10 Best Western Philosophy Books for Essential Reading
We might not all have the time or resources to delve into a 9-plus-year Ph.D. program, but you don’t have to go broke to understand the basics of Western thought.
10 Best Album Covers to Gawk at for Hours
An album cover can be as iconic as the music inside the sleeve, as these artistic LPs suggest, from classic Beatles recordings to state-themed folk rock.
9 Coolest Concert Venues in the United States
From downtown Seattle to the Manhattan borough of New York, these are the coolest venues in America to catch a live show for the ages.
Revisiting Classic Albums: Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan's 1965 release is a potent effort that took American folk into the burgeoning realm of rock 'n' roll, with priceless lyrics to boot.
4 of Our Favorite Musicians’ Favorite Drinks
The stereotypical rock star drinks Jack Daniels but as this list of talented musicians suggests, the musician's favorite drink is often more sophisticated than that.
Revisiting Classic Albums: Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago
The Manual’s classic albums series is young yet, but it wouldn’t be a proper grouping without a few provocative selections. Bon Iver’s debut is a breakup album for the ages.
Fender Debuts the Limited-Edition Saleen Stratocaster 1 Guitar
The inaugural release from Fender’s annual Prestige Collection reimagines the Fender Stratocaster as a turbocharged sports car. The look is fearsome, the specs are top-of-the-line, and the sound is somewhere between a feral snarl and a shimmering glissando.
Cam Honan Wants You to Take a Hike
Cam Honan's newest book, Wanderlust USA, is a beautifully photographed book that details 30 trails from across the United States.
What Is Burns Night? A Celebration of Scottish Poetry, Haggis, and Whisky
January 25 marks Burns Night, a time to celebrate Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, the way it's been done since 1801 — with traditional Scottish fare. Meaning Scotch whisky and haggis. Here's why we celebrate.
Shinola Pulls Inspiration From Motown for Special Smokey Robinson Collection
Like the other releases in the brand's Great American Series, the Shinola x Smokey Robinson Collection of limited-edition goods was crafted carefully to pay homage to Robinson’s unwavering legacy as an American musician and luminary.
Revisiting Classic Albums: Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd's remarkable concept album is sheer genius, taking on the troubles of the modern world with a direct dose of prog-rock.
You Should Listen Responsibly: Don’t Separate the Artist from the Music
The music industry has always had its share of sour apples but how are we to listen in the wake of #metoo and revelations about the likes of R. Kelly and Michael Jackson?
Thailand’s Surreal The Library Resort Is a Bibliophile Traveler’s Dream Getaway
Themed restaurants and hotels are often hit-or-miss. In the hands of a sophisticated designer, however, a themed eatery or luxury resort can be extraordinary. Mere feet from one of Thailand’s most famous beaches, one designer hotel is proof of the latter.
Everything You Need to Create the Ultimate Man Cave for Music Lovers
From a sleek turntable to the best chair for relaxing, we’ve got everything you need to create a music lover’s paradise — a musical man cave listening room, if you will — right in your own home.
Revisiting Classic Albums: Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Brice Springsteen's 1982 wonder was originally supposed to be a demo but turned into one of the greatest pieces of intimate folk ever.
Revisiting Classic Albums: Why Prince’s Purple Rain Was an Instant Classic
It's said that the only thing more popular than Reagan in 1984 was Prince and his glorious album/soundtrack, Purple Rain.
10 Best War Books to Add to Your Reading List
While a terrible, wretched thing war is — the very worst breakdown of society, in fact — yet it is nonetheless compelling. From battle come the best novels of bravery and heroism, of cowardice and pain, of friendships and hatred.
Time to Flip to Side B: The Cassette Tape is Back
The cassette tape is roaring back to life at a growth rate that's even better than vinyl. Why does it still occupy a certain place in every music lover's heart?
Revisiting Classic Albums: Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters is Heady Jazz for the Masses
We take a closer look at Herbie Hancock's must-have record, Head Hunters, which steered jazz brilliantly towards funk, soul, and fusion.
The Best Music Festivals for Food and Drink
These music festivals, spanning cities from coast to coast, take their food, drinks, and music very seriously.
10 Best Nature Books to Connect You to the Wilderness
In our urbanized lives, nature writing fills a much-needed void, letting us experience cathartic wonder, educating us on our human history, and inspiring us with a healthy respect, not to mention a sense of responsibility, for our natural environment.
The Absolute Best Books for a Long Flight
Got a long flight coming up? Then make sure to pack one of these amazing reads in your carry-on.
10 Amazing LGBTQ+ Books to Add to Your Reading List
If you're looking for a good queer read, this list is for you. We highlight some of the best LGBTQ+ books in existence.
7 Best Books About Hawaii to Read Before You Visit
The Aloha State is rich in history, legends, and lore. Check out our picks for essential reading about Hawaii. Just be ready to buy a plane ticket when you're done reading ... we definitely want to.
Stephen King’s Maine Mansion to Become a One-of-a-Kind Writer’s Retreat
Stephen King evolved beyond a “mere” horror novelist to become a full-blown pop-culture icon. Soon, fans will be able to experience the writer’s life, legacy, and inspiration as he looks to convert his Bangor, Maine mansion into a one-of-a-kind writer’s retreat.
Tim Bluhm on Fear, Survival, and the Healing Power of Music
The songs Tim wrote over the months of rehabilitation have been collected into a brand-new album, Sorta Surviving. Released on March 29, Sorta Surviving was recorded at Johnny Cash’s infamous Cash Cabin (just outside of Nashville) and produced by Dave Schools of Widespread Panic.
