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=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: vansmack on April 09, 2007, 06:03:00 pm

Title: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: vansmack on April 09, 2007, 06:03:00 pm
Smackette and I caught the Frames at the Fillmore on Saturday and we both agreed that they are incredible live.  They played for over 2 hours, and, while I don??t have a setlist, they played most of The Cost and then a lot of what I feel I can confidently call the ??usual suspects? based on the fact that they appeared on their Live LP ??Setlist.?  They started off a bit slow and artsy, and we were worried.  Then Glen said ??Okay, that ends part one of our show, now we??ll move on to part two? and just started tearing it up.  Most of The Cost sounds brilliant live, my favorite being ??People Get Ready? and Smackette??s being ??Sad Songs.?  There??s still a tremendous amount of interaction with the crowd (the stories about the songs are great), including sing along and cover songs throughout.  It was just a good time for everybody, except for the one Irish guy who wanted to hear ??Lay Me Down? and was upset they didn??t play it.  I actually think they didn??t play it because he kept yelling for it.  The place was about ½ - ¾ sold out so it was nice spacing for all to enjoy.    
 
 I was a Frames virgin up until Saturday night, so thanks to Lily, Brennser and everybody else who convinced me to not only buy their records a few years ago, but to actually go see the show.
 
 And Hoya ?? I saw the Submarines as an opener again and it still didn??t work for me, although the Frames had them come out and do one of their songs and it wasn??t bad.  I just can??t get into a couple on stage with a Mac laptop singing songs about each other too each other.  It always feels like I??m invading their space.  The album might be better, but to be there is just weird to me.  And she??s way too happy for me, despite being very hot.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Bags on April 10, 2007, 09:46:00 am
Nice review -- thanks, Smackie.  I'm seeing the Frames here, and have also never seen them live but have a bunch of albums (thanks eMusic).  Now I'm particularly psyched...
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: brennser on April 10, 2007, 09:58:00 am
glad you enjoyed it smackie - they are alot of fun live - their gig at the Cat a few years back was great - I think there were 3 encores, at least 2 of which seemed genuinely spontaneous. how many people does the Fillmore hold? I am wondering about their ability to fill the club given that they only half filled the Black Cat a year or so ago
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Vas Deferens on April 10, 2007, 11:53:00 am
Fillmore holds 1,250 people.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: vansmack on April 10, 2007, 11:54:00 am
The Fillmore holds about 1250, and I'd say it would be a stretch to say there were 800 people there (it was the night before Easter which may have some bearing on the low turnout).
 
 They played a ton of encores as well.  It got to the point where Glen had us all singing a melody (I think it was the intro to Falling Slowly, but I don't remember) heading for the door and out into the streets.  Being hippie/fun San Francisco, of course we did and the folks at the Boom Boom Club across the street were looking at us like we were nuts.  Good times.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Vas Deferens on April 10, 2007, 03:22:00 pm
How is Japantown these days, vansmack??! I had a date once at the Kabuki  :p
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: vansmack on April 10, 2007, 05:34:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Joe Marshmallow III:
  How is Japantown these days, vansmack??! I had a date once at the Kabuki   :p  
It's future always in flux, it was recently saved by an investor.  Other than that, I couldn't tell you - I nearly never go there.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Reod Dai on April 11, 2007, 03:17:00 pm
Great review, it would have me looking forward to the 9:30 show even more if that were possible.   :)  
 
 The Frames became one of my favorite bands faster than any other, I think.  I discovered The Frames in August of 2005, scanning and listening to random albums in FYE that looked interesting.  I picked up Burn the Maps and Setlist on the spot, and fell in love with them pretty much immediately.  And then, less than two months later, I saw them at the Cat's Cradle and was completely hooked.  They are indeed amazing live (Setlist is actually my favorite live album ever).  And seeing Glen at the Iota last fall on the Swell Season tour pretty much cemented him as one of my favorite singer/songwriters.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: sweetcell on April 11, 2007, 03:51:00 pm
dang - another good show i'm going to have to miss b/c of coachella.  i'm telling ya, DC is doing its darnest to make me regret/pay for my decision to head west for the last weekend of april.  still the right decision though, just wish it didn't have any downside   :)
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: vansmack on April 11, 2007, 03:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Joe Marshmallow III:
  How is Japantown these days, vansmack??! I had a date once at the Kabuki    :p  
In an odd change of circumstances, I think I'm going to the Kabuki now too!
 
