Cooking With Heavy Metal

Here's a great meal I just whipped up after work on Friday 3-9-12. This is the song that was playing while we ate, so if you would, you could push play and then read the rest of this blog, or don't. It'd be a lot cooler if you did though. A band I just recently discovered, which is pretty spacy, alternative rock. The album is quite good. Codeseven - Dancing Echos/Dead Sounds.



So I took out some boneless pork chops from Costco this morning, you know the big meaty ones that melt in your mouth, before I left for work. Got home around 4:00 and whipped up my new favorite way to treat these bad boys and that is to Brine them:

As you can see it is a liquid mixture used as a type of marinade and prepared by the following simple recipe:

5 boneless pork chops (I used 3 instead)
3/4 cup Kosher Salt
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 tbsn whole peppercorns
1 tbsn ground mustard (I used whole grain mustard since I was out of the ground variety)
2 cups apple cider vinegar
handful of ice cubes

I also cut the brine in half since I was feeding a family of 2 and a half. So basically you heat the vinegar up until its hot and dump into a bowl filled with the rest of the sweet, saltyness, and let it dissolve for 15 minutes or so, you then dump the ice cubes in and melt them to cool the mixture down and then drown the chops in the "brine", cover and chill in the fridge for up to two hours, preferably exactly 2 hours.

We decided that since it was so nice outside we would head down the street across I-80 to the Truckee River and let our daughter Presley throw rocks in the Truckee River at Mayberry park. It was a beautiful evening not a lot of people out and Presley always has fun doing anything outdoors and is fascinated by the littlest of things.

We got home about 5:30 and it was time to prepare the rest of the feast. I started by firing up the grill and preparing some roasted red potatoes with red bell pepper, garlic and some seasoning (salt pepper, parsley, rosemay olive oil) and throwing them in the oven cause they take like an hour. Meanwhile I took the chops out of the fridge to get to room temperature and the next step is to rinse them off and pat them dry and coat them with your favorite rub/BBQ seasoning. I used my top secret rub I have in the cupboard I use on all my pork products as shown below:

Meanwhile again I prepared the other side dish consisting of asparagus. I coated it with olive oil, salt and pepper, and the leftover garlic from the potato dish I popped in the oven. I love asparagus cause it makes my pee smell so great. jk. But on the grill is hands down the best way to cook asparagus. Especially when you add the smoke chips as shown above in the first photo.

The next and final step was to go ahead and flop the shit on the grill, preferably using a "mangrate" which I purchased at http://mangrate.com/ and heard about from Adam Carolla on his radio show years ago, or maybe it was when he first started up his podcast. Its a solid chunk of cast iron that sits directly on your existing grill and is similar to cooking on a cast iron skillet except its on the grill. I try and time it out to get 4 flip 2 sessions on each side of the meat to get a piece of meat that looks like this (~ 4 minutes per side more or less depending on how thick they are):

Oh ya, between flips I baste the chops with Apple Butter, which is sort of like a jelly but thinner and more like a thick BBQ sauce. I bought a jar at the store and use it religiously when I cook, especially pork products.

The cool thing about this brine recipe is the brining process actually sort of pre-cooks the meat so you don't have to cook the shit out of it to avoid contracting Trichinosis or some crazy pig virus. So basically you cook it to a medium rare like a beef steak and it remains moist and tender. The asparagus is grilled until its soft and smokey and delicous. The potatoes are usually done about this time and you are most definitely ready to dig in. The only thing lacking this evening was a cold one, which I just decided to lay off. I don't drink like I used to and most of the time it only makes me feel sick and not the buzz I used to seek as a younger dude. So here is what the final product looked like before it was wolfed down:

