Vacation

Alas, it is time for a vacation. Pennsylvania, DC, and New York beckon. I will be back shortly. Cheers!

Pour Some Agave on Me Mix: PVT, Young Galaxy, Bandit Teeth, Marnie Stern, Mikrofisch, 38 Souls, Chappo, Arab Strap, Germany Germany, Wale, and more

Back in 1987 Def Leppard rushed to number 2 on the Us Billboard Hot 100 charts with their hit song "Pour Some Sugar on Me." The bands producer, John "Mutt" Lange, was the inspiration behind the song. He thought it up during a coffee break. Word has it that had agave nectar, a commercially produced liquid sweetener from Mexico that I have come to enjoy much more than granulated sugar, been a bigger deal in 1987 history might have been changed forever. Imagine Mutt, pouring agave into his coffee and thinking up that song instead. Classic rock fans might be walking around today singing "Pour Some Agave on Me." This playlist goes out to the imported sweetener that makes me think twice about reaching for the sugar.

Track Listing:

PVT-Window
Young Galaxy-Queen Drum
Curry & Coco-Sex is Fashion
Bandit Teeth-Encouragement
Marnie Stern -For Ash
Mikrofisch-Alien Monsters
Wale-Smoke it
Bottomless Pit-38 Souls
Chappo-Come Home

Arab Strap-Daughters of Darkness
Germany Germany-Home

Download Playlist Here

(Thanks to Pitchfork, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, Absolut Noise,Triple J Unearthed, KEXP blog, Eardrums, Indie Rock Cafe, the Music Alliance Project, and the bands for making this mix possible)

Oatmeal Cream Pies softened by Nenna Yvonne

Little Debbie products have been in existence since 1960 when O.D. McKee decided to package and sell his Oatmeal Cream Pies. Looking for a catchy brand he decided to name his snack cake line after his four year old granddaughter, Debbie. Her parents had no idea until after the first cartons were printed that their daughters name and image were being used.

Little Debbies are nowhere near my favorite shrink wrapped snack brand (that would be Tastykake). But every once in a while I get a hankering for an oatmeal cream pie. That urge hit me the other night at Datz. Usually I ignore the desire, let's face it snack wrapped desserts aren't the healthiest thing in the world. But seeing as Datz version looked bigger and fresher than the Little Debbie version I gave it a whirl. The first bite was fine but as I got closer to the middle I noticed something was amiss. There were cranberries in it. I finished the cream pie but didn't enjoy it as much as I should've. So I set off to make my own. Thanks to the blog Back to the Cutting Board I was able to achieve success. In a strange twist of irony, as I bit into my version I thought 'Hmm...wouldn't raisins go well with this?'

Oatmeal Cream Pies (adapted slightly from Back to the Cutting Board Blog)

(printable version)

For the pies:

-2 sticks of butter

-1/2 cup brown sugar

-1/2 cup sugar

-1 Tbsp molasses

-1 tsp vanilla

-2 eggs

-1 3/4 cups flour

-1/2 tsp salt

-1 tsp baking soda

-1/4 tsp cinnamon

-1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

For the Filling:

-2 tsp very hot water

-1/4 tsp salt

-7 oz jar marshmallow cream

-1/2 cup vegan shortening

-1/3 cup powdered sugar

-1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Combine the flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix well.

2. In a mixer, cream the butter and sugars. One at a time, add the eggs, mixing after each one. Mix in the molasses and vanilla.

3. With the mixer still running, add the flour mixture to the liquid and beat until blended. Add the oats and continue mixing until well combined.

4. Using a tablespoon, drop dough onto baking sheets. Leave plenty of space between as the dough will spread out. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 11 minutes. The cookies will look moist, don't worry about this you just want to make sure the edges are beginning to brown. Remove from the cookie sheet and cool on wire racks. Continue until all the batter has been used (make sure you have an even number to assemble the cream pies).

5. Dissolve the salt in the very hot water. Set aside and allow to cool.

6. Combine remaining icing ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix on high until fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add the salt and water to the mixture and mix well.

7. Assemble the cream pies by putting icing on one cookie and placing another on top.

*This recipe was not super sweet and I liked it that way. The original recipe calls for more sugar and if you like things super sweet you may want to go with that one. Also, as I mentioned, raisins might go well in these.

