Concrete Blonde | Bloodletting | Soundtrack of My Life

 

Album: Bloodletting Artist: Concrete Blonde Release Date: 1990

For me, this album is a time machine, transporting me back to rides in my best friend's convertible, sneaking out at night, and singing along with the car radio at the top of my lungs. It was vastly different from most of the music I had listened to up to that point in my life. Like many who bought the album for its radio hit, "Joey", I was in for a surprise, as most of their songs were nothing like the pop hit- they were heavy and raucous, but in a way that made it resonate with my youthful yearnings of freedom and rebellion. The album is as classic as a black leather jacket; it's timeless, edgy, and mysteriously cool.

So let's dive into Concrete Blonde's album Bloodletting.

In the realm of alternative rock, few albums hold the enigmatic allure and timeless relevance of Concrete Blonde's Bloodletting. Released in 1990, this musical gem continues to captivate listeners with its haunting melodies, evocative lyrics, and darkly poetic themes.

The Soundscape:

Bloodletting masterfully weaves a tapestry of musical elements that defy easy categorization. Drawing from rock, gothic, and folk influences, the album creates a unique soundscape that mirrors the complex emotions it explores. Johnette Napolitano's rich and smoky vocals take center stage, conveying raw emotion and vulnerability, making her the perfect storyteller for the album's eerie tales.

The opening track, "Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)," sets the tone with its eerie ambiance and cryptic lyrics. It's a chilling invocation that immediately immerses the listener in the album's dark and mysterious world. From there, tracks like "Joey" and "Tomorrow, Wendy" offer a glimpse into the depths of human longing and despair, while "Caroline" and "Darkening of the Light" showcase the band's versatility, transitioning from brooding introspection to energetic rock anthems seamlessly.

Lyrical Depth:

Napolitano's lyrics deserve special mention for their poetic depth and emotional resonance. She weaves tales of love, loss, and existential questioning, often with a melancholic edge. The lyrics are rich with symbolism and ambiguity, inviting listeners to interpret and reflect on their own experiences.

In "Joey," Napolitano sings of a troubled relationship, exploring themes of addiction and co-dependency. The song's poignant storytelling and memorable chorus make it one of the album's standout tracks. "Tomorrow, Wendy," on the other hand, is a haunting reflection on mortality and the impermanence of life, striking a chord with its raw vulnerability.

Legacy and Influence:

Bloodletting has left an indelible mark on the alternative rock landscape. Its haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics have influenced a generation of musicians and artists, from indie rock to gothic and beyond. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with the deepest recesses of the human psyche, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with new audiences.

Conclusion:

Concrete Blonde's Bloodletting is a musical journey into the shadows of the human experience. With its evocative soundscape, poetic lyrics, and enduring influence, it remains a quintessential album in the alternative rock canon. Napolitano's haunting vocals and the band's sonic craftsmanship create a work of art that transcends time, inviting listeners to explore the depths of their own emotions. It's a dark and beautiful masterpiece that continues to capture hearts and minds, ensuring its place among the classics of the genre.

Tracklist:

1. Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)
2. The Sky is a Poisonous Garden
3. Caroline
4. Darkening of the Night
5. I Don't Need a Hero
6. Days and Days
7. The Beast
8. Lullabye
9. Joey
10. Tomorrow Wendy

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Longhunter State Park | Things to do near Nashville

Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Longhunter State Park stands as a testament to the state's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Situated just outside Nashville, this sprawling park offers visitors a chance to escape the bustle of city life and immerse themselves in serene landscapes, diverse wildlife, and captivating history. From hiking and camping to fishing and birdwatching, Longhunter State Park provides a wealth of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

The park boasts a diverse array of natural attractions, each contributing to its unique allure. The park covers over 2,600 acres and is home to several lakes, including J. Percy Priest Lake, which spans 14,200 acres. The sparkling waters not only provide scenic beauty but also offer a plethora of opportunities for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Anglers can try their luck at catching bass, catfish, and crappie, while those seeking tranquility can simply bask in the beauty of the lakeside vistas.

