My review of The Frames’ Fitzcarraldo may be 31 years behind its release, but I couldn’t bring myself to review any other artist this week in light of singer Glen Hansard’s tragic death on July 29th at the all-too-young age of 56. As a long-time fan, I’ve been unable to listen to anything but his music, and I’ve found myself particularly drawn to this record, his band’s breakout release in our mutual home country of Ireland.
Fitzcarraldo is the sound of a band on fire. The Frames had been dropped by Island Records after their first album 
Another Love Song, and had to beg, borrow & steal the funds to get this second record made (in the end, Fitzcarraldo was funded by legendary Irish venue Whelans, who in an unprecedented move fronted the band their record budget in exchange for a series of shows in the venue). The Frames knew they had to come back swinging on their second release, which they did in unbelievable fashion.
Every member of the band shines on this record, whether it’s the ferocious, reggae-tinted groove of rhythm section Binzer Brennan and Graham Downey (on drums and bass respectively), the wild and creative lead guitar playing of Dave Odlum, the beautiful, impeccably well placed backing vocals of Noreen O’Donnell, the stunning violin work of Colm Mac Con Iomaire (which always gave the band a unique twist) and, of course, the mighty rhythm guitar and ever-passionate vocals from leader Glen Hansard.
The playing is all wonderful here, but none of that would make a difference without great songs, so to have Hansard’s mighty penmanship on display here is what really makes this album shine. “Revalate,” “Angel At My Table,” “Fitzcarraldo,” “Red Chord,” “Your Face”….each and every one is a timeless classic. The songwriting is beyond incredible here, comparable more to the likes of Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen than any bog-standard indie band of their era. Glen Hansard’s writing was always the secret weapon in The Frames, bringing these unbelievably constructed songs into the fold before letting the band tear them apart and make them their own.
In the wake of Glen Hansard’s untimely passing last week, this album feels extra poignant and special. How lucky were we to have a songwriter and a band as great as this in our lives? Fitzcarraldo is a wonderful example of how magnificent this man’s talents were.