As I baked up my oatmeal cream pies I moved around the kitchen to the sounds of Nenna Yvonne. Nenna is an unsigned artist hailing from Nigeria who currently resides in New York. She has a very Lady Gaga feel to her stuff (especially Don't Know Me). She has been making headways this year, being one of the finalists for a Myspace record deal in a competition sponsored by Toyota and fender and releasing her first EP, Model Citizen. "Some Girls" and "Don't Know Me" are from that EP. You can buy a special autographed version (only 100 physical copies) from her bandcamp page.

Where we Eat: Datz Delicatessen and Foodie's Market open Mic'd by the Sarcastic Dharma Society

(photo courtesy of Florida Trend)

Datz Delicatessen and Foodie's Market is a place we end up a lot. Our friends love it because they have huge sandwiches slathered with meat and cheese, micro-brewed beers on tap, wonderful looking desserts and it is easy to get to.

As a vegetarian, non-drinker I find Datz to be average. There are some things about the restaurant that I really like and some that I could do without.

Datz has the sweetest, moistest, stickiest monkey bread I've ever eaten (it is only slightly better than yours, Betsy). There is enough bread for four to six people to share and it is relatively inexpensive. The only problem with the bread is that it is served solely during weekend breakfast (which thankfully goes until 3:00 pm). As far as other breakfast fare, the place has nothing spectacular for vegetarians. Even their pancakes and french toast come with a side of bacon or sausage or another type of bacon or another type of sausage. They do have fried potatoes on the side and these are pretty good although fried potatoes are hard to mess up unless you accidentally add meat to someone's order and then insist that you didn't

only to return and say you did and offer a forced apology (hey Daily Eats, what's up, remember us?).

(Datz's Roasty Toasty)

The dinner menu at Datz is where vegetarians can find a few more options to consider. My favorite sandwich is the Roasty Toasty which comes on a batard (which is amazing) and has grilled portobellos, asparagus, red and yellow peppers and provolone cheese. It also has scallion cream cheese but I always order without. The dinner menu also features yummy pretzel bites as an appetizer. The bites are slathered in garlic, sea salt and Parmesan cheese. If you ask for pickles they will bring you a plate full without charge, which is a nice addition for dill lovers.

(Oatmeal Cream Pie, ruined by the cranberries)

So what's wrong with the place? For one, the potato chips. I'm not much of a potato chip fan and I love creativity with my food. But the potato chips that come with the sandwiches at Datz are sweet and drizzled in a blue cheese dressing. I've tried to mask the sweetness with ketchup, salt, removing the drizzle and it doesn't help. Seeing as I rarely eat chips, when I do eat them, I want them to be salty to counteract the taste of my sandwich. I want something like the PommeFrittes at Dunderbaks. When I remove something from my sandwich or salad (the meat or scallion cream cheese) I still pay full price but if I want to add something (grilled onions) I have to pay extra. The desserts in their case look so amazing but always taste so-so at best. Worst of all is the menu that seems to be in constant flux. I like variety and mixing things up but not when they take a brilliant vegetarian appetizer (zucchini sticks) and replace them with something I'm not interested in. Our options are limited as is, don't take it all away.

All in all, Datz is a place for meat eaters and beer drinkers. It is ok once in a while, for a vegetarian, but there are enough other places to eat that I shouldn't wind up there so often. But I do and probably will continue to.

Datz is located at 2616 South MacDill Avenue in Tampa.

The Sarcastic Dharma Society's song "While Sitting by the Window" is the perfect accompaniment for Datz because of its usage of eggs and bacon to paint a picture of window watching. The song comes from the bands 2007 album This is me with a piano and a lot of love. You can download any of The Sarcastic Dharma Society's albums through their myspace page.