 Glen stars in an Irish film "Once (http://fest07.sffs.org/media/Once.html)" that has a special showing at the Kabuki on April 28.  Fancy that....
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: muke on April 11, 2007, 04:17:00 pm
what's the story behind another love song?  do they ever play anything off of it,  or has it been banished for some reason?
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 12, 2007, 11:17:00 pm
should anyone want to add to the frames collection, let me know and i'll do requisite copying. i've got live stuff, imports, etc.
 
 i'd like to see them in philly the night before the dc show but that requires moving 3 appointments on wednesday, which is going to be rather difficult. that said, this frames fan might just give those appointments the 1 fingered salute and hop on amtrak and head north that day.
 
 ok so who will be at show? brennser you going? hey, maybe you can dj? can you get a sitter for the kids that night? so we got reod, bags and myself thus far.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 12, 2007, 11:45:00 pm
that film got most excellent reviews. i was hoping it would get picked up for the dc international festival later this month, but no dice. wonder if it will be screened anywhere around here. maybe the afi? i hope.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
Quote
Glen stars in an Irish film "Once (http://fest07.sffs.org/media/Once.html)" that has a special showing at the Kabuki on April 28.  Fancy that.... [/b]
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 12, 2007, 11:53:00 pm
that's what happened to me last october where i missed the swell season/glen hansard at the free stage at the kennedy center that thursday, then his show at iota later that night, then the same show in philly on friday, and then the pet shop boys on saturday.
 
 all so i could see the pogues out in vegas.
 
 in retr0spect, it wasn't worth it! well, it was kind of worth it. no, it wasn't. i just need to face up to that 1 show to missing 4 shows equation.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  dang - another good show i'm going to have to miss b/c of coachella.  i'm telling ya, DC is doing its darnest to make me regret/pay for my decision to head west for the last weekend of april.  still the right decision though, just wish it didn't have any downside    :)  
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 12, 2007, 11:59:00 pm
don't mind me. i seem to be posting things in multiples.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Reod Dai on April 13, 2007, 08:30:00 am
I definitely wouldn't mind catching the Philly show, but I probably won't be able to make it.  I remember thinking about driving over there for the Swell Season show (because the Iota show was so amazing), but decided not to bother when I discovered it was sold out.  Seeing a show in Philly on a weeknight is rough.  :(
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: georgewendt on April 13, 2007, 08:47:00 am
hey lily,  tell me about the kabuki.  never heard of it.  i'd like to see Once before the frames come to the 930.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: brennser on April 13, 2007, 01:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by lily1:
  ok so who will be at show? brennser you going? hey, maybe you can dj? can you get a sitter for the kids that night? so we got reod, bags and myself thus far.
yup, I'll be there, hopefully in a DJing capacity but thats not finalized yet!
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 14, 2007, 12:26:00 am
ask smackie as he was just there. its in san fran. not dc.
 
Quote
Originally posted by georgewendt:
  hey lily,  tell me about the kabuki.  never heard of it.  i'd like to see Once before the frames come to the 930.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: georgewendt on April 14, 2007, 09:46:00 am
oh, nevermind then.  thanks for the info.  
 anyone heard where Once might be playing?
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2007, 12:40:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by georgewendt:
  anyone heard where Once might be playing?
Limited release in the States right now (mostly film festivals).  They're considering a small release on May 18 (LA, NY, SF, Chicago) and then, if it does well, a nationwide release 2 weeks later.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: jbcapati on April 16, 2007, 01:48:00 pm
From the Frames email update:
 
 A screening of ONCE.
 
 John, Glen and Marketa will participate in a Q&A session with the
 audience.  Glen and Marketa will conclude the night by performing some songs
 from the film.  More information on the venues and how to get tickets
 coming soon! Below is the schedule as it currently stands.
 
