Food Flavored Song of the Day: They Saved George the Third's Brain by Showcase Showdown

"What they don't tell you in Hollywood is that the tea wound up in the harbor."

-Showcase Showdown

Around the turn of the century my music listening habits mainly consisted of punk music. One of my favorite acts at the time (aside from the amazing Dillinger Four) was Boston's Showcase Showdown. Their music had everything I needed, fast sloppy chords, spit-a-second lyrics and a lead singer with a unique (read annoying?) voice. But the main reason I enjoyed them was that their songs dealt with things I cared about (cocaine sniffing fat actors, mean police, taxes, drunk priests, Rupert Murdoch, wasting money in space and roller derby) and had a historical flair to them (the only thing similar I can think of now would be The Monitor by Titus Andronicus' which revolved around the Civil War). So naturally it saddened me when I was at the Warped Tour interviewing Paul Russo (at the time a member of fellow Boston band The Unseen) and I jokingly suggested that next time he "bring along Showcase Showdown" and he replied "I'd love to but they broke up." Never having seen them live is one of the big regrets of my early music life.

Showcase Showdown-They Saved George the Third's Brain

Showcase Showdown had two full length albums: Appetite of the Kings and Permanent Stains (which featured "They Saved George the Third's Brain")

Open Faced "Sausage" Lasagna Piled High with Christien Summers, Arundel and Natalie Walker

Every fighter has their nemesis, the one who forces them to go where no one else can. Hulk Hogan had Andre the Giant, Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier, Oscar De La Hoya had Fernando Vargas. My grandfather, a gurgitator long before the sport was famous, faced off many times against his arch enemy, pasta. Year after year the two would square off at a church spaghetti dinner. School age kids brought out plates that were piled a foot high with spaghetti. A fat kid like myself couldn't even dent that semolina mountain. But my grandfather attacked, like acid rain on limestone monuments, and he finished not just his two plates but the leftovers from everyone else as well. They say the stomach can hold up to 3 liters of food. My grandfather was probably pushing six.

The spaghetti dinners have long since ceased, probably because my grandfather cost them so much money, and worthy opponents have dwindled to where there is only one left. Datz Deli offers a massive open faced lasagna. It is so big they had to create its own special plate. I have witnessed a number of people try to finish the entire dish. From large males to petite females to slumped over rednecks all have tried and none have succeeded. Could this finally be the nemesis my grandfather has never had?

Open Faced Sausage Lasagna (inspired by Datz Deli)

(printable version)

-1 order of vegan sausage

-1 block of tofu, drained and crumbled

-2 tsp. lime juice

-2 garlic cloves, pressed

-2 Tbs. olive oil

-3 Tbs. fresh basil

-1/4 cup nutritional yeast

-salt and pepper

-1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

-2 Tbs. Parmesan, grated

-4 sheets of lasagna noodles

-tomato sauce

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the directions for the vegan sausage. Crumble or slice into little sausage chunks. Place in an oiled frying pan and cook until starting to brown (about three minutes each side).

2. As the sausage cooks, combine the tofu, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, basil, nutritional yeast and salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir. Set aside.

3. In a large pot of bowling water cook the lasagna noodles until they are almost al dente. Place in ice water to stop the cooking. Pat dry with a clean dish towel or paper towels.

4. Line the bottom of an oven safe round baking dish with tomato sauce. Layer on the noodles, sausage and tofu ricotta. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. If so desired, roll the ends of the lasagna noodles up. Bake for 15 minutes (or until cheese is melted and browned). Acid Rain on that pasta parade.

All this carb loading put me in the mood to dance to disco. Not old school songs but some new stuff. Like Christien Summers "Shoot the Breeze" which is the perfect summertime anthem. An EP, Cloud One, is coming this summer. You can also catch her tomorrow in Toronto at The Silver Dollar Room.

Shoot The Breeze by Christien Summers

If disco isn't your genre of preferred dance music try out the buttery electro sounds of Natalie Walker and her vocoder. "Cool Kids" comes from Walker's Spark EP which was released last week. Get it on iTunes.

Cool Kids by NatalieWalkerMusic

Not so danceable (unless you are the fog or the scream that echoes in the cave) is Arundel's remix of "Jungle" by Emma Louise. He slows down and distances the original to make it more ambient and dreamy. The original version (here) is better but the remix is not bad. That's something you don't often hear me say.

