#Vodka Collins band

[starrystevie]

For the valentine's prompts steddie & “you didn’t have to go to all this effort just for me.”₁ “that’s why i did it. for you.”₂

part 1 | part 2

it's easy for steve to go overboard on holidays, but especially valentine's day. he likes lugging out the totes from the attic full of garland and wreaths and table runners and knick knacks just to get into the spirit of whatever holiday might be around the corner. he likes when the house feel warm and nostalgic, soft and lived in like a cozy hallmark card. and normally, eddie will help with a few grumbles under his breath, but he does help nonetheless.

but eddie's been on a small tour with his first band after the inevitable "we're not in high school anymore" corroded coffin split, and steve is tired. his third graders are driving him up a fucking wall, the excitement for spring break around the corner and being stuck inside from weeks of dreary winter days winding them up to being goblins. he comes home to an empty house that he can't be bothered to decorate in cheery pinks and reds, pours himself a vodka soda, and sits with a tv dinner to grade papers with cheers reruns playing in the background.

the day of valentine's is the worst. steve pulls into the driveway and tugs at the frosting in the ends of his hair where jenny decided to give him a hug during their classroom party with a cupcake in each hand. he wants to shower, he wants to hug his husband and maybe more than just hug, he wants to come in to a homecooked meal and a clean kitchen and fresh sheets on the bed since he hasn't had the energy to do any of that for weeks on end.

it's strange, steve thinks as he stops in the driveway, that there's a light on in the kitchen. he can see it through the front window and he remembers turning it off this morning, making worry tug harshly in his stomach. he turns the front door open slowly, pausing when he hears phil collins spilling out of the living room sound system. there's a clanging somewhere that sets steve's nerves on edge.

"steve?" he hears a voice call out and it almost brings him to his knees but he has to see it for himself.

he runs to the kitchen and sees his husband, pretty pink apron tied around his waist, vase full of flowers and something delicious smelling in a pot on the stove.

"hey baby," eddie says with his gently sweet smile that makes his eyes crinkle and steve bursts into tears.

everything is decorated the way steve likes it, the stupid valentines table cloth covering the kitchen island, little cupids sitting on the countertops, garland and fairy lights intertwined in the doorway. and eddie, he's there.

eddie leaps into action, catches steve under the arms in one part embrace, one part holding him so he doesn't fall to the floor. he swipes a soft hand over the tears on his cheeks, quietly shushing his sobs as he goes. the hand on his back rubs a slow circle into his spine before burying in the hair at the base of steve's skull.

"you're home?" steve asks, sniffling and snotty and probably not cute at all.

"yeah, got home just in time for your day," eddie responds in his low timbre, pressing a barely there kiss to the corner of steve's slack mouth.

"and you're playing phil collins? you hate phil collins."

"of course i am, he's your favorite." eddie says it like it's simple to say, like it's obvious, like he hasn't taken the time to learn steve inside and out and know what he needs in a way no one has ever or will ever be able to. "i'm making that pasta you like but it won't be nearly as good as when you make it and-"

steve cuts him off with a kiss of his own. it's valentine's day and he's exhausted and he has dried frosting in his hair. he has nearly permanent worry lines in his forehead and hasn't had a shower in two days but he has his husband holding him close. he has the love and warmth and comfort that he'd been needing back in his home. in his heart.

"you didn’t have to go to all this effort just for me."

eddie sighs, and his shoulders sag and he looks so right, so perfect with the fairy lights, or maybe it's love, twinkling in his eyes. "that’s why i did it. for you"

[grandmamarieslouisianakitchen]

Sips And Stories: Exploring Cajun Cocktails And Delectable Appetizer Duets

Ah, my cher, welcome to another delightful journey into the heart of our Cajun heritage! Today, we gather around the virtual fireplace to uncover the rich tapestry of flavors that define our Louisiana libations and the appetizers that perfectly complement each cherished sip.

The Vieux Carré: A Cocktail Time Capsule

Our first sip takes us back to the heart of New Orleans with the Vieux Carré. This timeless concoction, born in the famed Carousel Bar, mirrors the diverse influences of our beloved city. With rye whiskey, cognac, vermouth, and a touch of bitters, it's a cocktail that encapsulates the spirit of the French Quarter.

Ingredients

1 oz rye whiskey

1 oz cognac

1 oz sweet vermouth

1 tsp Benedictine liqueur

2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

Fill a mixing glass with ice.

Add rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, Peychaud's Bitters, and Angostura Bitters.

Stir well to chill the mixture.

Strain the concoction into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube.

Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink and drop it into the glass.

Sip and savor the timeless flavors of the Vieux Carré!

