Ladies Love Cool Jams

An entry for what doesn't happen nearly enough in music today: a major shout out to cool music with women rockin' on the front lines:

CSS is a delightful little electro pop pleasure from Brazil. The "Donkey" album is a blast, specifically "Rat is Dead".

Charmparticles have some kick ass tunage. But also a great website, charmparticles.com. They are the kind of gals I want to hop on a bus with and be their behind-the-scenes friend who doesn't have to work at it, but shares in their glory. Like drinking with them on their tour bus or going to a bar after a show and being all legit "cuz I know the band".

Dressy Bessy has been around a few years, but never disappoint.

Oldie but goodies include My Bloody Valentine who recently reunited and toured again; Lush who's "Sweetness and Light" will forever be one of my top 5 song picks of all time; and Liz Phair who is so obvious, she's barely worth mentioning, but I will because you are NOT cool if you don't own Exile in Guyville. It's just a simple as that.

We need more cool chick bands. There's plenty more I have not mentioned, but the guys can't keep getting all the glory. Girls are made for more than video characters!

Speaking of Beer...

My list of some top hops:

Brooklyn lager
Brooklyn IPA
Stoudts American Ale
Flying Dog Tire Biter Ale
Anchor Steam
Liberty Ale
Inepdendence Ale
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
and of course....
Stella Artois, otherwise known as "Stella!!!"


Disclaimer:
This blog does not support the abuse of alcohol, only the drinking of it.

OTH, WOB, NWB, TBBC and More Acronyms for an IPA

So I'm giving a little shout out to my local Tampa Bay residents and listing the coolest places I've found recently for a frosty brew beyond your basic Coors Light.

For those of you not living in TB, make sure you put these on your tourist roster when you visit.

First up, Oldsmar Tap House. While not technically in Tampa, it's close enough. Breathing new life into a sleepy strip in "downtown Oldsmar" which is really just one street, lies the OTH. Known for it's extensive microbrew and unique international beer selection, this little watering hole has live music, good chatter and a series of challenging metal chain puzzles on the wall - the kind you try to take the loop off of two rings. A seemingly impossible task, yet someone in the lovable D&D/beer geek crowd always manages victory. The last time I was there, we heard an old-fashioned Florida cracker band playing a gas tank and banjos while sipping beer drawn from a tap that featured a canister of fresh hops. Located on St. Pete Drive by historic library in Oldsmar.

World of Beer is much more raucous and closest to home so a natural pick for the Mullen household. Exposed brick, flat screens galore, live music and floor to ceiling fridges full of beer makes WOB a top spot for the well-coiffed mingling with casual sports fans that love a nice Tire Biter. Located at Westchase Village 2, Linebaugh Ave.

New World Brewery is one of those hangouts that makes me feel like I'm back up north in a "real" city because of it's Ybor locale. But the expansive outdoor patio reminds you that you are in balmy FLA. Probably the hippest of the joints listed here, NWB is known for it's live music scene and uber hipster crowd. Not the Gucci/Armani/Ocean Drive wannabes you see at Bay Street, but the good hipster kind - the indie rock kids and aging Gen Xers who aren't ready to give up their cool cards and love their IPAs.

For some true local flavor, wander down the street to Tampa Bay Brew Company. Also in Ybor yet slightly tamer, the TBBC makes their own beer. And most of it actually really good! I still prefer their old location to the new Centro spot, but I give their brewing props nonetheless.

So pull up a stool and have a cab number handy. Those rich yummy beers pack a powerful punch.