Glen Hansard/The Frames/Swell Season - A Superfan's Guide

[samiad]

So, you know, Glen Hansard has been supporting Eddie, and apparently they're even doing a record together. I'm a HUGE Glen obsessive - so I thought I'd give you guys a bit of a guide to his stuff.

So you can split his music into three outlets - The Frames, Swell Season, and solo stuff.

I'm just going to rank the whole thing, but first, this is everything in chronological order:

The Frames - Another Love Song (1991)
The Frames - Fitzcarraldo (1995)
The Frames - Dance the Devil (1999)
The Frames - For the Birds (2001)
The Frames - Setlist (2003)
The Frames - Burn the Maps (2004)
The Frames - The Cost (2006)
The Swell Season - The Swell Season (2006)
The Swell Season - Once Soundtrack (2007)
The Swell Season - Strict Joy (2009)
Glen Hansard - Rhythm and Repose (2012)

The Frames

My favourite band, along with Pearl Jam. I would describe their music a bit like an Irish Radiohead with more fiddles and their hearts placed firmly on their sleeves. They rock out big time, but they also create delicate ballads of love and loss.

Swell Season

Collaboration between Glen and Marketa that is much more gentle than the Frames, largely pretty melancholy and twinkly.

Glen Hansard (solo)

Kind of a cross between the two!!

Right, so here's my ranking of the albums:

1. The Frames - For the Birds

This is Glen's masterpiece. The Frames at the peak of their powers. Rivals Yankee Hotel Foxtrot for its sonic clarity and complexity. A ride from start to finish.

2. The Frames - Setlist

THIS is where to start if you're curious about the Frames. Probably my favourite live album. It shows everything the Frames can do - balls to the wall rock, and delicate violins and harmonies.

3. The Frames - Dance the Devil

A perfectly balanced record that includes most of The Frames biggest "hits". Includes incredible album opener "Perfect Opening Line" - something I'd love to hear PJ cover.

4. Swell Season - Once Soundtrack

If you've seen the movie, you'll know just how special this set of songs really is.

5. The Frames - Fitzcarraldo

After the (kind of) false start on their first record, here is a 90's rock album big enough to rival The Bends.

6. The Frames - Burn the Maps

Really fucking dark record - super raw and full of anguish.

7. Swell Season - Swell Season

Where it all began for the Swell Season - with gorgeous songs like "The Moon" and "Sleeping"

8. The Frames - The Cost

A good, but a little samey final Frames album (for now...)

9. Glen Hansard - Rhythm and Repose

A solid effort, but personally I wanted so much more. It's all very downbeat and soppy, and I love Glen best when he kicks ass.

10. The Frames - Another Love Song

Really good fun throwaway Irish folk-grunge. Oh, the early days!

11. Swell Season - Strict Joy

A weaker, but enjoyable Swell Season effort.

...and here's my top 10 Glen Songs:

1. Your Face (from Fitzcarraldo)
2. Finally (from Burn the Maps)
3. Angel at My Table (from Fitzcarraldo)
4. Revelate (from Setlist)
5. What happens when the heart just stops (from For the Birds)
6. Falling Slowly (from Once)
7. Say it to me now (from Once)
8. This Gift (bonus track from Rhythm and Repose)
9. Fitzcarraldo (from Fitzcarraldo)
10. Headlong (from For the Birds)


And this is the Frames in all their Live glory:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF1WxWa7Ygg

[davluvsbeer]

Thanks for posting this. I thought Glen was amazing when he opened for EV. I ran out and got his solo cd right away. It was good, but I was kinda bummed that it was much mellower than his live show. I suppose it's time to get those Frames cd's.

Thanks!

[samiad]

Yeah, I know how you feel.

Check out the song "Finally" - very Pearl Jam. That's the Glen I love...

[samiad]

Kind thought more pepes would be into this...?

[Strat]

Kind thought more pepes would be into this...?

Already been obsessed so I dont need to check anything out!