The Sarcastic Dharma Society-While Sitting by the Window

Another track by the band: "Before you Know it" Live from the Bear Hug in Portland, Oregon

Movie Food: Dinner for Schmucks Orzo with Greens and Meeting of Important People

I was lucky enough to catch a premiere showing of Dinner For Schmucks last night at Muvico. I had a nice reserved spot thanks to DF and her husband Jay (he is a blind movie critic, check out his site here). The movie wasn't all that spectacular, it made me laugh but it was very cliched and predictable. My favorite scene was the idiot dinner, which in the previews seems like a much bigger part of the movie than what it actually was. Steve Carell's (the office, Little Miss Sunshine) character was a dead rat collector. He gathered their carcasses and turned them into artistic expressions (the best of which was the rendition of "The Last Supper"). In honor of the rats, I concocted a very cheesy orzo and greens recipe.

Orzo with Tomatoes and Spinach
(printable version)

-olive oil
-1 package, orzo
-1 onion
-salt and pepper (to taste)
-1 can of diced tomatoes (28 oz)
-1 cup, white wine
-2 1/2 cups, water
-32 ounces spinach
-2 ounces asiago cheese
-1/3 cup Parmesan

1. Heat olive oil in a large wok or skillet. Finely chop the onion and add it to the oil along with salt and pepper. Cook until onions are translucent.

2. Add the wine, orzo, tomatoes, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquid. (Add more water if necessary, drain if too much).

3. Add the spinach and asiago. Cook, stirring occasionally, for four minutes. Divide the pasta amongst four bowls and top with Parmesan.

The Dinner for Shmucks is a meeting of important people vying for promotion and status in the business world. Another type of Meeting of Important People takes place in Pittsburgh. This meeting includes a new EP, Quit Music, that will be out this week as well as voyages amongst Jesus followers and country wives. Its poppy rock with a voice that actually sings and it is catchy as heaven. You can download the entire EP and it only costs you an email address.

Meeting of Important People-Jesus Song

Food Flavored Song of the Day: Pink Lemonade by Hot Lava

Perhaps you were a Native American drink colored with sumac berries. Or maybe you were discovered by a man who ran away to join the circus and accidentally dropped red cinnamon candies into a lemonade container thus coloring you red. Were you colored by red horse rider tights (not a very palatable explanation if you ask me)? Did someone cut a finger and see the wonders that a few drops of blood can do to normal lemonade?

Perhaps the story of pink lemonade (and how it came to get its color) will never fully be explained. But that won't stop us from enjoying it on a hot summer day or singing of its beauty to a fine looking person. Like Hot Lava does. Below.

Hot Lava-Pink Lemonade(tullycraft cover)

Vegan Crab Cakes with Red Pepper Aioli, Gilbere Forte, Freelance Whales and the Toadies

I didn't sleep or shower the night before my senior class trip to Baltimore, MD. I was too busy clowning around in a life size iguana cage. To try and hide my fatigue and poor hygiene, I wore a sweater and a knit cap. Unfortunately my attire drew the attention of some mall cops in Baltimore and they kicked me out. This was a big deal because it was my only source of entertainment in the tourist trap part of town where we were ordered to remain. To entertain myself for the next six hours I wandered through restaurants, perused menus and ordered water. One thing that kept popping up on each menu, and rightfully so because Baltimore is famous for them, is crab cakes.

I've never eaten a crab cake, well not a real one. Recently I came across a vegan recipe for them on a great blog Weekly Vegan Menu. The blog topped their crab cakes with a Horseradish Tartar sauce which I wasn't interested in. So I decided to top my crab cakes with Vegan Red Pepper Aioli. It was an experience, twelve years in the making.

Vegan Crab Cakes topped with Red Pepper Aioli
(printable version)

-Six Crab Cakes
-1 package of soft tofu
-2 Tbs. Lime Juice
-1 Tbs. cider vinegar
-salt
-1 cup roasted red peppers in a jar.

1. Process the tofu in a food processor until smooth. Add the other ingredients and mix until well blended.

2. Refrigerate for one hour to allow flavors to mesh.

3. Top Crab Cakes with aioli.

One of my favorite songs that day in Baltimore was "Possum Kingdom" by the Toadies (I was spending a lot of time walking around a body of water like the main character in the song). Amazingly enough, as I stood in my kitchen to create the crab cakes, I was again able to listen to music by the Toadies. The band has a new/old album, Feeler coming out. One of the tracks on Feeler is "City of Hate" (posted courtesy of Spin).