  April 29th - Boston
  May 2nd - Philadelphia
  May 3rd - Washington D.C.
  May 4th - Toronto
  May 7th - Detroit
  May 8th - Chicago
  May 9th - St. Louis
  May 10th - Memphis
  May 11th - Dallas
  May 14th - Phoenix
  May 16th - San Diego
  May 17th - San Francisco
  May 18th - Seattle
 
 so, i guess, as it stands, we dont yet know the theatres, but its being
 distributed by fox searchlight, so im sure you internet savvy folks out
 there can find out easy enough. post it on the board when and if you
 can please - and - if i find out more info in the near future, ill whack
 it up too...
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: jbcapati on April 16, 2007, 01:49:00 pm
I forgot to add that the 9:30 Club show will be broadcast by NPR.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2007, 02:15:00 pm
That's a great sign for cities not announced as the first release cities (May 18).  Experience tells me those screenings likely mean that those cities will see the final release before June.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: georgewendt on April 17, 2007, 10:24:00 am
thanks for the update.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 22, 2007, 08:41:00 pm
no update on the venue for the screening. i checked their myspace page and also fox searchlight but nothing there thus far:
 
 http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/1598 (http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/1598)
 
 http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152394451 (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152394451)
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: georgewendt on April 23, 2007, 08:57:00 am
Just checked the Once myspace and it looks like more info has been posted.
 
 May 3 2007 7:00P
  Once screening with live performance and Q&As,AMC Georgetown Washington D.C.
 
  The theatre (http://www.fandango.com/amcloewsgeorgetown14_aaqpv/theaterpage?date=5/3/2007) , if I have the correct one, doesn't have anything posted for that day yet.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 23, 2007, 11:22:00 am
i'd be checking out this film at film fest dc if i wasn't tied up tonight and tommorow night:
 
 www.filmfestdc.com (http://www.filmfestdc.com)
 
 Beauty in Trouble
 Kraska v nesnazich
 
 JAN HREBEJK
 Czech Republic, 2006, 110 minutes, Color
 
 In Person: Director Jan Hrebejk (April 23 only)
 
 4/23 8.45pm
 
 4/24 8.45pm
 
 The newest film from director Jan Hrebejk and long-time screenwriting partner Petr Jarchovsky (Divided We Fall, Up and Down). Young mother Marcela (Zelary star Ana Geislerova), having lost everything in the 2002 floods that swept through Prague, lives in the chop shop run by her decent but desperate mechanic husband Jarda (Roman Luknar). When Jarda is thrown into jail, Marcela begins a hesitant relationship with émigré Czech wine seller Evzen Benes (Josef Abrham) under the watchful eye of her mother Zdena (Jana Brejchova) and bitter step-father Richard (Jiri Schmitzer). Inevitably, recent history intrudes on the lives of these well-meaning Czechs in this delicate, emotionally complex widescreen drama. Beauty in Trouble features choice tunes from Irish singer Glen Hansard, whose breakout performance in John Carney's Once was the hit of the 2007 Sundance festival. - Eddie Cockrell
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: jbcapati on April 23, 2007, 04:39:00 pm
You can now  RSVP (http://www.foxsearchlight.com/once/) for the May 3 showing in Georgetown, though this does not guarantee you a seat.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: brennser on April 24, 2007, 09:31:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by brennser:
   
Quote
Originally posted by lily1:
  ok so who will be at show? brennser you going? hey, maybe you can dj? can you get a sitter for the kids that night? so we got reod, bags and myself thus far.
yup, I'll be there, hopefully in a DJing capacity but thats not finalized yet! [/b]
at this juncture it looks like I will be DJing the show (although things can change right up until showtime)
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: georgewendt on April 24, 2007, 01:08:00 pm
I'm coming to this one.  I'll be the guy standing motionless in the middle of the floor staring lovingly into Glen's eyes.
 
 Thanks for the heads up on the RSVP link, wizard.
 
 Brennser, tell me more about the dj gig.  Can you play anything you want or do you have some guidelines relative to the band each night?
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 24, 2007, 03:17:00 pm
yay! brennser is djing! woo hoo!
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: brennser on April 25, 2007, 11:29:00 am
setlist from tues night
 
 Song For Someone
 Seven Day Mile
 The Cost
 God Bless Mom
 The Stars Are Underground
 Happy
 Sad Songs
 When Your Mind's Made Up
 What Happens When The Heart Just Stops
 Rent Day Blues
 Pavement Tune
 Fake
 Your Face
 Santa Maria
 --
 Bluse Shoes
 Leave
 Finally
 Revelate
 Fitzcarraldo
 Star Star
 Heyday
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: bigyellow100 on April 25, 2007, 11:47:00 am
how good is this show gonna be at the 930?  margot and the nuclear so and sos were pretty good when they opened for the elected this summer at the black cat.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 25, 2007, 08:39:00 pm
oh, i love revelate! i hope they do that tommorow night!
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2007, 08:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by lily1:
  oh, i love revelate! i hope they do that tommorow night!
One of my fave's from the SF show too.  Sounds like it's a staple for the tour.
 
