THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH:
The Swell Season, by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Although it was originally released in late 2006, this album has finally taken hold of me with its quiet beauty. Glen Hansard, singer-songwriter from Ireland’s The Frames, and Marketa Irglova, a classically trained Czech musician, collaborated to create a song cycle that chronicles the many facets of romantic relationships. From the tentative grace of “Falling Slowly” to the anguish of “Leave,” Hansard and Irglova convey a range of emotion with stunning results. (Note: Hansard and Irglova star in the forthcoming film Once, which also features several tracks from The Swell Season.)
THE PLAYLIST:
A Bad Sign, Michael Penn (from the Sony Legacy release Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947) – Penn’s independently distributed classic 2005 album gets a proper re-release on Sony. The entire disc has been re-mastered, giving each track a crispness and balance that makes the songs even stronger. The acoustic guitar on this track, in particular, has a pleasant crackle while Penn’s intelligent lyrics stand front-and-center in the mix. (This album was a Twangville Best of 2005 selection when it was originally released.)
No Inspiration, Superdrag (from the Arena Rock Records release Changin’ Tires on the Road to Ruin) – Although Superdrag broke up several years ago, a newly released collection of studio outtakes shows a broader range of musical styles than typically appeared on the band’s official releases. Exhibit A is this track that incorporates Beach Boy-style vocals and production qualities. (This is also the front-runner for best album title of 2007…)
Rich Girls, Poor Girls, Everybody Else (from the album Militia Group release Everybody Else) – Fans of the late great Material Issue or Semisonic will take a shine to Everybody Else. This is power pop with a capital P, heavy on guitar and harmony wrapped around infectious melodies.
Strapped for Cash, Fountains of Wayne (from the Virgin Records release Traffic and Weather)
The Fountains return with another batch of quirky characters and situations made all the more entertaining through humorous lyrical spins and contagious musical hooks. This track stands out for a synthesizer lick reminiscent of the theme from the classic TV show “The Rockford Files“.
Poor Poor Pitiful Me, Warren Zevon (from the Rhino Records release Stand in the Fire)
I bought this disc on Mike’s recommendation. Darn if he didn’t hit it right on the mark. Zevon and his band attack this song with a vigor that will explode through your speakers.
When I Paint My Masterpiece, Chris Whitley and Jeff Lang (from the Rounder release Dislocation Blues)
The passing of Chris Whitley in late 2005 was a tremendous loss for American music. On this, one of his final recordings, he collaborates with Australia’s Jeff Lang to give the Dylan classic a funky blues groove.
Goddamn the Sun, Scott Miller & the Commonwealth (from the Sugar Hill Records release Reconstruction)
Knoxville Tennessee’s Scott Miller is one of those artists who breathe extraordinary life into their songs when performing live shows. This long over-due live band performance showcases songs from throughout Miller’s career, most notably this barn-burner from 2001’s Thus Always to Tyrants.
You Gotta Dance (With the One Whom You Came to the Dance With), The Hold Steady (from the Vagrant Records release Live at Fingerprints)
Taken from a recent unplugged set at a Southern California record store, this bluesy track showcases a different side of the Brooklyn rockers. Songwriter Craig Finn shares the song’s inspiration, “Back in New York where we live, Galen bartends and I was drinking all night and I had one of these ideas that after like 14 beers I should really start getting into some high-end scotch. And Galen gave me some really good advice, “you know Craig, you gotta dance with who you came to the dance with.”
Lookin’ for a Job, Todd Snider (from the New Door Records release Live With the Devil You Know-Grimey’s 10-20-06)
If this song wasn’t already a favorite, this acoustic performance would have cinched it. The acoustic setting highlights some great lyrics that I missed the first time around, most notably this line reflecting on a recent jail stint, “just did two years and 28 days, with a little better aim I’d been in there for my life.”
Diamond Ring, Joseph Arthur (from the Lonely Astronaut release Let’s Just Be)
Arthur takes a break from his typical singer-songwriter fare to break out this glam-rock track. Paging Marc Bolan and T Rex…
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.