I Don't Live Here Anymore

The new album from The War On Drugs and your fall weekend lineup

Thanks for joining me here for another dispatch of my (mostly) twice-weekly 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!

Do you ever come across something — a piece of literature, a poem, a favorite shirt, or in the case of today’s newsletter, a standout new album — and recognize immediately that it’s going to shift the way you see the world? (And yes, a shirt can indeed do that!). That’s the process I’ve been going through this week as I’ve taken the time to listen to the new album from Philly-born rockers The War On Drugs, led by singer-songwriter Adam Granduciel at his contemplative best. It’s an album focused on the future and the past, a rearview mirror and a way forward, best summed up by the title track (“You wouldn’t recognize me, babe/I don’t live here anymore”). Although the album came out about two weeks ago, I was covering the Outside Lands Music Festival for Atwood Magazine and wanted to really set aside the time to dive in properly. I also did the same thing with another album I recently revisited (and covered in my last newsletter!) — that’d be the really soulful “Remind Me Tomorrow” by indie vet Sharon Van Etten.

But back to The War On Drugs, a past newsletter favorite: I’ve spent this week listening to songs like the standout title track featuring Lucius as I’ve walked through Manhattan and Brooklyn on breezy fall nights. The album’s release is nearly perfected time with the fall season and peak foliage, the kind of weather well-suited for two of my favorite things (besides indie rock): That’d be Brooklyn park strolls and flannel shirts. We’ll talk a bit about each of the above in today’s entry, headphones at the ready. Happy listening!

What To Listen To This Weekend: “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” By The War On Drugs

Rather than picking my favorite song off this standout album from one of my favorite bands, I’m going to let the record itself do the talking. It clocks in at over 50 minutes for just 10 tracks, so give yourself some time to sit with this one, from the delicately strummed lead single “Living Proof” to the vintage War On Drugs-esque “Harmonia’s Dream” (think racing synths, excellent percussion work from drummer Charlie Hall and plenty of contemplative lyricism about a journey on an open road). It’s an album I’m really grateful is now out in the world, especially since 2017’s “A Deeper Understanding” was a similarly propulsive, year-defining favorite. Let me know what you think of this standout record in the comments below. And yes, as I mentioned before, I’ve been pairing this record with something that’s practically required if you’re a fan of The War On Drugs: A nice nip of whiskey and a favorite flannel shirt. Let’s get to it.

What To Shop This Weekend: Alex Mill Tartan Flannel Shirt

If you look closely at the album cover for the latest release from The War On Drugs, you’ll see that Adam Granduciel is wearing what’s practically a standard uniform among some of my favorite rockers: A classic flannel shirt, and it’s even better that it’s pretty close in style and look to the Alex Mill Tartan Flannel Shirt shown here. Is it groundbreaking in terms of style? Not quite, but does it call back to Granduciel’s Northeast roots and the long tradition of indie rockers wearing durable flannel on the road (See: Replacements, The)? Indeed it does. That’s good enough for me, and I hope it’s good enough for your jam-packed wardrobe of fall style essentials. We all know what goes great with flannel and indie rock, do we not?

What To Sip This Weekend: Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series Limited Release

Believe it or not, I’ve been enjoying some whiskey as cool fall weather rolls through Brooklyn, and I’m recommending you do the same. In fact, I’ve had the chance to write this year for Maxim about the particular whiskey I’m recommending on this fine fall Saturday, and I’ve had the chance to imbibe, as well. This new Maker’s Mark limited release, one of two out right now, gets its distinctive flavors — and the differences between the two variations — because of a custom wood-stave finishing process, best enjoyed neat or with a large ice cube. You don’t need me to tell you your recommended weekend soundtrack, do you?

The Final Pick: Flint and Tinder Wool-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

If you’ve spent any time reading this newsletter or checking out my regular style blog, you’re well aware that San Francisco retailer Huckberry makes one of the best jackets for fall, using tough waxed cotton and linings like wool and flannel to deliver plenty of cold-weather comfort. It helps that, as I’ve said before, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket is packed with pockets to hold your wallet, keys, ear plugs and more as you explore your favorite (or new favorite!) city pre-rock show. You won’t regret adding this jacket to your wardrobe before hitting the road.

With Maker’s Mark limited release whiskey at the ready, the new album from The War On Drugs blasting through your speakers and just a few fall style favorites close at hand, I’d be willing to bet your weekend is all set — or at least, it’s well on its way. If you, like me, have been loving what you’re listening to, be sure to let me know in the comments below — and be sure to tell all your friends! We’ll see you back here next week, folks.