For those who prefer to explore on land, the park features an extensive network of trails that wind through forests, fields, and along the lake shores. The park's diverse ecosystem supports a variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Hikers may encounter white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a myriad of bird species, including the majestic bald eagle. The natural beauty of Longhunter State Park makes it a paradise for nature photographers and is sure to captivate visitors and leave them with a deep appreciation for Tennessee's outdoor treasures.

Longhunter State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities to suit every interest and skill level. The park's trails are perfect for hiking, trail running, or leisurely strolls. With trails varying in length and difficulty, visitors can choose an adventure that matches their abilities and time constraints. You can find more about the trails here.

Longhunter State Park offers two primitive campsites exclusively for tent camping. These secluded sites, nestled within the woods, provide ample shade and a serene atmosphere. Located along the picturesque shoreline of J. Percy Priest Lake, they offer breathtaking views and a tranquil setting for nature enthusiasts. To reach these campsites, visitors must embark on a scenic 6-mile hike, starting from the parking lot and following the Day Loop/Volunteer Trailhead. It is strongly recommended that campers bring backpacking equipment for the journey.

It's important to note that the primitive campsites at Longhunter State Park do not have running water, electricity, restrooms, or heated showers. Campers must be prepared to filter water from nearby natural sources or bring their own supply. The absence of modern amenities adds to the authentic backcountry camping experience. The campsites are open year-round, allowing visitors to embrace the beauty of each season.

Before embarking on your camping adventure, there are a few essential details to keep in mind. First, reservations are required for ALL backcountry camping, ensuring that campers have a designated spot. The reservation receipt serves as the camping permit, which must be carried on your person throughout your overnight stay. Additionally, it's necessary to display a copy of the camping receipt or a piece of paper with the reservation name in the dash of each vehicle parked overnight at the trailhead.

For safety reasons, hiking on trails after dark is strictly prohibited. It's crucial to plan your hike accordingly and allow sufficient time to reach the campsites during daylight hours. The last permit is issued 2-3 hours before sunset, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Lastly, access to the campsites is exclusively on foot via the hiking trail. Water entrance to the campsites is not permitted. This helps preserve the natural surroundings and ensures a peaceful environment for campers.

With its remote location, pristine natural beauty, and the opportunity for a truly rustic camping experience, the primitive campsites at Longhunter State Park are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic connection with nature.

Beyond its natural beauty, this park holds significant historical importance. The park's name pays homage to the early American settlers known as "longhunters," who embarked on extended hunting trips into the wilderness during the 18th century. These frontiersmen played a crucial role in opening up the frontier for further exploration and settlement. Exploring the park's interpretive exhibits and historical markers provides visitors with a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those who came before.

Additionally, the park encompasses the site of the historic Bryant's Station, a fortified settlement that served as a gathering point and defense against Native American attacks during the late 18th century. Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort, gaining insight into the hardships faced by the early settlers and the importance of fortifications insecuring their safety.

Longhunter State Park in Tennessee is a captivating destination that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. From the shimmering lakes to the winding trails, visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of Tennessee's outdoors. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into the past, Longhunter State Park has something to offer. So pack your hiking boots, fishing gear, and curiosity, and embark on a memorable journey to this remarkable park, where nature and history intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

PERFECT POT ROAST

It's comfort food, y'all.

And while it's not exclusive to Nashville, the non-vegan, carnivore crowd loves pot roast.  For me, it's a nostalgic meal.  It reminds me of Sunday dinner, and while it's roasting away slowly, it fills my house with an aroma reminiscent of my mother's and grandmother's kitchens.

Who wouldn't love that?

I'm not gonna talk your ears off this time.  I'm gonna get right to cooking this delicious, fall-apart, melt-in-yo-mouth dinner, and let the pictures do the talking.

Perfect Pot Roast:

(prep time 4-5 hours, servings depend on size of roast)

3-5 lb Chuck Roast

2 Medium Onions, Halved

2 cups Baby Carrots (or more/less to taste)

2 t Thyme, dried

2 t Rosemary, dried

3-4 Garlic Cloves, peeled and smashed

2-4 C Beef Broth

3 T Balsamic Vinegar

2-4 T Olive Oil 

Salt and Pepper to taste (I prefer Himalayan Pink Salt)

Are you ready?