Of Surprise Parties, Greek Salads, Smoking Cigarettes and the Hellfish

Surprises don't come easy for my sister-in-law. She purchases a Christmas present and immediately tells what it is. This weekend was different. My brother turned 30 (yesterday) and she decided to have a party for him. For two months she made arrangements, invited friends and gathered supplies without him getting a whiff of it. The ultimate coupe was when she asked me to show up, unannounced and break the surprise. I took a red eye Friday morning, hid away at my parents house for the day and met the two of them at the Walnut Bottom fair. As I approached I saw her smiling and bouncing and thought "Another surprise bites the dust" but my brother was too engrossed in conversation to notice. I tapped him on the shoulder and said "Happy Birthday." His look was priceless. Utter shock.

I sorely lack vegetables when I am in PA so for the party I made it a priority to create something that was chock full of them. I went with the Classic Greek Salad from the April/May edition of Vegetarian Times (recipe is here). I like the combination of salty and sweet provided by the olives and dressing. The only change I made to the Times version is to add a can of quartered artichokes. It was a hit. With the leftovers I made brunch the next morning. A Greek salad sandwich on toast topped with fried eggs from the Whigham homestead. The combination was much tastier than I anticipated.

I walked into a store while I was in PA and was shocked to see that the price of cigarettes has risen to eight dollars a pack. I thought about all the people I know that smoke and wondered how they can continue doing it at this price. Then I thought of the Hellfish. These guys are a pop punk doo wop band from Long Island who formed at the point where lackluster music, expensive cigarette packs, drinking beer and hanging out intersect. The Hellfish create music that is inspired by everything from doo wop to punk to garage rock to classic rock and they play it with a zeal that many bands could only hope to encapsulate. Check out their debut EP Laughing with the Sinners at their bandcamp page. "Tricky Woman" and "Shake Up the Night" are the first two tracks on that EP.

Also on Facebook, Twitter and Reverb Nation

Tortellini and Meatball Soup Rolled with Alouatta and Dads

(picture by J-Fur)

The little guy on the left has some sort of liver ailment which requires medicine each morning. I take one of his pills from the container, push it into a meat pocket and roll it while announcing in a bad Italian accent "Who ordered the meatball? The meatball?" By this point the little beast has rushed over and is bouncing around with his arms waving making it clear who the intended target of the meatball is.

It was during one of these morning interactions that I started thinking about tortellini and meatball soup. I like tortellini. I like vegetarian meatballs. Why not? It took a couple tries but it finally came to be that I was the one ordering the meatball.

Tortellini and Meatball Soup (adapted from Rachel Ray)

(printable version)

For the meatballs:

-1 cup pecans

-25 saltine crackers

-20 basil leaves

-zest of 1 lemon

-2 ounces Parmesan

-1 garlic clove

-2 eggs

-olive oil

For the soup:

-1 onion, diced

-2 cloves of garlic

-1 tsp. red pepper flakes

-1 bay leaf

-2 Tbs. tomato paste

-salt and pepper (to taste)

-2 quarts veggie broth

-18 ounces tortellini

-1/2 cup spinach

1. Mix the pecans, saltines, basil, lemon zest and Parmesan in a food processor. Process until the pecans and crackers have been ground into a powder. Remove from the processor bowl and place in a metal bowl. Add the garlic clove and egg and stir until everything is well mixed.

2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Form the pecan mixture into small balls and place in the skillet. Fry balls, on each side, until browned (about 3-5 minutes). Set aside.

3. Meanwhile, heat onions, garlic, crushed red pepper, bay leaf, tomato paste, salt and pepper in a stock pot. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the veggie broth and bring to a boil. Once stock is boiling, place the tortellini and meatballs in it. Cook until the tortellini is done. With two minutes remaining, add the spinach. Divide the soup into dishes, top with additional pepper flakes and Parmesan. Eat the meatball...soup.

Few band names are as appropriate as Sweden's Alouatta. Evoking ideas of howler monkeys, this punk outfit can whale with the best of them. Their message in "DIY" is one that all aspiring cooks, artists, DJ's, etc. needs to hear. You can do it yourself (and you should, its better that way). Nothing unique here but it feels good just the same.