Cajun Bloody Mary: A Spicy Wake-Up Call

As the morning sun kisses the bayou, we indulge in the Cajun Bloody Mary – a spicy wake-up call for the senses. Infused with our secret blend of Cajun spices, this revitalizing elixir pays homage to our love for bold flavors. It's the perfect companion for lazy Sunday brunches or a lively Mardi Gras morning.

Ingredients

1 ½ oz vodka

3 oz tomato juice

½ oz fresh lemon juice

1 dash Worcestershire sauce

1 dash hot sauce (adjust to taste)

1 pinch Cajun seasoning

Celery stalk, pickled okra, and lemon wedge, for garnish

Instructions

In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning.

Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients.

Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.

Garnish with a celery stalk, pickled okra, and a lemon wedge.

Give it a gentle stir and enjoy the spicy wake-up call!

Zydeco Hurricane: Dancing in a Glass

No exploration of Cajun cocktails is complete without the Zydeco Hurricane. As vibrant and spirited as the music that shares its name, this fruity concoction was first crafted at Pat O'Brien's in the heart of the French Quarter. A blend of rum, passion fruit juice, and citrus, it's a celebration in a glass, transporting us to the lively rhythms of a zydeco band.

Ingredients:

2 oz light rum

2 oz dark rum

1 oz passion fruit juice

¾ oz fresh lime juice

1 tbsp simple syrup

Orange slice and cherry, for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice.

Add light rum, dark rum, passion fruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Shake vigorously to blend the flavors.

Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled with ice.

Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Let the Zydeco Hurricane transport you to the lively rhythms of Louisiana!

Bayou Swizzle: A Cool Breeze on a Warm Day

For a cool breeze on a warm Louisiana day, we turn to the Bayou Swizzle. With the herbal notes of absinthe, the refreshing touch of mint, and the tropical allure of pineapple juice, it's a libation that mirrors the soothing whispers of the bayou winds.

Ingredients

2 oz white rum

½ oz absinthe

¾ oz pineapple juice

½ oz simple syrup

Mint sprig and pineapple wedge, for garnish

Instructions

Fill a Collins glass with crushed ice.

In a shaker, combine white rum, absinthe, pineapple juice, and simple syrup.

Shake well and strain over the crushed ice in the Collins glass.

Swizzle the mixture with a swizzle stick or bar spoon.

Garnish with a mint sprig and a pineapple wedge.

Enjoy the cool breeze of the Bayou Swizzle!

Cajun Martini: A Toast to Simplicity

Simplicity takes center stage with the Cajun Martini – a toast to the elegance of our heritage. Made with crisp vodka, a whisper of vermouth, and a hint of olive brine, it's a cocktail that captures the essence of our straightforward Cajun spirit.

Ingredients:

2 oz vodka

½ oz dry vermouth

½ oz olive brine

Green olive or lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a mixing glass with ice.

Add vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine.

Stir well to chill the ingredients.

Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with a green olive or a lemon twist.

Raise a glass to the simplicity of the Cajun Martini!

With each sip on this spirited journey through the flavors and tales of our Cajun cocktails, we uncover a piece of our cultural mosaic, celebrating the diverse influences and vibrant traditions that make our Louisiana libations truly special.

May these recipes add a touch of Cajun magic to your gatherings. Sip responsibly and savor the flavors of the bayou in each delightful concoction!

The Munchies

To complement our Cajun cocktails in perfect harmony, let's indulge in a medley of flavorful appetizers that will dance on our taste buds. Here are some cherished Cajun delights to serve alongside our sips:

Boudin Balls These golden orbs of delight, made with a mixture of boudin sausage, rice, and Cajun seasonings, are the perfect crunchy companions for our Cajun cocktails. Serve them with a zesty dipping sauce for an extra kick.

Crawfish Dip Capture the essence of the bayou with a creamy crawfish dip. A blend of crawfish tails, cream cheese, and Cajun spices creates a luscious spread that pairs exquisitely with slices of crusty French bread or crispy tortilla chips.

Cajun Shrimp Skewers Thread succulent Cajun-seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill them to perfection. These skewers are a savory delight, marrying the bold flavors of Cajun spices with the irresistible taste of perfectly grilled shrimp.

Alligator Bites For a truly adventurous appetizer, savor the taste of alligator bites. Marinated in Cajun spices, these bite-sized morsels provide a unique and flavorful experience that will leave your guests intrigued and delighted.

Muffuletta Pinwheels Transform the iconic New Orleans muffuletta into bite-sized pinwheels. Spread olive salad on thin slices of deli meats and cheeses, roll them up, and slice into delectable pinwheels. These little bites are a taste of the Big Easy in every bite.

