Customer Reviews

Set List

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

I first heard the Frames earlier this year when they were on tour with Damien Rice. I got to the venue early, and it changed my life. The Frames are terrific live--so good, in fact, that after a few songs, I didn't care if Damien Rice ever came on the stage--I could have liistened to the opening band all night long and left happy. "Set List" is the next best thing to being there, and this comes from a person (me) who doesn't usually like live albums. This one, however, is different; the album really captures the energy of the music in a way that most studio recordings simply can't. But, as it includes songs from all of the band's previous 5 albums, don't be surprised if you end up craving the other albums as well. How The Frames have managed to slip through the cracks of the American music scene is simply one of life's great mysteries.

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.

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!

I just got back from a trip to Ireland and had picked this up in a record store. I'd heard of the band (big fan of "The Commitments" and any good bio of the cast lists Glen Hansard's formation of the Frames). I had no clue how good this cd was going to be! I have listened to it non-stop, a feat previously only held by Damien Rice. Absolutely amazing - one of the best live discs I've heard, you can hear the smiles on faces of the musicians, particularly in the vocals. Going to to buy another Frames cd right now, in fact...

I heard Pavement Tune on KEXP and was immediatly impressed. "God Bless Mom" is my hands down favorite, but the entire albumn is great. I lucked out and got to see them open up for Damien Rice at the Moore theater. I don't think a great portion of the audience was there to see the Frames, so it was awesome watching them completely win over the crowd. This isn't one of those CD's that takes a few listenings to - You will love it right off. They just started a tour, and I dare say that they put on one of the best live performances I have seen. Please see them if you have the chance. A side note - I find some of their other albumns to be pretty subdued - If you have heard of their devoted following in Ireland it probably has a lot to do with the emotionalism of their shows. It carries over onto this Live CD perfectly.

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.

Harmonious Irish pop-rock hot on the tail of U2, focusing heavily on the electric-acoustic guitars, with sensitive yet recoilingly angry vocal tracks. "Set List's" lyrics speak of oppression and broken hearts, tugging at the listeners heartstrings and giving a shot out to mum. When you hear the crowd shout every word of every chorus back to the band in "Set List", you will have an idea of how well they are appreciated at home. The intimate setting in which the band speaks with the audience between songs and the additions of female vocalists and violins puts The Frames in an interesting situation. They draw from the techniques of their predecessors; Springsteen & Dylan speak through the frames, but more blatant influences of traditional Irish folk ballads and harmonies underline their already bold Rock & Roll. The band is currently on an international tour supporting "Set List", and will travel to China in May as part of a cultural exchange program.

I got introduced to The Frames after seeing the movie "Once." I absolutely loved the movie and the soundtrack. The actual band in the movie was The Swell Season which was formerly The Frames where they replaced one member with Marketa Irglova (the lady singer/piano player in the movie). Both bands are great; however, my favorite is The Frames. These guys are absolutely magical and electrifyingly musical, and lyrical. They rock! My two favorite albums of The Frames that you must buy whether you are a fan or not are The Set List and the Fitscarraldo. If you are a music lover, you will absolutely love the Set List and Fitscarraldo by The Frames. Do the right thing and help these great musicians out by spreading the word. Although now they are becoming very well known and famous, they are very humble and they show true appreciation of their listeners and fans. They do great music and they deserve your recognition.

This is my third cd of the Frames which I have bought, and it is quite obvious that this is a band who should be seen live. This recording captures an ecstatic audience and a band that is just feeding off them to give an outstanding performance. That performance is captured brilliantly in this recording, which must rank as one of the best live rock concert recordings of recent years.g