Upon my first healthy swig of Hansa I was entirely unimpressed. The hefty bottles proudly declare themselves "Imported Dortmunder" and boast of "Pure Quality" that I have yet to discover.
I generally hold German brau, especially those adherent to German Purity Law, to a higher standard than most beers. With great expectations inherently come disappointments, which is entirely apt for Hansa beer. It is never much more than disappointing.
The pour of this beer is very thin. Unmasked it is revealed to be pale yellow, watery, and with very little head (all of which quickly disappears). The best analogs that come to mind instantly are cheap American light beers. The mouthfeel is poor, thin, almost non-existant. The taste is decent, slightly bready, but the first two bottles I tried had a distinctly metallic hint behind the initial flavor. I appreciate modern brewing methods, but I don't want to taste the brite tank in the final product. The subsequent bottles (on subsequent nights) tasted much less metallic, leading me to think the Dortmunder-Hansa Brauerei is hit-or-miss bottle to bottle. Without the metallic finish the beer is smooth. There's no unpleasant bitterness, and the very mild taste of hops is pleasing.
Aside from being mild and smooth at best, I can't say much else in favor of Hansa's drinkability. What makes this beer more drinkable is it's price. At $6-$7 for a 6-pack of 500mL (just over a pint) bottles, it's among the cheapest of imported beers. Unfortunately it lacks the quality many of it's German bretheren possess. Much like the dainty carbonation of the beverage itself, this beer is nothing more than tremendously flat.
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The skinny:
Pros: light, smooth, cheapish
Cons: watery, hit-or-miss, metallic (sometimes)
Make an Assessment:
Giving Hansa repeated trial runs, I'd say that it's growing on me. It goes well with a meal, and could be a good game-day thirst-quencher. While I'm unlikely to purchase it regularly, I'll admit that it's drinkable. In other words, I've had much worse beers, but I've also certainly had much better. In my book it was worth a try for the sake of trying, but I'll refrain from recommending it anytime soon. Better overall value can be found in classics like the Champagne of Beers and PBR.
Overall Review Scores:
Grade: D
Score: 60%
If it were a movie: ★★
My Feelings: meh.
5.20.2010
5.12.2010
The Future Now - Hazy Orange Sunday
Hazy Orange Sunday is the debut LP from the Gainesville, FL trio The Future Now. Simple, understated, fun homegrown rock and roll music. The term homegrown is brutally apt, as the album was recorded in the comforts of a Gainesville living room. I have to say outright that for a living room debut record this is fantastic.
The Future Now produces a sound seeking to hearken back to a simpler era of rock, devoid of the overly technical riffs and blistering screams that come a dime a dozen today. Paradoxically, the throwback sound is actually like carving a new path in contemporary music. The sonic simplicity is a breath of fresh air, which should prove open to a wide variety of listeners. While not tremendously impressive in terms of instrumentation, Hazy Orange Sunday is full of entertaining, well written songs with pacing that makes the album spin freely over and over.
The album doesn't sound retro in the popular classic-rock revival way, The Future Now instead veers toward the more recent alternative music wave, drawing heavy comparisons to the surge of 1990s grunge bands. Don't let that invoke a Seattle plaid-laden image though, in between the lines these guys have as much Danzig or James Iha as Mark Arm. Suprisingly or not, little to no Peter Hammill influence can be found.
What doesn't work well for The Future Now is unimpressive production quality. Yes, it's great for a small band's album recorded at home, but it's not as deep or sonically impressive as it could be. As well, there is a simplicity to the instrumentation of the guitars that will be easily passed off by many as a lack of talent. While it doesn't hurt the music, it forces the band to rely on strong song writing and presence to captivate audiences. While the album is entertaining, bands like The Future Now usually rely heavily on live shows to bring their music to life for fans. Unfortunately, they seem to have day jobs, so they can't constantly tour. Though, it looks like they are playing shows throughout the Southeast US right now, with a schedule up on their Myspace page.
