If you’ve never heard the original, check it this moving live performance:

I had the pleasure of hearing Robert Francis open up for Fanfarlo (along with Lawrence Arabia–who I could write another whole post on). Francis is passionate about music and it was visible every measure of each song. Again, much like the Keane concert, being front row center had it’s benefits. Find a live video of Francis singing, and if you do, you’ll see he how he makes interesting facial gestures as he sings. It’s strangely effective as I was entertained the whole show. The sound was familiar (and quite refreshing) but couldn’t quite place it until much later.

Then a YouTuber’s comment hit me over the head like a two by four. There are three Bob Dylan stylings out there – Crooning Dylan, Nasally Dylan, and the Raspy Dylan that puts out bad Christmas albums. Today we’re talking about “Crooning Dylan.” Now bear with me before you judge me. I am not saying Robert Francis is the “next Bob Dylan.” It is however an observation that this young “old soul” musician sings similarly to the legend.

Take a listen to “I Threw It All Away” and “Lay, Lady, Lay.”

Now, check out Robert Francis’ live version of “Nightfall.”

He’s only twenty-three but it sounds like he’s lived a full life mistakes and hard times. It was quite an amazing show. Even if you don’t like Dylan, Francis has a lot of other songs I’d recommend. Check out “Junebug, “Darkness” and “Mescaline.”

After they were done performing, I walked by him and gave him a pat on the back.

“Great job, man,” I said.
“Thanks,” he replied.

Here’s to you, Mr. Inventor of the Repeat Button.

For those looking for a more mellow version, click here.

Stay thirsty, my friends. Daily song updates will be flying at’cha.

5.”Bad” by U2 – 0:00 -0:21

Who doesn’t want to get woken up by the Edge? Not only is this my favorite U2 song, but one of my favorite “alarms.” It’s got just the right amount of rhythmic kick to notice it’s time to wake up. Soft and melodic. A great way to start the day.

4. “Non-Dairy Creamer” by Third Eye Blind – 3:23 – 3:53

Blatant complainers of the left-wing, these guys don’t have much to sing about any more. I was saddened to hear such a terrible song from such an iconic band. And yet, the one redeeming quality of this song is it’s instrumentals. I was able to get my hands on an instrumental version (which beats hearing the trashy lyrics) and make a ringtone to wake up to. The upbeat violin, bass solo, and dreamy-beach-like guitar riffs are a treat to the ears first thing in the morning.

3. “Start the Machine” by Angels & Airwaves – 0:00 – 0:07

Seven seconds. That’s all I need from this song before it rocks out. The “music box” inspired intro is wonderfully crafted to play throughout the entirety of the song. Maybe the nursery-like sound reminds me of childhood or maybe just knowing these guys built a song based on the melody of a music box just makes it sweet. Whatever the case is, it’s beautiful. Good morning, Angels & Airwaves.

2. “Theme From The Ghost And The Darkness” by Jerry Goldsmith – 0:24 – 0:54

This is one of my favorite movies. Definitely “Top 5″ material in my movie list. The song has more nostalgic value, but I still believe it makes a wonderful alarm. Picture yourself waking up on the African plains, beautiful blue skies, traveling by train, looking at all the wild animals in their natural surroundings. Yep, that’s what I’m waking up to.

1. “Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins – 0:00 – 0:12

This has been my favorite song to wake up to. Does it really get any better than this? It seems this song was written for just an occasion. My inspiration for using this song as my alarm was from this commercial for Visa:

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This list could go on and on as there are many clips of songs and movie scores that would be perfect songs to wake up to. Everyone is different. I would love to hear suggestions and/or feedback from my list or any additions you would choose!

Thanks for reading and listening.

“Symphonies” by Dan Black

Oh wait…there’s more!

“Waterfall” by The Stone Roses

“Far From Over” by Mattafix

“All the Faint Lights” by Steve Moakler

“Dominos” by The Big Pink

“Fading Out” Primitive Radio Gods

“Audience (of One)” by Cold War Kids

“Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

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all that glitters is not gold.

Back in high-school, I referred to some albums as “Golden Albums.” Believe it or not, it was hard to come across albums like this. The only qualifications? If you don’t want to skip a song throughout the entire album, it’s a “Golden Album.” Some came close, but if one song were bad, it could no longer hold the title.

You’re still spot on, Shakespeare. All that glitters is not gold. Good music does exist and it’s my job to find it. It’s quite a chore these days, but when found, it’s worth it.

To this day, I still have albums that achieve this greatness. This month, it’s Contra by Vampire Weekend.

Their sophomore album was released last week which just so happened to be in time for my birthday. Since their debut in 2007, I was hooked. With brilliant Paul Simon-esque energy and African beats, it’s impossible to sit still and not want to dance. I can’t seem to think of a time when this music would not be appropriate to listen to sans a funeral corporate presentation.  “White Sky” and “Giant” (Bonus Track) are the two tracks that stand out to me as favorites. Sadly, there were just live versions of “Giant” online. To me, this album has set the bar for 2010.

Take a listen to “White Sky” or “Horchata”. “Horchata” is still a free download from their site so if you want to get it…get it now. If this is what’s in store for this decade of music, then I say, “Please, Sir, may I have another?”

On a completely different note (no pun intended), I leave you with a special treat from one of my wife’s friends, Cameron Bradley, a talented singer/songwriter who deserves to be heard. This is not a favor for him or a request made by my wife. This is just pure goodness. Below is the track “Unkown One”–a beautiful melodic tune that is delightful every time I push play. The layered harmony is haunting and refreshing at the same time. Hope you can relax and enjoy.

2009 was a great year for music. It was the last year of the decade to still be counted the “Double 00′s”. I felt these albums best defined my year in terms of most listened to and enjoyed. Of course there are other albums I listened to and it was difficult for me to pick only 10.

I believe each of the albums are fantastic in their own unique way.

Stay tuned for a more updated Noteworthies in 2010…Believe me…It’s a New Year’s Resolution to update more frequently!