Written by Charles Weller
If you’ve got an alarm with the capability to wake you up with a song of your choosing, try starting your day with one of these tunes. Instead of having a blaring alarm be the first sound you hear in the morning, some good music will get you going without compelling you to hit the “Snooze” button.
1 – “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” –– Spoon
This upbeat tune from Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga may come out swinging with a little bit too much energy for a slow morning, but it’s a great substitute for a cup of coffee.
2 – “Please Don’t Go” –– Stevie Wonder
Stevie’s main goal is to get the listener feeling good, and no one matches his skill with a harmonica.
3 – “The Walk” –– Mayer Hawthorne
If you hit “Snooze” on this, you must really need to get more sleep. Mayer’s Motown revival will make any sane person want to dance, first thing in the morning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBQFyP3dCkQ
4 – “Silver Lining” –– Rilo Kiley
Jenny Lewis may not have the strongest female vocals on the market, but they’re unique. This one may get stuck in your head for a while.
5 – “Poverty” –– Subdudes
More of a metaphorical wakeup than a physical one, this classic subdudes song will get you thinking about your priorities and what’s really important in life.
6 – “The Rescue Blues” –– Ryan Adams
One of the slower, easier songs on this list, but our generation’s Bob Dylan won’t disappoint.
7 – “Don’t Carry It All” –– The Decemberists
This one will get stuck in your head, if you know what good music is. Listen for Gillian Welch’s harmony––the perfect accompaniment to Colin Meloy’s unique sound.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEnUp2j8TV4
8 – “Magpie To The Morning” –– Neko Case
Compared to Jenny Lewis’ vocals from earlier, Neko hits a homerun with her pipes.
9 – “The Drying of the Lawns” –– The Tallest Man On Earth
This one-man-show’s voice will shock at first, but after a few listens will grow all over you. Trust me.
10 – “This Time” –– Los Lobos
This is another metaphorical wakeup, like the subdudes’ tune. I end this mixtape with one of my favorite songs. The boys from East LA ask, “Why do the days go by so fast?” They emphasize the importance of doing things now, and not waiting for tomorrow. It’s got to bethis time. What better message is there with which to start your day?
