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Possibly the best music movie of 2007, Once transformed
Frames frontman Glen Hansard and little-known Czech singer and pianist
Markéta Irglová into a power duo capable of capturing the
purest kind of raw emotion. After winning the Oscar for Best Original
Song for their striking duet “Falling Slowly,” they had some high
expectations to meet. Both musicians contribute their contrasting
styles to the latest album, Strict Joy, with help from five
longtime collaborators. The airy vulnerability of Irglová’s
performance complements Hansard’s ragged wail. While “Fantasy Man”
gently glides by with entrancing melodies and lilting violin, “Feeling
the Pull” showcases Hansard’s more aggressive side. Sadly, nothing has
the bite of Once soundtrack scorchers like “When Your Mind’s
Made Up,” which could make you shake from the visceral passion.
Strict Joy tries to make up for it with gorgeous ballads. But
it’s a shame it doesn’t have an entrancing movie to accompany the
recording this time around. — Danielle Sills
This article appears in Oct 28 – Nov 3, 2009.