Learn Guitar (and Don’t Give Up) With the Fender Play App
The Fender Play app aims to limit the trials and tribulations for new guitar players with short, digestible lessons that will teach you hundreds of songs and the techniques needed to achieve your music goals.
7 of the Best Drink References in Music
Eloquent shout-outs to booze aren't just the musical fodder of country, as these outstanding musicians suggest. We've gathered seven of the best drink references in music.
The Evolution and History of the Home Stereo
With well over a century in the making, the home stereo has brought tantalizing airwaves into households starting with the record player and moving through radio, cassettes, CDs, MP3, and all-out streaming.
You Can Sleep in Hunter S. Thompson’s Colorado Cabin
Hunter S. Thompson's cabin in Aspen, Colorado available for rental. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom house at the Owl Farm compound is complete with Thompson's typewriter. Mescaline not included.
Zach Klein Is the Reason We’re All Obsessed with Cabin Porn
We talk with founder Zach Klein about what led to this book — Cabin Porn: Inside — as well as his thoughts on the impact of cabins and his Cabin Porn project 10 years on.
You Should Read Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard’s Guide to Life
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard's new book, Some Stories, tells tales about a life spent both outdoors and at the head of a major company.
8 of the Coolest Indie Bookstores in the United States
We’re taking a look at some of the most fabulous independent bookstores in the United States. Though they run the gamut from cozy and cluttered to spacious and bright, they do happen to have one very important thing in common: They’re all well worth a visit.
The Most Unique Collaboration Beers in the U.S.
Collaborations are practically as old as craft beer itself. Here are our picks for some of the best and most unique collaboration beers out there.
How to Score Discounted Tickets to the Best After-Party in NYC this Weekend
On Saturday, July 27, Discogs is hosting a free vinyl fair in Times Square called Crate Diggers. Here's how to score cheap tickets to the after-party featuring Method Man and Redman, Roy Ayers, Funk Flex and DJ Red Alert, and more.
The New Fender Vintera Series Harkens Back to the Beginnings of Rock and Roll
Want to tune in to the beginnings of the rock and roll movement? Check out the new Fender Vintera series, with 15 age-appropriate guitars to choose from.
Sound of Lapland Captures the Pristine Beauty of Finland on a Mixtape
Everyone knows Finland is the happiest place on earth. Why? Some think it's the time they spend in nature. Now, House of Lapland has put together Sound of Lapland, an audio representation of that happiness.
Idris Elba Debuts New 2HR SET Fashion Line Inspired By DJ Culture
Idris Elba is a man of many trades. His newest creative journey comes in the form of a new fashion collection, 2HR SET, is inspired by his passion for music and DJ culture.
Airbnb Announces Epic Around the World in 80 Days Adventure for Just $5,000
If you’ve ever daydreamed of traveling the world in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg, you could get your wish this September. Airbnb just announced a once-in-a-lifetime adventure dubbed Around the World in 80 Days. It’s every bit as epic as Jules Verne’s classic novel.
Grovemade Redefines What a Headphone Stand Can Be
Grovemade's newest product is a complete redesign of the classic headphone stand. The Manual has the first look before it goes on sale in June 2019.
Boulevard Brewing Brings Tech N9ne’s Caribou Lou to Life as a Craft Beer
Kansas City-based Boulevard Brewing brings Kansas City-native and rapper Tech N9ne's famous drink, Caribou Lou, to life in the form of a craft beer named Bou Lou.
Sam Slaughter, Food and Drink Editor of The Manual, Brings Us a Cocktail Recipe Book With a Splash of ’90s Nostalgia
PORTLAND, Ore., June 4, 2019 -- Now that the children of the 1990s are old enough to buy their own drinks, they’re old enough to make them too. And Sam Slaughter’s new book, Are You Afraid of the Dark Rum?: and Other Cocktails for ‘90s Kids, is just for them.
How Jay Boberg Went From Managing Bands to Managing Barrels
Managing wine and managing bands aren't all that different when you think about it. Just ask Jay Boberg, because he's done both.
Learn All About Irish Whiskey with From Barley to Blarney
Released in April 2019, From Barley to Blarney is a paean to all things Irish whiskey from the proprietors of The Dead Rabbit.
How to Find the Right New or Vintage Record Player for You
If you’ve developed a newfound appreciation for the sweet, soulful sound of vinyl, you’re no doubt in the market for a new or vintage record player. The problem is: Where do you start? Let’s break it down.
Vans Dropped a David Bowie-Inspired Collection and It’s Insane
Now is the time to put on your red shoes and dance the blues. Vans released a limited-edition capsule collection called Vans x Bowie honoring the legendary Starman with five shoes, three shirts, and two hats. Each commemorates a David Bowie album or alter ego.
5 of the Craziest Collaboration Beers with Bands
A band's reputation for partying becomes s vital part of its mythos. And, if you're really good at partying, apparently you can have your own brand of beer.
8 Best New Books Worth Reading
There are tons of new books being released every month. It can be time-consuming sussing out reviews and recommendations. At The Manual, we want to make it simple: Here are the eight best new fiction books worth your time to read.
11 Best Business Books to Help You Achieve Success on Your Terms
These books can help you learn new skills, produce better work, and enjoy a career you love for the sake of a life you’re passionate about. You won't find any corny or cocky get-rich-quick narratives among them.
‘Rivals Unto Death’ Book Review: The Hamilton vs. Burr Story
If you want to understand the events that led up to the day when Aaron Burr shot Alexander Hamilton, then read Rivals Unto Death.