Faultlines by Field Division

I can vividly remember where I was and what I was up to when I first heard music by the Local Natives. Airplanes was streaming at my favorite University District coffee shop, Cafe Solstice. Never before in my life, had I heard anything comparable. I somehow captured enough of the lyrics in my mind to later figure out what the song was. Discovering that song and later all of Gorilla Manor, ended up being one of those charming defining moments that helped shape my music tastes into what they are today.

Upon first listen of Faultlines by Field Division, my mind was yearning to feel the same way as I felt when I first heard Airplanes. There are definitely technical similarities between Field Division and Local Natives, but the common thread between the two is truly how the music makes me feel.

Here's a short list of why I adore this song : the beginning harmonies, the lushy vocals, the scenic descriptions but air of mystery contained within the lyrics, more harmonies, that moment half way through the song where the vibe noticeably darkens, the subsequent build up that actually makes it feel like clouds are moving in for a big storm, the tribal-esque but campfire sound delicately layered in... I could go on and on. When I listen to this song, I have wanderlust for the Southwest and can visualize the rich turquoises and tans in the back of my mind. Considering my drab surroundings at the moment, I find that impressive.

Field Division is a project from Des Moines, Iowa, currently stationed in Nashville, Tennessee, by Taylor Hiatt and Nick Frampton. From what I can tell, this is the only song they've released right now but I'm highly anticipating more.

You can download Faultlines on Bandcamp, Soundcloud and a few other places.

Mix: Falling Into Fall

(jumping on the seasonal playlist bandwagon)

I'd like to think this mix is synonymous with autumn, as with the fall weather, I couldn't really make up my mind with what direction to go in. Should I cling to Summer or dive head first into Winter? There's a little bit of everything here, somehow, I'm convinced it ties together.

I love fall: pumpkin spice lattes, hot chocolate, apple cider, college football, sweatshirts, the last hookups, those little pumpkin branches from Trader Joe's, turning off the ac unit, cuddling, slower days, longer nights, open patios, and really long walks. Since I'm a Seattle native, I much prefer the crisp cool weather to the miserable district heat.

1. Stop The World I Wanna Get Off With You - Arctic Monkeys 
2. Even Better Yet - The Format
3. Don't Get Too Close - Nathaniel Rateliff 
4. Hey Stranger - Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers 
5. Bikes - Lucy Rose
6. Promise of Lakes - Luray
7. Tessellate - Ellie Goulding
8. Play It Right - Sylvan Esso
9. Tight Rope (Live) - Yeasayer
10. World News - Local Natives
11. The Hurry And The Harm - City and Colour
12. The Breach - Dustin Tebbutt
13. Alaskans - Volcano Choir
14. Love You to Pieces - Jeremy Messersmith 
15. When You Have Arrived - Campfire Ok
16. Hunger and Thirst - Typhoon
17. I Don't Need to Know - Daniel Blue with Meagan Grandall 

Spotify

Pieces & Places: Coffy Cafe

(let's discuss the music I hear in district-area bars, coffee shops and other fine establishments)

Coffy Cafe is one of my three favorite coffee shops in this city. Being from Seattle, I'm extraordinarily picky with both how the coffee is and the overall feel to a place. Coffy has a special place in my heart - the board game group I'm a part of meets here every Wednesday. The coffee is fantastic, the crepes are delicious, the service is top-notch and the best part? It's mod themed. As a thrifter, collector and lover of mid-century-modern vintage decor, I am in heaven.

Date: August 25, 2013. 

Time: Early-mid afternoon. 

Vibe: Mostly the Sunday working crowd. Things are pretty quiet.
Drink of Choice: Large Iced Americano, extra-ice. 

Rio by Hey Marseilles - "Borders can keep me if Rio will have me to dance and to drown." 

I always thought of Hey Marseilles as Seattle's music sweethearts. Rio is one of those songs that instantly brightens my day. The minute I hear the clapping, I smile. 

Reach Out and Touch Someone's Hand by Cataldo - "there's no doubt, it's time to make some new plans." 

Prison Boxing is truly one of the greatest albums to ever exist. Reach Out and Touch Someone's Hand is one of those tracks I always forget to listen to, since it's at the end of the album. I find it honestly hard to move on from Don't Lose That Feeling. But, hearing the song out and about makes me realize how much I've been missing out on.

