Before last weekend, I had never seen New Orleans, but I had definitely heard it. I didn’t realize until I was on my way there how much music is truly influenced by the NOLA culture. It’s the birthplace of Jazz and Blues. A place where anyone with brass had the power to make people dance in the streets, and dancing is a must when you’re in New Orleans.
On the road trip down, with nothing but Jazz Fest on the brain, Brittany and I had a blast coming up with tracks to add to this playlist and getting in the right mindset for the perfect weekend celebrating our favorite things - music and culture! Here are my thoughts on my favorite tracks from this fine mixtape.
|
|
That kick pedal is just addictive, and the gypsy soulful lyrics just make me picture a big dock party in the middle of a bayou swamp. Plus that banjo, I just can’t get over how powerfully deep this song hits me. Especially once that bass solo comes in and the tempo picks up, I lose myself in it. Damn you loved, damn you lied. Rock on Stevie girl.
The organ in this song is just so catchy, and the Animals really don’t hold back on this one. That classic raspy voice, along with the lyrics just make you feel like you’re in the Big Easy, or at the very least a house in New Orleans.
Okay, it was purely ironic that Brittany and I had just seen Kid Rock at the 420 Fest and he has a song called New Orleans. The song picks up and all you need is that saxophone-piano-harmonic mixture to get you grooving. This one shouldn’t be overlooked, because it really captures everything about the road trip. "Burning through Mississippi with the Big Easy on my mind!"
This slow and steady jam has such a simply put message; let the good times roll! It can’t be put better than that, unless you say it in French which is what the locals in NOLA like to do. So, for the sake of blending in, next time you’re on Bourbon Street give someone a big “laissez les bon temps roulez” and they’ll probably buy you a drink.
Mmmm, that clapping down-country big band kind of sound just makes me think ‘hot damn, Louisiana!’ Get me a drink and a dance floor, pronto. This song just felt like it belonged on the list, and if you haven’t heard it yet you’ll be hooked by the first note.
I love Lou Reed’s classic voice and it just seems to fit in so perfectly when it comes to this playlist. And those soft ‘oOoOoh’s make you drift off into a relaxed state of mind.
This was easily the lengthiest mixtape I've published here yet, so picking out just six songs really doesn't feel like enough! I guess you'll just have to listen to it to see what other great hits are hidden along the way - and maybe grab yourself some jambalaya and make a party out of it!
Comments
Wanna know what’s great about Gate City Brewing? It just opened in Downtown Roswell a couple of months ago, and it’s only a few miles from my house. A brewery in my own backyard? I had to go check it out, and what better way to explore new places than to bring a couple friends along?
For a little backstory, Gate City was founded in 2013 and named after Atlanta’s historical title “Gate City of the New South.” I love how connected this brewery is to the heart and soul of the city, and the phoenix in the logo is a perfect reminder of how Gate City’s beers aim to capture the spirit and opportunity that my hometown is all about.
Back to the beautiful Saturday afternoon, we strolled up to the huge open garage door and wandered inside. The parking lot was full of picnic tables and groups of people deep in conversations. As we waited to get our first round, we listened to some live music (oh yes, my kind of place!). There was an acoustic twangy sounding band called Crooked Wit playing some tunes that perfectly complimented the sunshine an light breeze. It couldn’t have felt like a lovelier day, and we hadn’t even tried the beer yet.
And man, I couldn’t decide what I wanted to go for (I guess that’s why they give you six tickets!). I landed on the 'Mosaic’n Me Crazy,’ honestly because the name sounded so fun. But the beer was delicious too! It’s a pale ale, and I remember it being much lighter and less bitter than the only other Mosaic I’ve had (Terrapin’s version, I wasn’t a fan of it). But both of them were distinctly smooth, and I really enjoyed this lighter session-style Mosaic.
The rounds get a little fuzzy after this point, but I know I tried everything on the list at least once. I loved the 1864 IPA, it was so flavorful and bold compared to most of the IPAs around. It’s an American IPA that’s built to be a crowd pleaser, whether you’re new to the craft beer scene or are considered a veteran. Another one that stuck out to me was the 20 Grand, it’s a cream ale that has a tasty hint of something (vanilla, maybe?), and I drank every drop of it.
Gate City has already carved out a special place in my heart and I’ll definitely be going back soon to keep trying their new selections. Tours are held on Fridays (5-9pm) and Saturdays (1-8pm), if you’re in the area you gotta go check this place out. Tell me what my next brewery adventure should be in the comments below!
RELATED POSTS
I’m rather impressed with myself for the way I spent April. I think I maximized the amount of fun that I could handle/afford, and I managed to go on a more adventures than I can count. I’ve been feeling insanely restless (beyond my normal amount, if it were possible) and I don’t know what I’m searching for. But in the process, I’m checking off a ton of goals, so it must count for something!
I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since I started this challenge. I’m over 1/3 of the way there, but have only 16/101 goals completed. That’s a red flag to me, and it sounds like I’m going to have to reevaluate my methods. I’ve just been kind of aimlessly checking things off instead of making diligent effort towards certain goals (ahem, fitness). You’ve gotta keep yourself in check, because who else is going to? Let’s see what I did and where I went during the month of April.
Completed will be bolded. In Progress will be italicized. Incomplete items will stay normal.
Start date: May 15, 2015
End date: February 9, 2018 {16 COMPLETE, 85 TO GO}
I could go on and on about all of the place I went in April and how much I loved each and every experience, but instead I hope to inspire you to go out and live your own! Check out a place you've never gone before, even in your own town. Strike up a conversation with a person you find interesting. Go forth and be friendly, kind, curious and excited about the world around you. Until then, I'll be doing the same.
RELATED POSTS |
Writer, stargazer, believer in human beings. Die-hard rock and roller with an insatiable urge to dance my way through life.
ARCHIVES
December 2020
CATEGORIES |