zachary pfriem

I posted this on my work blog (not public), thought it was worth reproducing here:

Upon my random perusing of wikipedia.org, I found an interesting path of correlation. It was when looking at the entry for DOOM (video game) that I found this path: DOOM was built on the DOOMengine which was based on the NeXT platform, the first port of NeXT to MSDOS was for DOOM, ironically, the NeXT engine was developed by the company NeXT Software Co., the company that Steve Jobs formed after leaving Apple back in 1985. Furthermore, NeXT evolved into OPENSTEP, and elements of OPENSTEP made their way into OSX. So in a way, DOOM and OSX are long lost cousins.

The Apple portion summed up, good quick read

My music taste is sporadic, at best, however, one style/sound that has held my attention for quite some time is the experimental sounds of the Freak Folk scene. A very loosely defined sub-genre, compiling such groups/artists as Animal Collective, Akron/Family, Grizzly Bear, Panda Bear, Avey Tare, Califone, and a few others that I have not given a good listen to.

Animal Collective is a group that has caused an almost obsessive infatuation within me. Their chaotic samples, looped endlessly and filtered to the point of noise, paired with ethereal vocals that transcend into high pitch emotional screaming makes my mind rage with adventure and spiritual clarity. They are a band, if you can call them a band, that dares to attempt to reinvent the rock sound, using almost all the elements, however, collaged into a new vision

I reccomend starting with their album Sung Tongs (2004) as a starter, then give their latest, Strawberry Jam (2007), a whirl. Or, if you are a little attension-span disabled, then you can check out the play list I have created containing some of my favorite songs of theirs, however, this is a band that deserves entire album listens as they do take the time to write an album, not a collection of singles.

Always support the artists you like by purchasing their albums and hearing them live when they are on tour. If you live in the Seattle area, I find that Easy Street Records carries at least a few Animal Collective albums, and online, insound.com carries all of their albums for easy delivery.

Download:
Zach’s Collection of Animals

Watch:
Animal Collective - Peacebone

The Kaiser - Imperial Oktoberfest Lager

Aromas of huckleberries and fresh citrus, possibly mandarin, grace my nose, I welcome this lager to my mouth for a taste. Immediate impressions are of clover honey, second sips assures the finest hops, combined with citrus and carmel goodness. The carbonation is crisp and welcomed. Amber colors of true german hops and barley bring this to the top levels of Octoberfest being. The hops are very delicate, not like northwest style hops that I am used to. This is a welcomed change to my usual palette. The boys at Avery have done it again, another favorite to add to the list. Skol! I only wish I could share a glass with my big brother Josh…