Wondering what's piquing the interest of OnMilwaukee.com this week? There's a throwback album from '90s Milwaukee, a couple books about golden era rockers, some savory and sweet treats for your taste buds and plenty of other good stuff. Read on to learn more and get into some new things, too.
Citizen King "Mobile Estates" – Hey, I know the album is 12 years old, but bear with me. I had a weird day last week: heard from a high school flame, got an invite to my class reunion and at the bar that evening, I heard "Better Days" on the jukebox. Naturally, the song stuck in my head and during my closet-cleaning efforts, I came across this disc in a long-forgotten box of old music. Knowing my taste and habits in music, I probably only bought it because of the one hit but after listing to the entire album over and over again this last week, it's pretty darn good – even after 12 years. - Andrew Wagner
"Guitar Player Presents: Guitar Heroes of the '70s" and "Prince: Chaos, Disorder and Revolution" (Backbeat Books) – A pair of new paperbacks from Hal Leonard's Backbeat imprint chronicle some great guitar-slingers. In the first book ($14.99), magazine editor Michael Molenda assembles profiles of 1970s guitar greats from the pages of the monthly Guitar Player, looking at the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Yes' Steve Howe, Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green and many others. This is a goldmine for you guitarists, but also for fans of the classic album rock of the era. Jumping ahead to the '80s, Jason Draper's book ($19.99) traces the career of one of the most engaging, talented and flamboyant guitarists, songwriters, singers and performers of that decade (and beyond). Draper looks at how an R&B performer from Minneapolis transformed himself into one of the world's most famous – and groundbreaking – artists. – Bobby Tanzilo
Seafood crepes from Chez Jacques – Last Sunday for Mother's Day my sons took me out for brunch at Chez Jacques, 1022 S. 1st St. I had not been there in many years, but I remembered having delicious crepes at their former location on Second Street. I ordered the seafood crepes ($13.95) and I was not disappointed this time around, either. The two massive crepes were stuffed with shrimp and crab and slathered in a creamy, chunky sauce. My son ordered the berry and vanilla crepes, which were very good as well. (The berries tasted like they were fermented in wine?!) And a super nice surprise came from OnMilwaukee.com contributor, "College Dave," who picked up our drink bill from two tables away. Fabulous crepes AND free drinks? Now that's the way to kick-start a stellar Mom's Day. – Molly Snyder
Naked Juice's Blue Machine juice smoothie – I've been feeling like garbage all week, but I hit my peak on Wednesday and both my stomach and throat hurt at just the thought of eating actual food. Knowing that I should probably put something functional into my system I ventured into the gas station on the way into work and picked up the superfoodiest-sounding drink I could find. As evidenced by its name, Blue Machine is mostly blueberries and blackberries, but is blended enough so you don't get the grainy blueberry consistency or stray seeds. Since texture is the only thing that keeps me away from these fruits, Blue Machine is a perfect way for me to get the nutritional benefits of them without having to actually choke them down. – Renee Lorenz
