Pint&Pen&Paper Week 130 (Vol II)
Murder She Wrote
Murder She Wrote
- Hi-Life NYC (@hilifenyc)
- E’s Bar (@ebarnyc)
- George Keeley NYC (@georgekeeleynyc)
- YouTube Rabbithole
Alright @YouTheReader,
Today’s tune is Chaka Demus & Pliers’ Murder She Wrote because it was on in the background at one of these many fine drinking establishments in The City last January.
The Jamaican reggae duo wrote the song in 1987, but it wasn’t released until 1992. During an interview for the song’s 30th anniversary, Pliers told the Jamaican Observer…
“I knew it had the potential to be a hit. That’s why I kept trying with it and doing it for different producers, hoping for it to take off. The first time that I recorded it was when I was 19 years old, but when I was in my mid-20s. That was when we struck gold.”
Pliers drew inspiration for the song’s title from the CBS Crime Mystery TV show with the same name, Murder, She Wrote.
Pliers said of the studio, “When I finally recorded it with Chaka Demus, we did it together in the studio. We were sharing one mic, passing it back and forth. The studio was unfinished, so there was no recording booth at the time. The vibe was just a normal one, and it was just like another day at the studio, trying to survive and making a name in the business. We never knew what was in store.”
The song became a global hit in the 90s, reaching the US Billboard Hot 100 at #57 in 1994. To this day, Murder, She Wrote is considered one of the most recognizable dancehall tracks of all time. It’s also been used in samples for newer reggae songs by the likes of French Montana, Pitbull, Jason Derulo, and the Black Eyed Peas.
This song fits the summer heat, on to the pints…
#GuinnessChallengeSeason
Commonly Asked Questions
What the hell is “hashtag Guinness Challenge Season?”
I don’t know; it was invented after a Jets loss and quite a few pints on New Year’s Day of ‘23. The “Season” was supposed to last from New Year’s to Saint Patrick’s Day, but the bit has stuck for 130 weeks now.
What is a Guinness Challenge?
When you split the G of a proper pint of Guinness in one sip, it's fun. You should try it next time. See the picture above for reference.
Is there a difference between Guinness at different places?
Why yes, of course, great question. Guinness varies more than any other beer. It comes in all shapes and sizes like bottles, cans, and drafts (draughts, as the Euros say it). A proper pour of Guinness is a work of art. Guinness kegs must be run quite a bit, and their lines must be cleaned extensively. As a self-proclaimed Guinness connoisseur, my 0.0 to 10.0 scale is extraordinarily nuanced, but for reference, the only perfect 10.0 will be at the Guinness Factory.
Hi-Life NYC (@hilifenyc) 1/15 ‘25
Service & Staff: A
Guinness: 7.8
Guinness Challenge: I Failed. ❌
Song On In The Background: Murder She Wrote by Chaka Demus & Pliers
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Sitting in the corner by the old black rotary phone of the vintage Art-Deco. This place has an American diner vibe, perhaps a nod to the 1950s, with its silver metal walls by the kitchen. Sure enough, a photo on the wall says this was a “happening place” in the 1930s and 1940s. It’s freezing outside at 29 degrees, with a wind chill that makes it feel like 23—the perfect conditions outside for a pint of Guinness to keep you warm. Taylor from Long Island is behind the bar. She recommends the steak sandwich from the menu. The patrons next to me mention that the Hi-Life has been around since 1991, but the place has probably been a bar for over a century. The neighborhood bar is “Steve Schirripa’s favorite spot.” Come to think of it, this does look like a fun place that Bobby Baccalieri of The Sopranos would hang out.
Hi-Life’s vintage neon sign sets the stage for some classic New York City feels. Known for their burgers and steak sandwiches, they also offer Clams & Oysters from their Raw Bar. The Hi-Life’s Happy Hour runs from noon to 7 pm on the weekends and from 4 to 7 pm on weekdays. It includes $9 cosmopolitans, $8 wine, and $7 draft pints, along with $1.50 per Oyster/Clam piece. A fun spot with a nice neighborhood bar feel, looking forward to getting another pint at Hi-Life again!
E’s Bar (@ebarnyc) 1/15 ‘25
Service & Staff: A
Guinness: 5.8
Guinness Challenge: N/A (No Logo)
Song On In The Background: Let It All Hang Out by A.D.O.R.
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Before taking a seat at the end of the packed bar, I got a look at their booths in the back. It’s a very cool setup back there, should be noted along with their old school jukebox in the corner. E’s Bar hosts Monday Comedy, Tuesday Trivia, Wine Wednesdays ($7.50 per glass), Thirsty Thursdays with $10 Beer + Shot Combos, a Happy Hour that extends to 7 pm on Friday, and weekend brunch specials. The Guinness is a bit flat, but the place is packed, and they have a wide range of drink options on the menu. “Ethan and Erin are the owners, so they decided to name the bar after their names…It’s kinda funny that it rolls off the tongue,” says the bartender. He is a huge Knicks fan and thinks they need to add another big man, as Mitchell Robinson hasn’t played a game yet.
E’s Bar is a popular Upper West Side neighborhood joint for after-work weekdays and weekends. Their June Cocktail of the Month is their frosé, which will donate 10% of the proceeds to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. One other special I forgot to jot down was their late-night Burger Beer Shot deal. For $16, you get the combo from 9 PM until their kitchen closes Sunday to Thursday. I look forward to getting another pint at E’s Bar again!
George Keeley NYC (@georgekeeleynyc) 1/15 ‘25
Service & Staff: A
Guinness: 8.2
Guinness Challenge: I Failed. ❌
Song On In The Background: Good Times by Ozzy Osbourne
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Dart game in the back area seems very competitive, the guys are pretty good. Established in 2002, on the wall at George Keeley’s is a beer club with 100 different beers and members’ names on plaques. Once you try all the different beers, you get a shirt, as well as other rewards like 20% off on Mondays. They serve popcorn, Taco Tuesdays, and Wings Wednesday, along with pub grub like burgers and hot dogs. All over the walls is a West Cork Whiskey Brand that you don’t typically see in liquor stores over here. The signs along the bar read “Beer is good” and “Shut Up and Drink.” They serve a proper pint, fair enough.
George Keeley’s may have an extensive list of rotating craft beers to choose from, but they always make sure to keep the Guinness line running too. Whether you’re with a big group of friends or just trying to play some darts with a handful, George Keeley’s of the Upper West Side is good company, great food, and better beer. I look forward to getting another pint there again!
