I am totally not musically gifted.  I can’t read music all that well, nor can I play an instrument, and legit cannot carry a tune to save my life. So, despite the absolute sadness that I have zero musical talent, I do think that I have an excellent ear for great music. (Wow – that sounded a little humble-braggish, right?)

I love posting screenshots of great songs on Instagram. I guess it’s my way of letting my friends know to check out this song/artist.  I think some people probably think that’s lame, but I LOVE sharing songs that speak to me.  In fact, last week, I posted this because the song just hit me in the feels and I love it.

 

So, I got to thinking about this love for posting songs on Instagram and thought I would start a little project of actually posting songs and going into more detail about the song, the artist, and my personal love/connection to said song.

Winning Streak by Glen Hansard; Album – Didn’t He Ramble, September 2015

I’ve loved Glen Hansard since watching the movie Once (2007) and I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for his awesome talent and voice.  Also, his work with The Swell Season has been used in the tv show Parenthood (which is just fantastic – and he even guest-starred in an episode).

This song is pretty catchy by GH standards.  The ultimate message of the song is wishing someone’s winning streak to continue, but I think it can be inferred to just also be a song of well wishes for someone.  It’s positive and uplifting, which isn’t always the GH sound.

If I had to describe Glen Hansard’s music, I would say “it’s not for everyone.” It’s often intense and not really for mindless listening.  I usually reserve my GH time for when I can sit down on the couch and just close my eyes while I listen to it.  His lyrics are poetic and his melodies can often be slow and full of great symphonic sound.  If you’re into genres such as pop and pop-country, Glen isn’t your man.  He’s singer/songwriter at it’s most intense and finest.  I would think folks who like the outlaw country brand could potentially like Hansard if they could get past him absolutely NOT being country.  I say that because outlaw country is emotional and raw, which I definitely attribute to GH.  However, the title track to this album, Didn’t He Ramble, has a bluesy vibe despite being up-tempo. So, really, my man Glen is all over the board in terms of musical sound, but he is not for the “I only listen to top 40 radio” person.

I had the most amazing opportunity to see him live last month.  He is a phenomenal performer who gives it his absolute all.  He has some interesting moves and intense head bobbing while playing his guitar, but make no mistake that he is an electric performer who will capture your full attention.  I suggest you check him out via Spotify or Pandora (both with The Frames and The Swell Season, and as a solo artist) and see if he strikes your fancy.

I’ll leave you with my favorite set of lyrics from this wonderful song:

“So, roll the dice, boy
‘Cause my money’s on you
Take my advice now and put your money down too
Because there’s something in the eye you can’t pretend
And may your winning streak
May it never end”