Day 2,318, Quasi-Quarantine: The Bells Toll For The Irreplaceable Glen Hansard

 

"That's another day over

Go to sleep now, my son

It's a full-blown solid gold

Miracle you've come

"And your mother's a beauty

Your dad's a fortunate man

And he'll be back to hold you

Just as soon as he can"

Like many lovers of Ireland and music and Irish music, I was gutted yesterday when news of the passing of Glen Hansard reached me.

So many of us fell in love with Glen and Marketa Irglova in the stunning, raw movie "Once," and I'll never forget watching the duo perform as Swell Season at Maymandi Music Hall in Raleigh on the heels of that film. The complicated relationship between the two was explored in a heart-wrenching movie, aptly called "Swell Season."

The two would go on to perform together in a strictly professional relationship, with Glen's rough approach blending beautifully with Marketa's grace. We would go on to see Glen perform five other times, including in 2008, 2010, and 2023. 

Every person who was touched by Glen's music has a different story that describes that impression. I will always remember his covers of Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" and Pixies' "Cactus." I will always remember his audience participation, including allowing a fan to sing a verse on stage at the North Carolina Museum of Art. I will always remember seeing him last fall at the Durham Performing Arts Center and his rendition of "Parting Glass," which has taken on an even more poignant meaning today.

I will always remember his description of the origin story of "Factory Street Bells," which he wrote as part of the process of explaining to his toddler son why his father need to leave him and go on tour. I'll certainly never be able to hear that song again without crying.

Glen had a way of making you feel like you'd joined an impromptu jam at an intimate gathering of friends or stumbled across his appearance at a trad session at a pub in Doolin. 

He was a storyteller, a bard, a troubadour in the true Irish fashion. He meant a lot to me and the best part of me.

I'll miss him dearly.

Ar dheis De' go raibh a anam

Limerick Friday #636: Nothing Is Great, And Everything Feels Bad -- Day 1,968

Find hope where it belongs

Despite all of the world's wrongs

Heard "Ohio" played off the shelf

And it made me ask myself

Where are this generation's protest songs?

"Ted Lasso" for golf is "Stick"

Owen Wilson does his normal schtick

But it's the summer's feel-good show

If you just let yourself go

And forget how much our country is sick

Football's coming fast

The summer nearly passed

I can't get unhooked

But the 'Fins already seem cooked

Who will play cornerback at last?

A demented, racist coot

And a pedophile to boot

As he wandered around the roof

Hoped someone could make him go poof

And cut out the problem at its root

A dismal June and July

And August makes me want to cry

The Mets are choking something rare

And really don't seem to care

Where does rock bottom actually lie?

Last time ...

Day 1,945, Quasi-Quarantine: The Triangle Takes Center Stage In "A Really Strange And Wonderful Time"

 

“Vertical structures are about power, after all. Horizontal ones are about community.”

Meticulously researched, "A Really Strange and Wonderful Time" evokes a memorable creative era in Chapel Hill and the Triangle. Tom Maxwell -- part of the "scenius" himself -- relied on extensive interviews, a fabulous memory, and first-person accounts to bring this momentous time to life.

Chock full of tales of short-lived bands and collaborations and the steady presence of Cat's Cradle, Merge Records, and other community pillars, this book leans hard on nostalgia and what-ifs -- but a resounding lack of regret. Music is eternal, and Maxwell's account is a welcome reminder in a time of cultural upheaval.

“‘The artist-as-midwife idea is very simple and useful if you want to make art versus being an artist,’ John [Enisslin] said. ‘Every work is a compromise between intention and medium. The less important component is the intention. It is completely disposable at the point the material comes to life. Then, all the practice in the medium and the experience with intuition is there to help as you plop this thing into the world as smoothly as possible, whatever is it, itself. No artist should ask, ‘What am I trying to say here?’ That’s useless and profane. It’s not a code to be figured out. It’s a thing already. Get out of the way. It’s not about you.’”