Way Back When by Kodaline - "Those will be the days that won my soul."

I've barely given Kodaline a listen in the past and that's a shame. This song fit in well here - it has a more old-fashioned sound than a lot of indie-folk nowadays. When I looked this song up, I wasn't entirely sure it'd be modern. 

Verdict: Unfortunately, the music was turned down shortly after deciding to write this. As much as I want them to play 1960's and 1970's music to go with the theme, I'll never be upset with a typical Seattle-esque coffee shop playlist.

I encourage everyone to check out what Coffy Cafe has to offer. If you're ever here on a Wednesday around seven, you'll find me with the board game crew in the back.

{Local] Kalorama by Luray

August is one of my favorite months in DC. While it's usually hotter than all hell, the month brings with it a flood of new people moving into the city. There's a mix of idealism, nativity, and passion that floats through the air. When I moved here, I was warned that DC was a "rough city" to adjust to. At first I didn't believe - the surrealism of living here trumped any and all other feelings I had. After a little bit of time, I agreed.

Kalorama by Luray adeptly describes the transition into this city. Upon first listen, between the gorgeous banjo-strumming and the dreamy folk sound, one wouldn't necessarily think this could be a song about a city, let alone this district.

The more I listen, the more frustrations I hear laced throughout the song. There's mentions of over-priced furniture, judgmental locals, driving around without finding parking and small stores that haven't been opened in thirty years.

Despite all the misgivings, "in Kalorama, we'll make it alright".

Luray is the band of Shannon Carey. Her debut album, The Wilder, was released yesterday and can (should) be purchased on iTunes. The band is being called a familial affair and is drawing comparisons to Bon Iver. S.Carey, her brother was originally the drummer in Bon Iver and even produced The Wilder. Another brother and her husband also contribute to the band. In my opinion, she has a very distinct style that varies vastly from Bon Iver or any of Justin Vernon's other projects. However, if that comparison is what it takes to have the album gain more (deserved) press, I'm all for it.

Listen to Kalorama if you're new to this city. Treat it as a mantra when riding out any rough patches. Listen to Kalorama if you're not new to this city and realize that you have made it alright. You can listen on SoundCloud.

(image of Mitchell Park via Wikipedia)

The Agreeable White Tiger Moth: Vol 1 by Daniel Blue of Motopony

One of my biggest regrets of my last relationship was not being able to run through my backlog of music recommendations - a Netflix-esque queue of ridiculous proportions. You see, it's almost a rarity in my life to be dating someone who is at all musically compatible with me. It was a dream come true. Motopony's self-titled, 2010 release was the next album I was planning to share before the breakup happened. It's an album so full of brilliance, I almost inbox'd it as a "break up gift".

While I have endless thoughts on Motopony, I am highly anticipating the solo work from their lead vocalist, Daniel Blue. The project, The Agreeable White Tiger Moth: Vol 1 gets released sometime soon, with a release show on August 2. This is another one of those moments where I am dying to be back in Seattle. As a plus, it's the grand opening of Santcuary, "a hundred year old repurposed chapel in the heart of downtown Ballard." I can't find too much information on Sanctuary but I'm guessing it's going to be an artist mixed-use sort of venue (much like The Dunes). As an additional plus and major relief, all of Motopony will be playing music written for this show and, despite the solo project, there will be a second Motopony album.

These are exciting times.

Currently, there are two songs released off of the project on SoundCloud. Flower Children is a dreamy track where I'm envisioning myself running through an expansive field with not a care in the world. I know that sounds overblown, but I guarantee you will start daydreaming the same. I also agree with Sean DeTore of The Mixtape -- this song is straight out of the 1960's in the best way possible. I Don't Need to Know features Meagan Grandall of Lemolo -- the duo execute a beautiful, soulful track in unison. Grandall is just one of many collaborations. I'm very much looking forward to the collaborations with Mary Lambert and Jon Russel (of The Head and the Heart).

There's just so much Seattle-goodness involved.

I absolutely recommend checking out the release show if you're in the Seattle area. Go and let me be envious of you.

You can listen to Flower Children and I Don't Need to Know on Blue's SoundCloud page.