Naked Raygun - The Metro, Chicago - 2011-11-23

Last night, I headed into Chicago after work to catch the Naked Raygun show at The Metro.  I had a feeling that I would be having a few adult beverages so I decided to get a room on Priceline for the evening.  After checking into the hotel, I hit Harry Caray's for a few beers and a Wagyu burger.

The opening band was My Big Beautiful, a Chicago 3-piece.  The guitar player had played bass in the original version of The Bomb.  They have been around since 1993.  They played an entertaining 30 minute set.  I need to go pick up some of their releases.

Up next were Dan Vapid and the Cheats which is basically The Methadones with a different bass player.  They play songs from Dan's back catalog of other bands and some originals.  I saw them at Riot Fest opening for 7 Seconds a few weeks back.  They also put on another entertaining 30 minute set as they blasted thru their tunes like the Ramones.  I look forward to their first release coming out soon.

Next, The Falcon who were a poor man's drunken interpretation of NOFX.  They were a waste of an hour on the stage.

Then what the biggest crowd I have seen at The Metro was there to see - Naked Raygun.  Pete Mittler was once again on bass in the absence of Pierre Kezdy.  This was not the best sounding show I have seen them play since reuniting six years or so ago, but it was still quite entertaining.  I ran into MXV coming into the club.  He was nice enough to take a picture of the setlist and text it to me.  You can check out his pics at http://www.punkvinyl.com/.  About half way through the show, I ran into another friend Bryan who I had not seen for a few years.  It was great to catch up with him again.  Once again, the setlist was a good mix of their back catalog and a few new tracks from their singles they released since reuniting.

01 Iron Maiden (2009 7in Series #1) http://youtu.be/v7NeQ3pHIGA
02 Home of the Brave (1985 All Rise LP)
03 Metastasis (1984 Throb Throb LP)
04 The Strip (1985 All Rise LP)
05 Growing Away (2010 7in Series #2)
06 Surf Combat (1984 Throb Throb LP)
07 No Sex (1984 Throb Throb LP)
08 Vanilla Blue (1988 Jettison CD and single)
09 When the Walls Come Down (1988 Jettison LP)
10 Peacemaker (1985 All Rise LP)
11 Treason (1989 Understand LP)
12 Hips Swinging (1989 Understand LP)
13 Burning Red (2011 7in Series #3)
14 Walk in Cold (1988 Jettison LP)
15 I Lie (1983 Basement Screams LP) http://youtu.be/6iXwgd9sR_k
16 Entrapment (1989 Understand LP)
17 Knock Me Down (1985 All Rise LP) http://youtu.be/uQQ5c3kDLQ0
18 I Don't Know (1984 Throb Throb LP) http://youtu.be/dFJxu07jTHY

Encore #1
19 Wonder Beer (1989 Understand LP) http://youtu.be/vOwbIEmW0EQ
20 Backlash Jack (1985 All Rise LP)
21 Home (1990 Raygun... Naked Raygun LP)

Encore #2
22 Coldbringer (1988 Jettison LP)
23 Rat Patrol (1984 Throb Throb LP) http://youtu.be/Ec_90a2VW_E
24 New Dreams (1985 All Rise LP) http://youtu.be/2EmfQbPTbLk

Leinie's

All of these were from an Autumn multi flavored 12pk from Leinenkugel's.

Oktoberfest...

I found one more Oktoberfest to try.  I picked up a six pack at the Brat Stop in Kenosha, WI.  It reminded me of why I don't like beer in green bottles.

Beck's Oktoberfest - Bremen, Germany

1st Trip to Penzeys Spices

I made my first trip to Penzeys Spices in Kenosha, WI today.  Most know the name by the catalog business, but they do have a few storefronts.  It was an interesting experience as your nose comes through the door.  I don't remember the exact smell, but it was heavenly.  Here is what I purchased.

4 oz Vindaloo Seasoning - coriander, garlic, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, mustard, cayenne pepper, jalapeno, cardamom, turmeric, black pepper, and cloves

4 oz 33rd & Galena Chicken & Pork Rub - Tellicherry black pepper, paprika, nutmeg, sage, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, oleoresin basil

4 oz BBQ 3000 - salt, paprika, black pepper, nutmeg, mustard, allspice, citric acid, garlic powder, ginger, sage, thyme, white pepper, cinnamon, natural smoke flavoring

4 oz Penzeys Forward! - Special extra bold black pepper, onion, paprika, garlic, turmeric, spice extractives (including oleoresin of celery, rosemary, black pepper, thyme, basil, paprika)

4 oz Northwoods Fire Seasoning - coarse flake salt, chipotle pepper, Hungarian paprika, Tellicherry black pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and cayenne pepper

0.8 oz Aleppo Pepper (Turkey)

I can't wait to give these a try on some BBQ.

Pig Roast - 2011-10-01

We went back to PA for a pig roast my brother threw for his 40th birthday party.

Sausage and Ribs

This is most likely my last weekend to cook anything so in addition to the 8 pork shoulders I made yesterday I made 3 racks baby back ribs, 3 racks of St Louis ribs, and 15 lbs of sausage.  The sausage is for an appetizer for our work potluck lunch.

Oktoberfest...

Here are a few other Oktoberfest beverages I picked up at Woodman's last week.

Berghoff Oktoberfest - Berghoff Brewery - Monroe, WI

Schell's Oktoberfest - August Shell Brewing Company - New Ulm, MN
(2nd Oldest Family Owned Brewery in the USA)

BBQ for Potluck Lunch

I volunteered to make 8 pork shoulders for a potluck lunch at work next Friday.

Here is a look at the fridge in the garage stuff with the necessary items for the cooking event.

Butts before being rubbed.

Butts rubbed and ready to go to sleep in the fridge overnight.

Traeger XL stuffed with 8 butts

View of butts after smoking for 6 hours

First of 4 pans of pulled pork

Close up shot of tastiness



Packers v Bears 2011-09-24

Ok, I know this will come as a shock.  Let me clarify.

My next door neighbors from my years in Memphis, Tim and Tanya, came to town this weekend so we could go to the football game.  If you haven't figured it out yet, they are Packers fans not Bears fans.  Oh, I forgot to mention, I have not seen this crazy couple together in almost 10 years.  Well, I am extremely glad to report, they have not changed.  It was an even better weekend than I could have imagined regardless of the fact that we were not watching a Steelers game.  To my long lost brother from another mother, Tim - it was my pleasure for us to spend a few days together again.  I'm not sure the world could handle us living next to each other again ;) as much as I would welcome the challenge.

Canadian Souvenirs

I made a brief pitstop at the Beer Store at the Molson Brewery my last time in town before I went to the airport.  I bought a few souvenirs.

GTA - Architecture

For the second time in two weeks, I was in the Greater Toronto Area.  For some reason, this set of buildings peaks my interest.

Oktoberfest

Again, I love this time of year.  Here are a few other worthwhile beverages.

Paulaner, Ocktoberfest Marzen - Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest, Frankenmuth Brewery - Michigan

Oktoberfest, Sprecher - Glendale, WI