 Of that list I only know that Santa Maria was not played in SF.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 25, 2007, 08:50:00 pm
smackie, show was about about hour and half, hour and three quarters, yes?
 
 was hey day full band version, or was it a tack on to star star? its rare they do it as a separate song, in fact only time i've heard it is from an australian ep, about a year or so after mic christopher's death.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Vas Deferens on April 25, 2007, 09:12:00 pm
Is it just me or is the new Frames really disappointing? Glen's voice (from start to finish) sounds like he's moping because someone stole his lunch or his bike. The songs lack melodies and none of them are that memorable...
 
 So how come there is no thread about the Damien Rice concert? ...
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 25, 2007, 09:15:00 pm
damien rice's show in may is seriously going to be lackluster now that lisa hannigan left.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: brennser on April 25, 2007, 11:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by lily1:
  oh, i love revelate! i hope they do that tommorow night!
a wonderful song....and so much better live than on fitzcarraldo....every time I hear the intro to it (and the crowd reaction) on 'Setlist' it send shivers up my spine
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: terry on April 26, 2007, 10:32:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by dcwizard:
  You can now  RSVP (http://www.foxsearchlight.com/once/) for the May 3 showing in Georgetown, though this does not guarantee you a seat.
FWIW, I was at the Birchmere a couple of days ago (buying a Knitters ticket!) and they had free passes to this screening sitting by the cash register. Seating is a first come/first serve basis so it may be the same as RSVPing online.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: brennser on April 26, 2007, 10:38:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by georgewendt:
  Brennser, tell me more about the dj gig.  Can you play anything you want or do you have some guidelines relative to the band each night?
sorry, I only saw this now - in general we are left to our own devices, although there have been instances in the past where a band will make specific requests (usually requests NOT to play a certain genre or style), e.g., Nickel Creek asked me not to play any bluegrass or country before their show
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: brennser on April 26, 2007, 10:45:00 am
Philly Setlist
 
 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
 Too Many Sad Words Make A Sad, Sad Song
 When Your Mind's Made Up
 The Dancer (!!!!!!!!)
 Pavement Tune
 Fake
 Your Face
 Santa Maria
 ++
 The Blue Shoes
 A Rob Solo Song
 Finally
 Revelate
 Friends & Foe
 Falling Slowly
 Star Star
 Neil Young song
 Where Is My Mind (yes, a Pixies cover)
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: MonkeyPants on April 26, 2007, 11:39:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by earth intruder:
  Is it just me or is the new Frames really disappointing? Glen's voice (from start to finish) sounds like he's moping because someone stole his lunch or his bike. The songs lack melodies and none of them are that memorable...
 
 So how come there is no thread about the Damien Rice concert? ...
I disagree.  I think Falling Slowly is one of the best songs Glen's written in years and I love both the Swell Season version and The Frames version.  There are a couple of dogs on the album, but all in all, not disappointed.
 
 Now 9 by Damien is a whole different story - TOTALLY disappointed in that one and haven't listened to it in months as a result.  A few songs are gems, but the production on Elephant is terrible, Dogs is quite possibly the worst song he's ever seen fit to record, and Sleep Don't Weep is just Cold Water with different words.  I expected MUCH more after waiting for so friggin long for him to put something new out.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: vansmack on April 26, 2007, 12:11:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by lily1:
  smackie, show was about about hour and half, hour and three quarters, yes?
 