The Toadies-City of Hate

Another song reminiscent of both my trip and crab cake cooking is Gilbere Forte's "1st Floor" (which features Freelance Whales). "1st Floor" is equal parts Hip-Hop, chill wave, trance and indie. Not normally a good thing but in this instance, I'm right there with them.

Gilbere Forte (featuring Freelance Whales)-1st Floor

Food Flavored Song of the Day: Dear Spike by the Aquabats

Dear Spike,
I don't know you, personally, but I do know about you. I have heard that you were invented by Gayelord Hauser, a self-help author and nutritionist, to help make food taste good and be healthy at the same time. I also know you contain upwards of 39 different spices, herbs and seasonings and that you contain no MSG. I thought about you today on my 8 mile run, probably because I've been obsessed with condiments recently and you fit into that category. Maybe we will meet someday.

Love,
Tender B.

PS: The Aquabats would be a much more appropriate choice to extol your virtues. They seem like experts.

The Octagon, Kids without Bikes and Shells stuffed with Tofu and Spinach

Shells and I haven't interacted much. While my mom and sister were hunting them on the beach I was jumping hurricane sized waves with my brother. As my uncle and brother fired them at the shooting range I was miles away doing my best Iker Casilla impression. And as my college roommates paired them with Velveeta cheese for dinner, I was too busy mixing corn and baked beans to notice.

In fact, before trying my hand at stuffed shells this week, the only prior experience I had with them was when I went to Puerto Rico and collected some beautiful ones to take back to my mother. Unfortunately the creatures were still inside, something I didn't realize, and when I opened my bag to show them to her it smelled like the Hotel Riviera.

Spinach and Tofu Stuffed Shells
(printable version)

-20 shells (about half of a twelve ounce box)
-12 ounces marinara sauce
-2 cups of baby spinach
-14 ounces soft tofu
-2 tsp. lemon juice
-1/4 tsp. salt
-1/4 cup nutritional flakes
-1 Tbs. basil
-1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
-1 cup Mozzarella
-pepper (to taste)

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Cook the pasta according to directions, drain and run under cold water until cool. Set aside.

3. Drain the tofu. In a large bowl mush the tofu until smooth. Combine the tofu with lemon juice, salt and nutritional flakes and mix with your hands until taking the consistency of ricotta cheese. Add the basil and stir with a spoon. Finally combine the tofu mixture with spinach and Parmesan.

4. Spread the marinara sauce onto the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish that is broiler proof. Spoon the tofu and spinach mixture into the shells and place them in the baking dish. Continue until all of the tofu filling has been used. Sprinkle mozzarella over top the shells and bake for 10-12 minutes.

5. Increase the oven heat to a broil. Broil the shells until the cheese begins to brown (about five minutes in my oven). Serve hot.

*I used so little marinara sauce because I didn't realize I had no more. You could probably double the amount I used and be fine.

People try to inspire and I can't blame them for that. But oftentimes their inspiration comes in the form of canned cliches that sound hollow (like a shell) and rehearsed when stated. This is something the Octagon attack in their new song, "Clew Haywood." They state "today is the first day of the rest of your life, don't give me that nonsense, I don't want to hear it." I'm with them. The Octagon have a new album, Warm Love and Cool Dreams Forever, which you can check out here.

The Octagon-Clew Haywood

Something else I have been enjoying lately is Kids without Bikes from Victoria, Australia. Their song "My Eyes Exploded Thanks to My Friends" is like a drive on a dirt road. It starts out all bouncy and full of potholes but then the speed increases and things get out of control. Here is a live version of the song, below you can download the studio version courtesy of Triple J Unearthed.



Kids without Bikes-My Eyes Exploded Thanks to my Friends

What's Cooking with Terrible Feelings

(picture taken by Hugo Nabo)

Sometimes bands form because of proximity, musical tastes or politics. Other times, like in the case of Terrible Feelings, it is typography and Holy Mountains. Recently I had the chance to catch up with Terrible Feelings and find out what's cooking with them.

