April 25, 2007
Good Enough to Hang on the Wall
Remember Once, that Film Festival movie from Ireland that we totally dug, and would have given an "Excellent" rating to, if only they hadn't insisted on using handheld cameras? Well, the star of the film, Glen Hansard, also happens to be the front man of this pretty awesome band, also out of Ireland, called The Frames. We were sent their latest CD, The Cost, a few months ago, and we've had it on a pretty constant rotation ever since. Helps that the beautiful "Falling Slowly," which is performed in Once, is the second track on the disc. We haven't heard much about what to expect live from The Frames, but judging from the amazing passion with which Hansard sings on The Cost, and the sweet intensity he brought to his acting, we can't imagine that the show could possibly be disappointing.
And if that wasn't exciting enough, the completely rockin' Margot & the Nuclear So and So's (apostrophe and ampersand usage theirs, not ours), who we totally dug once upon a time when we caught them opening for The Elected at The Church, will be opening. We may not be able to vouch for the performance M.O. of The Frames, but we can assure you that The Nuclear So and So's are an opening act you definitely don't want to miss.
The Frames with Margot & the Nuclear So and So's
Tonight, April 25, 2007
Doors at 7PM, Show at 8PM
Fillmore at the TLA (that's right, the re-branding has occurred!)
334 South Street
Tickets: $16
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The Frames, as usual, did not disappoint! This is the fourth time in 5 months I have see Glen perform (either solo or with the Frames) and it amazes me that this band hasn't exploded to major stardom. I first saw them open for Damien Rice a few years back at the Tower and we all know how that turned out for Damien. 'Margot and the Nuclear So So's' were just that, very so so. The lead singer didn't even acknowledge the crowd until the 5th song of the set when he commented that "...the murder rate in this city is giving me a cold...". Great way to make fans.
Agreed. Amazing show - the energy was out of this world - not sure how they haven't made it big (although it makes for a great show to see them play small venues). I want to take everyone I know to a Frames show and make them a convert.
Not impressed with the So & So's, even before the nasty quip about the murder rate in the city.
Set list:
Song For Someone
Seven Day Mile
Rise
The Cost
God Bless Mom
Stars Are Underground
Happy
What Happens When the Heart Just Stops
Rent Day Blues
Sad Songs
When Your Mind's Made Up
The Dancer
Pavement Tune
Fake
Your Face
Santa Maria
++
The Blue Shoes
Rob’s song (don’t know the name)
Finally
Revelate
Friends & Foe
Falling Slowly
Star Star
Out on the Weekend ( Neil Young)
Where Is My Mind (Pixies cover)
Wow, thanks for the setlist, Andi! I'm in the process of writing the review, and that's quite helpful.
It was a gorgeous show, albeit a little too long (it was midnight when I got home), but I could really listen to Glen sing all day and night, if only the stools on the Balcony weren't so damned uncomfortable.
Per the So and So's, yeah, the comment he made sucked, and as a vocalist, he really needs to enunciate more. But if you spent the set watching the percussionist with the light-up drum, like I did, you'd probably have liked the band better. (I had the advantage of having seen them once in the past, so I knew to do this going in...)
Yeah, I was probably standing a bit too close to fully appreciate his drumming...aesthetic? Being that close to the stage didn't help w/ the acoustics - it was a bit muffled sounding. I was tired from standing that long - it was long for a weeknight, but there is something refreshing about seeing a band willing to play that long, instead of rushing after 90 minutes.
I downloaded the So So's album from Itunes when I read they were opening and I really enjoyed the album. The last couple times I saw the Frames they had Josh Ritter open as well as when they played with Damien so I was really looking forward to seeing Margot. I was standing in the second row right in front of the percussionist. At least he seemed to be enjoying himself.
One last tidbit, the Frames concert in DC tonight is currently playing live on NPR.org, dig it!
Sweet. Thanks for the tip, Matt!
I just can't stay away. One more bit of info; "Once" is premiering at The Bridge Thursday, May 2nd. You can get two free tickets by going to www.yrockonxpn.org. Also, Glen will be there for the viewing and will be performing afterwards.