A good man is a mystery
It seems over the past few weeks, The Style Guide In Brief is once again morphing into what you might call a Killers fan newsletter of sorts — I just go where the musical and menswear winds take me, and lately, that’s meant listening to today’s featured track, “Blowback” (off the band’s new album “Imploding The Mirage”) a heck of a lot. It’ll all make sense when a certain story I’m working on is published (soon!), but until then, you’ll just have to hang tight. Needless to say, once I get into a song (including the throwback, Tom Petty-esque vibes of “Blowback”), I get deep into it. As I said, it’ll all make sense in good time. Until then, you can check out my other newsletter entries on The Killers (and Brandon Flowers-inspired menswear) here. And you can also check out my regular blog, The Style Guide, if you’d rather focus solely on menswear these days. If you’d like to stick around here though, I’ve got my latest listening, shopping and sipping guide for the taking below. Cheers!
What To Listen To This Week: “Blowback” By The Killers
As we get closer and closer to the end of the year, I’m realizing there might not be a 2020 release I’ve listened to more than the soaring and inspirational “Imploding The Mirage,” an acclaimed Killers album (check out the band’s highest-ever Pitchfork score) that features some of my favorite tracks the band has ever put out — and that’s really saying something. The synth-y, pulsing “Blowback” is among those, featuring lovely piano, driving drums and a sort of Tom Petty-esque swing and lyrics that only Brandon Flowers could pull off (seriously, who else could sing about Tic-Tacs and make them sound so cool??). It’s a suitably epic bit of storytelling out of the Las Vegas desert, singing about a mysterious “good man” and more. The band has backed it up with both a duo acoustic performance (featuring drummer Ronnie Vannucci on guitar), plus a slick-as-can-be full band performance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (my personal favorite version of the song to date). My ultimate point is this: If you wrote The Killers off or haven’t yet given the new album a listen, I’d say it’s high time you did so.
What To Shop This Week: Norse Projects Arlos Slim Light Chinos via UNCRATE
If you’ve been with us here reading this newsletter for a while now, then you know that the featured menswear picks are inspired by the featured music. It’s a combination that just makes sense to me (the “style of sound,” if you will), and that’s where the inspiration comes from for these slim black chinos. They’re well-made, they’re classic and yet fashion-forward, and they’ll look great with everything from a black dress shirt and vest to your favorite denim jacket. It’s the kind of rock star-approved look that’s not too far off from how Sir Brandon Flowers would dress onstage way back in the day. Now, things look a little different (to say the least), but how cool would you feel knowing you’re adding a bit of a sharp edge to your at-home wardrobe in this dismal year, right? Right. I’m all about it, and so too, should you be.
Shop Norse Projects
What To Sip This Week: Servant Coffee La Triada Colombian Coffee
I don’t know about you, but I could use a bit of a power-up this week. Between my coverage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday (upcoming on my blog and at The Manual!) and some online shopping to take care of for the holidays, a strong cup of coffee is a must. Heck, if you want a jolt of energy to get you through your next archive YouTube concert by The Killers (see, I knew I could weave it together!), then a bit of a shot in the arm is the right way to go. What better place to get your new favorite coffee blend than Bespoke Post, ehh? Heck, if you also want a gift for the coffee lover in your life, it’s crucial that you stock up early and often, too. Put another pot on, will ya?
The Final Pick: Imogene+Willie Jack Overdyed Slate Jacket via UNCRATE
In the spirit of keeping with rock n’roll-inspired menswear that would look suitable for cool nights in the Vegas desert and of course, rock shows back East when the time comes. Until then, you can find plenty of occasions to wear this tough work jacket all around town, be it with a crisp white Oxford shirt, a rugged henley or a pocket T-shirt. Use the plentiful pockets to store your everyday carry essentials or a pocket journal, and just know that this jacket will get better with age (kind of like the music of The Killers, ehh??). Imogene+Willie always do a standout job at quality craftsmanship and attention to detail (as I saw when I visited the brand’s Nashville shop back in 2017!), and this rugged work jacket should be no different.
In the course of reading this newsletter, how many times did you listen to “Blowback” By The Killers, ehh? Again, it’s a song that’s been part of my rotation consistently, to go along with my ongoing attempts to match my wardrobe with that of a certain lead singer (hence, the wish list-worthy Imogene+Willie jacket and the even cooler, super-sleek slim black chinos shown above). Hopefully, those picks have you feeling ready to rock-and-roll into the holidays. As a reminder, you can get another dispatch from this newsletter on Saturday if you subscribe below, and you can find #menswear content seven days a week over at my regular blog, The Style Guide. That’s all for now! If you need me, you know where to find me.