I have been known to spend hours on YouTube watching Damien Rice perform live at various locations. Add too much caffeine to the mix and you will find a thirty something woman hugging her computer monitor while crying like a baby. Years ago, when the scruffy, little Irish man came out with his song "The Blower's Daughter" I became obsessed with his voice/lyrics/music/him. If he ever plays a concert in the states again, you can bet I'll be there.
Enter new scruffy, little Irish man that moves me to tears: Glen Hansard from The Swell Season. The first time I heard the song Low Rising on the radio I became an instant fan. I should mention the other member of the group, pianist Markéta Irglová. She is to Glen what Lisa Hannigan is to Damien Rice. Her voice not only compliments his, but tangles with it perfectly, producing something so moving, I am blown away when I watch their live performances on YouTube. You can feel the passion and energy that Glen Hansard exudes and the raw lyrics add to the many reasons why I adore them.
Love this performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFDfJsNY_2E