book.record.beer

We've gone remote once again! This time we met up with Alex and Christina Rosso-Schneider, proprietors of the newly opened book store A Novel Idea in South Philadelphia. We talked local author Andrew Katz's debut novel, vampires, one cast mates brief obsession with Anne Rice, and the responsibility of the author when dealing with a traumatic subject. Later we dig into Sharon van Etten's fantastic...

This month we're live and remote at the specatacular comic shop Hero Complex in Manayunk, PA. We're talking Jeff Lemire's Trillium (graphic novel—a first for us!), Infinity Shred's Long Distance (record—instrumental—another first for us!), and Flying Dog's Bloodline blood orange ale (beer—you guessed it, for the first time!). Tune in to hear the dudes chat about first comics, how many infinities o...

The tradition continues as the guys are graced with the presence of Franco Fiorini once more for a very special holiday episode. They dig into Dickens' seminal novel "A Christmas Carol" Weezer's collection of Christmas EP's and Sierra Nevada's incredible "Celebration Ale." The traditions and history of the season are examined with accompaniment from some strong ales and opinions (on Weezer). Enjoy...

Special guest Drew Harris, lead singer of Philly-based band The Naked Sun, joins the gents to discuss Patrick DeWitt's award-winning novel "The Sisters Brothers," Shakey Graves' "Roll the Bones," and SlyFox Brewery's Mudlust coffee porter. Nick M and Drew cut the title track from Mr. Graves lo-fi masterpiece, and the boys learn something new about Nick Gregorio's relationship to Charlie Horses.

The first episode of Season 3 bring the dudes together to discuss Stephen King's debut novel "Carrie," Murder by Death's debut album "Like the Exorcist but With More Breakdancing," and Rogue Brewery's "Dead Guy Ale." Guest Tom Bannon offers some insight to the band and the guys imbibe some prosecco in celebration`. Daniel, Nick, and Mike get down "Flamenco's Fuckin' Easy" and discover Keyboard Dan...

The boys finish season 2 with a delicious and rare Double Nickel DNA Batch #3 Cascara IPA. There are not enough good things one can say about both this brewery or this delicious beer. We cannot wait to start season 3 with a return to form but are sad to see our mini cast format go. Thank you so much to everyone who has stuck with us these past couple years. Like this beer, we hope to continue offe...

A very special episode featuring incredible poet Fran Daulerio. The boys were invited to share in a celebration of the life of Scott Hutchison and to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention (donations went to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) at Fran's "Shouts Against the Darkness" event in Philly this past Saturday 9/22/18. They discuss Fran's book "Please Plant Thi...

Mike Mehalick recommends the dudes Nick Zinner's, of Yeah Yeah Yeahs fame, supergroup Head Wound City. The boys discuss the merits of anger and a rhythm section, the importance of thoughtful recommendations, the difference between playing and listening to music, and having an outlet for myriad expression.

The dudes turn the page on a wonderful new(ish) magazine (Bombus Press), and discuss the merits of trying new things. James Bezzera's script-like story "Black Market Heart" has all the makings of some self-aware satire but is it ever full-realized? Listen to one of the last 3 episodes of season 2 of Book. Record. Beer to find out!

The boys dig into some neo-soul with Shannon Shaw's solo debut, Shannon in Nashville. Notions of nostalgia, reboots, and the perpetual question of originality are covered in-depth. Daniel drops some knowledge regarding the all-star cast of the studio band on the album and Gregorio and Nick ponder what it means to be vinyl-worthy in 2018.

Friends and writers Nick Perilli and Britny Brooks stop by to chat about science-fiction, video games, and Harlan Ellison and his story "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream." Originally published in 1967, Ellison's story of a Cold War-era supercomputer turned mass destructor won the Hugo award in 1968 and remains a seminal work of dystopian, post-apocalyptic fiction.

