2009 has been a year of live music for me. I’ve seen a lot of great shows, from indie artists to bigger acts like Kings of Leon and Coldplay. But not even Chris Martin hitting every note of “Fix You” moved me the way seeing this duo live just did. Being a creative type myself, I know how rare it is to TRULY be moved by something — be it a book, film, song or work of art. Which is what made Monday’s concert all the more special. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova brought something to that stage that, corny as it sounds here, was downright magical.
If you’re unfamiliar with these two, first off, go rent the movie, Once. Then prepared to be oh so moved. Once is the humble little movie that could. The first film I can ever recall having to immediately watch again. Then, a few hours later, having purchased its soundtrack, again.
I own the film now, have followed Glen and Marketa ever since, and found it serendipitous last week to have pulled up their tour schedule with just enough time to snag tickets to their Monday show in Indianapolis. Folks, I just have to say that if you ever get to see these two perform, GO. Just, seriously, GO. Glen is an artist who gives 1,000 percent to his craft and whether you’re familiar with his music or not, I guarantee you will not leave one of his shows unmoved.
And just ’cause I am who I am and purdy-please-with-a-cherry-on-top want you to get familiar with their music, here’s the video for “Low Rising,” one of the songs off their new album, which came out last week:
If you’ve never heard “Falling Slowly” from “Once,” well, you’re missing out (I seriously had the biggest goosebumps and tears in my eyes when they performed this Monday, I was THAT moved)
And finally, Glen is an Irish boy after my heart who performed a cover of Van Morrison’s “Astral Weeks” (ooooh how I love me some Van!) All I can say about this video (and seeing him do this live) is WHOA (around 0:35 is when his guitar playin’ skills start to wow you). There is a reason he has that giant hole in his guitar and I think its size has something to do with how much he loves what he does. Isn’t that so cool?
by Gail Werner
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