My Albums Of The Decade: Honorable Mentions

#14. Once: Music From The Motion Picture (2007)

Emily Platt practically dragged John and I to see this movie, and we’re both still glad that she did. I saw it as I was moving away from radio influences, and the natural musical about two musicians and their interactions resonated with me deeply. The film did not hide from desire, but examined it in the light of true love and commitment, and this was so attractive after my year or so of the radio and its increasingly distasteful lust. Glen Hansard’s earnestness and Marketa Irglova’s vulnerability combine to form a sound that is, quite simply, beautiful, and anyone who appreciates the inescapably woven threads of life, love, and music simply must see the film.

Why It’s Not Top 10: While I enjoy the entire album, there aren’t a lot of strong tracks beyond the first half, and, removed from the emotion of the film, they amount to little more than Hansard strumming fiercely and belting loudly. Still has a place in my heart, though.

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