The best moments of the record emerge when the band gets heavier and more aggressive, as in the songs Ghost Cousins and Terrorarium. Working well also is the slower, more heartfelt sound of the floor tom driven A Necessary Fiction. The entire album passes the mark, with no instant-skip songs. More than listenable, the album is fun and easy to get into.
______________
The skinny:
Make an Assessment:
Overall Review Score:
The Future Now produces a sound seeking to hearken back to a simpler era of rock, devoid of the overly technical riffs and blistering screams that come a dime a dozen today. Paradoxically, the throwback sound is actually like carving a new path in contemporary music. The sonic simplicity is a breath of fresh air, which should prove open to a wide variety of listeners. While not tremendously impressive in terms of instrumentation, Hazy Orange Sunday is full of entertaining, well written songs with pacing that makes the album spin freely over and over.
The album doesn't sound retro in the popular classic-rock revival way, The Future Now instead veers toward the more recent alternative music wave, drawing heavy comparisons to the surge of 1990s grunge bands. Don't let that invoke a Seattle plaid-laden image though, in between the lines these guys have as much Danzig or James Iha as Mark Arm. Suprisingly or not, little to no Peter Hammill influence can be found.
What doesn't work well for The Future Now is unimpressive production quality. Yes, it's great for a small band's album recorded at home, but it's not as deep or sonically impressive as it could be. As well, there is a simplicity to the instrumentation of the guitars that will be easily passed off by many as a lack of talent. While it doesn't hurt the music, it forces the band to rely on strong song writing and presence to captivate audiences. While the album is entertaining, bands like The Future Now usually rely heavily on live shows to bring their music to life for fans. Unfortunately, they seem to have day jobs, so they can't constantly tour. Though, it looks like they are playing shows throughout the Southeast US right now, with a schedule up on their Myspace page.
The best moments of the record emerge when the band gets heavier and more aggressive, as in the songs Ghost Cousins and Terrorarium. Working well also is the slower, more heartfelt sound of the floor tom driven A Necessary Fiction. The entire album passes the mark, with no instant-skip songs. More than listenable, the album is fun and easy to get into.
______________
The skinny:
- Pros: simple, fun, fuzzy rock and roll, easily accessible
- Cons: still green, no constant touring schedule
Make an Assessment:
- I like it. Check out the Myspace, go see them live, have a brew and chat them up (really nice guys). Pick up the LP at the SoundStudy Recordings shop.
Overall Review Score:
- Grade: B
- Score: 84%
- If it were a movie: ★★★★
- My Feelings: "What a sight to see, what a sound to hear!"
5.06.2010
Minus the Bear - Omni
I've been dreading writing up a review of the new Minus the Bear album, Omni. I'll explain.
I've given the album a lot of spins since it leaked a few months ago, and when it officially hit shelves I proudly shelled out some hard earned salad so the band that I've grown to love can live another day. I make the point that I bought it as a huge Minus the Bear fan because had I not been familiar with them there is little chance I would have bought it at all. I gave Minus the Bear my money because I want them to go back into the studio and come out with a better album next time. I've been dreading reviewing Omni because I'm torn between praising them for another good hour of listening pleasure or panning them as a band I feel should have made a better record.
The entirety of Omni takes a step backwards stylistically. There is a resemblance to their 2005 LP, Menos el Oso, but almost no hint of what was presented via the follow up in 2007, Planet of Ice. The progression to a grittier, more progressive rock sound on PoI has been completely polished off by their move to Dangerbird Records, and Omni producer Joe Chiccarelli. There is a distinct return to pop-laden tunes. At times here synths flow ethereally across Jake Snyder's overt sexual couplets, contrasting with moments of pop-funk grooves and electronic drums boom-chick boom-chicking their way through. The overall sound coming out of the speakers is distinctly Minus the Bear, but it seems to be wrapped up in a more widely accessible (read: mainstream) package. One can speculate endlessly about whether the shift is intentional for the sake of radio spins and album sales, or if they might have felt a backlash from fans about the departure PoI took into more serious and dark themes. Whatever the reasoning, Omni is certainly lighter, sexier, and more widely listener friendly than it's predecessor.