Alouatta-DIY via Absolut Noise

Dads aka Tom Iansek (half of Australian indie outfit Big Scary) creates layered indie pop music through the use of vocal harmonies and instruments as diverse glockenspiels and mandolins. Sure you'll find your typical bass, guitar and drums but they are arranged in atypical fashion. What comes out of this is music that is full and rich and beautiful to listen to. "Sister" is from Dads debut album Man of Leisure.

Dads-Sister

Where we eat: Tacqueria Monterrey #2 Bussed in by Natural Child and Folkster Supreme

The Taco Bus (here) is a Tampa legend that serves delicious authentic Mexican fare from the side of a bus. It has tons of vegetarian options and is open nearly 24/7 to satisfy cravings at all hours of the day. Recently the owners of the bus have expanded to St. Pete and more traditional restaurants (you know the ones with walls and floors) in Plant City and the University of South Florida area. The restaurants have been dubbed Tacqueria Monterrey #1 and #2.

My first experience with Tacqueria Monterrey #2 (the one by USF) was in December when I headed out for my birthday dinner. Our original destination was Trang Viet but when we arrived we found the doors locked and lights out (they no longer were open on Sundays). We moved a street over to Tacqueria Monterrey #2.

I was immediately impressed by the menu because there were a number of vegetarian options including vegan chorizo burritos (which I ordered). They were not quite as good as the tofu ones at taco bus but they weren't far behind.

A few weeks ago we returned to Tacqueria Monterrey #2 (twice in the span of one weekend) and a lot had changed about the menu. No longer were chorizo burritos available. In fact, their vegetarian fare had been slashed a lot. It took me about ten minutes to find something I could eat. I went with rajas con queso which were roasted poblano peppers with corn kernels, queso fresco and cream. J-Fur chose the potato flautas.

As we waited for our orders we were treated to bottomless baskets of tortilla chips and fresh salsa. Tacqueria Monterrey #2 also features a salsa bar with ten or twelve different salsas that you can choose from. After tasting all these my overarching reaction was why? Why have ten or twelve tasteless salsas. If you aren't going to make them worthwhile, don't make them. The house made salsa that is placed on every table is a hundred times better than anything at the salsa bar.

The House Salsa

It isn't too strongly flavored with cilantro or spiciness which is nice because both J-Fur and I can eat it and enjoy (of course she has to pry it from my hands first). Our friend Hollie ordered a bowl of guacamole which was also very good and further illustrated why the salsa bar does not matter.

The Guacamole

I filled up on chips and salsa (like I normally do) and had only enough room for half of my burrito. On first bite I realized that I had forgotten to ask for the burrito without cream. It isn't that I can't eat cream, I just am not particularly fond of it so I usually go without. When I returned the next day, I ordered the burrito without cream and the waitress gave me a hard time saying 'We can't do it without cream.' Somehow, magically perhaps, the cook figured out how to make the burrito without cream. I wish he hadn't as it was not very good. While I liked the burrito fine enough, I can't completely get behind something that requires me to eat cream in order for it to be good. There is just something wrong with that in my opinion.

Rajas Con Queso (with Cream)

J-Fur's Potato Flautas

J-Fur's Flautas (fried tortillas with potatoes in) were pretty good, though I haven't yet been to a restaurant that can botch them because they are so basic. The flautas were doused in cheese and cream (which she also forgot to remove the first day) and surrounded by lettuce and tomato. They were served with a side of rice and beans.

Tacqueria Monterrey wasn't anything special. When I heard that it was a relative of the Taco Bus, I expected much more than I got. I think I will continue to drive the extra twenty minutes to the original Taco Bus when I get my Mexican craving.

When I get my craving for 70's style singalong rock peppered with roadhouse twang I turn to Natural Child and their single "Yer Birthday." Perfect for a post that begins with a birthday meal.

Natural Child-Yer Birthday via Sound on the Sound

I've had Folkster Supreme's "Young Forever" in my pocket for a while. It just never seemed to fit. Where does one put a dusty phone call interpretation of a Jay-Z song that reminds me of gardening with my grandmother? In a post about a restaurant that is a dusty interpretation of its predecessor? That's why we are here.

