When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

There’s a chance that by the time you read this, the link to today’s featured song might be… broken. That’s because we’re not talking about the original “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, but instead, about a much-loved and highly anticipated *cover* of said song by indie luminary Phoebe Bridgers (that’s Phoebe at the top of the page), joined by the equally talented Maggie Rogers, and available via Bandcamp for … one day only. Odds remain to be seen if you can still get your ears around this cover, but it’s worth a shot. Oh, and the occasion for such a cover, one that had fans clamoring to hear it recorded? Well, Phoebe herself promised to record it if *drumroll please* Donald Trump lost the election. So, there you have it. And as I said on Tuesday, it’s like a weight has been lifted. Heck, I’ve never been so excited to hear a cover song in my life! If you’re in the same boat, I think you’ll enjoy today’s edition of The Style Guide In Brief, a twice-weekly supplement to my seven-days-a-week menswear blog, The Style Guide (a new post is live over on the blog today, as it were!). If you’d like to stick around here for a while, we’ve got music, menswear and craft beer up for the taking this weekend.

What To Listen To This Weekend: “Iris” (Goo Goo Dolls Cover) By Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers

As I mentioned above, the astoundingly emotional and “uniquely Phoebe Bridgers” cover was part of Bandcamp Friday’s ongoing efforts to give back to artists (and listeners!) with exclusive, seriously cool releases. Count us all lucky that this cover is out there in the world right now, because it takes a much-loved classic and updates it in a way that only Phoebe can. Maggie’s vocals add a lovely sheen, and Phoebe manages to elevate this classic into something more entirely. It’s somehow understated and yet still deeply emotional, much like other releases from Phoebe (as seen elsewhere in this newsletter, in fact!). Now, with any luck, you’ll still be able to stream this release elsewhere (or read about it on Pitchfork, at the very least!), but trust me when I say it’s worth enjoying as you settle in with your weekend coffee. If we’re talking a cool rock cover by Phoebe Bridgers, the menswear’s got to stick with the theme, right? Right. Keep on scrolling below.

What To Shop This Weekend: Shoes Like Pottery SLP01 JP Hi

When we last talked about Phoebe Bridgers and her phenomenal 2020 album “Punisher,” I featured some high-top sneakers that I thought you could certainly wear to a Phoebe Bridgers concert. Step back with me into that mindset as we wait for the world to settle down at some point, and look toward another stylish pair of high-top sneakers for fall and beyond. These Shoes Like Pottery high-top sneakers are subtly stylish, throwback-inspired, incredibly well-made and sure to keep you comfortable on your feet through park walks, cocktail bar outings and plenty more (wear a mask, people!). Get them now, enjoy them before the snow falls, then break ‘em out of storage when live music returns — consider them Phoebe-approved, IMHO.

What To Sip This Weekend: Ballast Point Sculpin IPA via Drizly

This one is a bit of a personal Brooklyn easter egg, if you will. When I saw Phoebe Bridgers play Brooklyn Steel back in November 2018 (as part of the excellent indie rock trio boygenius with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus), I definitely enjoyed myself some choice Ballast Point Sculpin IPA on draft at my favorite music venue. Heck, that’s one of my go-to beers at that music venue … when live shows are up and running, that is. So, it’s with some fun, emotional indie rock memories in mind that I’m recommending you get this beer delivered right to your door this weekend with alcohol delivery service Drizly. Cheers indeed, folks.

The Final Pick: Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvage Denim in Black

Imagine with me, if you will, that fated first rock show you attend … someday, perhaps. If you’re me, the choice is pretty easy. It’s slim black denim all the way, the kind with just enough stretch so that you can wear ‘em around Brooklyn during the day, and then to said rock concert at night. This is certainly wishful thinking, of course, but I’m going with the Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvage Denim in Black when the time comes. If we’re lucky, we might even get to hear Phoebe Bridgers cover “Iris.” I can’t hardly wait for it, and that’s just the truth.

While a cover of an emotionally beautiful yet gut-wrenching song might seem an odd pick to start the weekend in *these times*, it oddly gives me some serenity (leave it up to Phoebe to come through for her fans). Taken together with the promise of a Ballast Point Sculpin IPA and ideally, a stylish pair of high-top sneakers on the way, and you’ve got a recipe for weekend success. Consider this one final reminder to hit “Subscribe” if you so please (it’s free!), and we’ll see you back here on Tuesday. Cheers!