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F

In a dutch oven (I use the enamel-coated cast iron dutch oven by Cuisinart), heat oil over medium high heat.  Add halved onions, face-down, and carrots.  Rotate veggies until they are golden brown on the edges and your kitchen smells amazing.  

They should look something like this as they cook:

Now, while they're browning, take that hunk of meat and rub it down generously with salt and pepper. Don't forget to check on your veggies, you don't want them to burn, just brown.

They are ready to come out when they look something like this:

mmmm.  I love the smell in my kitchen now.

Now, if your pan looks a little dry, add some more oil.  If you needed to add more, you might wait a minute or a half before you put that salt-and-pepper-rubbed roast in there.  When it's hot, go ahead and put that big 'ol roast in and listen for the sizzle.

You hear that?  That's applause. Praise from the pan.

Now, this is gonna take 1-2 minutes to brown, so lets talk about that cut of meat. Don't be tempted to buy other cuts, you want this fatty gem.  You won't get that moist, tender, fall-apart deliciousness from leaner cuts of beef.  Believe me.

Okay, I think it's been long enough, so turn that roast over.  I use tongs and a fork to prevent dropping it and splashing hot grease on myself.  Once you've turned the roast, the browned side should look something like this:

Okay, we're back to waiting 1-2 minutes for the other side to brown, so here is where I suggest peeling and smashing some garlic cloves.  I like lots of garlic, so depending on their size, I use 3 or 4. Now, when the bottom has browned, you will need to channel your inner-jedi and maneuver the tongs and fork to hold the roast on its side. This can be tricky, depending on the size of your roast, but you can do it.  I believe in you.

Now, once the roast has browned all around, take it out and put it on a plate while you make a magic bath for it- but you have to act quickly so those little browned bits of deliciousness on the bottom of the pan don't burn.

See?  Perfectly browned.

Quick!  Grab your favorite wooden spoon (mine is flat on the end, like a spatula, which is awesome for scraping the bottom of the pan), and add 2 cups of beef broth.  Use the end of that spoon to get the browned bits up off the bottom of the pan.  This is going to be delicious!

Now, add the dried herbs (you can use fresh, I just don't keep them on hand and didn't have them when I wrote the recipe), the smashed garlic cloves, and the balsamic vinegar.  I am usually generous with the vinegar, because I love the flavor it imparts in the beef, but use at least 3 tablespoons (I used 1/4 cup).   The pool is almost ready for the roast and veggies now!

Stir and simmer for a minute or so, and then add your roast back and surround it with the veggies. Your liquid should cover it at least half-way, but if not, it's ok.  Just add a little more broth.  At this point, I usually spoon the liquid over the top of the roast and dust the whole thing with a little more salt and a lot more pepper.  Before it all goes in the oven, turn the heat down to 225. And before you put the lid on the pot, you should take a minute to admire your beautiful masterpiece.

Isn't it beautiful?  Is your mouth watering yet?  Does your kitchen smell like a meat-eater's heaven? If so, tell it you love it, put the lid on, and tuck it away in the oven. (and just in case you missed it above the photo, make sure you've reduced your heat to 225) It will need to stay there 3-5 hours, depending on size.  This beauty was 5lbs, so it cooked to perfection in about 5 hours.  If you are cooking beyond the 3 hour mark (I really recommend at least 4 for best results), reduce your temp at the 3 hour mark to 200 and be patient. And the golden rule is DO NOT OPEN THIS POT until it's done! Okay? Trust me!

About 30-45 minutes before serving this, I start preparing either rice (I prefer brown, which takes about 45 minute) or mashed potatoes.  Use your favorite recipe, and use real potatoes.  This baby deserves real potatoes, not the instant stuff.  I also like to serve either green beans, brussel sprouts, or a simple side salad, but it's totally not necessary.  This is delicious and filling, all on it's own. 

Alright, you are now ready to dig in.  Enjoy it.  And don't think about calories.  Think about how proud your friends and family will be when you serve this to them at your next get-together?

It's perfect, I tell you.  Moist, delicious and comforting.

Until next time, Ciao!