Folkster Supreme-Young Forever (Jay-Z Cover)

Food Flavored Song of the Day: Salt in the Wound by Propane Cowboy

I ate dinner with a group of friends a few years back to celebrate a wedding or birthday or something. At this dinner there was a guy and a girl who I had never met. The two weren't dating but it was obvious that the guy wanted to get with her as all night long he was putting on a show. Unfortunately a lot of this performance seemed to involve me. He spoke to me with haughtiness, contradicted things I said and insulted me a number of times. Eventually the two of us had a showdown over table salt. He tossed his over his shoulder while declaring religious purity, I blew mine in his face fairy dust style. He and the girl left moments later.

The interesting part is, once I poured that common table salt into his wounds, the two of us actually became friends. There's a moral in their somewhere.

Perhaps Propane Cowboy can tell us what that moral is. These guys are an indie rock band from Long Island, New York. They remind me a lot of one of my favorite defunct 90's bands Tripping Daisy, though they have a slightly more pop punk feel. "Salt in the Wound" is courtesy of the band's debut LP Terrible Twenty-Twos which you can purchase here or here or here.

Propane Cowboy-Salt in the Wound

Check out Propane Cowboy at: Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Youtube or ReverbNation

The Birth of a Focaccia Slut as Evidenced by StereoHeroes and Battle Ave.

For years I've been visiting blogs, reading their recipes for focaccia, and posting something generic like "looks good, I can't wait to finally make my own." Then I'd go back to my kitchen, get sidetracked on something else, and continue being a homemade focaccia virgin. About a week ago I finally was inspired enough to dive in and make my own. It is all thanks to Mary at One Perfect Bite. Something about her Cheddar Cheese and Olive version said 'come on baby, quit putting it off and do it now.' The final product was a wonderful blend of vegetables, spices and bread that tasted so much better than the store bought versions and had me instantly asking myself 'what took so long to give into those carnal food desires.' The only thing I worry about going forward is that I might start falling victim to this bread's lusting easier and easier. I'm not sure I can handle the whispers that are bound to follow me in the hallways (how does one combat being called a Focaccia slut...)

I followed Mary's recipe exactly.

The StereoHeroes describe themselves in four words: French dancefloor ass kickers. Nothing could be closer to the truth. The StereoHeroes don't just make dance music, they make dance music that is violent and in your face, the kind that isn't afraid to punch you if your put your hands on its girl or spill its drink. "Wild Child" comes from their new album, Exiles, which is out now on German label Freakz Me Out. I beg you to be careful while you listen.

StereoHeroes - Wild Child (Original Version) by StereoHeroes

Battle Ave. is an indie rock band from upstate New York that writes songs that are equally ambitious and sloppy, emotional and barren. They remind me of a slightly cleaner, more mountainish Titus Andronicus (which might not be accidental considering their new album War Paint was produced, mastered, mixed and engineered by Kevin McMahon who also has worked with Titus Andronicus). On the whole War Paint has some ups and downs, inconsistencies which is to be expected from a debut full-length. As the band continues to evolve I think these will be fleshed out. No track demonstrates the highs of War Paint as much as "Oh Other, Your Brother."

Movie Food: Bridesmaids' "Bear" Sandwich Fondled by Red Sammy

J-Fur had been bugging people for weeks to go see the Bridesmaids movie. No one seemed interested. Her sister and I finally broke down last weekend and agreed to accompany her to the theater. I had heard very little about the movie, other than J-Fur telling me it was a comedy, so I didn't really have high hopes. I can't go so far as to say I was pleasantly surprised because I didn't like it all that much but I wasn't bored. I even laughed a few times. Since the movie revolves around a wedding it is only natural that there are a bunch of food related scenes. There is a restaurant excursion that leads to food poisoning in wedding dresses, a seductive nut eating stand-off and the typical I must make amends with baked goods even though my bakery experience was a failed one. The one that struck me as the most bizarre is the "bear" sandwich that appears during the ending credits. I decided to do my own interpretation of that scene, although mine was vegetarian and never made it fully into the bedroom.

Bridesmaid's Bear Sandwich

(printable version)

for the tofu:

-1 block of tofu, sliced into thin rectangles

-2 Tbs. vegetable oil

-1/2 cup flour, for dredging

-1/2 cup nondairy milk

-1/2 cup fine cornmeal

-1/2 cup flour

-1/4 cup nutritional yeast

-salt and pepper, to taste

-garlic and onion powder, to taste

-pinch of cayenne

for the pesto:

-1 clove of garlic

-1 cup basil leaves

-1 Tbs. pine nuts

-pinch of salt

-1/4 cup olive oil

-Parmesan Cheese

for the sandwich:

-provolone cheese

-baguette

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet. Mix the cornmeal, 1/2 cup flour, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne in a metal bowl. Place milk in a second bowl and remaining flour in a third bowl.

