Count me as one of the many anticipating the next record from The Swell Season. Their show at Overture Hall in Madison last year wound up being one of the year’s best.

The Swell Season return on September 29th with the release of Strict Joy on Anti- Records. An interesting side note about the album is that MoB favorite, Doveman holds down piano duties and Clark Gayton from Levon Helm’s band is also on board.

STRICT JOY TRACK LISTING

1. Low Rising
2. Feeling the Pull
3. In These Arms
4. The Rain
5. Fantasy Man
6. Paper Cup
7. High Horses
8. The Verb
9. I Have Loved You Wrong
10. Love That Conquers
11. Two Tongues
12. Back Broke

With a $35 ticket price comes the enormous possibility of disappointment if the show doesn’t live up to your hard earned dollars. Walking into the beautiful Overture Hall in Madison last night to see Once darlings Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová perform under The Swell Season moniker I’ll admit my reservations.

While Once was undoubtedly a surprise success, my adoration resided firmly in the sound of Hansard’s rock outfit, The Frames – who remembers them opening for Damien Rice in Madison? Last night’s performance brought charming chatter, gorgeous and expanded renditions of the songs that made Once such a resounding success story, while also providing a hearty sampling of Hansard’s ability to lead a rock and roll band.

Hansard played equal parts band leader and comedic funny guy. He holds the spellbinding capability of storytelling (though not always direct), certainly gets the point across with a charm all his own. When the entire band left him to himself in front of the sold out audience, Hansard pulled the surprising move of unplugging his guitar and stepping away from the mic for a rousing rendition of “Say It To Me Now.” While Hansard very well may be the de facto band leader, the gentle touches of Markete Irglova made the evening complete. The first time she stepped from the piano to the guitar and took lead vocals was an absolute highlight of the night.

Last night proved that a band can be captivating and appealing to a diverse selection of music fans in the city of Madison. It proved once again that music can span generations and cross stereotypes. It felt good witnessing a modern day feel-good story stand in front of a sold out crowd and be so genuinely thankful. The Swell Season was a class act and top-notch performers as well. I hope you guys enjoyed it.

Discuss: Thoughts on the show? Who made the noise that resulted in the song change during Glen’s solo acoustic set? How did you feel about the Irish violin solo? Did you bump into Glen and Markéta walking around town? Did you catch Glen name drop Wisconsin favorite Bon Iver? Did you like Glen’s thrift store outfit, purchased earlier on State St.? Will you buy a record by The Frames?

Photo: Nick Mickolas
Myspace: The Swell Season

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