Glen Hansard: Scratching At The Surface Now

Typically the day following a concert would constitute a review.  While FreeFest was fun... and interesting, the review will have to come tomorrow.  Today is a special day of remembrance here in the United States.  Ten years ago the world changed on September 11th.  As we continue to move forward, we take this day to look back on all the innocent lives that were lost.  It's hard to believe that horrible day happened ten years ago.  I'm sure all of us can remember exactly where we were when we first heard the reports.  It's important that we never forget the heroism and solidarity our country showed on that day.

Awhile back, I was browsing Swell Season videos (clearly a favorite band of mine) on youtube.  Glen Hansard, vocalist for The Swell Season, has always been an outstanding storyteller.  I came across the accompanying video during my search.  Hansard tells a story about an elderly woman he met in a hotel, and her special jacket.  The woman lost her son in the World Trade Center attacks.  The story is touching really.  The moral behind her story is really twofold.  First, don't be afraid to say what's really on your mind to someone you care about.  I struggle with that constantly.  Second, cherish your life and live it fully.  There are probably more patriotic choices for today, but the story that introduces this song shows how September 11th effected us on a personal level.  I hope you enjoy the story and song.  It's a favorite.

Never forget!

Ireland Week- Goodnight And Joy Be With You All

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  There's no better way to cap off a week of Irish music, than with some Irish Covers.

The first is only partly a cover.  It's The Swell Season performing "Red Chord" (which technically is a Frames song, but that doesn't count as the cover) which segues into a brief bit of "Heyday" by Mic Christopher and then into the star of the performance "The Parting Glass" a traditional Irish song made famous by the Clancy Brothers.  I saw this live and everyone left the show singing "Goodnight, and joy be with you all."  What a way to end a concert.

You can't have a week of music from Ireland without something from Van Morrison!  So for extra measure here's The Swell Season again, this time performing Van Morrison's "Into The Mystic".

Hope you enjoyed Ireland Week!  Have great St. Patrick's Day!

Cheers!

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