2. Dredge the tofu slices by placing them first in the flour, second in the milk and ending with the seasoned flour. Drop into the oil and fry until golden on each side (about five minutes). Place on a paper towel lined plate and set aside.

3. To make the pesto, drop the garlic in a moving food processor. Add the basil, pine nuts and salt and pulse until pine nuts have been reduced to small chunks. Scrape the sides down and add the olive oil. Transfer to a bowl and grate in Parmesan. Mix.

4. Create the bear sandwiches by slicing the baguette down the middle. Spread the pesto on one side of the baguette. Top with tofu slices, provolone and the other baguette. Growl in an animalistic way before eating.

I would doubt that Red Sammy loves sandwiches as much as the characters in the movie but their sounds go fit perfectly with the construction of a "bear" sandwich. Think of the twangy graveyard alt-country music as the bread with the raspy lyrics serving as the filling. Both "It Ain't You" and "Cactus Flower" didn't immediately strike my fancy. But the more I played them, the more I warmed. Eventually it got to the point where I was seeking them out. Both tracks can be found on the band's new album A Cheaper Kind of Love.

Red Sammy-Cactus Flower

Red Sammy-It Ain't You

Artist's Cookbook: Corn and Shrimp Soup Courtesy of Shannon Curtis

When a songwriter sits down to pen a song they have something in mind, a sort of destiny for the song. Some are meant for the dance floor where glistening bodies and colored lights will move, sway and grind to the beats (think Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" or LCD Soundsystem's "Drunk Girls"). Others reach for the airwaves so that people in cars and kids on school buses will sing along as they move from one place to the next (Anything by Katy Perry, Ke$ha, etc...). Then there are the songs that are destined to be so much more. These are the songs that were penned for revolution, for creating a social change or to lead a movement. That's where Shannon Curtis' song "Brightest Light in the Room" fits.

The song is, at its core, a love song. Something that anyone, who has ever walked into a room and saw that one person who stood out brighter than the rest, can relate to. But Shannon didn't write it for just anyone. She had someone...well actually two people in mind when she wrote it. These two were young woman who, during the course of serving in the US Army, met and fell in love. For the next ten years they kept at their relationship despite multiple deployments to Iraq and all the heartache and hardships that come from loving someone who is at war. Eventually the two women decided to marry and one of them asked Shannon to write a song for the occasion. Thus "Brightest Light in the Room" was born. In just four and a half minutes Shannon creates a dual anthem, one that celebrates the demise of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy while offering a stepping stone for the next battle, allowing gay and lesbian Americans the right to marry.

"Brightest Light in the Room" is Shannon's first single from her upcoming album which will be released on Saint Cloud Records.

To accompany her alternative-electro-downtempo-dream pop-social movement song Shannon cooks up a delicious Corn and Shrimp Soup that comes straight from the southern kitchen (she learned the recipe from a Louisiana man who knows a thing or two about southern cuisine).

Shannon Curtis-Brightest Light in the Room

Mid-Run Concert Review: Matt & Kim, The Thermals and DJ Autobot at the Czar Bar

Here is a transcript from the review I recorded for Tuesday nights Matt & Kim, The Thermals and DJ Autobot concert at the Czar Bar in Ybor. It was around mile three of a six mile run.

Pre-Concert Meal: If you live in Tampa, you've probably seen billboards for the Acropolis. They dot I-4, 75 and 275. We've been going here for as long as I can remember. It isn't the "Opa!" or belly dancer or broken plates that keep us coming back. It certainly isn't the music that is turned up just a little too loud. What keeps us coming back is the pita, artichoke salad, hummus, falafel and the flaming cheese. Every visit brings some combination of these five items. On concert night I loaded up on flaming cheese, pita and a falafel wrap. Let me go on record and say that even though their are a number of locations across greater Tampa/St. Pete the one in Ybor is the only one that has been spot-on every time I've gone.

