Beats, Beards & Brews

Put on your big boy — or big girl — pants and maybe grab a beverage for a little bit of liquid courage, as we've got an extra spooky edition of Beats, Beards & Brews for you! Eric and Dan return to their respective mics to review Bloody Hammers' latest, Misfits-inspired, horror punk album Songs of Unspeakable Terror.

Bloody Hammers tracks previewed on this episode include:

1. "A Night to Dismember"
2. "The Brain That Wouldn't Die"
3. "Not Of This Earth"

Things get a little less spooky during the beard portion of the podcast, as Dan and Eric share their thoughts on the Nightfall "Evening Cologne" scented beard oil from Copper Johns Beard Company. Eric thinks it smells kind of like Irish Spring soap. Dan isn't so sure. But one thing's for certain ... it's Dad-approved.

Finally, the boys sip on some flavorful peanut butter craft brews. Dan drinks down the Badger Snack Peanut Butter Stout by Badger Hill Brewing based out of Shakopee, Minnesota. Meanwhile, Eric tastes Tommy Thai One On, a peanut butter porter brewed with habanero peppers from Lake Time Brewery out of Clear Lake, Iowa.

Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more exciting episodes of Beats, Beards & Brews!

It's the first episode of Beats, Beards & Brews in 2021 and the boys are getting rowdy. In a somewhat NSFW episode, Eric, Evan and Dan share their thoughts on The Dirty Nil's third studio album Fuck Art, misheard lyrics and all. If you like rock n roll riffs and catchy punk hooks, dive on in.

The Dirty Nil tracks previewed on this episode include:

1. "Doom Boy"
2. "Done With Drugs"
3. "Damage Control"

Next up, Dan and Eric review not one ... not two ... but THREE carbon fiber combs from Chicago Comb Co.

Dan gives his take on the Model No. 6 Carbon Fiber "everyday styling/standard comb." Meanwhile, Eric reviews the Model No. 7 Carbon Fiber "pick comb" and reveals whether his original five-star review for the Model No. 8 Carbon Fiber "detangling comb" still holds up.

For the beer portion of the episode, the boys review some Double Hazy IPAs. Evan and Eric drink down the Batch 1365 Hazy Double IPA from Confluence Brewing Co. in Des Moines and Dan sips on Hop Spin #1: Double Dry Hopped, Double Hazy IPA from Insight Brewing in Minneapolis.

Thanks for listening in the new year and stay tuned for even more, possibly less raunchy, episodes of Beats, Beards & Brews!

A closing note from the boys: Eric failed to reach out to Chicago Comb Co. regarding a special code for podcast listeners. We'll keep you posted on any new developments if they happen! One of these days we'll get another one of those sweet, sweet discount codes.

The boys return to their respective mics for the final time in 2020 to celebrate the 100th episode of the Beats, Beards & Brews podcast! To mark this momentous occasion, Eric, Evan and Dan selected three albums they missed a chance to review on the podcast this year ... and proceed to do exactly that!

Their album picks include Figure by Into It. Over It., Expectations by Katie Pruitt and Ravening Iron by Eternal Champion. These are not necessarily their selections for top album of the year, though they agree the albums are all worthy of your time and attention.

Songs previewed in this episode include:

1. "Courtesy Greetings" by Into It. Over It.
2. "Expectations" by Katie Pruitt
3. "A Face in the Glare" by Eternal Champion

Next up, it's time for "Sudsin' It Up With the Boys." Evan, Dan and Eric all grabbed some Big Ass Bricks of Beer Soap from Duke Cannon. Eric and Evan share their take on The Patriot Collection featuring The Great American Beer Soap, while Dan reviews the Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA edition of the Big Ass Beer Soap.

Finally, the gang continues on its quest to support local breweries in the Des Moines, Iowa, metro and across Minneapolis. Eric and Evan review the Chichaqua Valley New England IPA and the Crimes Against Reinheitsgebot Lager from 515 Brewing Company.

Meanwhile, Dan drinks down the Barrel-Aged Vanilla Breakfast Stout from Dangerous Man Brewing Company.

We realize that 2020 has been a wild year and we appreciate you listening to our podcast, whether you're a loyal fan or tuning in for the first time. Don't forget to give us a follow on Instagram and/or Twitter at @BBBPod. Happy holidays and stay tuned for more exciting episodes of Beats, Beards & Brews in 2021!

Eric, Evan and Dan don't just invite anyone to join them in recording the Beats, Beards & Brews podcast ... so you know it's a special occasion when we have a guest on the show. Our long-time pal — and resident The Smashing Pumpkins expert — Alex joins us as we review the alternative rock legend's new synth-pop inspired double album, CYR.

