Hardline
Say it's not so cut and dry
There are some times when I sit down to write The Style Guide In Brief (the twice-weekly, streamlined version of my blog, The Style Guide) where it’s quite difficult, and other days when it’s … well, not that difficult. It all starts, after all, with the right tune to set the tone for this newsletter and in this case, for the weekend ahead. We’re all in luck today, because the fantastic singer-songwriter Julien Baker (as shown above looking cool as ever) has blessed us with another seriously great, deeply emotional and reverent track, “Hardline,” off her forthcoming album “Little Oblivions” (I previously talked about this album in my newsletter here). Julien is an immensely talented writer in that she always seems to know exactly what she wants to say, and she spares no emotion or thought in getting there. It’s a great quality to have, and it results in highly listenable and contemplative tracks like this one to kick off your weekend (plus, the video is a work of art in its own right). I’m diving into this track and more below, helped along by the right menswear to wear and some quality weekend coffee to enjoy.
What To Listen To This Weekend: “Hardline” By Julien Baker
Let’s kick off Saturday with the aforementioned new track from an artist who does as stellar a job as anybody at writing an introspective, deep song, the sort that comes as a welcome weekend listen. Julien Baker just gets it — she’s been open through the years about her struggles with addiction, often singing quite candidly about it (as she does here). She’s also quite open about her songwriting process and her past, and it all comes together in achingly gorgeous fashion. That’s not to mention the power she puts into her studio work and her onstage performances is something to be marvelled at, truly a thing of raw emotion and beauty. “Hardline” is one of her more polished, ornate songs yet, featuring lush, beautiful production that should play out incredibly once live shows return (and here’s hoping they do later this year!). It’s the second track we’ve heard from her forthcoming new album, which I can confidently say should rank among the year's best. So, you’ve got that to listen to and mark down on your calendar. What will you be wearing this winter when that album finally drops? Here’s a suggestion below.
What To Wear This Weekend: Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvage Denim
Let’s take a page out of the Julien Baker Book of Indie Style, if you will, and reach for some seriously cool, comfortable, slim faded grey jeans that’ll work just about anywhere you want to wear ‘em this winter. As I tend to say in these newsletter entries, these classic men’s jeans are also just the type to buy in advance of the return of live music, because what goes better with indie rock than broken-in jeans and your favorite boots, right? No doubt about it. Head to Huckberry to pick up your new favorite jeans today.
What To Sip This Weekend: Pappy & Co. Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee (Two-Pack)
Now, we’ve covered this Pappy & Co. coffee previously in my newsletter, but what we haven’t done is give you the chance to get a two-pack of possibly your new favorite coffee. What cooler way to get a weekend jumpstart than with some super-premium coffee aged in the same barrels used to make some of the finest whiskey on the planet? It’s almost enough to give you the sort of energy to tackle your entire weekend to-do list, right? Well, perhaps not quite. Spin that Julien Baker track again as you think on it for a while.
The Final Pick: Blundstone 150th Anniversary Edition Boots
As with most entries in this newsletter, I can’t help but associate certain footwear picks with, well, a great rock show, the sort that one Julien Baker would be preparing to put on following the release of her album next month. And when I do get the chance to go to a Brooklyn rock show again, I can guarantee you know I what footwear I’ll be rocking (pun intended): A pair of classic, durable Blundstone boots, the sort that can withstand day after day of wear and tear. The Blundstone 150th Anniversary Boots are an upgraded take on the brand’s stable of classics, and they’d fit right in at Brooklyn Steel and well beyond. See you at the next show, folks.
Let’s tie it all together when it comes to winter weekend style and listening, shall we?The first order of business might be to get yourself a pair of classic, durable Blundstone boots to take on winter weather (and an eventual indie rock concert, of course). Next up? Step into some classic men’s jeans in an expertly faded grey colorway, all the better to team with your Blundstone boots. Better still? Charge up for the weekend and beyond with Pappy & Co. coffee for an extra jolt of flavor and caffeine. To soundtrack your pursuits at home and on the road, get excited for the new Julien Baker album by playing “Hardline”. Other than that, what more can you ask for this weekend? My advice: Stay healthy, stay safe, listen to Julien Baker and tell all your friends about this newsletter. See you back here on Tuesday, my friends.