September 23rd, 2017 - Power Windows Up

Good afternoon! The Meista here today pairing "Power Windows" by Rush and a Windows Up India Pale Ale from Alpine Beer Company!
 
Album Info:

• Artist: Rush
• Title: "Power Windows"
• Recorded: April to June and August 1985 at The Manor Studio, Oxfordshire, England, Sarm East Studios, Angel Studios and Abbey Road Studios, London, England, and AIR Studios, Montserrat 
• Release date: October 29th, 1985 (11th studio album by Rush)
• Record company: Anthem/Mercury
• Album cover art: Hugh Syme
• Personnel: Geddy Lee (lead vocals, bass guitar, bass pedals, synthesizers ), Alex Lifeson (guitars), and Neil Peart (drums and percussion)
• Musical style: Progressive rock, hard rock, power pop, electronic rock
• Sound: Moving further away from their progressive '70s sound and significantly more synthesizer heavy than previous albums, "Power Windows" is crisp, technical, tight, angular, yet still punchy and rockin'.
• Major themes: The manifestation of power (greed, Cold War military aggression, nationalism, etc.), non-conformism, suburban monotony and mediocrity, criticism of the mainstream music industry, hope, etc.
• Notes: "Power Windows" was the first Rush album to ever be released directly to CD.
• Tracks:   

1. "Big Money"
2. "Grand Designs"
3. "Manhattan Project"
4. "Marathon"
5. "Territories"
6. "Middletown Dreams"
7. "Emotion Detector"
8. "Mystic Rhythms"

    Brew Info:

• Brewery:  Alpine Beer Company (Alpine, California)
• Website: http://alpinebeerco.com/
• Brew: Windows Up India Pale Ale  
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 12 ounce bottle
• ABV: 7.0%
• Ingredients: Citra and Mosaic hops
• Pour: The Windows Up pours a slightly hazy golden yellow with a frothy, bright white, 2-finger head with good sustain and lots of intricate and sticky lacing.
• Nose: The nose is earthy, dank, floral, fruity, and citrusy.  There are aromas of grapefruit rind, peaches, orange peel, mango, pine resin, ganja, wild flowers, green hops, light caramel, and light grains.
• Taste: The taste of the Windows Up follows the nose and is very citrusy, dank, earthy, and floral.  There are notes of pink grapefruit, tangerine, pineapple, pine, and soft caramel.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel is crisp, refreshing, and sharp with a dry and slightly bitter finish. 

Overall pairing: The crisp, complex, and hop-forward, yet very drinkable flavors of Alpine's Windows Up India Pale Ale is perfect for the electrifying melodies, harmonies, and subject matter found on Rush's wonderful "Power Windows" album!

Cheers!!