There is no shortage of crap music and film in the world today. Or, maybe it's always been that way. But, it seems as though there's so much more bad than good, especially where music is concerned; at least if we're considering the "successful" artists. However, a few months ago I saw a beautiful independent film that managed to renew my faith in both media. It's called Once, and it stars two real-life musicians (Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova), the former being the frontman for a long-succesful-in-Ireland band called The Frames and the latter a classically trained Czech performer. I'd never heard of them before seeing this film, nor did I encounter a ton of buzz for the film itself (sad to say), so I had no expectations going in.
In short, I was completely blown away. Mesmerized. Even now, months later, I find myself daydreaming, reveling in its wonderfully quirky, yet simple joys. First of all, the musicians/actors are f-ing brilliant (and, rightly, so is the soundtrack). Secondly, as they are not actors by profession, they both exert this lovely awkwardness and self-consciousness that is absolutely endearing.
When my girlfriend and I left the theater, grinning ear-to-ear and figuratively floating, we both said to the other, "I think I've got a crush now." On Glen, the "guy" (as he's referred to in the credits) from the film. His charms and humor and vulnerability were irresistable. The next day, I bought the soundtrack, and proceeded to let in marinate in my disc player for a good six weeks, on repeat. (A rarity, indeed.)
A week after the viewing, I came across an advert in the local independent weekly about the duo. They'd be performing as "The Swell Season" at a small venue here in town. After freaking out, then gaining composure, I called my friend and told her we simply had to see the show.
After waiting with baited breath for two months, we finally drank in the goodness, as it were. Just last week. Suffice it to say that it was one of the best live performances I've ever witnessed. I am in no way understating when I write that that show completely revived my spirits and renewed my faith in the power of music in a way I've not experienced in many moons. On a few occasions, I was nearly brought to tears by the sheer power of the lyrics, the haunting violin, the piano ballads...the whole lot. Simply gorgeous.
As you might guess, I'm still high from that performance. I don't know that I have ever had such a profound reaction to music and for such a period; frankly, I'm loving it. Since the show I've purchased The Swell Season's self-titled ablum, as well as two cds from Glen's band, The Frames. These guys kill it, I tell you.
I love music. I don't think I could live without it, I feel it in my soul. The Swell Season and The Frames have become artists I can't live without, and I'm ashamed it took me so long to discover them. I just can't say enough about them, and I don't bestow such compliments lightly, but if I go on much longer it will just be embarassing.
It's criminal that they're not headlining names in the States. That said, it seems this "little movie that could" has struck such a chord with audiences that it's generated Oscar buzz...and it was also this year's Audience Award Winner at Sundance (yay!). Methinks it's only a matter of time now...
So, here I am well into a (healthy!) obsession with these musicians, buying up their booty, and counting down the days until the DVD release. Well over 8000 songs in my music library and I'm recycling - almost exclusively - theirs. It's strange, I feel like I did when I became a fan of the New Kids on the Block as a young girl (thankfully, my musical tastes have evolved with age). I had a crush on Jordan - one of the group members - and daydreamed about our eventual matrimony, I recorded their TV appearances (and then watched them repeatedly), hung their posters on my walls (kissing them before bed), bought the various figurines and tee shirts. You know the drill...sad, but true.
I feel so juvenile again - sans some of the more eccentric behavior - and there's a purity to it that's just delicious.
Do yourself a favor and give them a listen.
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