Chapters by Marshall Lewis

I'm no stranger to loving contemplative songs surrounding the issues of maturing, moving on, growing up or the passage of time. Before anyone casts judgement my way, I'm in my early twenties and music is my biggest but least obnoxious quarter-life crisis outlet. Instead of pouring my thoughts out in controversial or annoying Thought Catalog type lists, I have playlist after playlist of reflective but almost sulking tracks that feel right in this period of my life. 

Chapters by Marshall Lewis is a song I have been waiting months to have in my rotation of reflection-provoking music. Back in the early days of District of Folk, I wrote about Marshall Lewis' song, Step Into My Life (Restless) because I was so dearly impressed. At the time, he was just eighteen but already drawing rightful comparisons to Dallas Green of City and Colour. With Justin Vernon and Sufjan Stevens as other inspirations, he's setting a high bar for himself to live up to. Yet, somehow, that bar seems attainable the more I hear. 

Don't get me wrong, I will always love the early work from Marshall Lewis. However, I can't help but be excited for the direction his music is moving towards. Chapters has a beautifully polished sound and wisdom that puts him on a level playing-field with the big names in the genre. The brooding lyrics paired with the emotive vocal chords and soft guitar may fit the cookie-cutter mold of radio-bound folk, but beneath the surface Chapters offers so much more. 

I've been rooting for Marshall Lewis for seven months now and I will continue to do so. He strikes me as wise beyond his years and gives off good-natured vibes that will appeal to a broad spectrum of fans. Chapters only affirms these thoughts.

Listen to Chapters on Soundcloud or Spotify. I truly think this is a folk gem that everyone could appreciate. If low-fi electronica is more of your thing, the remix by Ianborg & Bronze Whale is also worth a listen. 

Shadow of A Man by Neulore

In an era of acts such as Lord Huron, Wake Owl, Field Division, and even Local Natives, bands that blend folk with thunderously big harmonies, picturesque soul searching lyrics and a touch of dream pop are making the genre more accessible to everyone. I have this theory that, at least for a while, we've seen the last of new "Mumford" bands getting radio play. The move towards a more alternative or pop sound is sure to win out over campy, mandolin-laced tracks, in my opinion. 

Shadow of a Man by Neulore would be another move in that direction, speaking to the part of our instincts that aspire to go home after a period of wanderlust. While the band is composed of two guys (+ friends) from Nashville, I find the sound teetering between the forests of the Pacific Northwest and the deserts of the Southwest. However, according to their bio, the duo is focusing on bringing "heartfelt songs to the masses", the pursuit of wisdom, community and telling stories to their listens. Those sentiments are Southern.

In 2010, the two released Apples & Eve, and appeared to remain quiet for a period of time. Shadow of a Man was released in March this year, though tonight is the first time I've heard the track. What I find even more shocking is how this track appeared in an episode of Grey's Anatomy and it still completely slipped under my radar. With a record deal, TV placements, and new merchandise in 2013, 2014 is surely the year Neulore will strike even bigger. I can't wait for a full album release.

Listen to Shadow of a Man and give yourself hope that mainstream folk will proceed in this direction. The track is available to listen to and buy on bandcamp and soundcloud.

Pieces and Places: Desperados

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

Desperados is the neighborhood bar I always forget about. My friend group came here on Halloween and had an amazing time with $3 rails and the best bar food anyone can find in this city. Between fries with homemade Cajun sauce and homemade fried pickles (frickles), one can really do no wrong here. It's guaranteed to be quiet, the bartenders are always super friendly and it's a place two people can have a real conversation. I got especially lucky with our bartender last night. He was chatty, was providing great service and had this killer playlist going. A few songs into the evening and I knew it was time for another "Pieces and Places".

Date: December 25th, 2013 (Christmas!)

Time: 7:00 to 11:30 PM

Vibe: Dead quiet. A few beautiful folks waiting out the holiday at the bar.
Drink of Choice: two Shock Top drafts, an order of fries, two Abita Purple Haze bottles, and two mystery beer + shot combos. Merry Christmas to me! 

All I should say about this playlist: it was the best of indie music and had me intrigued for the entire four hours of my stay. The following songs were the stand-outs and my favorites:

I Stand Corrected by Vampire Weekend - the best quote came about when this song was playing "Nostalgia. It gets you deep. Like when you were back in your mother's womb." 

Zero by Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "it's like they're playing all the songs from Rock Band."

West Coast by Coconut Records - the song that hit all the right feelings. "I miss you, I'm going back home to the west coast."

Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John - "I can never get over this song." I'm fortunate to only hear Young Folks at the right times and at the right places. I find myself circling back to it only occasionally and the magic is always preserved.

Fences by Phoenix - the bartender streamed quite a bit of Phoenix over the four hours I occupied a bar stool. Can we all take a moment to appreciate Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix for all it did to the band and to alternative music? While I love older Phoenix, their pinnacle was truly reached here. 

Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap - I've thought about this song being the forefront of my wedding playlist many times during my life so far, "a moment, a love, a dream, a laugh, a kiss, a cry, our rights, our wrongs." Is there anything more to life? 

Start of Something by Voxtrot - "Voxtrot is on this playlist. It's perfect now." Somehow, anyone who loves music as much as I do, will include The Start of Something on their quintessential mixtapes. It's a phenomenon.

Smiley Faces by Gnarls Barkley - While Crazy was the stand out track on St. Elsewhere, Smiley Faces was just as catchy and just as loved by me.

Such Great Heights by The Postal Service - Do I really need to say anything here? Put it on any playlist, anywhere and I will always appreciate those four and a half minutes of bliss.

Wake Me Up by Avicii - Avicii outdid himself with this song. It appeals to the mainstream stations, the EDM crazies and those of us who lean toward indie-folk music. He blended so many genres together in such a gorgeous way. I'm not sick of this song yet and it's always welcome.

Steady, As She Goes by The Raconteurs - "Is this Jack White's other band?" "Yes, but this is their only good song." Ouch, but true. I'm pretty sure this is the number one song I hear while out at the dives.

Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine - a night isn't a night unless there's some Florence Welch coming over the speakers. I used to religiously listen to her on the long metro rides back to Silver Spring. I'm not commuting for social purposes anymore, so it's nice to hear her wrap up a fantastic bar playlist.

I encourage everyone to check out Desperados. I can never figure out why the bar remains so quiet. The drinks are good, the food is top notch (go just for the Cajun sauce) and the background music will keep you on your stool. You will find me here on holidays and those quiet weekday nights when I want to sit down, drink a beer and crank out some work.