If you don't recognize any of the names in the above title, you are in for a pleasant surprise.
You might say Ireland is a kind of island incubator for cool singer-songwriter music. For example, everyone now knows about Damien Rice (who, by the way, was phenomenal on PBS' Austin City Limits, and is also featured on the aforementioned "In Good Company" soundtrack - still doesn't redeem the movie though), but there is also this Fionn Reagan character, about whom Bailey is all abuzz.
Its like these Irish musicians really are able to pull off the dingy nouveau-grunge look that is now the hip fashion for artsy musician types (of which I am not one, but oftentimes wish I was). In Ireland, you really do need that sweater and stocking cap, and the scarf constantly hanging from your neck serves a purpose. The well-grown beard keeps you warm. Nasty British weather, combined with fewer hours of daylight at such a northern latitude, keep the mood melancholy; the streets, buildings and everything else look just as dirty and run-down as you do. Lots of Guinness and Irish whiskey to lubricate the song-writing gears, and a sing-song accent adds the final touch. My point is this: it probably takes a lot more effort to produce moody singer-songwriter music if you grew up in sunny Orlando, Florida (the home place of N'Sync, I believe).
Anyway, there is a movie called Once. It stars Glen Hansard of The Frames, and Marketa Irglova - a teenager from the Czech Republic. Neither are actors, but both are amazing musicians and make this movie/musical such a remarkable and moving experience. I lack the writing abilities to relate to you the simple beauty of this film. Please just go see it, and you will understand.
Lastly, Hansard and Irglova are touring under the name The Swell Season. They may be coming to a town near you and likely are playing the songs from the film. Find someone you want to fall in love with (for the first time, or again) and take them to this show.
You might say Ireland is a kind of island incubator for cool singer-songwriter music. For example, everyone now knows about Damien Rice (who, by the way, was phenomenal on PBS' Austin City Limits, and is also featured on the aforementioned "In Good Company" soundtrack - still doesn't redeem the movie though), but there is also this Fionn Reagan character, about whom Bailey is all abuzz.
Its like these Irish musicians really are able to pull off the dingy nouveau-grunge look that is now the hip fashion for artsy musician types (of which I am not one, but oftentimes wish I was). In Ireland, you really do need that sweater and stocking cap, and the scarf constantly hanging from your neck serves a purpose. The well-grown beard keeps you warm. Nasty British weather, combined with fewer hours of daylight at such a northern latitude, keep the mood melancholy; the streets, buildings and everything else look just as dirty and run-down as you do. Lots of Guinness and Irish whiskey to lubricate the song-writing gears, and a sing-song accent adds the final touch. My point is this: it probably takes a lot more effort to produce moody singer-songwriter music if you grew up in sunny Orlando, Florida (the home place of N'Sync, I believe).
Anyway, there is a movie called Once. It stars Glen Hansard of The Frames, and Marketa Irglova - a teenager from the Czech Republic. Neither are actors, but both are amazing musicians and make this movie/musical such a remarkable and moving experience. I lack the writing abilities to relate to you the simple beauty of this film. Please just go see it, and you will understand.
Lastly, Hansard and Irglova are touring under the name The Swell Season. They may be coming to a town near you and likely are playing the songs from the film. Find someone you want to fall in love with (for the first time, or again) and take them to this show.
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