Set List

Burn the Maps On their first studio album in nearly four years, the Frames have opted for a fuller, more adventurous sound than on 2001's Steve Albini-produced For the Birds, although this placid, smoky-bar ambiance owes more to 'Birds than to 1999's Dance The Devil. From the opening acoustic ...	For the Birds Few albums are rich enough with a sense of place that they transport you to a different landscape. Engineered by famed producer Steve Albini, the Frames' fourth full-length release, For the Birds, is such an album. But instead of dropping you in Ireland, the band's home, or in an...	The Roads Outgrown	Fitzcarraldo	The Cost You're three tracks into The Cost before you find a song, "The Rise," that opens with anything but singer Glen Hansard's voice as the first thing you hear. The beauty is, you're waiting for the voice, with its hints of Cat Stevens's tonality and its utterly distinct Irish lift. I...
Dance the Devil	The Swell Season Frames front man Hansard has teamed up with classically trained Czech vocalist and pianist, Irglova to produce this album of affecting songs and compositions. From straight songs to piano instrumentals, "The Swell Season" affords an insight into a whole other side of Glen/The Fra...	Fitzcarraldo	The Frames: Behind the Glass	Once Collector's Edition CD/DVD Includes 2 extra tracks and DVD featuring "The Real Life End - A Story on the Making of ONCE" and live performances by the film stars Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

Spirited Irish rock without all the proselytising
In all honesty, this is the only way in which one can be introduced appropriately to The Frames. Their live performances add an extra dimension to music that, in the studio versions, at times fails to represent the true spirit and character of the band (and particularly of Glen Hansard, their lead singer). That being said, of course, the studio albums are somewhat more understated and exquisite, and I would recommend them regardless. However, live is where The Frames really hit their stride. The sheer energy and exuberance of their performances are a thing to be reckoned with, and having seen them live I can truly say that it was one of the most enjoyable live music experiences of my life. Their wonderfully passionate Irish enthusiasm (and I hate to say that, as it is such a tired cliche for Irish groups, but this really is the case) pervades each and every song, from the rollicking opening of 'Revelate' to the increasingly anthemic 'Lay Me Down' and the oddly comforting closer, 'The Blood.' And it is on songs such as 'Fitzcarraldo' and 'Your Face' that the impact of this live element is most evident. Understated as studio recordings, here they are imbued with such glorious passion and spirit that they are entirely new songs (and my favourites on this record, simply for their complete trnsformation). 'Set List' is one of the few live albums I know of that is equally as enjoyable to listen to as a whole set or as standalone songs. If you appreciate music with true heart and spirit, if you like Irish music, or if you are merely looking for a rock band with an element of real character, pick up 'Set List.' For me it confirms The Frames as Ireland's best band, by a mile. Better than U2 in my books - all of the spirit without the posturing and proselytising of Bono. Glen Hansard is an outstanding frontman, and thankfully through his role in 'Once' more and more people are being engaged by his thoroughly charming personality, a personality that is clearly reflected in this album. 5 stars.

Very little risk....
This is the first review I've ever been compelled to write. An Irish friend suggested The Frames to me based on my taste in music. I bought "Set List" on a whim, having only heard the song Fitzcarraldo. Sometimes live albums are best appreciated with prior knowlege of the music, but this album is so verstitle and impactful that I will waste no time aquiring the rest of their albums. Very charismatic with a huge style range. The lead singer is clearly a wonderful storyteller, both with lyrics and onstage. I haven't taken the CD out of the player since it when in, and have told everyone I know about it. I feel ill-prepared to rate the songs, or even discuss the styles, as I am very new to them. Still, its important for me to share my newfound musical love, in case there is a newbie weighing whether or not they should take a risk. DO IT!

The best music
I saw The Frames at Irving Plaza in NYC in the Fall of 2005 and still get chills thinking about it. It was the best show I've been to in a long time. Anything by The Frames is worth a listen especially a live album. This cd is great!

One of the best bands out there
Having spent almost a year in Ireland, I had heard of the Frames a bit, and a friend of mine made me a copy of Set List. I immediately fell in love with them. I also had the pleasure of seeing them at Oxegen, and in Boston. So I have seen them in their home country, and in mine. They put on a great show no matter where they are, and this album really shows their abilities off. Their sound is very together, and you can feel every word that Glen sings. The violin really makes their sound combined with Glen's voice. They do have a unique sound, but it is one worth listening to. I prefer their live sound to their recorded sound, it's more real and heartfelt. If you ever have the opportunity to see them, I highly reccomend them. And if not, Set List is a decent substitute.

What a pity!!!
It blows my mind everyday that this band hasn't blown up the American charts yet. I blame it on their promoters. I lived in Ireland in 2002, and the best experience I took from that country other than my wife, is THE FRAMES. This band is the most amazing band to have ever set foot on stage. They are even more amazing in concert. Glenn Hansard has the most amazing stage presence ever seen, and can tell a story in which the whole crowd is completely captivated. I try to burn as many cd's for friends that I can so they can get some airplay over here in the states, and everyone that has heard them says the same thing. This is the best undiscovered band in the history of music. I can't wait for them blow up the charts over here. So set your calanders for Feb. 8th for their new release "Burn The Maps". Oh by the way I already had my copy sent over, and this cd will blow your f&^%$#ing minds. No joke.