 was hey day full band version, or was it a tack on to star star? its rare they do it as a separate song, in fact only time i've heard it is from an australian ep, about a year or so after mic christopher's death.
Over 2 hours - they left the stage twice and returned.  Hey Day was tacked on to Star Star.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: towsonnc on April 26, 2007, 02:06:00 pm
anyone that is not sure about going to the frames show tonight should definitely go... the philly show last night was outstanding. sound, setlist, and interaction were all above expectations... enjoy the show
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Firebutt McGee on April 26, 2007, 02:56:00 pm
Tonight is going to be phenomenal, I can FEEL it!!!
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Bombay Chutney on April 26, 2007, 04:59:00 pm
It's also going to be broadcast on NPR.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: brennser on April 27, 2007, 09:47:00 am
very good show - maybe not their best but good nonetheless - played 2.5 hours at least, w/ multiple encores and finished with Glen asking for no final applause and sending everyone out into the night singing - I'll post my DJ setlist later
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 27, 2007, 10:17:00 am
second half, and especially the encores, were the best part. but agree, not their best show here in dc, but very good nonetheless. they really kicked back during the encoures and just had fun. so weird to see glen surronded by groupies these days. and that they have a set list? though half thre songs they played were not even on it. for years they never used a set list.
 
 brennser, you played mic christopher at the end! thankie! which t shirt did you end up getting for mrs brennser?
 
 i believe we have made bags a frames convert. have fun in st. john!
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on April 27, 2007, 10:57:00 am
Printed set list:
 
 Song for someone
 Seven day mile
 Keepsake
 The cost
 God bless mom
 Stars are underground
 Happy
 Sad songs
 When your mind is make up
 Rent day blues
 Pavement tune
 Fake
 Your face
 Santa maria
 
 Blue shoes
 Finally
 Revelate
 Friend/foe
 
 Falling slowly
 Star star
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: jbcapati on April 27, 2007, 05:05:00 pm
Wow, last night's performance isn't even considered their best?  I saw them for the first time and I was floored.  The quality of the playing, Glen's passionate singing, his humor, his rapport with the crowd...I could go on and on.  I've always liked listening to their music, but this show confirmed it to me.  The Frames are now on my short list of must-see bands.  Early frontrunner for one of top 3 shows of the year.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: lily1 on May 03, 2007, 11:52:00 pm
I just came back from seeing the advanced screening of "Once." Yes, it lives up to the to its recognition at Sundance. Not overproduced, not overacted, not overdone. It leaves with a good basis of discussion with whomever you saw it with on modern Ireland, love, life choices, immigration, and musical artistry. At least that's my take on it. The director, John Carney, Glen and Marketa were all present and did about 40 minutes of q&a, and then Glen and Marketa did 2 songs. Carney summed it up best when he said that "Once" was in essence a visual song. It opens on May 25. For those of you somewhat close to DC, both Landmark Theatres will be showing it. Soundtrack is also coming out that day, on Sony, of all labels.  They made the film for $125K Euro. Yes, you read that right.
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: vansmack on May 11, 2007, 06:13:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by lily1:
  Printed set list:
 
 
Since it appears some folks are unaware, this show is also available for download from NPR/PBR/Frames/9:30:
 
 http://anon.npr-mp3.speedera.net/anon.npr-mp3/npr/asclive/2007/04/20070426_asclive_frames.mp3 (http://anon.npr-mp3.speedera.net/anon.npr-mp3/npr/asclive/2007/04/20070426_asclive_frames.mp3)
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Bags on May 18, 2007, 10:21:00 am
WSJ    
 FILM REVIEW
 By JOE MORGENSTERN    
 
 
 Magical 'Once'
 Is Pitch-Perfect
 Rock Love Story
 Thirteen Eloquent Songs
 And a Battered Guitar;
 Shrek's Welcome Return
 May 18, 2007; Page W1
 
 It takes all of 10 seconds for John Carney's "Once" to announce itself
 as something special. A handsome young street musician in Dublin
 raises his voice in song, then raises it higher with heart-stopping
 fervor. When a mysteriously endearing young woman stops to interrogate
 the busker about his music -- she turns out to be a musician too --
 the movie reveals itself as something magical. When they sing their
 first duet, it's a song of such transporting passion that you wonder
 where the drama can possibly go, since they're obviously made for each
 other and should instantly leave the screen to live the rest of their
 lives in private bliss.
 