The Smashing Pumpkins tracks previewed on this episode include:

1. "Cyr"
2. "Anno Satana"
3. "Wyttch"
4. "Save Your Tears"

Eric drops some quick hit recommendations for winter holiday beard oils, if you're into that sort of thing. His selections include:

• "Abomintable" by Iowa Beard Company (Smells like: Hot Cocoa, Mint/Candy Cane, Sweet Tobacco and more)
• "The Claus" by Fable Beard Company (Smells like: Frosted Sugar Cookies)
• "Joy" by Can You Handlebar (Smells like: Peppermint & Clary Sage)

To close out the episode, Evan, Alex and Eric drink and rate both the Oatmeal Cookie Stout and St. Nick's Gingerbread Inspired Ale from Confluence Brewing Company. Meanwhile, Dan drinks and reviews the heavy-hitting Bourbon County Caramella Ale from Goose Island, which is a "wheatwine" style beer that clocks in at 14% abv. Stay tuned as we prepare to record the 100th episode (!) of Beats, Beards & Brews, coming soon to wherever you listen to podcasts.

Rock 'n' roll legends AC/DC are back in 2020 to make everyone's year a little brighter — and a lot more rockin' — with their 17th studio album PWR/UP aka POWER UP. How does the new album compare to the band's classic releases? Tune in to find out.

AC/DC tracks previewed on this episode include:

1. "Shot in the Dark"
2. "Through the Mists of Time"
3. "Money Shot"

Next up, Eric shares some of his extensive hair and beard comb knowledge just in time for the "Combsgiving" holiday season. What makes him the expert? Personal experience of course. Eric provides recommendations that include combs made of plastic, wood, ox horn, and carbon fiber.

Meanwhile, Dan shares his go-to Kent pocket comb alternative that is also linked below.

Combs mentioned in the "Combsgiving" segment include:

• Kent Hand Made Sawcut Combs (6T and 12T) — Plastic
• Beardbrand's Large Comb (Official Website) — Plastic
• Myhsmooth Sandalwood Comb (Amazon) — Wood
• Ox Horn Beard Comb (Beard Octane) — Ox Horn
• Chicago Comb Co. Model No. 8 (Official Website) — Carbon Fiber

Eric's top-ranked, personal five-star comb picks include the versatile Kent 6T and the Chicago Comb Co. Model No. 8. Dan favors the Kent 12T for its portability and wider teeth.

In addition to the Kent website, those combs are widely available on Amazon (6T and 12T). Or you might want to consider picking one up alongside some Premium Beard Oil at The Beard Baron's website — that is where Eric first learned about Kent combs. Chicago Comb Co. offers many of its carbon fiber combs on Amazon, but we recommend supporting sellers directly via their own websites (linked above in the bullet point list) to cut out the middle man whenever possible. Amazon is doing just fine. Eric's runner-up picks include the stylish Beardbrand Large Comb and the budget-friendly Myhsmooth Sandalwood Comb (both included and linked within the bullet point list above).

He also mentions stainless steel combs, but these are a little more harsh on the beard and tend to be a lot pricier. That being said, Bisson Combs is one of the highest quality stainless steel comb companies around. Those things will last you a lifetime.

Whew! That was a lot of comb knowledge. Evan and Eric wind things down with some Green Dragon New Zealand Pilsner from Lion Bridge Brewing Co. based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Meanwhile, Dan drinks the refreshing Pistachio Cream Ale from Indeed Brewing Co. based in Minneapolis. Cheers and happy holidays!

Get ready to break out the tissues, as Eric, Evan, and Dan review yet another 2020 "sad boi" music release. Eels' 13th studio album Earth to Dora explores the full gamut of happy and sad moments that occur during the course of a relationship, and it provides a fittingly mellow, indie rock soundtrack for the colder fall months.

Eels tracks previewed on this episode include:

1. "Are We Alright Again"
2. "I Got Hurt"
3. "Baby Let's Make It Real"

Now that you're good and sad, it's time for a Beats, Beards & Brews' Movember "Quarantine Wellness Check." The boys share some of the ways they are staying sane and semi-healthy while doing their best to remain socially distant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now's the time to check your habits and touch base with your fellow bearded and non-bearded brothers, too.

As the seasons change, it's also time to shelf those Hazy IPAs and break out the heavy-duty, flavorful stouts!

Evan and Eric sip on Hard No, a 6.4% abv gingerbread coffee pastry stout from 515 Brewing in Des Moines, Iowa. Meanwhile, Dan drinks down an 8.8% abv Dirty Chai Latte Double Stout from Dangerous Man, brewed in collaboration with Falling Knife Brewing Co. Both of those breweries are located in Northeast Minneapolis.

Stay tuned for even more socially distanced episodes of Beats, Beards & Brews to keep you warm in the fall and winter months.

And don't forget to give us a follow on Instagram and Twitter.