It was quite tasty, and to be honest wasn't the best I've had, it was a little on the salty side, I think I put a little too much salt and not enough ice to dilute the brine with, but it was definitely succulent and the asparagus was to die for, the potatoes perfectly crispy and delicious. Another week down and the weekend coming up. Start to finish took about 3 hours and we had a nice walk on the River in between. Can't beat that. So I started with a song might as well end with one that is playing on my computer as I write this from an album I just picked up by a band I've been a fan of for a long time, but fell out when they parted ways with the original singer and brought on a new line-up. The latest album was surprisingly awesome, not quite the same as the old line-up but definitely good music if you like rock and roll southern tinged blues:




Try out the BRINE sometime and let me know what you think. For the actual recipe that I got my proportions from go to: http://www.food.com/recipe/alton-browns-2-hour-mustard-brine-for-pork-chops-or-roast-191816 I get a lot of ideas off the food network and most then time do my own little twist on them and/or use the basics for proportion related concerns on ingredients. Hope you liked the post.

2012 Music so far...

Sorry for the few readers that have been checking in to this somewhat boring blog. I haven't had a lot of time to dedicate to it lately, or maybe I just haven't had anything compelling come to mind to put out there. And this post doesn't necessarily mean anything compelling will be revealed either. Pretty much reviving it from the dead with some new music releases which I've really enjoyed this year so far.

Top releases of the year so far in no particular order:

Lucero - Women & Work (not released yet, but leaked so I have been jamming it non-stop)

Call me a crook, I download music off the internet. I have a compulsive disorder I guess and some may call it the downfall of the music industry, I call it exposure for artists that would otherwise possibly go unheard of and for music enthusiasts like myself, I would be uninterested in attending shows and basically be stuck with listening to mainstream music on the radio. I think the internet only benefits artists even if their music gets downloaded for free. If the music is good it will be spread by word of mouth by people like me who get off on spreading music around by my mouth and in this case, by word of keyboard. Anyhow, here's a snippet of a song off the new Lucero album, which was recorded a while back. Check out the new album next Tuesday and hey, you could even purchase it if you don't have ambition to seek it out on the internet.




Every Time I Die - Ex Lives

Okay well up until this release I have never really been able to get into this band. Lots of hype if you are into music at all you have maybe heard of these guys. The singer I give credit to and despite not really digging the music as a whole Keith Buckley is pretty bad ass. The new album struck a chord with me leaning more on the Southern Sludge undertones than their previous works. I must admit after really digging this release, I went back to gave their older work a chance and did in fact find more to like about it than I initially did. Perhaps I paid more attention to the overall sound and didn't let the chaos as the music initially rubbed on me, overwhelm my ears. This song is probably my favorite so far, but the album as a whole flows really well and incorporates all the different aspects of their work into one solid album that was good enought to bring me aboard the ETID bandwagon, which is more of a monster truck than a wagon.



Orange Goblin - A Eulogy for the Damned

Orange Goblin haven't released anything new in a while, but the recent release is top notch. Top notch in the 'Stoner Rock' realm. Ya, I admit, I like listening to music that got its genre name by catering to individuals who partake in the obvious activity, but that doesn't mean I'm a stoner, rather I enjoy the meaty, fuzzy guitar riffs, with undeniable groove and laid back vibe the music possesses. Check this album out for flat out riffs, grooves, and music that goes great with desert backroads and southern swamp-hoppin (made up that term) and just a flat out beer drinkin, and if you choose, grass smoking good time. The title track is undeniably a mellow paced, anthem that keeps the genre relevant without being too cliche, which for the last few years has become very common for bands in the said genre.



Castles - You, The Organ Grinder

This three piece from Belgium I heard about from a post by a podcast I'm subscribed to on facebook around the first of the year. The album name may be decieving, but the music itself is very unique and to me is a perfect combination of sludgy, alternative, almost proggy metal sound to them. Layered guitars with a gravelly, punk like vocals. It comes across as a blend of Mastodon and Coliseum, more on the Coliseum side of things. Their debut album is available on itunes and here is a video featuring two of their songs in a row recorded in a garage like setting and sounds pretty Fing cool if you ask me. Listen to the whole album for a real feel to these guys sound. It may take a listen or to, but if you like this type of think it will not dissapoint.


