Play List: American Ice's Patrick Owens
Need some musical inspiration for your next gathering? Metrocurean checks in with music lovers around DC to find out what's on their party play lists ...Patrick Owens, once a member of a metal band, now the bar manager at American Ice Co., wanted to find a way to merge the unlikely worlds of cocktails with heavy metal music. The result – Spirits in Black, a monthly happy hour featuring seasonal craft cocktails inspired by a heavy metal playlist. If you missed October's Halloween event, featuring guest bartender Gina Chersevani, listen out for the next date.
Not much of a dinner party guy, Owens offered Metrocurean a taste of what he listens to when friends drop by for poker night.
• The Modern Lovers: Pablo Picasso
Owens says: “The first time I heard this band, I said, ‘Nah. Don't really like it. Too poppy and straight forward. And what's with the singer's monotone voice?’ Then I kept hearing it over and over again, until one day it clicked. It's SUPPOSED to sound like that. This song in particular is a fave because the whole song is just this steady, almost droning backbeat with erratic, random guitar and piano noodling; just enough to keep you nodding your head. The vocals seem almost lazy and apathetic in their delivery; barely keeping up, they somehow fit seamlessly. It comes off like commas placed randomly in the lyrics…’Well the girls would turn the color of, the avocado, while he would, drive down the street, in his, El Dorado’.“
• Hot Snakes: Plenty For All
Owens says: “Intended only as a side project, these guys have sadly disbanded but during their short stint together they ripped out some solid records. Every time I hear this song I just want to drop everything and move to southern California (that's pretty much what the song is about). It's got this amazing high-noted riff that keeps
popping in and out of the song, calling me back.”
• Graveyard: Hisingen Blues
Owens says: “Bluesy, fast-paced 70’s stoner rock good for any mood, anytime of day. This is what more bands from that era SHOULD have sounded like. The liner notes of his record recommend playing it ‘...at the highest possible volume in order to fully appreciate the sound of Graveyard’. I couldn't agree more.”
• Entrance: Grim Reaper Blues
Owens says: “I actually don't know much about this band, other than it's only one dude. Most of this record is acoustic, but this is the rocker. Echoed, distorted vocals belt out over a super-catchy bass line with screeching guitars.”
• Shellac: Dog and Pony Show
Owens says: “Chugging, powerfully complex drums tirelessly pursue dirty, seemingly sloppy guitar and bass lines. So good.”
• Russian Circles: Geneva
Owens says: “With most instrumental bands, I usually listen and think, ‘this is great, but needs vocals’. Russian Circles are one of my few exceptions. The song is a continuous buildup and breakdown, constantly swelling and fading. The addition of choppy, scary violins help signal the constant, impending (musical) doom.”
• Kvelertak: Mjød
Owens says: “A dirty rock/punk band from Norway with quick bursts of metal to keep it interesting, not to mention a liberal dose of hand claps. The lyrics are apparently based on Norse mythology/folklore, but I wouldn't know since they sing entirely in Norwegian. Does it matter? Nope. They continuously destroy my ears, especially this one. Catchy as hell.”
• Chicago: 25 or 6 to 4
Owens says:: “I have this song title as my license plate. I think that pretty much explains it all.”
Ashlie Hughes is pursuing her longtime dream of writing about food and travel. During her free time she enjoys trying new restaurants, searching for the perfect cocktail, and daydreaming about traveling the world. She currently writes a column titled The Aperitif and other articles for Patch.com.
Ashlie Hughes is pursuing her longtime dream of writing about food and travel. During her free time she enjoys trying new restaurants, searching for the perfect cocktail, and daydreaming about traveling the world. She currently writes a column titled The Aperitif and other articles for Patch.com.