You're changing the path of your life

I'm changing the path of my life

We’re back at it today at The Style Guide In Brief with the first of two doses of your menswear-indie rock-craft beer “vaccine” of sorts. That’s probably overstating things, to say the least, but there’s a bit of relatable hope for the future in today’s newsletter. A change in the path of each our lives is hopefully rolling down the pipeline sooner than one might think — the ever-critical vaccine — but we’ll leave healthcare and politics to the experts. You get the point. Instead, how about we dive into today’s featured song (“Yolk In The Fur,” off the 2018 album of the same name) and accompanying gear? If you were quick on the draw, you’ve probably guessed that we’re once again turning the dial toward New York indie band Wild Pink, already a critically acclaimed band now standing on the verge of its third record, due out this Friday. I’m already beyond excited for “A Billion Little Lights,” and if you’ve read past newsletter entries on this band, you know that they’re the real deal, blending synth pop and pedal steel with heartland rock-esque touches. That’s why it’s in in good form to revisit old favorites and look toward the future with hope & great music in our hearts (and perhaps a cold beer at your side for happy hour). Let’s get rolling.

What To Listen To This Week: “Yolk In The Fur” By Wild Pink

As I mentioned above, this isn’t the first time we’ll be talking about New York’s Wild Pink this week, and as another reminder, it’s not even the first time we’ve talked about this momentous band this very month here at The Style Guide In Brief. That’s because, in listening to the forthcoming album (as also mentioned above!), this is indeed a band that’s changing its path and growing bigger and better — better production, more nuanced and layered songs, ideally bigger venues one day — while staying true to its roots.

There’s a lesson to be gleaned from that, just the same as in lead singer John Ross’ insistence that “there’s a ledger somewhere” (an adage I also believe to be true!). When you realize where you’re going, and where you’ve been, and how you can turn red lights into green lights (to borrow an adage from Mr. Matthew McConaughey), well, that’s what this song boils down to for me. And heck, either way, it’s worth revisiting as we get ready for what I feel is primed to be one of the year’s top indie rock releases. Listen carefully when the band’s new album drops on Friday, my friends — and yes, Saturday’s newsletter will also feature Wild Pink, I’d wager!

What To Shop This Week: Carhartt Chore Coat

To get where you’re going, to find the way forward, well, that requires some hard work. What brand better epitomizes hard work these days than a true original, a beloved favorite of indie rockers and hard-working men and women alike? Why, that’d be Carhartt, folks — and the brand’s Carhartt Chore Coat, to get right to the point. Another home state favorite — akin to the brands I discussed in my Saturday newsletter — Carhartt has long made some of the most durable men’s workwear on the planet, and that’s no joke. That’s got to be why the brand’s Carhartt Chore Coat seems to be an ideal choice for brewing beer, tackling yard work, hauling your gear to a venue or taking a stroll through Brooklyn, right? No doubt about it. And if you feel like kicking back on your screened porch with your fireplace roaring and the new Wild Pink record playing? The Carhartt Chore Coat can do that, too.

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What To Sip This Week: Genesee Cream Ale via Drizly

When I looked back at the mix of classic and craft beer I’ve featured here in this newsletter, I was shocked to find I’d not yet shone the spotlight on one of my favorite cheap beers, an ice-cold, ridiculously affordable brew that you can imbibe right out of the can. I’m talking, of course, about the famed Genessee Cream Ale, hailing from Rochester, New York. Consider it a nice homage to the New York-based guys at Wild Pink. I’ve also enjoyed this beer in the cozy confines of Brooklyn’s The Adirondack in “The Before Times,” as you might say, but it’s hard to come by at indie rock shows by the likes of Wild Pink (at least, that was the case when I saw the band at Rough Trade back in October 2018!). These days, you know the drill: Get Genessee Cream Ale delivered via Drizly, then put on a few choice tracks for happy hour.

The Final Pick: Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Boots

How many times in this newsletter have I talked about good beer, rugged workwear and tough leather boots? Probably too many to count (although I’m happy to come up with a tally if you’d like), but to me, this is a classic trio that works well together any day of the week. That’s particularly the case as we roll through winter, and that’s where the dependable Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Boots are going to serve you well in the days, weeks, months and years (yes, years) ahead. Ever met a pair of boots you could wear out on a park hike or back to a distillery without missing a beat? These classic leather Red Wing boots are precisely the kind you’re going to want on your feet, and as per tradition, they’re a great-looking pair of boots to break in before showtime rolls around again.

Hopefully, you’re now looking forward to the release of the new Wild Pink album this Friday as much as I am — expect nuanced and delicately crafted indie rock with subtle flourishes, the kind that demand repeated listens. That’s just what the band does well, and they’re expanding that approach (changing the path, if you will!), which is good advice for us all. This week, consider lacing up your classic leather Red Wing boots, throwing on your Carhartt Chore Coat to get the job done, and then treating yourself with an ice-cold, ridiculously affordable brew at the end of the day (soundtracked by a favorite indie rock track). A hard day’s work calls for the best gear and the best rewards. Day after day, let’s seek out our own path, shall we?

Thanks for reading — see you out there.