Terrible Feelings is an unsigned Swedish band (first mentioned here) that features Manuela's vocals, Andy's drums, Anton's guitar and Willy's bass. Terrible Feeling's myspace page mentions that the band "gestated in the summer of '09 whilst bonding over the common vices of typography, chorus and Sleep's Holy Mountain." I inquired about what this meant in layman's terms:

Andy is the oldest in the band, and he knows every font there is. Anton and Manuela both claim to have a great interest in graphic design and like collecting flyers. Andy used to listen to Sleep 12 years ago, now it's only Anton and Willy who are actually into that kind of stoner-metal. Anton and Manuela used to have a band together, and had been talking to Andy about starting up something new. The three had a drunken chat about getting together for a rehearsal, and then Willy jumped through the room yelling "I wanna play bass! I wanna play bass!", and there it was.

The best chorus song in the world is "Jag är så ensam i natt" by Lädernunnan (later known as The Leather Nun). Another great band that used a lot of chorus is No Hope For The Kids. Chorus is awesome!

I guess Sleep, chorus and typography mildly outline the severe mental damage we all share. We all talk all the time. Seriously, we talk ALL the time. Bla bla bla!

Terrible Feelings recently finished a self-titled demo, which I haven't heard in its entirety yet. If the demo is anything like "Hollow" and "Blank Heads" the listener can be sure it will be guitar driven, distorted and fast-paced but not enough to drown out Manuela's gritty vocals or the group sing-along choruses. You can buy a copy of the demo in Malmo or Rundgang. Those who live elsewhere can email the band (terriblefeelings@gmail.com) or myspace message them and Terrible Feelings will "sort you out." Aside from the demo, what is the band cooking up for us musically?

We're gonna try and define our music and find our style. Now it's like we're so excited about anything (the best part about new bands!) so anything goes. I guess after a while you become self-aware and cynical and bitter and boring.

Most of us play in other bands that take time away from Terrible Feelings, and vacation and work has kept us from doing much so far this summer. But we're gonna play two small festivals in Sweden at the end of July, and then hopefully some more around Scandinavia in August. We're gonna record again in the not too distant future. The last recording was done really fast, like over six hours, so we'll put some more detail into the next stuff. We've got lots of ideas for new songs.

If you are in Stockholm on the 30th of July you can catch Terrible Feelings at the WWDIS Summer Weekend 2010. The next night they will be in Sandviken. To wrap up our brief conversation I asked the band to tell me what they have been cooking in the more literal use of the word. After some confusion, criminal behavior and vegan burger talk it came to light that Willy has been cooking up some roasted vegetables:

I don't think we've ever cooked together. Anton's kitchen is pathetic, it's so small that he avoids cooking in every way. Manuela never cooks, but she likes eating out a lot. It's uncertain whether Willy cooks or not. We have no idea. Andy is a great cook and has a great kitchen. Lately he's been cooking vegan burgers every day. Normally he eats pretty well and cares about nutrition, but now he's really low. The only food related thing about this band that comes to mind is that Willy loves to steal moccachino coffee from some kind of vending machine at Anton's work, where we rehearse.

And here's a recipe from Willy, who apparently does cook (???).

Willy: I can make mean roasted vegetables in the oven. The trick is: the bigger chunks the more authentic rural feeling you get. Chop up some potatoes, carrots, bell peppers and red onions. You really should just split the onions in half because it looks better. Throw in a bunch of garlic, or really whichever vegetable you like. Soak it all in olive oil and salt and thyme (important for the rural feeling) and put into the oven at 175 degrees (celsius, 350 fahrenheit).

You will know it's done when the carrots are easily impaled with a fork or other pointed thing, since they are the last to become soft and nice. Some form of sour cream-based sauce is nice with it, preferably with fresh chives in it. Chives, oh chives.

Here is "Hollow" and "Blank Heads" courtesy of the Swedesplease Blog:
Terrible Feelings-Hollow
Terrible Feelings-Blank Heads

Philly's Phinest: Jalapeno Jack Soft Pretzels Salted with Gaslight Anthem and Steel Train

Bretzelsonndeg, or Pretzel Sunday, is a celebration in Luxembourg that occurs annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Boys give their sweethearts a pretzel (or a cake in the shape of a pretzel). The bigger the pretzel, the more he likes a girl.

When I made pretzels a couple of Sundays ago, I thought long and hard about making J-Fur an oven sized one. In the end I bucked the Bretzelsonndeg trend and went with more, smaller pretzels instead of less, larger ones. I think she got the gist of my intentions. If not, there is always next Lent.

