Sure, we’ve celebrated with brotherhood and beer where we listened to six “brother” bands paired with a beer that brings cheer. Now we’re mixing it up a tad. It’s six more actual bands of brothers, but ones that did not get along so well with one another. And for the beers, well they are ones that are supposed to be good but just don’t make the mark for one reason or another. It’s time for dysfunctional brother bands and a six-pack.
The Blasters and Heineken
The 80s LA rockabilly/punk band is known not only for their fantastic songs but also for the sibling rivalry between singer Phil Alvin and his brother guitarist Dave. The animosity between the two was so legendary that decades later they went on to rib about it on the track “What’s Up With Your Brother” on one of Dave’s solo albums. For this dysfunctional relationship, we’re pairing it with a Heineken, a beer that at one time was deemed “good” and now just tastes skunky. As brother said to brother, “so long baby goodbye.”
The Black Crowes and Cisco’s Grey Lady
The Robinson brothers are known far and wide for their brotherly unlove. Fighting, both verbal and even physical, defined the relationship between these too. I guess this relationship was “hard to handle,” as they were often “jealous again” of each other! Pairing the Black Crowes with Cisco’s Grey Lady, a wheat ale, just doesn’t do it for me.
Oasis and Stellwagen’s Pumpkin Pie Frostee
For the next entry into dysfunctional brother bands and a six-pack, it’s maybe the most notorious of them all, Oasis. The Brothers Gallagher are known for their in-fighting that broke up the band. Physical, verbal, you name it and they did it. I like Stellwagen, but some of their sweeter concoctions, including this pumpkin pie milkshake IPA, are just too much. It’s hard to “roll with it.”
The Kinks and Goose Island’s IPA
I once commented that Goose Island’s IPA smells like a urinal cake. I can’t get past that. The taste isn’t terrible, but that smell ruins it. The Davies Brothers of the Kinks are known for their fighting, both verbally and physically. The band was even banned from playing in America due to their irritable behavior. The two brothers would go at it “all day and all of the night.”
Creedence Clearwater Revival and Trillium’s Endless barrel-aged vanilla stout
Getting sued by your own brother’s estate is a telltale sign that things aren’t going so well. John and Tom Fogerty bickered over all things financial and creative, leading to the end of the popular Creedence Clearwater Revival. Up until Tom’s death, the duo experienced bad blood. John was even sued by the rest of the band, including by Tom’s wife, in later years, I’m not sure who the “fortunate son” was. This stout from Trillium is simply not worth it. At less than 12 ounces, the price point is $25. Its ABV is 15.6% and drinks like syrup with a sweet vanilla taste so intense.
The Everly Brothers and Stony Creek’s Big Cranky Double IPA
Rounding out our Dysfunctional Brother Bands and a Six-pack has to be the most infamous incident of unbrotherly love. After pooling with frustration, Phil Everly smashed a guitar over the noggin of his brother, Don, so “bye bye (brotherly) love.” Although their unmistakable vocal melodies sound so sweet, their relationship was simply sour. Too much of a good thing maybe, just like this double IPA from Stony Creek which is too imperial for my liking.
Now that our Dysfunctional Brother Bands and a Six-pack is finished, it’s time to make amends or else next Thanksgiving will be just a tad awkward.
