Okay, so against my better judgment, I've got one more for ya tonight! I'm changing gears a bit here... this one is for all you "old-time" hippies out there that still like to fly your freak flags high! I'm pairing a Wasatch 1st Amendment Lager from the Utah Brewers Cooperative (Wasatch Brewery) with "Volunteers" by Jefferson Airplane!
Released in November of 1969, "Volunteers" is the 6th studio album by the San Francisco psychedelic rock band, Jefferson Airplane. Incredibly controversial at the time, "Volunteers" was marked with strong anti-war and somewhat pro-anarchism themes with songs about nature, ecology, free love, civil rights, and community. The original title the band gave the album was "Volunteers of Amerika", but the record company refused to release it until they came up with something less controversial. Revolutionary on multiple levels, the album garnered even more controversy with the use of profanity ("Up against the wall, motherfucker" from the song "We Can Be Together"). Musically, "Volunteers" offers some fantastic playing. The brilliant guitar work of Jorma Kaukonen coupled with Jack Casady's killer bass work is reason alone to purchase this album! Spencer Dryden is an underappreciated drummer/percussionist. His work here is solid and swinging. And of course Grace Slick's vocals, Paul Kantner's vocals/rhythm guitars, and Marty Balin's vocals are simply beautiful, engaging, and genius! Guest musicians include the wonderful talents of Nicky Hopkins on piano, Stephen Stills on Hammond organ, Jerry Garcia on pedal steel guitar, and David Crosby on sailboat! Songs like "We Can Be Together", "Good Shepherd", "Wooden Ships", "Eskimo Blue Day", "A Song For All Seasons", and "Volunteers" are just as relevant today (both in musical approach and in lyrical content) as they were 45 years ago!
Originally marketed as a protest (get the pairing?) beer against the Utah Legislator, Wasatch 1st Amendment Lager is a traditional American Pale Lager. It pours a slightly hazy, straw gold with a thin, white head that leaves trace lacing. The nose is very mellow. There are hints of long grains, biscuit, and corn. Light in body, the mouthfeel is crisp and clean with some good creaminess as well. Like the nose, the flavor is mellow. It is definitely an easy ("very free and easy") going and tasty brew, but lacks strength. Grainy and pale malts, slightly grassy hops, and bready sweetness characterize this easy going ale... great for the late '60s groove of Jefferson Airplane.
Cheers and peace man!
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