The pre-release single My Time has turned heads with it's catchy sing-along chorus. Secret Country is a standout effort, heavier and more befitting to the Minus the Bear catalog. Excuses provides a nice Act II/III mellow jam to pace the album. The final track, Fooled by the Night, provides a meditative drone for a smooth finish.
The problem is that Minus the Bear have failed to raise the bar. The entire album, barring a few passages, feels watered down. Like a Cliffs Notes' Minus the Bear, the premise is present, but the colorful originality has been abridged. There is a lack of the lyrical wit and intrigue of Highly Refined Pirates, the raw intensity of Planet of Ice, and the subtle sophistication of the Acoustics EP.
I find it necessary now to point out that despite my beef with this album, it's good. It's certainly worth listening to, and if funky indie synth pop rock is your preferred genre you'll definitely love it. This album has tremendous potential to inspire dancing, singing, smiling, and especially love making. I will continue to spin it regularly, although probably less than Minus the Bear's previous albums. In a vast sea of crap contemporary music, even a mediocre effort from Minus the Bear is far above average.
______________
The skinny:
Make an Assessment:
Overall Review Score:
I've given the album a lot of spins since it leaked a few months ago, and when it officially hit shelves I proudly shelled out some hard earned salad so the band that I've grown to love can live another day. I make the point that I bought it as a huge Minus the Bear fan because had I not been familiar with them there is little chance I would have bought it at all. I gave Minus the Bear my money because I want them to go back into the studio and come out with a better album next time. I've been dreading reviewing Omni because I'm torn between praising them for another good hour of listening pleasure or panning them as a band I feel should have made a better record.
The entirety of Omni takes a step backwards stylistically. There is a resemblance to their 2005 LP, Menos el Oso, but almost no hint of what was presented via the follow up in 2007, Planet of Ice. The progression to a grittier, more progressive rock sound on PoI has been completely polished off by their move to Dangerbird Records, and Omni producer Joe Chiccarelli. There is a distinct return to pop-laden tunes. At times here synths flow ethereally across Jake Snyder's overt sexual couplets, contrasting with moments of pop-funk grooves and electronic drums boom-chick boom-chicking their way through. The overall sound coming out of the speakers is distinctly Minus the Bear, but it seems to be wrapped up in a more widely accessible (read: mainstream) package. One can speculate endlessly about whether the shift is intentional for the sake of radio spins and album sales, or if they might have felt a backlash from fans about the departure PoI took into more serious and dark themes. Whatever the reasoning, Omni is certainly lighter, sexier, and more widely listener friendly than it's predecessor.
The pre-release single My Time has turned heads with it's catchy sing-along chorus. Secret Country is a standout effort, heavier and more befitting to the Minus the Bear catalog. Excuses provides a nice Act II/III mellow jam to pace the album. The final track, Fooled by the Night, provides a meditative drone for a smooth finish.
The problem is that Minus the Bear have failed to raise the bar. The entire album, barring a few passages, feels watered down. Like a Cliffs Notes' Minus the Bear, the premise is present, but the colorful originality has been abridged. There is a lack of the lyrical wit and intrigue of Highly Refined Pirates, the raw intensity of Planet of Ice, and the subtle sophistication of the Acoustics EP.
I find it necessary now to point out that despite my beef with this album, it's good. It's certainly worth listening to, and if funky indie synth pop rock is your preferred genre you'll definitely love it. This album has tremendous potential to inspire dancing, singing, smiling, and especially love making. I will continue to spin it regularly, although probably less than Minus the Bear's previous albums. In a vast sea of crap contemporary music, even a mediocre effort from Minus the Bear is far above average.
______________
The skinny:
- Pros: catchy, hooky, poppy, sexy, jammy, punani
- Cons: meh
Make an Assessment:
- The best recommendation I can make is to say download it, listen to it, and judge for yourself on this one. My opinion of Minus the Bear is too biased to bring an objective view. I like this album, even though I find it somewhat disappointing.
Overall Review Score:
- Grade: In general: B, as a MtB album: D
- Score: 82%
- If it were a movie: ★★★½
- My Feelings: "Falling down and splashing up, I'm clapping for a second cut."
