May 12th, 2017 - Happiness Is The Road Rash IPA

Good evening!  The Meista here tonight pairing Marillion's brilliant double-album "Happiness Is The Road" and a Road Rash IPA from Strap Tank Brewing Company! 

Album Info:

• Artist: Marillion
• Title: "Happiness Is The Road" (Volumes 1 and 2)
• Recorded: 2007 through 2008 at The Racket Club in Buckinghamshire, England
• Release date: October 20th, 2008 (15th studio album from Marillion)
• Record company: EMI
• Production: Michael Hunter and Marillion
• Album cover art:  Antonio Seijas and Carl Glover
• Personnel: Steve Hogarth (lead vocals and keyboards), Mark Kelly (keyboards and backing vocals), Ian Mosley (drums, percussion, and backing vocals), Steve Rothery (guitars and backing vocals), and Pete Trewavas (bass guitar, backing vocals, guitars, and clarinet on "Throw Me Out")
• Additional musicians: S. Audley (Dulcimer), P. Bisset (percussion), S. Claydon (Arco Bass), Emil Hogarth (ultrasound heartbeat on "Dreamy Street"), Jon Hotten (tambourine), Sam Morris (French horn on "Real Tears For Sale"), and Dawn Roberts (finger cymbal on "Essence")
• Musical style: Progressive rock, rock, art rock, with elements of melodic pop, dub, and soul
• Sound: Ethereal, mesmerizing, and somewhat mellow, the sound on "Happiness Is The Road" is complex, honest, and filled with wonderfully warm harmonies and melodies!
• Major themes: A concept album of sorts, themes on "Happiness Is The Road" include travel, new beginnings, freedom, enlightenment, isolation, beauty, etc.
• Tracks:

Volume 1: Essence

1. "Dreamy Street"
2. "This Train Is My Life"
3. "Essence"
4. "Wrapped Up in Time"
5. "Liquidity"
6. "Nothing Fills The Hole"
7. "Woke Up"
8. "Trap The Spark"
9. "A State Of Mind"
10. "Happiness Is the Road"
11. (Blank)
12. "Half-Full Jam" (hidden track)

Volume 2: The Hard Shoulder

1. "Thunder Fly"
2. "The Man From The Planet Marzipan"
3. "Asylum Satellite #1"
4. "Older Than Me"
5. "Throw Me Out"
6. "Half The World"
7. "Whatever Is Wrong With You"
8. "Especially True"
9. "Real Tears For Sale"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Strap Tank Brewing Company (Springville, Utah)
• Website: http://straptankbrewery.com/
• Brew: Road Rash IPA
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 32 ounce crowler
• ABV: 4.0%
• Pour: The Road Rash IPA pours a clear bronze-amber with a big, 2-finger frothy, off-white head with great sustain and lots of sticky and sudsy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is earthy, dank, citrusy, and slightly sweet.  There are aromas of resinous pine, grapefruit peel, tangerine, bitter herbs, and soft caramel.
• Taste: The taste is that of a classic session IPA... lots of juicy citrus notes (grapefruit, tangerine, and orange), hints of tropical fruit (mango and pineapple), black tea, pine, and light caramel/toffee. 
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel is crisp, slightly bitter, and clean with a dry, crisp, and hoppy finish.

Overall pairing: The very drinkable and crisp flavors of Strap Tank's Road Rash IPA is a delicious brew for a laid back Friday evening at home alone with the brilliance of both volumes of Marillion's "Happiness Is The Road"!  'Nuff said!

Cheers!!