle
• ABV: 4.4%
• Pour: A light golden straw hue with a thin white head that dissipates quickly leaving no lacing.
• Nose: The nose is characterized by malty, fruity, and grainy aromas.  There are notes of Graham crackers, Pilsner malt, honey, floral hops, apple cider, and light spices.
• Taste: Following the nose, the flavor is full of malty, sweet, fruity, and hoppy flavors.  There are notes of Graham cracker, biscuit, pear cider, spicy and floral hops, and white pepper.
• Mouthfeel: Well-carbonated and light bodied, the mouthfeel is crisp and refreshing with a slightly peppery finish.

Overall pairing: That Euro Pilsner flavor seems to just go really well with early '80s pop... as is the case with the Pilsner Urquell and Debbie Harry's debut solo album "KooKoo"!

Cheers!