The Swell Season is upon us

…and I don’t mean the cold & dreary evenings known as winter for the next 5-6 months!

I know this is not going to be “news” for any of you, but just because you ain’t first on the scene in reporting it doesn’t mean you are not on board.  I am on board for Glen and Markéta.  Yes, it has been a while since the debut of this power couple in the “indie” scene and I am sure the glow has dimmed for many since “Once” came out.  “Once” truly was one of those things that happen once, it is going to be a hard act to follow, an act that they are trying their best to live up to.

“Strict Joy” doesn’t have an independent movie or taste-maker groundswell that Once had, but don’t dismiss it too quickly.  Both Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová are still the same Swell Season you knew 3 years ago and they are still making that same powerful music.  I am not going to lie to you, I often find the first time around for a project is always a product at it’s best – you have nothing to compare it to and you can truly enjoy it for the discovery it is.  Consider this a discovery in a musical partnership that is growing into itself as well – there are some stunning tracks (if not only an album your parents will like just as much, if not more, than yourself).  From what I have heard, it is still pretty darn good and definitely worth a few spins.  If, like me, you listened to The Swell Season that was a name of an album first then became the name of a duo that released a soundtrack for a movie, you will not be disappointed with Strict Joy.  It hits the streets this October 27th.

“In These Arms” – The Swell Season, from 2009’s “Strict Joy”
“Star Star” – The Swell Season, live at XM Radio
~Bonus~
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, live at Noc’s Andìlem (2006)
“Drown Out (live)”
“Lies (live)”
“Leave (live)”
“Falling Slowly (live)”
“This Low (live)”

You can pre-order the album at ANTI- Records HERE.  Download crap loads of live shows (as truly they are a live performance simply recorded for the sake of albums) from Played Last Night.com HERE.

Visit The Swell Season:

~Smansmith

p.s.  If needed, you can stream the whole Strict Joy album via NPR HERE.