...where distraction is the main attraction.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Tuesday Loop

This is a very intense writing week for me so I might be a little more scattered and schizo with this week's postings.  First let's talk w--

I've got this song stuck in my head.  Its chorus keeps running over and over and over again.  I can't stop it and I don't know how it got in there.

Hey, Blue Text, it's difficult enough to focus right now even without interruptions.  So, if you could hush for a few minutes, then you and I can discuss offline later.

I'll try, but this song is driving me crazy.

First, let's talk whisky.


The Dram Quest

As you'll notice, a new list has popped up in the right frame of the page.  These are whiskies that I most desire to sample.  None of them are outrageously expensive.  No 30+ year olds nor 1960-somethings.  Most aren't easily obtainable, but I desire the chase.

I'll cross 'em off as I try them.  I'll add new ones from time to time, but I'll keep the list below 20.

The Whisky Library...

...has grown considerably in recent months.  I'll be updating the Sources on the Whisky Notes page this week with this whole list:

Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch, 6th Edition - I recommended this in the whisky gifts post.  It really is one of the great all-time volumes on whisky.

Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible 2012 - A zillion (or maybe 4500+) whiskies reviewed by a gentleman who seems to be a bit of an unconventional character in the whisky scene.  Though I agree with him about half the time, each of his reviews are insightful and full of whisky love.  Also recommended in that whisky gift post.

101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die by Ian Buxton - GREAT book.  I reviewed it here.

Single Malt and Scotch Whisky by Daniel Lerner - A gift from an old friend.  My first whisky book.  The binding is totally shattered.  A good early intro whisky book.

Whiskypedia by Charles MacLean - Similar structure to the "Complete Guide", sans reviews, but every page packed with oodles and oodles of distillery info.  MacLean's a great writer and this is a great reference book.

Scotch Whisky, A Liquid History by Charles MacLean - Speaking of super reference books, holy moley!  This is going to take a while to get through, but I'm working on it.  So much good stuff!

Malt Whisky Yearbook 2012 - The pictures!  The articles!  The stats!  This is THE annual must-have.  There's so much great news about the state of the industry and the fine brown liquor itself.

Whisky by Aeneas MacDonald - Tremendous.  It is literature.  And that is by no means exaggeration.  Beautifully written.  Lyrical, even.  Originally published in 1930, it was the first book written by and for the whisky drinker.  There's tons of history and distillation instructions, but the pseudonymous writer crafts such a lovely homage to the beauty of whisky, that I'm going to have to cover this in its own post.

Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo, Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo.  Damnit, the tune's still there!  Where did it come from?

Hey!  Hush, the post is still going.

The Bro is in Town

Jason arrives in LA today for business reasons.  On Thursday and Friday we're going to visit at least two great drinking establishments.  More on that once it's done.

Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm--

And I'll be taking the Metro!  I've lived in LA County for over 11 years and I've never taken the Metro.  Largely because it never is where I am nor where I am going.  But now it is where I am and where I need to go.  Hopefully that experience is uneventful and won't need its own post.

Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo, Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm--

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band


I've always been a big fan of Abbey Road, but now that I've given Sgt. Pepper's another go I think it may pull ahead as my favorite Beatles album.  Technically, it's astounding.

It would be Exhibit A for why psychedelic drugs are good, but I don't think most mortals can hold the clarity and vision together enough to create such a complete piece of art--

Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo--

It destroys The Beach Boys Pet Sounds as far as innovation and song structure--

Oh no!  I can't stop the song!

Yes, you can!  Just a few more min--

It's burning through my defenses!  Oh f--

I want your loving
And I want your revenge

Oh dear.

You and me could write a bad romance

I'm going to---

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

We didn't need to hear that a second time.

Oh ohhhh whoaaaa ohh ohhh
Caught in a bad romance

Whew.  I feel so much better now.


Hello?


What happened to Black Text?


Hello--

For the benefit of Mr. Kite
There will be a show tonight on trampoline
The Hendersons will all be there
Late of Pablo Fanques Fair-what a scene
Over men and horses hoops and garters
Lastly through a hogshead of real fire!
In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world!


Now, on to work.