At Beats, Beards & Brews, we're all about value. In this episode, we give you two album reviews for the price of one! Eric, Evan and Dan check out the latest releases from British rockers The Struts (Strange Days) and U.S. rockers Spirit Adrift (Enlightened in Eternity). We skip the beard portion of the episode this go-round to save you time.

Songs previewed in this episode include:

• "Burn It Down" (The Struts)
• "Cosmic Conquest" (Spirit Adrift)
• "Do You Love Me" (KISS)
• "Harmony of the Spheres" (Spirit Adrift)

For the beer portion of the episode, the boys review some chocolate porters. Evan and Eric share their thoughts on the Fun Size Salted Chocolate Porter from Lion Bridge Brewing Co. in Cedar Rapids, IA. Meanwhile, Dan rates the CPB Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter from Lupulin Brewing Co. in Big Lake, MN.

Eddie Van Halen — easily one of the greatest guitarists of all time, if not the greatest guitarist of all time — died on October 6, 2020. This episode is our tribute to all-things Van Halen. The boys dive into some band history and share some of their favorite tunes. Van Halen songs previewed on the episode include:

1. Top Jimmy (1984)
2. Why Can't This Be Love? (5150)
3. Unchained (Fair Warning)
4. Panama (1984)

Eddie Van Halen rightfully steals much of the spotlight in this recording. In the beard portion of the episode, the boys remind everyone that now is the time to shop at and support local businesses. Eric mentions another exciting limited edition fall beard product release from Iowa Beard Co. — Hatbox. Meanwhile, everyone drinks and reviews Alpha King Pale Ale from 3 Floyds Brewing Co. out of Munster, Indiana. A legendary beer drank in tribute to a legendary guitarist. RIP Eddie Van Halen!

Podcast bonus content: Eric mentions an article written by Chuck Klosterman that ranks all of the Van Halen songs. Here's the link.

There were several albums Eric, Evan, and Dan could have reviewed on this episode of Beats, Beards & Brews. But Public Enemy's fifteenth studio album What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? managed to "beat them all" — *cough* it's clever because that's the name of a track on the album *cough*. Cue the boomer humor. While our reviews of the new album vary, we can all agree that Chuck D and Flavor Flav's rhymes are still extremely relevant in 2020.

Public Enemy tracks previewed on this episode include:

1. GRID [feat. Cypress Hill and George Clinton]
2. State of the Union (STFU) [feat. DJ Premier]
3. Fight the Power: Remix 2020 [feat. Nas, Rapsody, Black Thought, Jahi, YG, and Questlove]

Later in the episode, the boys discuss whether beard products are BS or not — you may think you know our answers, but do you really? — and they drop a review of Verbal Tip New England IPA from Falling Knife Brewing Co. out of Northeast Minneapolis.

We hope you're all hanging in there and staying healthy in these trying times. Be kind and keep on fighting the good fight. ✊🏿

The last time Evan and Eric recorded an episode of Beats, Beards & Brews together — minus Dan — it was right before COVID-19 hit the U.S. in full force. Since that went so well, the duo decided it was time to reunite for a review of Napalm Death's 16th studio album Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism. Eric drops some knowledge about the grindcore music genre. Evan revisits blast beats. This is angry music for angry boys (and girls). Enjoy the ride and maybe learn something new.

Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism tracks previewed on the episode include:

1. Backlash Just Because
2. Amoral
3. A Bellyful of Salt and Spleen

Eric switches gears for the beard/men's grooming portion of the episode and reviews the Haddonfield Limited Edition Pomade from The Classics Pomade Company. Keep an eye out on the company's Instagram page for more fun limited edition styling products during spooky season and beyond.

In the beer portion of the episode, Evan and Eric say farewell to summer by drinking and reviewing Pineapple Cherry Swirl Fruited Sour Ale from Big Grove Brewery. Did Evan actually find a sour beer that he thoroughly enjoys? Tune in to find out! Oh, and while you're at it, follow us at @bbbpod on Instagram and Twitter!

P.S. During the episode Eric mentions he will share some of the albums that explore Napalm Death's evolving musical style. Here are some albums to check out:

• From Enslavement to Obliteration (1988) – straight-up grindcore sound, with vocalist Lee Dorian
• Harmony Corruption (1990) – Mark "Barney" Greenway's debut on vocals, this album has some death metal influence
• Diatribes (1996) – Napalm Death's "controversial" exploration of the groove metal sound
• The Code is Red - Long Live the Code (2005) – Napalm Death's move to its modern sound
• Apex Predator - Easy Meat (2015) – prior release to Throes of Joy that "Barney" referred to as its companion album

And just to verify, Haddonfield, Illinois, is the fictional town that is the setting of the Halloween horror movie franchise. And as far as we can tell from our limited research, Brooklyn Martinez — the owner of The Classics Pomade Company — is a dude, not that it matters! Eric just wasn't 100% certain of these facts on the show.