Ireland Week- Damien Rice/Lisa Hannigan: I Remember December

Will Damien Rice please release a new album soon???  It's been nearly 5 years since his last release, entitled 9.  His two studio releases, O and the previously mentioned 9 are absolutely amazing.  Most people would recognize Damien Rice from his mellower songs like "Blower's Daugter" and "Cannonball", which are fantastic in their own right.  However, if you've seen Damien Rice live, you know there is a completely seperate element to his music.  The man can rock, and rock hard.  After the tremendously successful release of O, it was reported the Damien Rice was actually displeased with the album because he felt it was too one sided.

This song is a great depiction of both sides of Damien Rice's music.  I love every second of it.  From the beautiful simplicity of Lisa Hannigan's voice in the whimsical first half, to the sudden explosion of sharp-tongued lyrics in the second, to the layers of loops and distortion to end it.  Here's Damien Rice featuring Lisa Hannigan performing "I Remember".

News from Damien Rice has been sparse for the better part of four years.  There have been recording sessions in Iceland, and a few releases of stray tracks on benefit albums.  I for one will anxiously be awaiting a new album.  To keep up with anything that may come our way from Damien Rice visit his website.

I couldn't possibly end this post without further extending my love of Lisa Hannigan.  While browsing my way through Lisa Hannigan videos last night, I determined she's the girl of my dreams.  Hope you're ok with that Lisa!

Here's a little bonus track... Lisa Hannigan performing the not yet released, "Passenger".



Ireland Week- James Vincent McMorrow: Such A Foolish Thing, Such An Honest Girl

I'm really excited about this post!  I first heard James Vincent McMorrow open for Bell X1 back in October.  He had never registered on my radar screne, but his performance was stunning!  His debut album Early In The Morning came out only a couple months ago, in January.  His songs have already been featured in popular TV shows, including NBC's Parenthood.  Bon Iver and Ray LaMontagne first come to mind when comparing James Vincent McMorrow.  I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot more from him as the year goes on.

Here's James Vincent McMorrow performing "If I Had A Boat"!  I love how the song starts slow, and picks up toward the end.

I highly recommend listening the Early In The Morning.  You can purchase it wherever you buy music or learn more at James Vincent McMorrow's website

Ireland Week- Bell X1 The Perfect Height For Kicking

Ireland produces some great music.  Unfortunately, sometimes it takes awhile for a group to gain recognition in the States.  This is the case with Bell X1.  In Ireland, Bell X1 is one of the most loved bands currently producing music.  Bell X1 originally started in the 1990's under the name Juniper.  One Damien Rice was Juniper's frontman, before setting off on his own solo career.  The remaining members reformed as Bell X1.  Their music has a bit of an electronic touch.  However, this October I saw Bell X1 live for the second time... this time in an acoustic show.  The show was great, and their stripped down songs were simply beautiful.

Here's one such acoustic performance!  Take a listen to Bell X1 performing "Rocky Took A Lover" for Paste Studios from their 2005 release Flock.

If you enjoyed this video, check out their other releases.  And if you like those you're in luck!  A new Bell X1 album is on the way.  Bloodless Coup is set to be released in April.  For more info, go here

Ireland Week- Mark Geary: Let's Try Harder, Let Me In

Mark Geary moved to New York City from Ireland in the early 90's.  His dedication to music finally paid off in the early 2000's.  His sophmore release Ghosts was named best album on 2005 by Irish Voice.  Mark Geary has written scores for three films, and you've probably heard some of his songs featured on TV shows.  His latest release Live, Love, Lost It, NY, was released in 2009.

Check out Mark Geary singing "Angel" off his 2008 release Opium.

Here's Mark Geary's website!  Enjoy!

Ireland Week- Mic Christopher: We Can Make Our Heyday Last Forever

Mic Christopher was a singer/songwriter out of Dublin.  Sadly, after a November 2001 show, he slipped and hit his head on some steps behind stage.  Mic Christopher entered into a coma and died on November 29th, 2001.  His debut album Skylarkin' was released posthumously the following year, with help from his friends.  Skylarkin' won the Best Album award at the 2003 Meteor Irish Music Awards.

The song "Heyday" off Skylarkin' is about making every day your best.  It's a wonderful song, and I hope you enjoy!  The video below includes some banter and the story behind the song.  The music starts at about the 1:30 mark.



Ireland Week- The Frames/The Swell Season: It's A Long Way To Fitzcarraldo

St. Patrick's Day is officially less than a week away!  With visions of shamrocks, and leprechauns, and green beer dancing in my head I can't help but think of all the great Irish bands to provide the soundtrack.  As a countdown to the big day, each post for the next seven days will be feature a band or musician from Ireland!

To start off Ireland week, we have music from two bands (technically)!  The Frames began touring all the way back in 1990, and I wish I had known that when I was six!  The Frames may just be my favorite band, and I finally got to see them live this past year on their 20th anniversary tour.  Their live shows are legendary in Ireland.  In fact, they are consistently named the best live act in Ireland... yes, that includes U2.

Here's The Frames performing "Fitzcarraldo" and "Monument" live!

The Swell Season, is a bit of an offshoot of The Frames.  The Swell Season is Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, along with the rest of The Frames as the backing band.  The Swell Season was born out of the motion picture Once starring Hansard and Irglova (if you haven't seen it, you should).  In addition to starring in the film, Hansard and Irglova also provided the soundtrack.  Their song "Falling Slowly" won a 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song.  Their latest record Strict Joy was released in 2009.

Enjoy The Swell Season performing "When Your Mind's Made Up", for NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts.

Hope you enjoyed the first installment in Ireland Week!  Check out the websites for The Frames and The Swell Season