AC/DC Live Concert & Chateau de Laubade Armagnac

Okay, I’m back and feeling feisty. Been very busy with consulting gigs and grant writing and tonight I need to blow off steam for the upcoming week. Maybe you feel the same? So tonight it’s a full concert by AC/DC. Nothing short of brains against the wall rock and roll. Forget the wine, go out an get yourself a bottle of Chateau de Laubade XO Armagnac, It’s about $69.00 but you’re not going to drink the whole bottle at once…at least I don’t recommend it. Pour three fingers into a big snifter, kick back, and get ready for tomorrow. Monday will ook better if you’re pumped and ready to hit the ground running. Back in black & kicking out the jams!

AC/DC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWnG_5obvLo

Cheers!

The Scorpions Unplugged and Estancia Pinnacles Pinot Noir

The Scorpions have long been one of my favorite heavy metal/rock bands. Formed in 1965 in Germany, their membership has varied over the years with the exception of Rudolf Schenker, their rhythm guitarist who launched the group, and vocalist Klaus Meine (I love his vocals). They are best known for their 1980s rock anthem, “Rock You Like A Hurricane” as well as “No One Like You,” Send Me An Angel”, “Still Lovin You”, and “Wind of Change”. They ranked No. 46 on VH1’s Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and “Rock You Like A Hurricane” came in at number 18 on the list of 100 all time greatest hard rock songs.

The pinnacle of their career, according to the critics, was the release of their 1979 album “Lovedrive" that contained fan favorites such as “Loving You Sunday Morning,” “Always Somewhere,” “Holiday,” and “Coast to Coast,” which epitomized their style of hard rock songs and melodic ballads.

The concert I’ve included below is from their all acoustic album “Acoustica,” which, although many fans didn’t like, wanting a new studio album instead, is to me one of their best. Hope you enjoy them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7yG07Md1ww

The heat index in Lincoln has been running around 100 degrees this week, and when it gets this uncomfortable, I can’t drink a heavy red wine, so I suggest the 2011 Estancia Pinnacles Pinot Noir  ($11.00). The wine is ruby red with a nose full of tart cherries and baking spices that lead to a palate full of more cherries, cranberries, and spices. Its finish is medium long, but the thing I really like is it’s perfect for a hot summer evening. Light, elegant, and wonderful with this almost two hour concert of one of my favorite rock bands. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Andy Timmons & Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Andy Timmons was born July 26, 1963 in Evansville, Indiana. His music career began at age 13 with a rock band called Taylor Bay. His early influences were Steve Lukather and Larry Carlton, two outstanding session musicians.

Following in the footsteps of Lukather and Carlton, he developed quite a career as a session musician backing the likes of Simon Phillips, Olivia Newton-John, Kip Winger, Paula Abdul, and Paul Stanely in addition to playing alongside Steve Vai & Joe Satriani (G3 tours), Eric Johnson, Steve Morse, Mike Stern, and Pierre Bensusan. On several of the videos included below, his tone is reminiscent of Eric Johnson.

His journey into the world of session players led him to serious music studies that included classical and jazz. He ended up in Texas, which has a vibrant studio scene. In 1988, he formed the Andy Timmons band, which attracted the attention of the members of the pop-metal band, Danger Danger, with whom he toured the world,

opening for Kiss and Alice Cooper. He’s sold over a million records and has a repertoire that ranges from blistering instrumental guitar to blues to the Beatles.

In 1993, after four years with Danger Danger, he returned to his studio career in Dallas where he’s released eight CD’s, all to critical acclaim. He has been consistently voted a Top 20 Best Guitarist in several publications and was voted Musician of the years four years in a row in the Dallas Observer Music Awards. He’s a fantastic musician and a great listen on a cool autumn Saturday night.

Cry for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaVVZYOvMFY

Ghost of you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqQwWvIt81I&feature=related

Lydia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwH85PjDbhY&feature=related

Beware dark days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl7eVbz0iTc&feature=related

Helipad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USTWe3asA6A&feature=related

Electric Gypsy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93cuDyqXQm8&feature=related

Gone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04ufLAs_y3c&feature=related

Beautiful, Strange: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrnjr-Mhnb4&feature=related

Redemption:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rsf7wXppEC4&feature=related

Move on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kk2sC1Ogys&feature=relmfu

Deliver us: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvVob6skLMA&feature=relmfu

Headed for the ditch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC-NVauJ7y8&feature=related

With Steve Vai, Beat it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53b4ArjE5tI&feature=related

Resolution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_zNHuZST0I&feature=related

It’s finally cooled off here in Nebraska, but I can’t let go of summer just yet, so I suggest a 2011 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (~$14.00). If ever there was a classic example of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, this is it.  Aromas of citrus and lemon explode on the nose. Bright, clean flavors of grapefruit, lime, and tropical fruit stun the palate followed by a zesty finish. It’s my favorite summer wine and goes great with fish or chicken and, of course, the guitar of Andy Timmons. Enjoy!

Cheers!