The Venue: Hey Czar Bar, I've danced in your halls, jumped from your stages and hung from the stripper poles for the last two years but I haven't experienced the concert feel since Girl Talk in '08. It was completely different at that time. I like that you have two mini stages that people can stand from on either side of the main stage. I also enjoy that you left the catwalk (but it is Tampa/St. Pete, we love our catwalks right Rays?). What I found problematic was the pole in the middle of the dance floor, that's like a circle pitters nightmare and the not clearly marked bathrooms. How many people did I see fight through the crowd, get to the left side of the stage, only to find out that was the back stage area and not a bathroom? I'd say at least 18. Most choose to just piss their pants instead of fighting to get the whole way to the other side. I was pleasantly surprised by the acoustics. I had heard bad things. Keep bringing in the bands and I'll keep coming back.

The Opening Acts: DJ Autobot, it has been way too long. You seemed a little out of place at the show mixing house music for a legion of uninterested kids. Then you brought the Journey and all of a sudden things changed. People danced, hearts sang and eyes looked alive...for a few seconds anyway. Then the kids went right back to their not interested poses. Even when you mixed the classics with more recent samples like La Roux and the spoken words of Mr. Tiger Blood himself, the crowd looked on like it they had never heard these things before. Could two months ago be before their time? I guess so. Hopefully the reaction has been different elsewhere because you deserve it. By the way, what was up with that placement after the Thermals set. Way back in the corner? I don't think I could've thrown a baseball that far back. That's rough for a DJ who should be front and center at all times to work the crowd. The Thermals, as I already posted on your facebook page, you guys were very no nonsense and brought the tracks I love to hear. I danced my heart out, way over on the left side out of your view, but no one around me moved. I saw some arms swing in the middle but for the most part it was a very lukewarm reception. "Here's Your Future" was amazing, I get goose pimples every time I hear it. Keep coming to the Orlampa area. I get it and eventually others will too (maybe when they have a few more years under their belt).

The Headliners: I saw Matt & Kim in St. Pete a few months back and this show was basically the same thing. Matt stands on his keyboard, Kim on her drum set, Matt sits, Kim sits. Up, down, up, down. Kim runs around the stage, booty shakes it in the middle of the crowd, confetti is thrown and balloons are blown up and sent flying everywhere. Despite having seen it before I was thoroughly entertained. That is a testament to Matt and Kim's between song commentary, which I'm sure changes from show to show (or does Kim always talk about "Swamp Ass") and the fact that they look like they are having so much fun. It is easy for me to get into something when the band members are into it. Matt & Kim's passion for putting on a good show breeds the amazing Florida performances that the band is always talking about. There was one small difference with this show (and I'm not talking about Kim's discussion about the love of her small boobs and Matt's subsequent agreement). Kim taking a camera around to snap pictures of the crowd was an excellent way to get people involved while pimping the new album and its bad as hell single. Matt & Kim will be back in September to perform at the 1800AskGary Amphitheater with Blink 182 and My Chemical Romance. I don't know how their small club show will transfer to the big stage but if anyone can pull it off, they can.

The Crowd: I'm not going to rip on you more than I already have other than to say, Florida doesn't get the number of shows that other states get. One way to keep the bands coming is to at least pretend you are interested in their act. I'm not about to start driving to Atlanta for every concert I want to see. Guys, taking off your shirts and swinging them around when Kim ordered, that was a great start.

Shots from the show.

The Warped 45's, Let's Wrestle and Accidental "Sausage Gnocchi" with Pesto and Fresh Vegetables

My old college roommate, Drew, is no stranger to accidents. In the short time that I lived with him there was the badly sprained wrist from roller skating around the kitchen while drinking hard liquor, the sword cut from trying to put Sam's blade into his pants leg and the music video where he walked into the street and got hit by a cab (probably the funniest video I've ever seen). But none of these compare to Drew's latest and greatest misadventure. It seems that Drew, after our apartment on Belmont Avenue was condemned, relocated to India so that he could make a film about the underground Indian wrestling scene. He became so enamored with the scene that he decided not just to film but to participate. All was going well until he freakishly broke his leg and had to be shipped immediately back to the states.

I'm told there is footage. God I hope so.