Pepper Jack Soft Pretzels (adapted from Martha Stewart)

(printable version)

-2 cups warm water
-1 Tbsp. sugar
-1 packet active dry yeast
-5 cups all purpose flour (could need closer to six)
-1 Tbsp. salt
-2 tsp. vegetable oil
-2 Tbsp. baking soda
-1 large egg
-2 jalapenos, seeds removed
-2 oz. jack cheese
-cooking spray
-pretzel salt

1. Combine the warm water and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour in the packet of active dry yeast and let sit for ten minutes (the concoction should become foamy).

2. Fit the electric mixer with a dough hook. Add 1 cup of flour to the yeast and mix, on low, until combined. Add salt and 4 cups of flour. Again, mix until combined. Dice the jalapenos (very small dice) and add, along with the jack cheese, to the dough. Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue mixing the dough until it starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl (about two minutes). If dough is sticky, add more flour. Remove the dough from the mixer and knead with your hands for about 3o seconds. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead a few more times until dough is smooth.

3. Pour vegetable oil into a large metal bowl, swirl to coat the sides of the bowl. Put dough in this bowl and roll until all sides have been covered by oil. Cover with a towel, place in warm oven, and allow dough to rise for an hour.

4. Remove the dough from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Lightly spray two baking sheets with cooking spray. Set aside. Punch down dough to remove any bubbles. Knead dough again and divide into sixteen pieces.

6. Roll dough, one piece at a time, into long strands. Shape the dough. To make a pretzel shape: cross one end of the dough over another, twist around the strand two times and bring those twists up to meet the top hoop (that was formed when you crossed the strands over each other).

7. In a large shallow pot bring two inches of water to a boil. Add baking soda and reduce heat to a simmer. Place four pretzels in the water and poach for 1 minute (one side only). Remove pretzels with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet. Continue until all pretzels have been dipped into the water.

8. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg mixture onto the surface of the pretzels. Sprinkle with salt. Bake in the oven until golden, about 12 minutes.

Alright, follow me here. When I think soft pretzels, I think Philadelphia because that is one of the many things they are famous for. When I think Philadelphia, I think New Jersey (it is right across the river). When I think New Jersey, I think of Steel Train and the Gaslight Anthem (and Bruce Springsteen). Therefore soft pretzels...well, you get the point.

Steel Train has a new self-titled album out. "Bullet" is the first track on the album (which you can buy here). The band is currently making their way through selected cities in the southern part of the US before doing some east coast dates.

Harvey's Kitchen: Steel Train, Bullet from Harvey Robinson on Vimeo.

Download the album version of "Bullet"at Speakers in Code.

The Gaslight Anthem is not one of J-Fur's favorite bands. They go slow when she thinks they should go fast. Brian Fallon sings too nice. They sound too much like Bruce Springsteen. What she fails to see is the stories the band tells in their songs, something that is oftentimes missing from today's music. The story told below, "The Queen of Lower Chelsea" comes from American Slang, Gaslight Anthem's new album, which is out now. Buy it here.

Where they eat: Young Adults and InBound Pizza

(photo courtesy of Young Adults Myspace Page)

Picture this: the Young Adults, a loud, aggressive, fuzz-punk band from Allston, Massachusetts, are about to hit the stage at Great Scott (their favorite hometown venue). All of a sudden Demitri (bass and vocals) or Kurt (drums) or Chris (guitar and vocals) realizes they are hungry. Should the band ignore it and play, risking a lackluster performance? Or should they head across the street to InBound Pizza, purchase the Buffalo Chicken topped pie, bask in its "saucy, chicken sprinkled delight" and recharge enough to elbow drop your eardrums? The safe bet is option number two.

The Young Adults have existed as a band for about a year but have garnered attention that would make some veteran groups blush (here and here and here, just to name a few). A lot of this stems from the release of a well received Demo last year (which you can download here) as well as the bands refusal to rest on their laurels. Instead of just accepting the accolades and stagnating, Young Adults are forging ahead with the recording of their debut full-length album working titled Black Hole. The album will be released later this year by Prague-based AMDISCS. After that, who knows? A chance to play shows outside of the Boston area, a European tour, maybe more Buffalo Chicken Pizzas from InBound? Its hard to say right at this moment but things are certainly moving.

