Pairing Michael McDermott's New Albums with Wine

When I was making the decision to get back to this, writing about wine and such, that is, I knew I needed to do it without restrictions. And truth be told, any prior limitations I had, were self imposed. So away with those. If I want to write about pairing wine or spirits with books, music, or who knows… I’m going to do it. It makes sense to me, hopefully it will to you too.

Michael McDermott’s music has been accompanying me on my journeys, literally and figuratively since the summer of 1993, so it’s been a minute. To say his catalog is emmeshed within my psyche, is wholly accurate. Each new release comes with the excitement of a child opening gifts on Christmas morning. Speaking of gifts McDermott’s gifts as a songwriter are immense. However, if one gift stands above the rest, it’s his ability to write an obscene number of great songs. Sometimes you hear songwriters talk about scraping 10 tunes together for a new album. McDermott is more akin to Prince, or Neil Young, artists whose scrapyard of unreleased songs far out paces what they ever put out. So when word came down that he had two albums coming out on September 13th, I was excited to hear what they’d entail.

While they’re packaged for sale as a double album on Vinyl, or CD, make no mistake, these are two altogether different works.

Michael McDermott - East Jesus (2024)

This is a rock and roll record with its hand expertly poised on the throttle. East Jesus is such a banger of an album. He managed to follow up his last album, St. Paul’s Boulevard, a majestic and impeccable sounding rock record, that was at least the equal of anything that came before, with a uniformly great sounding album loaded with characters, moments, and songs that inspire wonder and repeat listening. By itself, that’s kind of ridiculous, because it’s true.

A few highlights from East Jesus:

The first single “Berlin At Night” has a corresponding video you can watch here. Like the rest of the record it’s loaded with thought provoking lyrics and cool moments. In fact there are a treasure trove of great moments contained in these albums. You know the ones I mean; they make you want to hit rewind, to play the last few seconds over, because something just happened that gave you chills, made you smile, filled you with wonder, or all three.

“A Head Full of Rain” is so damn catchy. I defy you to listen to it and not be singing along by the end.

The title track “East Jesus” is another standout, it has so many extraordinary lyrics. Slightly provocative title, but listen to it and realize it’s actually more evocative.

“Quicksand” is an addictive listen with a mantra like sing along. The musical hook is going to get stuck in your brain too.

“Behind The Eight” is as good as high octane Americana gets. It has a certain stomp to it that’s infectious.

“Whose Life I’m Living” is a song I first heard live in 2021 and was immediately hooked. It was borne of the pandemic but as always with McDermott’s lyrics they cast a wide net.

Again, there are more standout tunes and moments, which you’ll realize when you listen.

I paired this album with a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Rodney Strong 2019 Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon ($90)

Entirely Cabernet Sauvignon from a single block of Alexander’s Crown which is located on a hill at the southern end of Alexander Valley. This single vineyard was initially planted in 1971 and was the first in Alexander Valley to produce a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a full flavored Cabernet Sauvignon. Much like the album it’s full bodied never straying over the top. It simmers and boils, but doesn’t boil over. Black raspberries, cherries and blackberries dominate. Bits of baker’s chocolate and chicory are evident on the persistent finish. It’s rich, deep and bordering on hedonistic. This is an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon that speaks through aromas and flavors of it’s birthplace. Both this Cabernet and the album “East Jesus” demand your attention and reward you for indulging them. I’m reminded of this classic Maxell Chair ad. Give me a glass of Alexander’s Crown, and put East Jesus on full blast, that’s a great evening sorted.

Michael McDermott - Lighthouse on the Shore (2024)

Lighthouse on the Shore is staggering for a number of reasons. Taken as a piece, it represents something different than everything that has come before in McDermott’s catalog. There’s incredible bravery in not only releasing two albums at the same time, but producing one, that on it’s face doesn’t resemble what came prior. But you dig in and you see it’s simply that he’s used different colors to paint the pictures this time. If you’ve been paying attention to certain small moments in McDermott’s albums over the years, you probably figured he had something like this up his sleeve. Imagining that, or dreaming on it, is one thing, but he did it, and it’s absolutely glorious.

On his 2016 album Willow Springs there’s a song he wrote about his Dad, “Shadow in the Window,” that everyone who has ever heard it assumed was the definitive song anyone would write about their deceased father. Well… Lighthouse on the Shore has a song called “I am not my Father,” which is kind of telling “Shadow in the Window” to hold it’s beer. It’s more haunting. “Shadow in the Window” captures a dark and sad moment in time. “I am not my Father” deconstructs what it’s like to move forward.

There are quite a few songs here that I count as inspirational and moving in a very positive way. They include “Gonna Rise Up,” Count Your Blessings,” and “Grateful.” They’re each quite distinct songs, but there’s a positivity and uplifting nature that runs through them like a connective thread. There’s a nondenominational spirituality about them. You can’t hear them and not feel good.

“Goddamnit Lovely” is a darkly haunting ballad and my favorite track on Lighthouse on the Shore, at least so far. It’s deeply poignant and casts a mood.

“Hey La Hey #23” was written in honor of deceased legendary Chicago DJ Lin Brehmer. In addition to being a beautiful tribute, it has a super catchy chorus that I look forward to singing along to at shows.

The title track, “Lighthouse on the Shore” is an achingly beautiful love song. I’m assuming lovers across the globe will be dedicating it to each other the moment they hear it.

Those are a few of my highlights, but there’s so much more there when you dig in, which I encourage you to do.

I paired this album with an elegant dessert wine.

Halter Ranch 2021 El Pecado (500 ml $60)

El Pecado is a blend of Tannat (78%) and Grenache (22%). The name translates to “The Sin.” Additionally organic coffee beans and cocoa nibs were infused over a 16 months of aging in French oak barrels.

There is a lot to ruminate over with this wine and the album Lighthouse on the Shore. The album is a nuanced feast for the ears, “El Pecado” is a feast for the aroma and flavor receptors. It’s the perfect wine to sit in the corner and contemplate the album and life alongside. Many dessert wines are weighty on the palate. “El Pecado” has a gentleness. The weight here comes in the form of dark and brooding flavors. Hints of the infused elements peak out when you take the first whiff. Blackberry and Lambert Cherry. It’s sweet but balanced with a lengthy finish and lots to ruminate over. There’s a rich vein of acidity that provides the framework this wine hangs on. If you want to add food to the equation, I’d suggest a Hazelnut Chocolate Torte.

The question with the albums, and the wines is, do you want to drive a muscle car or a Bentley? I think you should make room for both. Available this Friday, everywhere. The wines are available through their respective producers web stores.