64 Bourbons Bracket Round of 32, Matchup 12: Stagg Jr. vs. Blanton’s
Songs of matchup:
Zeal & Ardor: “Blood in the River” vs.
Paradise Lost: “Xavier”
First for the song. “Xavier” by Paradise Lost easily advances to the Sweet 16. My buddy J (who graciously submitted his bottle of Stagg Jr. to the bracket) agrees. “Blood in the River” started with energy, but it became distracting. The duo of songs probably played through a half dozen songs and I found myself turning down the volume on “Blood in the River.” A red flag, for sure. The song distracted. Whereas “Xavier” oscillated betwixt seamlessly melding into the background and begging to be played louder and louder. And it makes sense. Paradise Lost have gothic overtones, which pairs well with wine. Yet they absolutely crush the original Dead Can Dance version (sorry not sorry).
Speaking of crushing, Blanton’s absolutely crushed Stagg Jr. this matchup. Stagg Jr. was flat, anonymous, bland, and passive. The proof only reared its head during the Kentucky chew, but it was just harsh. No flavor. Proof for proofs sake. This Stagg Jr. wasn’t even one dimensional. It was zero dimensional.
And Blanton’s. J called it: refreshing. We sit on my back patio (the prt without shelter) and blend with the elements. It’s probably around 90 degrees F right now, and Blanton’s cooled and calmed us both. And had some complexity. Enough to easily advance.
Now, time for the next matchup of two unbourbon bourbons as the buzz already kicks in (I ate no lunch and got absolutely ramrodded all day at work). The sins of Xavier’s past? Crowning Stagg Jr.’s ass!
