The storm, it's coming.

Glen Hansard - Rhythm and Repose (2012) ***

Nominated by: GK

Music club: Wander to Wozza's

Playlist addition: Talking with the Wolves

GK is right - I'm a fan of GH. That comes on the back of my love for Once - both the film and the soundtrack, plus his on and off collaborations with Markéta Irglová in The Swell Season. Those albums and that Once soundtrack are my go to albums. I tend to find the solo Glen Hansard ones more problematic.

The cover art to R and R gives this first solo album away - pained and haunted for the most part.

Rhythm and Repose came after his breakup with Markéta Irglová. So, there's not a lot of up-beat joy on offer on the songs. 

I'm not averse to break-up albums - they can be cathartic experiences with visceral moments of angst along the way. I'm thinking of albums like Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago, Here My Dear - Marvin Gaye, and Bob's Blood on the Tracks. Idiot Wind is a terrific song, but I bet Sara didn't enjoy it much.

Interestingly, GH covered similar break up ground on the Strict Joy album, under The Swell Season name. Of the two albums I prefer Strict Joy from 2009. The album's songs again reflect the breakup of Hansard and Irglová's relationship, while remaining in the same band, Fleetwood Mac style (as on another classic break up album - Rumours). Ironically, given the personal relationship situation, it has a warmer sound with a fuller band and some lovely pace changes, whereas R and R is just pretty bleak.  

I'd recommend that one over Rhythm and Respose, but I understand why GK likes the tone and pace of it. It's definitely more folky for a start.

Great selection Gregarious. Glen Hansard is a really talented guy, with a fascinating discography (and I haven't even mentioned his work in The Frames).