Day 1, 814, Quasi-Quarantine: "Brothers" Explores The Bond Of Music In Emotional Tale With Sudden Ending

 

“We’re not a rock band. We’re a rock ‘n’ roll band. Alex is the rock. I’m the roll.”

A surprisingly poignant and emotional read, "Brothers" explores the indelible bond between Alex and Eddie Van Halen, the founders of the seminal, eponymic rock band. 

Alex writes about his family's emigration from Holland, the early days in America, and the constant toil to go from club band to one of the largest musical acts in the world.

“You remember how freeing it was to wake up in the back of that bus and find the sun rising over a new city? The slate is wiped clean and you’re reborn in every place – you’ve got a whole new shot at life! Sure, wherever you go, there you are, and so on, but for the audience it’s a whole new you. The gig in San Antonio wasn’t up to snuff? Nobody knows that in Albuquerque. It was like the day before had never happened.”

"Brothers" can get grandiose and relies heavily on other books and interviews. Somewhat disappointingly, the work also wraps quickly, essentially ending after David Lee Roth left the band and skipping over the final 35 years of Eddie's life. 

“Marriage is easy compared to keeping four grown men together through year after year of nonstop traveling, performing, promoting, and recording. Especially when one of them is your younger brother and another is an egomaniac!”

Still, "Brothers" works best as an examination of the meaning of brotherhood, family ... and grief.

“Paul McCartney said something else I like: ‘The Beatles were brothers arguing. That’s what families do.’

“I’ll see you again, Ed.

“And when I do, I’m going to kick your ass.

Love,

Al”

Day 1,487, Quasi-Quarantine: Today Requires An Uplifting Musical Experience

... And so we present an oddly moving rendition of Radiohead's "Creep," as performed by a pub choir.

"What the hell am I doin' here?" indeed.

Sing on.

Day 1,366, Quasi-Quarantine: Remembering Shane MacGowan In Such A Very Pogues-Like Way

We should all aspire to have our mourners dancing in the aisles at our funeral. One would have to imagine that Shane MacGowan of the Pogues would have it no other way.

Glen Hansard, Lisa O'Neill, and others sent MacGowan off in fine fashion, playing "Fairytale of New York" in a church in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland.

"I'm just following the Irish way of life: Cram as much pleasure as you can into life and rail against the pain that you have to suffer as a result -- and then wait for it to be taken away with beautiful pleasure."

Slainte in the memory of the Irish Rover ...

Limerick Friday #603: An Extreme South Korean Game Show Goes Reality -- Day 1,362

Dislike reality shows

With manufactured highs and lows

But some are intense

And dramatically dense

The legend of "Squid Game" grows

Half the State team in the portal

Makes me kinda chortle

Transfers abound

But studies have found

Not everyone can be immortal

He led the Pogues

And an army of rogues

Shane MacGowan has passed

A tortured genius and a blast

Singlehandledly made Celtic punk en vogue

Technology is hard

Maybe play another card

A shitty leadership move

That further does prove

Everyone needs to be on guard

A state of Dolphins zen

With win after win

Trying to stay steady

But I'm ready

To be hurt yet again

Last time ...

Day 1,352, Quasi-Quarantine: Cable Ties Storm Seattle With A Heart-Rending "Deep Breath Out"

I'm definitely not not obsessed with this song at the minute. Seeing Cable Ties play this in studio at KEXP made my day.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oy, oy, oy!

Day 1,278, Quasi-Quarantine: They Were The Cable Ties, And They Were Bloody Rippers

After the Cable Ties become a bit of a late-summer 2021 obsession for me, I was chuffed when I heard in March that a new album -- "All Her Plans" -- was being released this summer.

This album shows off range above and beyond their post-punk and garage-rock sound (their label, local Merge Records, characterizes it as adding nuance to their "urgency and fury"). Though the album generally is somewhat tamer than previous efforts like "Far Enough" and "Live At The Scrap Museum," there is plenty of frantic to go around for those so inclined.

