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Schweiz (Deutsch)The Swell Season - Strict Joy
The Swell Season - Strict Joy
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009 - 17:23
The Swell Season (AKA Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of "Once" fame) has recently released a new album - Strict Joy. I got an iTunes gift card for my birthday, and bought the Deluxe Edition for $16.99. Totally worth it. In addition to the original songs, you get a digital booklet with lyrics, art, and photos, as well as an entire live CD where they play both old and new songs. Glen talks a lot in between songs, and it's really neat to hear him connect with the audience. (In one song, "Star Star", he does a mini-cover of "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. They also cover "Gigantic" by the Pixies. Great stuff.)
I just wanted to bring this to everyone's attention, because somehow this album flew under my radar. Regardless, the album is phenomenal. "Low Rising," "In These Arms," and "The Rain" are my top 3 from this album (so far). It's got some more instruments than the Once soundtrack or the Swell Season's previous album (funky bass, more drums, etc) and sounds more polished, but the vocals are still raw.
Anyway, check it out! You won't regret it.
Replies for this Board Topic
Thanks for the tip. I love the movie "Once", one of my all time favorites. I'll definitely check it out.
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...where nothing is owed, deserved, or expected...and your life doesn't change by the man that's elected...
They are featured on Daytrotter today as well.
http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/the-swell-season-concert/20030991-37382164....
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Burn the questions. Burn the shame.
When I saw them last year they did a cover of Levitate Me by Pixies. Glen is one of the friendliest musicians I've seen. He talked to the audience throughout the show, and really made us feel welcome. He even joked around with some teenage heckler in the front. If they ever come to a city near you I'd go see them.
Recently they did an instore at Fingerprints in Long Beach, CA. THere was quite a line to get in. Before they opened the doors, Glen came out and played a song for all those waiting in line. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj59oIxKxos
The guy just gets it.
i've sampled, and i just don't know. i like the once soundtrack so much better. are you a fan of the once soundtrack and if so, how would you compare the two albums?
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We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams.
~Willy Wonka
jrlooney- I don't think they've anywhere near matched the music from Once. I respect them beyond belief for their sheer joy for music, I just don't always love it.
Samonid,
Great video. I don't yet know much about these guys, but that's one of the few songs I've heard, and it's incredible. Definitely looking forward to catching them live as soon as possible.
the two of them did so good on Once - I was bummed when I sampled the new album. I was super excited about it. And I've not written it off yet - I plan on coming back to it in a few weeks to try again.
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We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams.
~Willy Wonka
I enjoyed the album a lot more the second time I heard it. I've still yet to buy it, but I'm sure once I do it will grow on me even more.
I feel the same way as you looney.
blasto - check out the Once soundtrack (the movie ain't bad either).
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We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams.
~Willy Wonka
It definitely grows on you. The sound is so different to the Once soundtrack, I don't know if they are really comparable. In Once, when you watch the movie, you see/hear the songs in action, being written for a purpose and so forth. This album is more static and not as identifiable. So all-in-all, I probably like the Once soundtrack better, for sentimental reasons. The live stuff is so good though, it's thoroughly enjoyable. I suggest the cynics give the album another listen or two before making a final decision.
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It's not the chase that I love - it's me following you.
I just wanted to revisit this thread to say I saw Once last night, and it was fantastic. Can't believe I've been missing out on these guys for so long.
Awesome. Glad you enjoyed it buddy. They have a Tiny Desk Concert which is nice
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111679769
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We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams.
~Willy Wonka