Young Adults Upcoming Shows:

Upcoming Shows ( view all )

Jul 10 2010 10:00A Recording w/ Justin Pizzoferrato @ Esthudio Brighton, MA Jul 11 2010 10:00A Recording w/ Justin Pizzoferrato @ Esthudio Brighton, MA Jul 17 2010 9:00P Cover Art Project w/ Jeff Allen MA Jul 24 2010 10:00A Recording w/ Justin Pizzoferrato @ Esthudio Brighton, MA Jul 25 2010 10:00A Recording w/ Justin Pizzoferrato @ Esthudio Brighton, MA Aug 7 2010 3:00P Deep Heaven Now Festival Somerville, MA

Young Adults-Let Us Out
Courtesy of Clicky Clicky Music Blog.

Four for the Fourth featuring Vegetarian Sausage Reubens, Marco Mahler, Living Days, Pierced Arrows and Spawn of Evil

Traditionally the fourth of July means many things for Americans: parades, fireworks, picnics and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Nathan's yearly contest pits many of the worlds top competitive eaters in a gluttonous attempt to devour as many short tubes of beef as they can in ten minutes. The champion earns a monetary award and a mustard yellow belt. For the past three years American Joey Chestnut has won the competition (last year putting down a record 68 hot dogs).

This year I will be joining the competitors in eating short tubes and buns, although mine will be made of seitan. Thanks to Vegan Dad for the sausage recipe.

Vegetarian Sausage Reubens

-Four Sausages (I replaced the pinto beans with kidney and used 1 cup of vital wheat gluten)
-four slices of swiss cheese
-four hot dog buns
-sauerkraut

1. Mix, shape and steam the sausages according to the Vegan Dad recipe.

2. Toast the hot dog buns.

3. Layer sauerkraut across the bottom of the hot dog buns. Place a sausage on top. Cover with swiss cheese. Top with ketchup, mustard or spicy barbecue sauce.

While some people will be enjoying Justin Bieber, B.o.B, Passion Pit, Reba McEntire or the Goo Goo Dolls on the 4th of July, these are the four for the fourth that I will be grilling to.

Marco Mahler-The Trees Have Fallen and the Birds Are Ripe

This Marco Mahler track is like an acoustic pigeon shoot that doesn't need protesting. Thanks to Perfect Porridge for link.

Living Days-Let's Kiss

Hackneyed and Unoriginal? Maybe. But damn fun too.

Pierced Arrows-Let it Rain

Sure they have a newer song (The Doorway), but it isn't nearly as bad (read good) as this one. Like a trainwreck, I can't divert my ears from. Do I hate music? Maybe...

Spawn of Evil-Screamager (Therapy Cover)
J-Fur hates Spawn of Evil. I argue that Screamager shouldn't evoke hate because it is too brilliantly awful.

Enjoy the day.

Condiment Crime Spree Mix: MNDR, Jumpiter, Superguidis, Hoodie Allen, Drivan, SickCity, Bondage Fairies, Blud, Coasting, and more

(for the Pico De Gallo recipe, pictured above, click here)

July used to make me think of condiments for my vegetarian burgers and hot dogs (ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, salsa). Now, thanks to Joy L. Cassidy, July will always make me think of condiments for my library books (read about her condiment crime spree here). Joy L. Cassidy, this playlist is for you!

Track Listing:

MNDR-I Go Away
Jumpiter-Eyes of the Trucks
Bondage Fairies-Zeta Reticuli
Superguidis-Nao Fosse O Bom Humor
Hoodie Allen (featuring Marina & the Diamonds) -On your wall
Blud-Sarah is for Lovers
The Wailing Wall-Bones Become Rainbows
Drivan-Kampa
Coasting-Kids
Aurora and Daisy-Winter Time
SickCity-Julia

Download Playlist Here

(Thanks to Pitchfork, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, Absolut Noise, Triple J Unearthed, KEXP blog, Eardrums, Indie Rock Cafe, the Music Alliance Project, and the bands for making this mix possible)