The Swell Season - "Strict Joy"

"Strict Joy" was truly a treat to listen to... I can't recall having ever described an album in such a way before, but this music is absolutely beautiful.

The two artists, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, are both extremely talented. Throughout the album, both musicians sing and play multiple instruments. Their voices harmonize together very nicely, and I was pleased to hear some fairly uncommon instruments (compared to most music these days at least) - I think I even heard a zither or a similar instrument at one point.

The Swell Season's music is slightly reminiscent of Snow Patrol on some tracks. Overall, think along the lines of Damien Rice (especially on his tracks w/ Lisa Hannigan) and you'll have an idea of the genre. But maybe it's just the whole Irish thing going? Apparently, the Irish make some damn good heartfelt music.

This duo has an interesting back story too. If you've ever seen the movie "Once", I think that most of the soundtrack consists of music by these two, and I also think that the movie is about a couple. I've never seen the movie though, so I couldn't tell you. Anyway, I guess Hansard and Irglová dated for a while, then broke up, but still make music together. It makes the album a little more interesting, especially since I think it was made post break-up. I really don't know anything about that except that it's what I read online after I had listened to the album and I thought it was worth mentioning.

My main point: this album is phenomenal. You should get your hands on it for sure and let me know what you think after you take a listen.

My vote: 4.5 stars
My favorite tracks: "In These Arms" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UnwvI5Atwk&feature=PlayList&p=200C20BD5A1DA5F9&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=15 & "High Horses" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q95R10IgX-Y & "Two Tongues" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCb75fiysrM