January 6th, 2024 - I Prefer a Little Lipstick and Leather in My Playground

 

Hey there rockers, rollers, and hopheads!  Happy Saturday!  Your drinking buddy the Meista here today rockin' out with juicy Playground Hop Trial Hazy Pale Ale from Chappell Brewing and the upbeat "Lipstick And Leather" by Bennie and the Jets!  Hell yeah!

Album Info:

• Artist: Bennie and the Jets 
• Title: "Lipstick And Leather"
• Recorded: October 1978 at Air Studios USA, November 1979 and July 1980 at Axis Studios, 1980 live at the Alpine Glow Tavern, 1980 live at the Old Waldorf, and March 1981 at Industrial Rehearsal Space
• Release date: November 11th, 2022 (1st and only studio album by Bennie and the Jets)
• Record company: Metallic Blue Records / Rewind Records
• Production: Russell Bond
• Album cover art: Dan Medley (photography) and Tyler Thorsted (album design)
• Personnel: Keith Bellin (bass), Kevin Carlson (guitars), Benjamin LaBarge (bass and vocals), Byron Lange (guitars), Larry Litz (guitars), and Troy Luccetta (drums)
• Musical style: Hard rock, power pop, heavy metal
• Sound: Fist-pumping, upbeat, good-time rock and roll, the sound on "Lipstick And Leather" is indicative of that late '70s early '80s, Southern California hard rock sound.  The guitars are loud, the vocals soar, the rhythms are thunderous, and it's fun as hell to blast!
• Major themes: Rock and roll, partying, sex, desire, love, loss, automobiles, speed, etc. 
• Note: Sadly, Kevin Carlson passed away in 2010 and Benjamin LaBarge passed away in 2020.  The album is dedicated to their memory.
• Tracks: 

1. "Lipstick And Leather"
2. "Say It Again (Tonight)"
3. "New York - L.A."
4. "Do You Know"
5. "Me And My Car"
6. "Boys With Bangs"
7. "Moi Emmoretta"
8. "Midnight Rendezvous"
9. "Baby's On The Run"
10. "Jet Aged Baby"
11. "The Way It Goes" (Demo)
12. "Reveries" (Live)
13. "You're So Easy" (Live)
14. "Give It A Try" (Live)
15. "Let Me Drive" (Live)
16. "Two To Tango" (Live)
17. "Get Up And Dance" (Live)
18. "Goodbye Goodbye" (Live)

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Chappell Brewing (Salt Lake City, Utah)
• Website: https://chappell.beer/
• Brew: Playground Hop Trial Hazy Pale Ale
• Style: Hazy Pale Ale
• Serving: 16 ounce can
• ABV: 5.0%
• Ingredients: Eureka hop oil, HBC586, Lemondrop, and Sultana hops
• Pour: The Playground pours a hazy golden yellow hue with a billowy, eggshell white, 1+ finger head with great retention and lots of sticky, intricate spider web lacing.
• Nose: The nose is citrusy, tropical, and floral.  There are aromas of tangerine, orange juice, mango, guava, wildflowers, cereal grains, and soft caramel.
• Taste: The taste follows the nose with fruity (citrus and tropical), and malty flavors.  There are notes of and a touch of honey.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel of the Playground is very juicy and crisp, yet somewhat creamy with a refreshingly juicy, and dry finish.

Overall pairing: The Chappell Playground Hop Trial Hazy Pale Ale is hoppy, punchy, and very crushable brew... perfect for throwing back whilst rocking the hell out to the fiery tunes of Bennie and the Jets!  Those citrusy and tropical notes go great with the soaring guitars and vocals while the malty backbone goes great with the heavy-duty rhythm section! 

Cheers!!  Rock on!!