'I don't know you, but I want you, all the more for that'

So this band i actually discovered through an arthouse movie. The movie's called 'Once' and follows the story of a busker in Ireland and a Czech woman he meets, as they become closer and closer by telling their lives through songs they've written in the past. It's a really nice movie and although being pretty obviously an idie film (a few poor camera shots and dodgy audio every now and then) it's a really nice, feel good story. I'd recommend it. 
So anyway the guy who plays the main character is a guy called Glen Hansard who actually plays guitar for a little known Irish band and actually co-wrote all the songs in the movie with fellow actress and musician Marketa Irglova. I chose to review him today because, well, a) I think he's a really fantastic songwriter and people should definately check him out, and b) because i'm already a day behind in this project (I'm sorry) and I was having some trouble actually finding other artists. waaah

GLEN HANSORD

So i've icluded a link to a torrent of the sountrack to the movie 'Once' which is really. honestly, great.
As a collection of predominatly love songs, you'll find many a pretty touching moment here and there. Acoustic, obviously, but he does get a little help from his band and the lovely Marketa in providing some pretty solid ballards and the odd melancholy unrequited love type ditty.


Now please forgive me if this review turns out far shorter than any others so far, because like i said above, i may be rushing since i'm already a day behind so i'm needing to crank out two reviews today. Also there truly is only so much one can say about a collection of acoustic love songs. I will say this for the guy though: He has a knack for memorable melodies and playing around with the structure of certain songs. The song 'When your mind's made up' for example, is played in a 5/4 time signature, which really excites me because, well, time signatures kinda excite me... In any case i definately appreciate the use of what is definately an underrated structure and rythm. Congrats.
Another plus is that these aren't just shallow, dull love songs. They do have a lot of depth in them, whether it's from the unconventional rythm or melody, or the sometimes unexpected shift from slow, sad verse, such as ino a more energetic, purposeful chorus a la 'Falling Slowy' and 'When your mind's made up'. 'If you want me' (which, technically, is by Marketa but seeing as how this whole album is a duet i'm kinda bundling them up as one)



Seriously, that time signature thing really gets me going