A 'lil Nick, Dan, and Mike cast here. The guys dig into Melt Banana's killer 2013 album "Fetch." Combining noise rock, American hardcore-punk and an incredible ear for the strata of sound, Melt Banana's "Fetch" might be their most accessible album and one that can still blow your doors completely off. Give it a listen after Daniel gives it a reticent curmudgeon's thumb up.

A lil Nick & Dan & Mike cast. The boys talk about the INCREDIBLE Melinda Moustakis and her heartbreaking tale "Us Kids." Rural poverty, large families, and the secret world of childhood are discussed as well as the definition of family.

A true family affair as not only does Mike Mehalick get back behind the board and engineer this one, but Jillian, partner's up with the boys, and Nick M. in life, to dig into one of the latest from One Story out of NYC. The gang covers Josh Russell's dark, and at times quite humorous look at the not too distant future with his "King of the Animals" a direct reference to the "deplorables" of what s...

The brothers Mehalick unite for a familial cast and try to figure out UK punk-rockers Idles intent for their debut full-length. Nick and Mike land in indecision and are pumped to be there. Give it a listen, perhaps you'll be a part of the Brutalism movement. Cheers!

The dudes dig into their most local brew, Manayunk Brewing Company. We try the newest in the brewery's "Crunch" porter line, their peanut butter crunch porter, and get into the legalities of advertising a beer.

The boys discuss the merits, or lack thereof, to awards in literature. There are various schools of thought on this as they come to find out. The Bath Flash Fiction award winner Jo Gatford's piece is analyzed to equally varied response.

The three amigos discuss the consistent artistry, invention, and all-around greatness that is Radiohead, how OK Computer changed music and their view of it and personal connections to the album. Nick M. finds it hard to let Daniel talk without interrupting and Gregorio finds it hard to get the title of his favorite song correct. The album has been around for 20 years, how has it changed you?

A 'lil Nick and Dan action on this one again. Gregorio is on his bi-weekly trip to Disney World. This week for a Grind-core convention. So Nick M. chose to trick Daniel into reading some poetry by calling it prose poetry, which really just means poetry. Nick pulled two poems from the Spring 2017 issue of one of his favorite lit mags, Opossum Lit. The Literary Marsupial. The Opossum obsessed with m...

Gregorio brings the boys a variety pack of brews from Oscar Blues Brewery in Colorado. Nick M. tries to overcome a previous weird experience with the Dales Pale Ale while Gregorio digs into the Beerito and Daniel takes the Pinner. The boys reminisce about past experiences with Oscar Blues beers and Gregorio explains the origins of North Kacalacky.

The three amigos continue to take Gregorio's suggestions and dive into one of his personal favorites this week. The story, "RE: West Property," plays with form and characterization while commenting on how we interact and build relationships (or think we do) in the 21st century. A short, often humorous, and wonderfully melancholy story. Link to story---> https://maudlinhouse.net/re-west-property/

The boys dig into the band Pears "Green Star," a schizophrenic melange of an album. Elements of nearly every punk subset are present as well as various interludes and oddity.

The lads get down with the Poe-inspired RavenBeer from Baltimore, Maryland and discuss Daniel's obsession with Poe, why he's a maltman, how Poe may be responsible for modern astrophysics and why everyone should visit the Poe House at least once in their lives. Ah the joys of gothic literature and friendship.

The triumphant return of Nick Gregorio ladies and gentlemen!! It's a beautiful thing when we're together and it felt great to be back with the trifecta around the table again. This time it was to discuss Kendrick Lamar's already iconic 2017 release "DAMN." The boys dig into the album and heap some praise on a more than deserving record. Oh and we find out where Gregorio has been the past 3 weeks....

Nick M. and Daniel dig into Carmen Maria Machado's piece of speculative/listing fiction aptly titled, "Inventory," from Strange Horizons Literary Journal. An incredibly unique author and journal, both offer take what could be, make them tangible, at times horrifying, and offer a view of oneself and the human experience that is sure to alter and enhance one's perspective. Don't let the device fool...