Just listen all the way through, the beginning may turn some folks off as it starts a bit slow.

King Giant - Dismal Hollow

This album was referred to me by one of my many internet friends whom I've never personally met, but am thankful to have gotten to know online since they give me someone to discuss and share musical loves with. These guys give off a heavy Danzig vibe with that Pantera esque southern crunch and heavyness that I love. The band members as evidenced in this video are heavy bearded big, bad, motherfuckers, which always makes you feel that way when you listen to the music. Anyone else ever feel that way? Haha, that just came to me as I was typing this. Anyway, check out this video, not only does the song rock, but the video is very entertaining, especially in today's zombie fetish that we have adopted. Anyway, I bought this album off their bandcamp page, which by the way, is the best online forum for bands to promote their music if you ask me. Hey I don't steal all my music online, in fact I'm sure I spend waaay more money on music than the average bear even with nabbing a ton for free.
http://kinggiant.bandcamp.com



Mother's Green - Swimming in the Sun

Another artist I would never have found out without the help of my internet buddies. I know, sounds lame, but I don't give a shit. I gotta feed this addiction somehow, and none of my long time friends are really gonna fill this void very well. I try and pass this stuff I find to them and on down the ladder if you get what I'm saying.

Check out the album, it is just came across as some relaxing, laid back, grooving music, which as of late I have regained a love for. Music taste seems to go in and out with me especially with the amount of music I listen to these days. This was a great find and was a perfect way to kick off my afternoon on the slopes last Friday afternoon. Another awesome thing about technology carrying your music with you wherever you may be, pop the earbuds in and just go with the flow. So awesome on the ski slopes.
http://www.mothersgreen.com/ 



Alright well this concludes my latest contribution to this blog. Oh wait, one more, the new Pelican track is fucking brilliant. Really looking forward to their new album out in April I think.



Hope you enjoyed the latest of my finds. I'd be willing to bet nobody made it through the whole thing and listened to all of the songs, and I don't blame you. In a perfect world everyone would listen to what I say and obey my every suggestion. Haha. Check back in like another 3 months for more. (hopefully I won't leave you hanging that long...)

Golden Oldies

Alright, since I have been a bit lazy on keeping up with this I figured I'll share with you a few of my favorite songs from back in the day when I was first exposed to the music I listen to today, and perhaps what got me hooked in the first place.

To start things off, I grew up in a small town with 1 radio station repeating the hottest Country hits over and over. I was exposed to some classic rock that my parents occasionally played but for the most part everyone I knew listened to country music, all my friends parents, pretty much it was the norm. Well, I can't say I was one of the "haters" of country music since it was really mostly all I was around as a small child and to this day when those classic 90's country songs are played my nostalgic senses are heightened. Entering into my early to late teens, I must have decided I would break out of the norm and start listening to some different stuff. Ironically right about the time I started breaking away from the rules of society and doing what teenage kids do, not listening to parents advice, giving into peer pressure, trying to 'be cool' and fit in, and all the other stereotypical traits of a lost teenager looking for a clear path through the jungle known as high school. Well, I did all those things and during the brunt of it all, not only was I exposed to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other stuff you aren't allowed to do under the age of 18, I found another thing perfectly legal and, like a dog, could be considered 'Mans other best friend' which was music. Rock music to be precise. I don't really feel the music had anything to do with my actions during those years, more it gave me companionship when friends weren't around and there was nothing more going on, as well as it gave us something to chug beers to and drive down the endless dirt roads.

That logic still holds true for me, perhaps more than ever. At a time when I am supporting a family, putting my wife through Nursing School, helping her raise our daughter and soon to be son, working full time, and really not having any more ambition left, music is still my outlet to just relax and let my mind rest. Although some might argue "doesn't that mean your mind is constantly at rest?" Well, yes and no. I am listening to music every free chance I get, but my mind is far from rested.

