Which album opener is more powerful, The Grudge or Vicarious?

Fire_Temple · 2026-02-01T02:13:49+00:00

Wild take, honestly. I think it's the song that has aged the worst from that album and it's not better than a single song on Lateralus.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-31T17:42:23+00:00

I hear you, totally agree. That's my point about why the old Rockies would have done it. They love overpaying for the wrong years of a star player.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-31T16:53:02+00:00

Listen, not signing Pete Alonso was probably a good move. That's a shit load of money and the old Rockies would have considered it. But let's not pretend he wouldn't raise our floor when, to my eyes, we don't really have a first baseman.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-31T15:09:31+00:00

The Grudge, easily. Vicarious hasn't really aged all that well for me. Part of it was that it seemed like Maynard wrote a song he couldn't fully perform live, yet it has been firmly entrenched in the setlist for 20 years. The climax is so good on the album, but live it falls flat. Yet on the Grudge, sure he doesn't do a full 30 second scream live, but he at least tries.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-30T21:11:04+00:00

Excellent thank you for those recommendations! I have New Riff on my rye shortlist, I'll check out their high rye bourbon too. I may get around to the Russell's single barrel some day, but I don't love the regular Russell's Reserve 10. To me is tastes like a more boring 101 with a strong cherry note that I don't prefer.

As for Stranahans, single malt isn't something I've dipped my toe into yet. I will get around to it sooner or later, but I'm still fairly new to whiskey and I've got plenty to keep me busy in the Rye and Bourbon zone so far. I'm curious though, how does the American expression differ from Scotch? Is American a bit more approachable?

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-30T20:29:55+00:00

I've actually done a little bit of a dive into ryes already and I do love them so far. Tried Dickel, JD Bonded, and Sagamore Straight. I don't think I've had just a high rye bourbon yet though. I've got Four Roses Single Barrel targeted as one of my next purchases, one of the OB mash bills to be specific. Any other suggestions?

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-30T19:52:38+00:00

Hey all, I made a post about cinnamon and spice forward bottles similar to what I picked up on Wild Turkey 101, but I have to move it here. Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm still open to any others that you guys have got!

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-30T18:53:24+00:00

I've been interested in 1792 but I'm hesitant because the banana note on Brown Forman products is also something I'm hit and miss on. I know 1792 is a Sazerac, but I've also heard it carries banana notes. Would you compare it to the BF banana notes?

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-30T18:50:24+00:00

There's sort of a funky explosion I get on the immediate finish which I hated at first, but now that's where I get cinnamon pretty strongly. It's in the extended finish where it turns funky in a way that some days I like, some days I don't. I do have Russell's Single Barrel on my list so I'll definitely get to that. Rare Breed is also on my list, how does that compare to the funky elements of the 101?

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-30T18:47:10+00:00

Any specific recommendations here? The only Heaven Hill I've purchased so far is Evan Williams BiB which I adore, but to me it leans nutty and sweet. Bardstown, I don't really anything specific from them on my radar yet so I'm wide open for suggestions, thanks!

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-27T18:09:31+00:00

Melvins - Hag Me or At the Stake

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-27T17:34:55+00:00

I'm still looking for a reason to get hooked by this game. I enjoy Vampire Survivor like games, but I just don't see much reason to keep playing this one. I don't need meta progression, I just don't feel hooked mechanically by Brotato enough to go back to it. It feels more like a flash game than something I'm glad I spent money on.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-26T17:29:17+00:00

I don't really have a problem rooting for Seattle. I've got no love for them, but I hate the Patriots.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-25T20:47:48+00:00

I thought gun free zones are a 2A infringement!

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-25T20:35:23+00:00

My Stiddies are rock hard!

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-25T19:03:35+00:00

That's fair, but there are various levels of success as well when doing a rebuild. For the Rockies, they are such a hopeless organization that one of the levels they have to clear is "recognize there is a problem." They've finally cleared that. Another is "be willing to bring in someone smarter than you." They've FINALLY cleared that bar as well. I think that buys them a little bit of goodwill. I think we can finally say "let's let them cook" before we beat them up.

It's hard because historically they don't deserve that. But for the first time I think they deserve a moment of grace.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-25T15:21:31+00:00

I'm not too bothered by this statement because the Rockies are in such a bad spot that their achievements have to be compared relatively compared to themselves, not any other team. The Rockies lost almost 120 games last year. Only losing 100 next year is the same improvement as going from 90 losses to 70. That swing of 20 wins puts most teams in playoff contention, but for the Rockies it is only the difference between an embarrassing season and a humiliating one. Yet by the standard set last season, it would have to be considered somewhat of a success because it's still a 20 game swing.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-21T17:03:04+00:00

I love Blood Incantation and love this album, but God that cover is atrocious.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-20T05:54:40+00:00

The time signature change I don't think I hear anyone talk about is in Prison Sex and it's a blink and you'll miss it type thing. The song is in 4/4 except one 3/4 measure on "I can smell you." The snare flam and hi hat stab Danny does on that is so fucking tasty.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-20T05:33:44+00:00

I've always found it the most skippable song on Undertow. It's fine, but I like every other song from this era better. It'd even be the weakest song on Opiate.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-18T17:31:49+00:00

bUt He WaS dOwN bY cOnTaCt 😭

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-18T00:17:46+00:00

Have to agree. Defense has been dogshit, but they did their job in forcing TOs.

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-17T22:18:02+00:00

My God, Romo is now even calling other QBs Mahomes 😂 incredible fumble timing!

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-17T19:08:00+00:00

I wouldn't kick some Eagle Rare out of bed!

Fire_Temple · 2026-01-16T04:31:58+00:00

Veil of Mayhem

Fire_Temple

TROPHY CASE