Crucial Hansard
In the second edition of Crucial Playlists, we focus on Glen Hansard: frontman of The Frames, part of the duo Swell Season, as well as prolific solo artist over his 36 years in music.
Glen Hansard was an Irish singer-songwriter and actor, best known for his music with the indie rock band The Frames and folk duo Swell Season. He was also a prolific solo artist over his 36 years in music. Hansard won both a Grammy and an Academy Award for his work on the romantic musical drama film, Once. Hansard passed away on July 29, 2026 after being critically injured in a motorcycle accident.
My introduction to Hansard was through the band The Frames, specifically their 2001 album, For the Birds, which is why I decided to start the mixtape with my favorite track off that album. I also particularly loved their 2004 album, Burn the Maps and 2006âs The Cost. I wasnât as into folk as I am today, so I didnât immediately fall in love with his work through Swell Season, which I didnât revisit until the last few years. Needless to say, itâs good.
Trigger Warning: Hansardâs emotional storytelling is his calling card, so I fully understand listening to this mixtape in the context of his recent death is going to be hard for some. For me, I just couldnât let time pass without my own tribute to his music and life. Rest in Peace, Glen.
Mixtape Tracks
- âLay Me Downâ - The Frames, off For the Birds
- âFakeâ - The Frames, off Burn the Maps
- âSeven Day Mileâ - The Frames, off Dance the Devil
- âFalling Slowlyâ - The Swell Season, off their self-titled album
- âLow Risingâ - The Swell Season, off Strict Joy
- âThereâs No Mountainâ - Glen Hansard, off All That Was East Is West of Me Now
- âRevelateâ - The Frames, off Fitzcarraldo
- âFactory Street Bellsâ - The Swell Season, off _Forward
- âHigh Hopeâ - Glen Hansard, off Rhythm and Repose
- âSong For Someoneâ - The Frames, off The Cost