So hear are a few tracks/albums that, off the top of my head, I can remember really getting me started with my love of music, I'll throw a couple from different genres to get a true sense of what I listened to back then, and try and put them in some sort of chronological order somewhat of a timeline of how it all went down:

Album: Tom Petty "Into the Great Wide Open"
Track: Two Gunslingers



Album: Nirvana "MTV Unplugged in New York"
Track: Plateau




Album: The Offspring "Smash"
Track: Bad Habit




Album: Metallica "And Justice For All"
Track: The Shortest Straw



Album: Rage Against the Machine "Rage Against the Machine"
Track: Killing in the Name Of




Album: Megadeth "Countdown to Extinction"
Track: Psychotron




Album: White Zombie "La Sexorcisto : Devil Music Volume 1"
Track: Soul Crusher



Album: Slayer "Seasons in the Abyss"
Track: Skeletons of Society




As you can briefly see, there is somewhat of a progression (or digression, depending on the reader) going on hear. Although these are just a few of the tracks that jumped out to me without thinking too hard, this is where it all started. I can remember specific times listening to these songs as well as many others. This concludes todays music ramble. I had planned on doing my taxes tonight, but I am tired, and that was the last thing I felt like undertaking at 9:30 pm tonight. And by the way, 9:30 is late for me nowadays, I'm getting old, but I'm still young at heart, as evidenced possibly in the music I listen to. I don't ever see myself breaking away from rock and roll/metal. Say what you want, its hear to stay. Later.

Buck's X - A little late never hurt anybody

If you know anything about me, especially those who probably don't know me at all and are my 'friends' on Facebook, know I am pretty into music. I've been heavily into the discovery phase the last probably 3 years and am constantly seeking out new good music. It does exist to those who say rock is dead. Every once in a while, while seeking out new stuff I stumble upon a band that has been around for a long, long time that slipped through the cracks for whatever reason. The latest discovery of mine, which to some of you may sound odd that I have never listened to them, is a band called King's X. King's X have been around since the mid to late 80's and have released a number of albums which I've recently had the graces of listening to. Its no wonder I like these guys, them being a combination of 90's grunge, 80's hard rock, funk, groove, soul, with melodic vocals and guitar riffs like no other. According to my lazy, quick research of these guys, they are fairly well known and to the music community are considered one of the most underrated bands in history (hence, why I've never heard of them).

The album that hit me with the most punch was the album "Dogman". King's X - Dogman was released in 1994, about the time I first really started listening to music, but not obsessed with it as I am now. Who knows what would have happened if I had my hands on this stuff back then. Probably nothing, but you just neva, neva know do ya. There literally is not a bad song on this album. Each one on initial listen sent those lusting shivers down my spine, which is my queue that there is something special. Take a listen to these songs if you haven't already heard them and tell me this isn't timeless music that even someone today, having never heard the band before and is exposed day to day at the forefront of the latest bands around the world, can be utterly amazed at. Right now, I am really having a hard time trying to pick out a couple songs as examples because they are all 5/5 star material.

Title Track - "Dogman"



Pretend




Slower Ballad - "Cigarettes"



If you like heavy rock, blues, funk, pop, soul, metal, or anything in between you should not have a problem enjoying this band, and especially this album. It's a diamond in the rough and instant classic for me up there with AC/DC Back in Black, Metallica's Black album, Alice in Chains - Facelift, Nirvana - Nevermind, and of course anything Tom Petty.

To top all this new discovery mumbo jumbo of mine off, I was informed that King's X will be playing in Reno on April 12th this year with one of my favorite local Reno hard rock bands "The Swamp Donkey" opening for them. Actually this is what sparked my interest in checking out the band in case you were wondering. Without my Facebook contact to the world I would have never came upon this. It really is the main function of Facebook for me, discovering new music and sharing it with those interested. So if these songs weren't enough, might I tell you this dude performed probably THE BEST Jimi Hendrix cover in recorded history at Woodstock 94'. See below. Also, go get this CD along with many of their other ones.