Speaking of accidents try this one on:

"Sausage Gnocchi" with Pesto and Fresh Vegetables

(printable version)

for the sausage gnocchi:

-1/2 cup pinto beans, mashed

-1 cup veggie broth, cold

-1 Tbs. olive oil

-2 Tbs. soy sauce

-2 garlic cloves

-1 1/4 cups bread flour

-1/4 cup nutritional yeast

-1 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds

-1 tsp. red pepper flakes

-1 tsp. oregano

for the rest of the meal:

-olive oil

-1 zucchini, sliced into half moons

-1 cup spinach

-2 yellow bell pepers, diced

-grape tomatoes

-pesto

-Parmesan Cheese

1. For the sausage gnocchi, mix all the ingredients in the order listed. Stir until combined. Pour into a piece of tin foil and shape into a long log. Place in a bamboo steamer and steam for 35 minutes.

2. Remove the log from the steamer. It will have a similar consistency to preboiled gnocchi. Put olive oil in a wok. Slice the gnocchi into tiny pieces and place into wok. Fry for 10 minutes. The sausage gnocchi should be browned and crisp on the outside.

3. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, fry the spinach, yellow bell peppers, zucchini and grape tomatoes in olive oil until softened.

4. Vegetables to the sausage gnocchi. Stir until combined. Remove the gnocchi and vegetables from the heat. Mix in the pesto. Place in bowls and top with Parmesan cheese. Make that fake pig squeal.

This sausage gnocchi will always have a story to go with it. It is one of failure leading to success. The Warped 45's take this idea and turn it on its head in their song "Grampa Carl." The lyrics tell the story of a man who takes the US Government to task during prohibition. Money, riches and cars follow. But the success is fleeting and eventually Carl loses it all. The narrative approach of the lyrics remind me of what the Drive-By Truckers like to do in their songs. It is definitely not a bad thing. Sometimes I like hearing about real life people getting cancer, leaving the girl at the altar or rum running during prohibition. "Grampa Carl" comes from the Warped 45's new album, Matador Sunset, which was released two weeks ago.

The Warped 45's-Grampa Carl via Herohill

"Dear John" by Let's Wrestle (here) poses a simple question in its chorus: how were you well liked in the first place? I can think of at least twenty times in my life where I have thought the same thing. It just took Let's Wrestle to provide the music for those ponderings. "Dear John" is from Let's Wrestle's new release Nursing Home, which is out now on Merge Records.

Let's Wrestle-Dear John

Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwiches on top of New York Rifles

Once upon a time there was a happy monogamous marriage between peanut butter and jelly. The two went everywhere together, finished each others sentences and never wavered in their love. But then something started to change. Peanut butter became disillusioned thinking that the grass was greener somewhere out there. Pretty soon peanut butter started keeping the company of harlots such as marmite, sriracha, tomato, bacon and cool ranch doritos. There was even a rumor of a tryst with mayonnaise and lettuce...at the same time!

Thanks to the Bricks in Ybor my latest combination, when I'm not doing the blueberry jalapeno jelly I picked up at the u-pick farm, is peanut butter and dill pickle. Originally I started with store bought peanut butter and pickles but those sandwiches were a little too salty. So I decided to make my own.

Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwiches

(printable version)

-2 slices of your favorite bread (I like grain or sourdough)

-16 ounces roasted peanuts

-2-3 Tbs. peanut oil

-1 1/2 Tbs. agave nectar

-water

-dill pickles (I left the garlic out of the recipe)

1. Pour the roasted peanuts into a food processor. Process for thirty seconds. Add 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of peanut oil and the agave nectar to the processed peanuts. Turn the food processor on. As you continue to run the processor drizzle in the remainder of the oil. To help it reach my desired consistency I also added a little bit of water. You may want to add salt, I didn't.

2. Lay out the slices of bread. Slather one slice with peanut butter. Lay the dill pickles on the other slice. Press them together and watch the jelly turn jealous. Eat.

Since both peanut butter and pickles are so versatile, I needed some music that fit that mold. I needed something that was both east and west coast, something with starts and stops, extended woooahs, group sing-alongs, whispered lyrics with strange alien like sounds in the background, machine gun drums, LA name drops, hand claps and guitar solos. I also needed something that was fun as vinegarized cucumbers. Only one band could fit this bill, Portland's New York Rifles. Made up of Scott Young (vocals/lead guitar), Nate James (drums), Jamie Gould (bass) and Kari Schafer (back-up vocals/keyboard) the New York Rifles have two official releases, Faraway Faster on Empty Records and Make a Wish on In Music We Trust. Their sound is described as "The Stranglers of The Soft Boys, riding in the Cars, wearing X-Ray Spex, listening for the Undertones, and upsetting the Saints for touching the Buzzcocks, while high on X." Hear for yourself in "I know a Girl" and "Thinner."

