Friday, April 27, 2007

The Frames in DC



Maybe I am a little swayed by the artists that come out of Ireland, after all U2 has been one of my favorite bands since I can remember. Then there's Damien Rice, Cillian Murphy and Daniel Day Lewis (ok, the last two are actors), but now the Frames are finally getting more press. This is the third time I have seen Glen work his magic. First was two years ago opening for Damien and then last fall for Damien again as the Swell Season. The Frames never fail to disappoint with their poignant lyrics, harmonic sound that fills the venue and their Irish antidotes. It is a show within a show listening to the reasons beyond the songs. Their violinist, Colm MacConlomaire is fantastic and Glen captivates the audience actually talking and taking requests.

They closed the 9:30 club last night after airing the show live on NPR, taking time to have a "messy time" to allow a road crew member to sing for his birthday and to play a few extra songs as their last date of the tour wound down. There wasn't a person in the venue not rocking to Star, Star or cheering when Glen announced he would play "What Happens When the Heart Just Stops." It was wonderful to hear the explanation behind the song (which thankfully hasn't changed since the first tour), a song about an abandoned dog and young Irish lads feeding it and building a hutch for it, "the dog that taught us how to love patiently." The Frames should not be missed and will be a great treat for those at Coachella on Saturday.



Opening for the Frames was Margot and the Nuclear So and So's, who I had never heard of before. They turned out to be fantastic for eight people from Indiana. The lead singer, Richard Edwards claimed he was sick, but sung anyways and I couldn't tell at all. His voice was great. Casey Tennis, the percussionist was fantastic and enthusiastic, engaging the crowd with his performance. They are a talent that is worth giving a listen to.

-Sarah W.

The Frames - Falling Slowly.mp3
The Frames - Sideways Down.mp3
Margot and the Nuclear So and So's-Skeleton Key.mp3
Margot and the Nuclear So and So's-A Sea Chanty Of Sorts.mp3

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