We're not kings here
If you’re surprised that we’re stepping into today’s newsletter off with a pair of a new leather boots, a Future Islands reference or a Future Islands song, well, look sharp and let’s get up to speed! As you know if you follow me on Instagram, I’ve been diving deep into the Baltimore-by-way-of-North-Carolina band’s music following the release of last week’s new Future islands album, “As Long As You Are,” and it’s given me plenty of occasion to revisit deeply emotional songs like 2010’s “Vireo’s Eye,” my favorite Future Islands track. Of course, I’ve done this all while wearing some of fall’s best menswear (if I do say so myself — head to my regular blog, The Style Guide, for more), and I’ve been dreaming of at least a live show or two all the while. Of course, that’s out of the question for a good long time, but that didn’t stop me from seeking out some other music inspo in the form of a new tattoo (my first!) this week at NYC’s Red Rocket Tattoo — head to my Instagram to get the full scooop, folks. If you’d like some more style reading this weekend, you can always check out my Friday Read at my blog, naturally. And of course, let’s kick off the weekend with the rest of today’s newsletter dispatch. Cheers!
What To Listen To This Weekend: “Vireo’s Eye” By Future Islands
If you’ve read this newsletter since its inception back in June, you’ll know I don’t need any excuse to listen to, revisit or recommend the soulful, passionate stylings of Future Islands. And yet, here we are again all the same. “Vireo’s Eye” is at once an underrated and much-loved Future Islands track, IMO (if you know, you know!), off of 2010’s “In Evening Air,” and it’s a live favorite of mine — and a studio favorite, for that matter. Heck, go ahead and kickstart your Saturday by viewing an energetic in-studio performance, too. It’s a powerful, powerful track that conjures up some distinct memories for me, and if you’ve not yet heard it, consider it as fine an introduction to the band as you’re apt to get these days. It’s certainly a weekend jumpstart, what with bouncing synths and lead singer Sam Herring’s rich voice, and again, it’s a track I don’t need any occasion to revisit. And yet, on my walks around Brooklyn this week, I’ve found myself leaning into its introspective, emotional nature. That’s what you get from Future Islands, after all, and that’s why I’ll forever be a fan of this band. Now if I could only lace up my boots and get to a live show …
What To Shop This Weekend: Filson Uplander Boots
Speaking of lacing up your new favorite boots, well, what better way to quite literally step into fall than with some of the best men’s boots from a lauded heritage brand? Yes indeed, my friends, the good folks at Seattle-based Filson have knocked it out of the park yet again when it comes to the best boots for fall, and that’s just a fact. As it were, these rugged leather boots are water-repellent and tough as heck, to say the least. Again, you’ll know this if you read my blog, but hey, who said a reminder wasn’t necessary every now and again, right? The Filson Uplander Boots are perfectly suited for weekend day trips, day hikes, casual park strolls or brewery to-go beers, and they’ll look absolutely great with your favorite pair of blue jeans (more on those in a second). Heck, I’d even go so far as to wear ‘em to a rock concert next year (beer sold separately). Well-done, Filson.
Shop Filson
What To Sip This Weekend: High West American Prairie Bourbon Whiskey via Drizly
I’m not sure sure about you, but this just strikes me as the right kind of weekend to enjoy some nice High West whiskey, right? If you’re not familiar with this Park City, Utah-based distillery, know that they do things the Old-Fashioned way (hey, look at that!) and craft a great whiskey that really does call to mind the Old West, as it were. High West might have said it best when they described this flavorful, rich bourbon as having tasting notes of “candy corn, honey nougat and sweet corn bread biscuits” — how perfect does that sound for fall? As for me, this is exactly the kind of whiskey I’d like to get in an Old Fashioned (there it is again!) as I contemplate another meaningful Future Islands show. And as ever, you can get High West whiskey delivered via alcohol delivery service Drizly. Cheers, my friends.
The Final Pick: Mott and Bow Slim Crosby Jeans
As with my Tuesday newsletter, we’re closing things out in as fine a fashion as can be, and with a bit of fall style inspiration on the brain. In fact, consider this a bit of indie rock-inspired style inspiration, seeing as Mott and Bow men’s jeans are quite literally the best pair of jeans to wear to a rock show, a festival or a day trip right now, in fact. How do I know? Well, I’ve been a fan of Mott and Bow jeans for years (going back to 2015!), and can certainly vouch for ‘em as some of the best jeans for men out there. And as we’ve talked about in the past, it seems Future Islands lead singer Sam Herring favors dark slim denim when on stage, so how better to get the same style vibe (High West whiskey in hand) when rocking out to an archive Future Islands concert on YouTube, ehh??
Have any thoughts on today’s gear and music dispatch? Have a hankering for some High West whiskey later? You’re certainly not alone on this fall weekend. In fact, as the seasons change and the temperature drops, I’d urge you to outfit yourself (physically and mentally!) as well as possible with everything from a crisp pair of Mott and Bow men’s jeans to the Filson Uplander Boots for the best gear set-up out there. As you well know, I say no weekend is complete without a rich fall bourbon or, of course, the introspective stylings of Future Islands. Talk about a quadruple whammy (??) right there. Happy reading, happy shopping, happy sipping today. Cheers!