Better Love

A birthday weekend, a standout new album & #DrinkBetterBeer

Thanks for joining me here for another dispatch of my music and menswear newsletter, which is different (but somewhat the same) as my daily style blog from which it gets its name. Thanks for reading!

Just in the nick of time, I’m back with another edition of my newsletter, this one timed to a pretty special day around these parts — not to brag, of course, but the calendar shows that it’s … my birthday! Cue Michael Scott of The Office bringing in donuts for his own birthday. I started the celebrations nice and early with an outstanding family Florida trip, including stops at Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! And the beat rolls on today. Whether you’ve come here through E-mail, through my regular daily blog, through social media or by other means (Owl Post?), thank you for reading and THANK YOU for your support! I’m very grateful to get to do what I do (which, for the most part, involves writing about menswear, music, watches, whiskey, beer and more on a daily basis!). My “boss” gave me the day off in Brooklyn, so I’ve spent it passing the time the best way I know how: With Prospect Park strolls, Threes Brewing beer and some of my favorite music — both of all-time (hello to The War on Drugs) and of the moment.

Speaking of music of the moment, I’ve found it tough (in a good way!) to escape the incredible track “Better Love” by new indie group Aeon Station — or rather, the newest project of longtime indie rocker Kevin Whelan. Formerly of The Wrens, a semi-legendary indie band most known for a 2003 masterpiece and then a long-delayed follow-up album, Whelan has come up with quite the beautiful and sonically impactful solo record (released last month on legendary label Sub Pop). I’ll have more on this release soon for Atwood Magazine, but for now, let me say that it’s an amazing listen to power your day — the same way I’ll be doing in Brooklyn! Cheers and thanks for reading the rest of today’s dispatch.

What To Listen To Today: “Better Love” By Aeon Station

There are any number of songs off of the first Aeon Station album by Kevin Whelan that I could point to as being worthy of your time, but “Better Love” is one that has struck a chord with me, literally. If you love the Australian rockers Gang of Youths, known for anthemic singalongs, roaring guitars and solid drumming, then you’ll love this song. It’s a gem in an album full of them — I’ve had this on repeat this week, and I hope you dig it just as much. Because we’re talking about a member of a famous (indie famous!) ‘90s rock band, I think I know what style pick might work well to pair up with this album. Still with me on this?

What To Shop Today: Flint and Tinder Long-Sleeve Snap Shirt

If you guessed that we’d be featuring a rugged flannel shirt in my entry on what to shop this weekend, you’re quite correct about that. A staple of indie rock shows then and now — as well as my favorite breweries, and Prospect Park trails — the right flannel shirt is a versatile piece that demands to be worn day in and day out, especially if it’s a Huckberry flannel shirt. Try this one for size and prepare to be amazed at the quality, comfort and timeless style.

What To Sip This Weekend: Threes Brewing Logical Conclusion IPA

If you read this newsletter or follow along with me on Instagram, or Twitter, or if we’ve ever met and spoken about, well, just about anything, then you know that my love of soulful indie rock and flannel shirts is matched only by my love for an excellent IPA. Enter the Threes Brewing Logical Conclusion IPA, one of the best IPAs anywhere, Brooklyn included. I’ve never had a bad pour or a bad can of this beer, and that’s saying something. I figure I’ll have at least one or two this weekend. Feel free to join me by ordering Threes Brewing beer for yourself on Drizly!

The Final Pick: Huckberry All-Weather Duckboots

Here’s a final pick that could come in mighty handy this weekend, especially if you’re in the Midwest or Northeast (or heading out to a Saturday night concert, as I am). The Huckberry All-Weather Duckboots are some of the most reliable boots I’ve had the pleasure of testing out, complete with a tough rubberized front rand and waterproof construction. They’ll keep you light on your feet and they’ll look surprisingly great with jeans or work pants no matter where you go.

With that, I’m going to bring the curtain down on today’s birthday-centric newsletter dispatch. Once again, THANK YOU for reading and for your support! I hope you find something to love in this newsletter, whether it’s the reliability and performance of the Huckberry All-Weather Duckboots, the hop-packed flavor of the Threes Brewing Logical Conclusion IPA or the epic nature of “Better Love” By Aeon Station. Again, thank you for reading and here’s to the weekend!