PIL - End Of World ( Review)

PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED END OF WORLD (PIL OFFICIAL) PiL (Public Image Ltd) has returned with their first new album in eight years, End of World, an album that is anything but calm, collective, or predictable. With five UK top 20 albums, PiL has an illustrated career of mainstream success while questioning the conventions of what makes a pop chart song succeeds by using abstract time signatures, dub, punk, funk, and outspoken themes in lyricism. Fans of the band's singer John Lydon (formerly of Sex Pistols) will no doubt be drawn to the singer's charismatic choruses in the song “Car Chase”, an upbeat single and dance feel that keeps a punk rock song approach that we have come to be familiar with over this band's discography. The next single “Penge” is a rocking and almost militant death march anthem, brooding and hitting overhead with tenacity. The title track of this album displays a psychedelic guitar groove and a weird as hell synth melody, but also manages to structure chaos and political lyrics within the musical experience. While this album certainly detracts from conventional pop music ideals, PiL continues to push the envelope with grace and ingenuity, experimentation, and the listening experience. —Ryan McKern

Tuba Skinny - Magnolia Stroll (Review)

TUBA SKINNY MAGNOLIA STROLL encompassing the full genealogy of popular Americana music, Tuba Skinny bring their french quarter charisma and skilled musicianship through traditional Jazz, Gospel , Jug band, r&b and the eclectic flavor that is New Orleans soul. Since forging their way playing on the streets of Royal and Toulouse, Tuba Skinny have released their first collection of original compositions with the album Magnolia Stroll. The opening track “Trickster’s Rag” delivers in the swing trad sound of neighborhood New Orleans, a beautiful composition of bright horns, banjo and washboard. The experience and creativity are at the forefront of Magnolia Stroll, with Jazz Trad ingenuity and a love for the city of New Orleans Tuba Skinny continues this journey with the songs “Ida Wobble” and “Mighty Anchor” with production capturing the charm of Cuban and Carribean Jazz, while using its foundation to make it a sound all their own. Drawing to mind such classic swinging Jazz pioneers such as Sharkey Bonano, George Lewis and Sweet Emma Barrett. Syncopated rhythms can be heard through out Magnolia Stroll, a journey into celebration and innovation within its core.

McKern’s Fish & Chips w/ Pub Sauce

McKern’s Dubliner Fish & Chips. Through my culinary adventures in kitchens nationwide, one cultural & comfort food I always come back to is Guinness Fish & Chips. Having worked in a Irish Pub Kitchen I got to really dig deep into traditions and now In my own kitchen I can add my customized flare while keeping the original vibe front and center. The Irish Channel in New Orleans is both historic and a must for locals and visitors alike, and with St. Patricks parades around the corner, here is some fun ideas to feed your Krewe in between Beads and produce catching. Some of the spices can be left out if you do not have certain ones in shelf, The more traditional versions are more stripped down using minimal seasoning. Use Deep Fryer or Deep pot for frying. INGREDIENTS Fish Batter * 6 Pieces of Fish. Cod, catfish, walleye etc. * 2 cups Flour * 1 Tab Baking Powder * 1 tea Salt * 1 Tab Cajun Seasoning * 1.5 cups Cold Guinness Beer * 1/2 tea paprika * 1/2 tea hot sauce ( preferably garlic hot or Old Bay Hot Sauce) Additional Ingredients * 1/2 cup Cornstarch * 2 quarts Oil for Frying * Malt Vinegar for serving * Lemon Wedges for serving * McKern’s Pub Sauce for Chips INSTRUCTIONS Preparing the Batter * Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Include seasonings.� * Mix in 1 1/2 cups cold Guinness beer and sir until a smooth batter is formed.� Preparing the Fish * Cut the cod into equal sized portions, then pat dry with paper towels.� * Dust both sides of the fish pieces with cornstarch and shake off excess cornstarch.� * Dip the fish in the batter and fry in 375 degree oil until the fish is cooked through and the batter is golden. This typically takes 5-7 minutes.� * Let the fish cool for a few minutes before serving. McKern’s Pub Sauce for fries After late nights at First Avenue in Minneapolis I would always stumble across the street to O’Donnovans, there I would grab a pint and a order of chips as musicians played Irish folk until last call. The Mary Rose sauce at this pub was phenomenal, and I tried and tried again to create something that could be on par with this magical dipping sauce. Here is my Pub Sauce with a Nola twist. Ingredients * 1/2 cup mayonnaise * 1/2 tablespoon mustard * 1 tablespoon soy sauce * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce * 1 tablespoon brown sugar * 1/2 tablespoon minced chives * 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce or both to taste * 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper * 1 tbs Indian Spice Mix * 1/2 Teaspoon Italian Herb Mix Simply whisk all ingredients together until blended. Serve with chips. Slainte’