King's X - Manic Depression (Jimi Hendrix Cover)

End of the year, discovery of the year!

So I've already posted my top albums of the year as well as honorable mentions. It wasn't until merely days after I posted the honorable mentions that there were a ton of albums that I totally forgot about and felt a little uneasy that they didn't appear on the list. But the list was published and there is no turning back. Now that the year has officially passed, and since I posted my Top Albums lists, I have read a slough of other peoples end of the year lists in which, surprisingly, each list was very unique. There wasn't a whole lot of overlap from list to list, which means that there is either a shit load of good album out this year, or everybody is different and likes different shit. I tend to think that this year produced a shit load of good albums. I myself was very impressed to say the least.

One album/artist in particular really struck a chord with me, which I discovered from a friends end of the year top 10 list on Facebook. Cobra Khan - Adversities not only rocked my socks off, it became one of my favorite albums of the year as of right now. I know several albums have done that to me throughout the year and after time they fizzle out and a new album came along and stole the thunder. However, after backtracking Cobra Khan and downloading everything they have ever done I am completely blown away with their sound, style and overall awesomeness factor. These guys combine everything I love about heavy rock music and mold it together to produce a sound that is hard to resist. Combining elements of classic thrash metal, modern hardcore, face melting sludge metal, and groovy stoner rock fuzz, Cobra Khan's relentless discography is crack cocaine to my addict ears. I would say starting with their first full release, Helgorithms (2008) Cobra Khan sounded like Kyuss on steroids. There are several cuts off this album on youtube that were actually produced music videos and many of you may have already seen me post links to on facebook recently. Here is a cut that combined with the video is sure to please some. The track is called Liquid Separation: Take a look and listen to the sound which is unrivaled by most artists out there. I love it.



I found the video to be quite amusing and interesting at the same time. I myself, enjoy the pleasures of gourmet food and this video pretty much indulges in a banquet of it while creepily maintaining the vision the music portrays.

Helgorithms initially won my heart over the new album Adversities after I viewed the 4 or 5 videos on youtube and realized the power of the lead singers voice. However, the new album, Adversities, takes the game to another level. Adversities incorporates more of the keyboard into the mix, which actually Helgorithms did too, and is able to produce a homogeneous heavy rock vibe that works. I always like to describe music to people by comparing the sound to other artists with similar sound. I would say Adversities and Cobra Khan, as a whole, is hybrid mixture of Soilwork meets Kyuss, and Alice in Chains meets Machine Head. Just by that reference alone one would assume these guys are fucking insanely bad ass. And one would be correct on that assumption. While I write this I am uploading the entire disc to youtube from their latest album Adversities and will include a link here in a minute (since there wasn't much of it up there). I encourage all of you who are into any of the music I post about, or any of the bands in comparison to check out Cobra Khan.

Maybe I'm a little awestruck at this time since I just discovered them, but I think there is truly something about this band that any music enthusiast would agree is not only unique but masterful. And I trust the source from whom this band was noticed from. His list contained 3 out of my top tens in his top ten, thus encouraged me to check this band out, which was the only one I hadn't yet heard on his list. Thank you. If you read this you know who you are. Either way, I love this shit and wanted to get it off my chest and also wanted to add to this blog and not have it slip into the voids of bloggery failure.

Here are a couple highlight tracks off of Adversities from my youtube page which contains the whole album as well as many other tracks from other artists that I couldn't originally find on youtube:





Here's another one off Helgorithms that I found has such a cool sound. Female chant-like vocals over dark, fuzzy, guitar licks that create a beautiful sound in my humble opinion:




Let me know what you think of these guys and like always, let me know if you have more suggestions for me to listen to. Enjoy!