Cajun Crab Cakes Create savory Cajun crab cakes infused with the essence of the bayou. Packed with lump crabmeat and Cajun seasonings, these golden delights are a crispy and flavorful addition to our appetizer spread.

Andouille Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms Elevate the humble mushroom with a stuffing of Cajun-seasoned andouille sausage, breadcrumbs, and cheese. These savory stuffed mushrooms are a bite-sized explosion of Cajun flavors.

So, my cher, as we sip on our Cajun cocktails and share stories by the fire, let these delectable appetizers weave a culinary tapestry that celebrates the richness of our Cajun heritage.

Laissez les saveurs du bayou éclater – let the flavors of the bayou burst forth in each savory bite!

[alanmerrill]

Another new photo sent to me from Japan of my Tokyo based band in the glam rock era. Here at Hibiya Park Tokyo, spring 1973, with my group Vodka Collins. I’m up at the mic singing with Monsieur Kamayatsu behind me smiling! 

[arrowtrails]

Enlightening and fun interview with Arrows legendary lead singer Alan Merrill interview by Laurent Bigot, Ugly Things magazine issue # 50, summer 2019.

[junmoonspoon]

Vodka Collins ウォッカ・コリンズ band recording their first single "Automatic Pilot" and "Sands Of Time" EMI Japan, winter 1972. Band members L-R: Hiroshi Oguchi 大口 広司, drums Alan Merrill アラン・メリル guitar lead voclals and Take Yokouchi, bass.

[perputualpotion]

Mitsuru Tsuda (drums), Takeshi Isozaka (bass). Alan Merrill (guitar), Monsieur Kamayatsu (guitar), night show at Surfers, Zushi Beach Japan May 15, 2015.

[ultravodkacollins]

Vodka Collins ウォッカ・コリンズ  Japan tour 1996. 

Photots by Jun Kaneko. Club Geils, Saga Japan.

[harajyukukid]

Alan Merrill  アラン・メリル Vodka Collins ウォッカ・コリンズ  Club Machina, Osaka Japan, 1997.

[sooziwoozi]

ウォッカ・コリンズ  VODKA COLLINS’ original 1973 TOKYO NEW YORK LP album is on sale for $400 on eBay Feb 2018. 

Lead vocals, all guitars, keyboards harmonica and compositions by Alan Merrill. Drums and Japanese lyrics on 2 songs by Hiroshi Oguchi, the two hit singles on the album “Sands Of Time” and “Automatic Pilot” are sung in Japanese. The rest of the album is sung in English.

Released just two years before Alan Merrill wrote and recorded the original ARROWS version of I LOVE ROCK N ROLL in 1975.

Interesting that the seller of this LP is based in Oregon, not Japan!

[beastwithfivefingers]

Vodka Collins from Japan with “Timeless Lover”

[livingthedragonlife]

updated glam rock tierlist!! if you have more bands you think should be on here please give them to me

some of these are very small so i will transcribe it:

"Gave me a fetish" tier: The Struts

"GLAM!" tier: T.Rex, David Bowie, Suzi Quatro The Ark, Tony & The Kiki, Zolar X, Jobraith

"JAM!" tier: Måneskin, Mott the Hoople, New York Dolls, The Gold Web, Slik, The Arrows

"volume UP!!!" tier: Space Waltz, Mud, Roxy Music, Geordie, Hello

"oh it's ~groove~ time" tier: Sparks, Cockney Rebel, Blackfoot Sue, Sweet

"playlist material" tier: Slade, Lou Reed, Alvin Stardust

"yeah! music!" tier: Vodka Collins, Chicory Tip, Wizzard, Sailor

[bucketsofamour]

Alan Merrill, Vodka Collins (Japanese band) tour of Japan 1996.

[harpiesharpie-blog]

Japanese band Vodka Collins outdoor concert in Japan 1998.

[alanmerrill]

Alan Merrill アラン・メリル of Vodka Collins ウォッカ・コリンズ  1973 tour of Japan.

[bahorell]

Les Amis (& co) & their go-to cocktails (some of these might not be like… well known cocktails just cocktails that I have had)

Enjolras: Angel Face - gin, apple brandy, and apricot liquor. Stir.

He isn’t as much of a prude about drinking as people think he is, he just knows nothing about alcohol so he kinda avoids it because there’s so much variance and he honestly can’t keep up. Grantaire ordered him this drink once (because of course) when the whole group went out for drinks. He liked it enough that it’s his go to now. Plus the smile Grantaire gives him when he orders it is well worth it.

Combeferre: Single Malt Scotch Whiskey (not a cocktail but idc)

He’s a bit of a connoisseur. He doesn’t like super sweet stuff and he’s not big on shots. He’s one of those guys that’s like “if I’m gonna drink I want it to be top shelf”. He did a week long tour of Scotland and Ireland just to go to different distilleries.

