Episode #18: Last Call For Alcohol...

Whether it’s an ice cold beer on a steamy July afternoon or a healthy glass of Syrah in the depths of winter, alcohol is the great equalizer. As there is virtually an endless variety of alcoholic beverages there is an almost equally limitless array of motives for imbibing: from alcohol’s uncanny ability to work as a social lubricant to helping soothe a torrid heart, alcohol has an ability to serve a function for almost any occasion or mood. In moderation, of course.

As a tribute to St. Patrick’s Day, I wanted to make a mix that dealt with the various outlooks on drinking. While Sublime touts the liberating power of a 40, Mobb Deep explores an extended metaphor about seeking solace in a bottle. Johnny Cash laments the dreaded hangover while Jim Morrison and company just need to find that next whiskey bar. ZZ Top and Beck both exhibit a kick-your-feet-up celebratory vibe and The Pietasters can’t help but repeatedly call the waitress over again for yet another round for boys’ night out.

Despite its potential for destruction, drinking has an irresistible, even romantic quality, especially when put into song format. Whether drowning your sorrows in it or celebrating a Friday afternoon, drink is an important part of the human condition. Enjoy these perhaps lesser-known songs about alcohol in preparation for the onslaught of St. Patrick’s Day-themed parties, bar nights, etc. where you will be inundated with tired standards such as “Come On Eileen,” “Tubthumping,” and perhaps even “Margaritaville.”

Give it a listen and enjoy…

Track listing:
1) 40 Oz. To Freedom (3:03) – Sublime
2) Crazy Mary (5:40) – Pearl Jam
3) Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers (3:24) – ZZ Top
4) Maggie Mae (3:02) – The Pietasters
5) Beercan (4:00) – Beck
6) Moonshine Whiskey (6:47) – Van Morrison
7) Alcohol (2:12) – Saturday Looks Good To Me
8) Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) (3:20) – The Doors
9) Sunday Morning Coming Down (4:08) – Johnny Cash
10) Drunk On The Moon (5:07) – Tom Waits
11) Drink Away The Pain (4:46) – Mobb Deep
12) Drunken Hearted Boy (7:34) – The Allman Brothers Band
13) Moonshiner (4:51) – Cat Power