I’ve really enjoyed Glen Hansard, The Swell Season, and all related byproducts after seeing the movie Once a few years ago. It’s the kind of movie that complements its strikingly small budget with a strikingly small, realistic story. So the massiveness of some of the songs — which almost always comes courtesy of a tearing-his-heart-out Hansard — is what really elevates the film.
This video is the singer performing one of the songs featured in the movie, “Leave.” I am and will always be amazed how he can slide so easily into whatever emotional place he needs to in order to bring out the emotions he does. He may not be the most technically incredible singer — though he’s not bad by a long shot — but he makes his lyrics more desperate and believable than anyone I’ve ever heard.
What I’m trying to say is recommend me heart-on-sleeve stuff, preferably with beards and not from America. Kthx.
Wow. He just tears your heart out when you listen to him. I still put on the Soundtrack to “Once” every so often, and while I enjoy it the emotion just grips me.
What is your definition of “technically incredible singer” and before you say that have you listened to all his work with Swell Season and The Frames?