Howdy true be-loggers! Welcome to Volume 2 of Sunday Leftovers. As we continue into this new volume, I will introduce some new features that are less analytical (more creative), but sadly not this week for reasons I will explain later. Let's open up the fridge and see what's left over.
[The Back Window]
CREDIT: Grafik Magazine
CREDIT: The Male Nurse
[Recipe of the Week: Butterscotch & Whiskey Cookie Bar]
Recipe from: Frites and Fries (this girl is a food photographer - I like her style)
For a 9” square pan:
1 c. (generous amount) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. light brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. butterscotch chips
1/4 c. whiskey
Preheat the oven to 350F.
1. Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and light brown sugar together.
2. In another small bowl, whisk the butter, milk, vanilla, and egg.
3. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry batter.
4. Add in the whiskey and then fold in the butterscotch chips.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 9” square pan.
(The batter may seem dry because it doesn’t spread across the pan easily; use a spatula to cover the entire pan with the cookie batter.)
6. Bake for about 20 minutes; use a toothpick to test the center. The toothpick should not be completely clean but with very small bits of cookie dough on it.
[DIY of the Week: Bottle Cap Table]
I have actually been saving bottle caps to do this project. I don't have enough yet, but I when I saw this DIY, I wanted to share it.
Bottle Cap Table with Poured Resin Surface - More DIY How To Projects
[Deep Review: John Mayer Battle Studies]
I don't hide that I am a John Mayer fan, and I have been looking forward to this album coming out. Mayer allowed Rhapsody to stream it a week before the release. Here is my review:
1. Heartbreak Warfare: The song has an interesting back beat, it is clear that Mayer has been focusing on his production abilities and is intent on adding multi-layers. While I am getting a complex sound, the song is lacking Mayer's excellent guitar playing and the lyrics are weak.
2. All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye: John is playing the victim in this weepy acoustic sob story. The song is overproduced and aimless.
3. Half of my Heart: Very strong Fleetwood Mac influence in this song which I like (because I don't have to listen to Stevie Nicks). One of the strongest tracks on the album if not THE strongest.
4. Who Says: I agree with the criticism that the song sounds too similar to "Stop this Train" from his last album. I appreciate Mayer not being afraid to admit he is an asshole with women and just wanting to do what he wants. I think the song would have been better with more aggressive tones, but maybe it would have veered into the territory of cock-rock ala Nickleback.
5. Perfectly Lonely: Mayer's guitar is back for this song, it's a shame his brain wasn't. I tend to appreciate Mayer's over-thinking when it comes to his lyrics. He is phoning it in for this song... but the guitar sounds good.
6. Assassins: This song seems to be the most complete thought on the album. If we call Battle Studies a concept album, this song shows the most innovation musically while staying within the parameters of "break-up songs" concept.
7. Crossroads: Totally unnecessary and completely unwelcome cover. I get that Mayer wants to be considered a guitar god, but he doesn't need to follow in every footstep as Clapton, SRV, and B.B. King. The cover itself is muddy and murky which isn't Mayer's sound either. Why John?
8. War of my Life: Overall one of the better efforts. Nice hook and chorus.
9. Edge of Desire: Another slow, weepy song. The guitar riff is interesting, but the song just drags on. Eventually Mayer builds to a decent solo, but it is very "arena rock" circa 1985.
10. Do you know me: Interesting acoustic riff driving the song. The theme and tone are the same. This is song #10, the whole impact is washed out by the previous 9 songs. The song feels like an interlude, it would be better in the middle of the album.
11. Friends, Lovers, or Nothing: Big guitar, sweeping chorus, thematically wrapping up the album... still leaving me flat.
I appreciate Mayer's attempt at doing a concept album and sticking to one theme, but the entire album feels restrained and phoned in. While his production increased, the things that make him appealing to me dwindled. Less focus on the guitar and on thoughtful lyrics. I liked 2.5 songs out of 11 and any way I look at it, it is a failing grade. I still think the guy is an excellent musician but his head was in the wrong place for this project.
[Video of the Week]
In honor of my wife's 29th Birthday...
[Conclusion]
DC killed my favorite comic book character this week, but I suspect it won't take. Regardless I am bummed out.
It has been a very busy work week, so sorry if the content is a little light. I didn't read anything that fired me up (with the exception being my Storm Chasers rant). If you need to reach me, you can do so via email at: "blog at joeylombardi.com". As always, don't take shit from anybody.
Smell You Later,
~ Joey
Joey Lombardi | Create Your Badge
