Maybe I Was Right About Elbow Afterall - and, Great Beer Coming?

Anyone who listens to the Tom Morton Show on BBC Radio Scotland knows that I am a regular correspondent and, I would like think, long distance friend of Tom's, and Tom has generously promoted my website on many occasions. You will also be fully apprised of the on-going saga of my passion for the band, Elbow, and their newest CD that I put on par with Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon". Obviously, Tom thought I was nuts when I suggested this to him and he said as much on a recent show. Well, I haven't convinced him well enough for album of the week but I've converted my family and his to the Elbow cause and he has given them some rare and fine accolades. Personally, I think it is about time. Elbow has been doing great music for a long time. Certainly, however, this newest is the Holy Grail for them, so far. Anyway, if you're living in the dark and haven't checked out Elbow's "The Seldom Seen Kid" go out and get it... NOW! And, as I've warned everyone, KEEP listening to it. It is my opinion that the best albums are not the ones that grab you on the first play - those eventually get relegated to gathering dust on the rack. Instead, those that take a bit of time to get into stick with you for years to come. This new Elbow is no exception. Patience, Grasshopper... Check out their recent appearance at Glastonbury. My thanks to Cairan Norris for posting the video.

As of my last blog, the homebrew situation was dire. Well, a lot has gone on since. Nearly two weeks ago I brewed a hoppy British style ale using only organic New Zealand "Pacific Gem" hops. This is in an attempt to really taste the flavor and bittering qualities of this hop as it one of the few I can actually still get (at least in whole hop form). Did I mention that this worldwide hop shortage SUCKS? Anyway, at racking, the flavor and aroma was great so I have high hopes. For those lucky enough to have tried my "Welsh Dragon", "Pacific Gem" was one of three different hops used in that now infamous ale. So, this one could easily be another winner - let's hope. I'll tap the keg in about a week's time.

For all the Americans out there, Happy 4th of July!

Cheers!
Neil