I'm fascinated by the art and process of the tailgate. The food, the booze, the satellite TV hookups, the vehicles, the work . . . I'd be right there with you if I wasn't busy.
I tailgate once a year in an NFL city that is north of us and known for having its tundra frozen. But I'm just a tourist. We just drift through, drink a beer, eat some meat and go on to the next.
I totally respect and understand the ritual. I'm going to try to make some music and beer suggestions every week. Why not? To paraphrase the immortal John Blutarsky, "Grab a blog. Don't cost nothin'."
Music (from my iPod)
"Subject Drop" -- Pernice Brothers. I searched all 4,800 songs and this was the best one with the word "drop" in it. Let's let this subject to drop.
"A Kiss Before I Go" -- Ryan Adams. A beer-drinking heartbreaker, you'll all be singing the chorus by the end of the day.
"Get up, Jake" -- The Deadstring Brothers. This one goes out to Iowa quarterback Jake Christensen. It's an up ditty, very Stone-ish.
"Freak Scene" -- Dinosaur Jr. There's an "F" bomb or two in here, so ear muffs, people. It's very anthemic, which is what tailgate tunes call out for.
"Orange Crush" -- R.E.M. I'm not sure this is what Michael Stipe had in mind, tailgate, Iowa-Cuse '07, but it's a perfect fit. Ya know, the Orange?
Beer -- This week I'll throw out my favorite, Anchor Steam. It's a little pricey at $8 or $9 a sixer, but it's an excellent amber with a malt and caramel taste and a toasted feel. I'm no gourmet, but I've read that it goes with roast beef for those who are into that.
This is a night game, so it requires pacing. Greg S., a friend and co-worker, suggested last year before the Ohio State game that a nap and a few meals and maybe another nap would get you to the 7 p.m. kick. Nap, meal, meal, nap . . . or whatever order. It makes a lot of sense.