The Swell Season is the name of a 1975 novel written by Czech author Josef Skovrecky.

It is also the name of an album recorded in 2006 by Glen Hansard (also of The Frames) and Marketa Irglova, a classically trained Czech musician.

Now, it is the name the duo often use when performing together since the release of a film called ‘Once”, which they both starred in.

Did I mention they also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song?

Naturally since then, the duo has gone on to play prominent gigs like Coachella and Bonnaroo, along with their own extensive tour. After ACL, they’ll be playing a handful of shows with Iron and Wine.

Hansard and Irglova both share vocal and songwriting duties, with Hansard on acoustic guitar and Irglova on piano. The combination creates wonderfully melodic indie rock. Every song I have by them, from both the film and from their album, is worth listening to.

I have yet to see them in concert, but I’ve only ever heard positive comments about their live performances. You’ll definitely find me at the AT&T Blue Room on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

MP3> The Swell Season ‘Falling Slowly’

This entry was posted on Friday, September 26th, 2008 at 8:14 am and is filed under ACL Festival 2008, mp3's, recommended.