March 14th, 2018 - Accelerating On My Wheels Of Steel

Hello and happy hump day my friends!  The Meista here with a pairing of a delicious Accelerator IPA from 2 Row Brewing and the classic, kickass "Wheels Of Steel" by the mighty Saxon!

Album Info:

• Artist: Saxon
• Title: "Wheels Of Steel" (2009 Digital Remastered Version)
• Recorded: February 1980 at Ramport Studios in London, England
• Release date: May 5th, 1980 (2nd studio album by Saxon)
• Record company: Carrere Records
• Production: Pete Hinton and Saxon
• Album cover art: ? 
• Personnel: Biff Byford (vocals), Steve Dawson (bass guitar), Pete Gill (drums), Graham Oliver (guitars), and Paul Quinn (guitars)
• Musical style: Heavy metal, hard rock, proto-speed metal
• Sound: Not only an essential Saxon album, but an essential NWOBHM album... actually an essential metal album!  "Wheels Of Steel" is solid heavy-duty rock and roll!  It is dramatic, fiery, fast-paced, rhythmic, and engaging!
• Major themes: Motorcycles, biker culture, speed, power, an emergency landing, fear, aggression, life in the fast lane, etc.
• Tracks:   

1. "Motorcycle Man"
2. "Stand Up And Be Counted"
3. "747 (Strangers In The Night)"
4. "Wheels Of Steel"
5. "Freeway Mad"
6. "See The Light Shining"
7. "Street Fighting Gang"
8. "Suzie Hold On"
9. "Machine Gun"
10. "Suzie Hold On" (1980 Demo)
11. "Wheels Of Steel" (1980 Demo)
12. "Stallions Of The Highway" (Live B-Side)
13. "Motorcycle Man" (Live at Donington 1980)
14. "Freeway Mad" (Live at Donington 1980)
15. "Wheels Of Steel" (Live at Donington 1980)
16. "747 (Strangers In The Night)" (Live at Donington 1980)
17. "Machine Gun" (Live at Donington 1980)

    Brew Info:

• Brewery: 2 Row Brewing (Midvale, Utah)
• Website: http://2rowbrewing.com/
• Brew: Accelerator IPA
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 12 ounce bottle
• ABV: 7.0% 
• Pour: The Accelerator IPA pours a hazy, orange-gold with a 1+ finger, bright white head, frothy and creamy head with good sustain and soapy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is fruity, earthy, hoppy, and sweet.  There are aromas of citrus (orange zest, tangerine, and grapefruit rind), tropical fruit (mango, melon, and pineapple), light pine resin, bready dough, and toffee.
• Taste: The taste of the Accelerator IPA is characterized by lots of citrus and tropical fruit, dank earthiness, bitter herbs, and sweet malt.  There are notes of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit, orange juice and zest, tangerine, melon, mango, light pine, black tea, and soft caramel.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel of the Accelerator is very juicy, crisp, smooth, and slightly punchy with a mildly bitter and dry finish.

Overall pairing: The Accelerator IPA from the fine folks at 2 Row is a bold, attention-demanding brew with lots of great flavors and aromas, and it is wonderfully refreshing... perfect for the metal might and brilliance of Saxon's quintessential "Wheels Of Steel"!  'Nuff said!

Cheers!!  Hails!!