 The lovers are played by Glen Hansard, the lead singer of the Irish
 rock group The Frames, and Marketa Irglova, a musician from the Czech
 Republic. (Amazingly, given her gifts as a singer, pianist and
 actress, Ms. Irglova was only 17 years old when the movie was shot.)
 Both performances give new meaning to the timeworn phrase
 "pitch-perfect," while both characters do nicely without names;
 they're listed in the credits only as the Guy and the Girl. Coy
 appellations of this sort often serve as warning labels for
 faux-simple fables that are fatuous or downright cloying, but that's
 hardly the case here. "Once" proves to be as smart and funny as it is
 sweet; it swirls with ambiguity and conflict beneath a simple surface.
 In all of 88 minutes, Mr. Carney's singular fable follows its guy and
 girl through a week of musical and emotional growth that could suffice
 for a lifetime.
 
 Music is intrinsic to the filmmaker's plan. The love story can be seen
 -- and felt and heard -- as a succession of chord changes, and the
 exquisite resolution amounts to a mutual musical offering. At a time
 when movie musicals have come to be synonymous with emotional and
 visual extravagance -- the super-mega-over-the-topness of "Chicago" or
 "Dreamgirls" -- Mr. Carney has dared to take everything down to its
 essence. What's left is two intensely likable people trying urgently,
 through very few words and a baker's dozen of eloquent songs, to come
 to terms with love they've lost and collaborate on the future.
 
 As Guys go, this one seems like the answer to a Girl's prayer. He
 sings like an angel -- a loud angel who's no stranger to anger. He
 summons sumptuous sounds from his battered guitar, and writes
 brilliant songs when he isn't fixing Hoover vacuums in his father's
 Dickensian shop. As Girls go, this one is irresistible from the first
 moment she opens her mouth: When was the last time you couldn't wait
 to find out what a movie character was all about? She's got spunk to
 spare, speaks with a slightly extra-terrestrial accent, sings with no
 accent at all, writes her own powerful songs and, miracle of miracles,
 has a Hoover that needs repair. (In one of the many memorable
 sequences in the film, which was shot by Tim Fleming, she trails her
 ailing vacuum cleaner, like a blue dog on a hose, as she and her Guy
 stroll through Dublin's streets.)
 
 In 1991, the year that Glen Hansard started The Frames, he also played
 Outspan, the baby-faced Dublin guitar player in "The Commitments," a
 feature that has gained a global following. (It's one of my favorite
 films ever.) What makes "The Commitments" so widely loved is, among
 other pleasures, its use of a working-class rock band's rise and fall
 as an armature for individual drama. "Once" may earn the same special
 status by doing something similar, albeit on a more intimate scale --
 using pop-rock songs to shape its characters' ecstatic feelings. And
 very much like "The Commitments," this remarkable new Irish film
 grounds its Guy and Girl in the rock-solid specifics of musicianship.
 When she plays Mendelssohn on a piano in a music store, he listens
 with enchanted intensity. When they finally get to singing lyrics she
 has written to his melody, the sense of their intimacy transcends
 physicality. (It's worth noting that the story neither needs nor
 bothers with conventional sexual interludes.)
 
 My own feeling is that I should say something negative here; how else
 will anyone trust all this praise? In fact, the film presents
 inevitable language problems -- not bad language, of which there is
 more than a soupçon, but the authentic and sometimes impenetrable
 language of a guy from Ireland and a girl from Moravia who don't speak
 in mid-Atlantic tones. Another problem could be more substantial, or
 may have been confined to the projection at my screening, where the
 audio quality of some of the music tracks left a lot to be desired.
 Enough of that, though. The title of one of those tracks is "You Must
 Have Fallen From the Sky." That's the way I came to feel about "Once."
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on May 18, 2007, 12:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Bags:
  Magical 'Once'
 Is Pitch-Perfect
 Rock Love Story
 
my girlfriend saw a sneak-preview of this in georgetown a couple of weeks ago and the guy from the frames actually came out and played a couple of songs solo after the movie
Title: Re: The Frames @ The Fillmore 4/7
Post by: Darth Ed on May 27, 2007, 01:08:00 pm
I saw Once last night and completely and utterly fell in love with it. What a fabulous film. When the year's up, I fully expect it to be in my top five for 2007. I'm an instant fan of the music as well. I just wish I had been a fan a month ago when The Frames were here. I'm a little too late as usual.   :roll:   Do they tour often? I hope to see them next time they come through.