My favorite song off the album, "Mum's Caravan," shows the surprising beauty and versatility of Jenny McKechnie's voice, as does "Deep Breath Out." "Thoughts Back" is an intriguing depiction of techno angst; "Silos" is a searing, semi-spoken-word evisceration of the state of health care; and "Change" and "Time for You" are classic Cable Ties bangers.

I got even more excited when I heard that this Aussie trio would be touring with Superchunk and potentially appearing at Hopscotch.

Which is how I found myself at Ruby Deluxe at noon on a sweltering September Friday, waiting to see one of my favorite bands perform a 30-minute set for free.

There were technical difficulties that led to a 20-minute delay, and the poor singer/guitarist had to duct-tape her own leads squatting in the horrific heat wearing biker shorts.

The band recovered quickly, powering through "Mum's Caravan," "Thoughts Back," and a couple of others before finishing with a raging cover of The Clean's "Point That Thing Somewhere Else," one of my favorites from that iconic New Zealand band.

The torrid finale left McKechnie bloody and battered, but she assured onlookers she was OK. I went back to the offices in a daze, still reeling from the intensity of what I just witnessed.

I've been told I don't do enough things for myself. Making the trek downtown with broken ribs to brave the midday heat and see an obscure Australian band at a gay bar was something I felt I needed to do.

And I couldn't be happier that I did. Thanks, Cable Ties.

Limerick Friday #593: Finally Seeing A Raging Aussie Trio Live -- Day 1,273

Hopscotch hit the town

So I had to make it down

To check out Cable Ties

And I'm tellin' no lies

When I say they had blood in their sound

Week 1 of the NFL

It's too early to tell

But hope springs eternal

Of faith, there's a kernel

Before your team's season goes to hell

Not to brag or boast

'Bout a week shittier than most

Entitlement and tears

Assumptions and fears

All salvaged by delivery of "The Ghost"

Welcome to a new season

On Thursday for some reason

Brennan ran wild

State was kinda mild

But of potential they were teasin'

One quick look

Was all it took

To swoon inside

And struggle to hide

My deep love for Sarah Snook

Last time ...

Day 1,249, Quasi-Quarantine: The Swell Season Spins Up The Glory Days In Durham

Returning on tour to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the incomparable "Once," The Swell Season erupted in the DPAC last night, turning in a truly stellar performance.

There were a number of highlights on the evening, including a new Glen Hansard tune called "Factory Street Bells," dedicated to his 10-month-old son, as well as a beautiful new song by Marketa Irglova.

I had seen The Swell Season in both 2008 and 2010, and I've seen Hansard solo a couple of times as well. He's the ultimate showman, and he puts on a phenomenal concert.

However, this performance was among the best I've seen, highlighted by "Low Rising" slowly morphing into a stellar "Into The Mystic."

The decidedly older crowd was reluctant to sing along or get too involved in the proceedings, but there seemed to be a deep appreciation for the show despite that. The Swell Season brought back tons of good memories, turning a run-of-the-mill Monday evening into an unforgettable experience.

Day 1,241, Quasi-Quarantine: Julien Baker Covers "Act Of Man"

One of my favorite musicians honoring another one of my favorite musicians? Why yes, I would like that.

I certainly wish Julien Baker and Scott Hutchison had had more opportunities to collaborate. But heartfelt covers will have to suffice.

More, please.

Day 1,235, Quasi-Quarantine: There Goes The Summer

As the dawning realization that today is the first day of August hits, I've gotta come to terms with the impending expiration date of summer. We've packed a lot in, but boy, does it go fast.

Hat tip to the Undertones, one of my low-key, under-the-radar favorite bands.

Day 1,185, Quasi-Quarantine: Ready Or Not, Here Comes The Summer

 

It's time to set the alarm clock slightly later and adjust to the absence of carpool, disgruntled children, and hectic morning routines. Even for just a few blissful months.

I'll take it. Thanks, Undertones.