Courfeyrac: Blue Lagoon - vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade. Shaken and garnished with a cherry and orange slice.

He loves that this is a simple cocktail bc he gets an upset tummy pretty easily. But it looks like a super fancy cocktail! It’s served in a hurricane glass and it has a fancy garnish. He’ll get up from his seat after he’s served it and walk in front of the mirrors along the wall in the bar to see himself walking around with a blue drink in a fancy glass.

Joly: White Russian - vodka, half & half, and kahlua. Combine ingredients in a glass.

He likes these because they taste good but also he’s a light weight and figures if he drinks too much that he throws up the dairy will neutralize his stomach acid and it won’t burn his throat when it comes up. He falls asleep way before he’s ever drank enough to test this hypothesis however.

Jehan: Lemon drop martini - vodka, Cointreau, simple syrup, lemon juice. Shaken.

Loves lemons so much. They’ll order this drink as a cocktail but they’ll also order the version of it that’s a shot if the group wants to do a round of shots. If they make it at home they’ll add a spoonful of creme de violette to the top of it. It doesn’t change the flavor at all but they love how it looks with this tiny band of purple along the top. Bousset:  Cosmopolitan - vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shaken.

This man is addicted to cranberry. Any juice he buys is like pineapple cranberry juice, mango cranberry juice, apple cranberry juice. Musichetta thinks he’s weird for being able to chug cranberry juice because of how bitter and tart it is but Joly loves it bc of how healthy Bousset’s urinary tract must be. He won’t order drinks that dont have cranberry juice or at least some sort of berry juice/syrup/flavor. Plus he likes the little martini glass they come in. If they have it he’ll ask for cranberry vodka when he orders this too.

Feuilly: Spruce Collins - gin, lemon juice, spruce tip simple syrup. Shaken.

Feuilly’s favorite liquor is gin. He likes trees so much he wants his alcohol to taste like one. He likes to make this drink for himself all the time but he has to make his own simple syrup for it and usually he forgets about it in the back of the fridge and it gets moldy and Bahorel scolds him.

Bahorel: Blue Hawaiian - rum, pineapple juice, blue curaçao, and creme of coconut. Shaken.

This man is tropical and he wants everything he consumes to be tropical. His favorite fruit is pineapple and he always adds a little too much when he makes this drink himself. Also when he makes it at home he likes it blended but he really isn’t that picky.

Grantaire: Tequila shots (also not a cocktail).

He doesn’t really understand the point of drinking without at least getting tipsy. He usually will order something else to sip on in between shots bc he’s gotten a lot better at managing his consumption and doesn’t want to get totally blasted before his friends are even feeling a little tipsy.

Marius: Beer or Cider

Doesn’t like cocktails. He’s a bit like Enj in that he has no idea what anything is. Had no idea there were different colors for liquors like he assumed all tequila was clear until he saw Combeferre order and fancy expensive glass of Muy Añejo tequila to sip on. Alcohol upsets his stomach pretty easily so he can’t drink anything hard which is fine because he hasn’t found anything he really likes the taste of very much.  

Eponine: Mai Tai - white rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, dark rum - Shaken. (orgeat syrup is made from almonds, sugar and rose water or orange flower water)

This girl loves her rum so much. She really only likes liquor that isn’t clear (with the exception of white rum). She likes it because it’s not in your face fruity and obnoxious like the drinks Baz and Courf order but it still has citrus and isn’t woody like what Ferre orders.

Cosette: Long Island Iced Tea - vodka, tequila, light rum, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola. Combine ingredients in glass.

Her dad never really let her have alcohol so she doesn’t have very good taste. Combeferre thinks it’s disgusting she can drink something like this and enjoy it but Cosette likes to get tipsy!!!! She doesn’t care about how it tastes! But she doesn’t like shots so this is perfect for her. Sometimes she’ll ask for a glass of coke with it and she’ll chase sips of her drink with coke.

Musichetta: Tequila shots WITH TRAINING WHEELS BECAUSE THEY “ENHANCE THE FLAVOR” (“training wheels” is lime and salt) (not reeeeeeaallllllly a cocktail but one could say it’s a very gross deconstructed cocktail)

She’s a bit like Combeferre in that she really only likes to drink top shelf stuff. The tequila that she orders is different than the tequila that R orders bc he’ll buy a shot that’s like $5 or $6 but she’ll spend $13 on a shot. She works at a bar so she knows which companies are good and which ones are shit and always asks for liquor from local distilleries when she’s asked if she has a preference on what she wants to drink.

[junmoonspoon]

ウォッカ・コリンズ  Vodka Collins

1973 Alan Merrill アラン・メリル.