Yesterday, while going through the stacks of CDs on my desk, I pulled out a record by Robert Francis. Within seconds, I was smitten. Initially, I thought the record was an ode to Mercury Rev’s Deserter’s Songs, but I was mistaken. I immediately had to know who was this guy was and how he wrote such a deep and introspective album. After making an even bigger mess of my desk, I found out that he was the only student ever taught by John Frusciante (of the Red Hot Chili Peppers), once received a guitar from Ry Cooder when he was 9, and is only nineteen years old! Interesting.
His album, One By One (out today, on Aeronaut) is the perfect example of the new indie folk. To me, his simple instrumentation and slightly smoky voice, brings up images of a slow, dusty, post-break-up road-trip through west Texas. The emotion he conveys while singing resembles that of a hardened performer who has been on the scene for decades, paying his dues in grimy bars where no one cared what he played. His songs are both depressing and uplifting. In my little world, that’s better than perfect. So perfect, in fact, that I’ve listened to this record at least 10 times over the past two days.
Check out "Mama Don’t Come" and "Love For Me" and let me know what you think. Does he have that special something? Or have I finally lost it?
You are not losing your mind. This is very very refreshing. I love it, and I love Kati O’Toole’s music as well—benefits of the infinite links of myspace.
Keep the rec’s coming, I would have never known about Robert Francis without you!
His music is beautiful! Thanks introducing me.
Yet another wildly talented musician whose music is suppressed in favor of hacks like Sean Kingston and The Pussycat Dolls. I’m buying this dsc, and it will join heavy rotation with Chrisete Michele. Thank you, EW, for introducing me.
not too shabby.
“Love for Me” is totally beautiful. The haunting steel guitar enhances both the melody and message. All of the cuts are worth a listen. No…you are not going crazy.
“Lost it”, Marc? Nah. Have different tastes than I do? In this instance, yep. I grew irritated and had to cut both songs short. But I’m glad you’ve found Mr. Francis. Enjoy!
He has that special something.
I’m always a sucker for a new “download this” and I too was intrigued by Robert Francis and his troop of musicians. I think you’re spot on in your review. Sounds like he’s been playing for ages and there is definitely something different about these guys. Can’t figure it out just yet, but have purchased the CD and will give it a good listen. Thanks for finding the one!
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