New York Rifles-Thinner

New York Rifles-I Know a Girl

herMajesty, Class of Kill'em High and Long Island Sound Piled High on Top Macho Tostones Supreme

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere I joined some girls dancing like a fool. During a lull, I jumped from a second story balcony, grabbed ahold of a tree and scaled down it as gracefully as a monkey. Instead of filling a stereotype by grabbing a celebration banana, I turned a little to the west and reached for a plantain. My first experience with tostones was pleasurable enough that I tried it myself a few days later making some minor changes.

Macho Tostones Supreme (adapted from watching Fedster)
(printable version)

-2 plantains, peeled and cut into chunks
-5 Tbs. vegetable oil
-salt
-refried beans
-salsa
-jack cheese

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet. Place the plantain chunks into the oil and fry on each side (about 3 1/2 minutes per side). Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon. Continue until all chunks have been fried.

2. Using a plate, press down on each fried plantain to flatten. Put the circular plantains back into the oil and fry for an additional minute on each side. Remove from the oil again with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate. Pat dry. Repeat until all plantains have been refried.

3. Top plantains with refried beans and jack cheese. Heat for thirty seconds in the microwave (or until the cheese has melted). Top with salsa. Masticate monkey style.

Two bands that have appeared on this blog before return with Macho Tostones. First there is the dreamscape night waves of herMajesty (here and here). The band recently finished their first ever video for "The Stranger." It is a four minute peak at what lies inside your radio.



"Rhino" by Class of Kill'em High (here) has been my favorite song for the past month. It never seemed to fit until the tostones because it needed something more "macho." On par with any American rock band, these guys hail from Sweden. But they trade in the jangle pop of some of their Swedish brethern for aggressive rock and roll. They do send out a little tribute to these guys by slowing it down a little at the end. The only disappointment with "Rhino" is that it isn't longer.

Class of Kill Em High-Rhino via Absolut Noise

If Class of Kill'em High and herMajesty are the nightlife, Long Island Sound is a sunny day. Poppy, happy and infectious these Australian's harmonize in a way that causes Beach Boys' fans around the globe to shed a tear. "Joseph" comes courtesy of Triple J Unearthed.

Long Island Sound-Joseph

Some Days Are > Others

How did I receive mail on Sunday? Because it took J-Fur four days to tell me that I had a package waiting in the office. It was well worth the wait.

Say Goodbye with a Meal Mix: Handsome Furs, Skizzy Mars, Sarabeth Tucek, Antonio Paul, The Shivers, United Fruit, Fan Modine,The Five One and more...

For the past six years I've known an amazing bunch of people through J-Fur's anthropology program. We've gone to concerts and on trips together, cooked food, boated, played shuffleboard, watched movies, spent holidays and been there for each other during some trying times. This week, four of them left to go into the field and begin their dissertation research. At the end of the summer two more will leave and in December yet another two.

As you can see, there have been and will be a lot of goodbye dinners in the next few months. While these are generally happy affairs, you can't help but be pleased that these people whom you've grown so close to have a chance to go off and study what it is they enjoy, there are also those feelings of sadness. Will you be back? Will I see you again? That is what this playlist is all about. Its not happy, not sad but it does say goodbye (hopefully only for a short while). It also says good luck to DR, Fedster, KD and HH.

Handsome Furs-Repatriated
Skizzy Mars-Profound
Sarabeth Tucek-Get Well Soon
Antonio Paul-City Dreams
The Shivers-Used to Be
United Fruit-Go Away, Don't Leave Me Alone
Ki: Theory-Holiday Heart
Neighbors-Gone Too Long
Fan Modine-Through the Valley
The Five One-Monsters, Mutants,Vampires
Vermilion Club-Hummingbirds

Download Playlist Here

Thanks to Stereogum, KEXP blog, MP3 Hugger, Pigeons and Planes, Triple J Unearthed, Indie Rock Cafe, Consequence of Sound, The Devil has the Best Tuna and Swedesplease and the bands for making this playlist possible.