5.02.2010
Mini-Review II: Return of the Mini - Date Night
In brief, director Shawn Levy (whose previous stabs at directing include Night at the Museum and Cheaper by the Dozen) manages to bring life to Date Night out of a stereotypical humdrum screwball comedy by leaning heavily on the skills of Tina Fey and Steve Carell.
I'll give the bad news first. On the downside, the trailers and previews killed a handful of good moments. Some of the comedy relies on surprises, one-liners, and quick turns. While exiting the theater I heard another mini-review, "It wasn't as funny as I expected it to be." If you haven't payed attention to advertising for Date Night you stand a better chance of enjoying it, as opposed to anticipating foreseen sequences and gags. Also, the film stretches itself a bit thin at times. It broadens to touch on action and romance, causing lulls in pacing.
So, the film is not particularly well written and the plot is thin. However, this film doesn't need either element to be strong because it is all about riffing between Fey and Carell. Chuckle lines rock back and forth between the two like a seesaw. Their chops carry the film throughout. I get the sense that filming Date Night was akin to watching the Bird and Diz trade fours in their prime. The cutting room floor probably laughed it's ass off on fifth and sixth takes. Another high note in the overall presentation is a solid supporting cast, with a handful of well-played extended cameos. Lastly I'll note that my celebrity crush on Tina Fey has grown again. She'd be on my celebrity dream date night list, but this film has convinced me against it.
______________
The skinny:
Pros: funny people being funny, great cast, light-hearted
Cons: "not as funny as expected"
Make an Assessment:
I didn't bust a gut or find myself rolling in the aisles. I am glad I saw Date Night, and thoroughly enjoyed watching it, but I wouldn't recommend paying theater prices for it. Unless you're an absolute maniac for Tina Fey or Steve Carell it is skippable. Worth watching for free? Absolutely. Worth redboxing? Yes. Worth buying 4 different dvd and Blu-ray editions for maximum worship? Not even close.
Overall Review Score:
Grade: B+
Score: 85%
If it were a movie: ★★★★
My Feelings: I find it funny that I spent a Hamilton to see a movie with a lol line from James Franco featuring an antiquated pistol and mention of Aaron Burr.
I'll give the bad news first. On the downside, the trailers and previews killed a handful of good moments. Some of the comedy relies on surprises, one-liners, and quick turns. While exiting the theater I heard another mini-review, "It wasn't as funny as I expected it to be." If you haven't payed attention to advertising for Date Night you stand a better chance of enjoying it, as opposed to anticipating foreseen sequences and gags. Also, the film stretches itself a bit thin at times. It broadens to touch on action and romance, causing lulls in pacing.
So, the film is not particularly well written and the plot is thin. However, this film doesn't need either element to be strong because it is all about riffing between Fey and Carell. Chuckle lines rock back and forth between the two like a seesaw. Their chops carry the film throughout. I get the sense that filming Date Night was akin to watching the Bird and Diz trade fours in their prime. The cutting room floor probably laughed it's ass off on fifth and sixth takes. Another high note in the overall presentation is a solid supporting cast, with a handful of well-played extended cameos. Lastly I'll note that my celebrity crush on Tina Fey has grown again. She'd be on my celebrity dream date night list, but this film has convinced me against it.
______________
The skinny:
Pros: funny people being funny, great cast, light-hearted
Cons: "not as funny as expected"
Make an Assessment:
I didn't bust a gut or find myself rolling in the aisles. I am glad I saw Date Night, and thoroughly enjoyed watching it, but I wouldn't recommend paying theater prices for it. Unless you're an absolute maniac for Tina Fey or Steve Carell it is skippable. Worth watching for free? Absolutely. Worth redboxing? Yes. Worth buying 4 different dvd and Blu-ray editions for maximum worship? Not even close.
Overall Review Score:
Grade: B+
Score: 85%
My Feelings: I find it funny that I spent a Hamilton to see a movie with a lol line from James Franco featuring an antiquated pistol and mention of Aaron Burr.
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