Day 1,151, Quasi-Quarantine: Celebrating Scott Hutchison, Five Years On

Five years ago, Scott Hutchison took his own life. The musical genius behind Frightened Rabbit, Owl John, and Mastersystem had a highly publicized relationship with depression, and his transparency in that battle shone through all of his songs.

His brother and bandmate, Grant Hutchison, shared this Instagram post today, and he continues to shine a light on Scott and depression through is work with Tiny Changes.

Some lyrics from "400 Bones" stick with me today as I've seen them roll across the socials. Cheers to you, Scott.

“On absent days I will return to this place

And play a silent colour film within my head ...”

[Scott and Frightened Rabbit are often overlooked for their roles in the musical universe, so finding this loving tribute to him this morning on Boing Boing was moving.]

Day 1,130, Quasi-Quarantine: Capturing The Jazz-Hip Hop Legacy Of Tribe Called Quest

 

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the "The Low End Theory" (can that be right?!), Tribe Called Quest released a box set to celebrate one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made.

The collection is comprised of eight 7" 45s with custom sleeves, all housed in a fabric-wrapped singles carrying case. It's a unique way to experience "Verses from the Abstract," "Check the Rhime," "Scenario," and other classics.

Each record has a distinct color scheme, marked by galaxy, splatter, and other effects. This box set is a keeper, and among the finest ways possible to honor Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White.

Can you kick it?

Day 1,111, Quasi-Quarantine: Cable Ties Is Coming Back As Boisterous As Ever

This week brought the news that one of my favorite bands is returning with a new album produced by one of my favorite record companies.

Cable Ties are releasing "All Her Plans" on Merge Records on June 23, the third album from the aggressive Australian trio. If the already-released "Time for You" and "Perfect Client" are any indication, the garage punk band is back with as much angst as ever.

While I hold out hope that Cable Ties eventually make their way across the oceans for a tour spot in the Triangle, I'll bide my time accompanied by the latest from this incredible band.

Day 1,088, Quasi-Quarantine: Superchunk Released Just The Most Adorable Vinyl

 

Superchunk recently released a 7-inch vinyl that features two songs -- "Everything Hurts" and "Making a Break" -- that didn't make the cut on their "Wild Loneliness" album from last year.

The limited-edition 45-rpm record comes in cotton-candy pink, lending a springtime feeling to the spin. The jacket includes a picture of the New River in Virginia, where bassist Laura Ballance spends time, according to Merge Records.

The arrival of this vinyl yesterday, combined with the timely sentiment of the two song titles, was literally music to my ears.

Keep rockin', 'Chunk ... we need ya perhaps more than ever.

Day 1,087, Quasi-Quarantine: "Daisy Jones & The Six" Off To An Intriguing Start

Turning an interview-based into a TV show successfully perhaps relies more on casting than other types of productions. So when I heard that "Daisy Jones & The Six" was coming to Amazon as a show, I had my concerns.

As a fan of the book, early returns indicate that the show nails it with the casting of Riley Keough in the Daisy role. However, casting Sam Claflin as Billy Dunne has been a bit more of a stretch. While the Daisy character comes off rather effortlessly, Dunne presents as an actor portraying a rock star. Which is exactly the case.

At any rate, the first three episodes showed enough to make me want to see it through -- which is a win in the current age of television.

Limerick Friday #572: Another Year, Another Knee -- Day 1,042

A yearly rule

Pain that you can't fool

Another procedure for Mo

NC State is the place to go

Just name it the Vogie Vet School

Four in a row for the Pack

Even as injuries stack

Guard play carries the day

Keatts is here to stay

As he tries to bring State back

A gutsy effort on the road

Just to not implode

A chance for the 'Fins to win

We can get here again

Hoping this is part of a title road

Chased him like Princess Leia

But what can you say-a

As a Metsie,

We hardly knew ye

Farewell Carlos Correia

A dangerous habit

When you just gotta have it

Special editions

In rare conditions

Vinyls that have me saying, "Grab it!"

Last time ...