Pavement Tune	ZTT
	26 May 1999
Revelino, The Harvest Ministers, The Frames. We should be taking better care of these national treasures. As a result, it's good to see The Frames back in form. Even though Glen Hansard is one of those songwriters who should be given free reign, the influence of Trevor Horn and his quicksilver pop sensibility adds another dimension to The Frames's sound. It is very direct here. Mr Hansard wants more meaning in his life, he sings, and an end to all the wasting of time. A good philosophy, vividly apparent in 'Pavement Tune'.

	Rent Day Blues E.P.	Plateau
	10 November 1999
Recently the Frames released the new single from this years, 'Dance the Devil...' Long Player. It's coming at us now fast and furious after a stagnant three years of not gigging (in Cork anyway), but its obvious that the time has been well spent by the band honing it's talents. The title track 'Rent Day Blues' is an almost electro country tune. It brings together fine acoustic and electric guitar, catchy beats, country blues harmonica and inspired lyrics, all under the banner of Glen Hansard's, sometimes ghostly hollow, sometimes warmed and pained vocals. 'Taking the Hard Way Out' seems to sum up the bands commitment to honesty and honour to themselves - early this year the band released the 'I am the magic hand EP' on their own label. It contained beat driven synthesized versions of songs that later appeared on the album - an essential listen for frame fans. Also included in here is a demo version of the album opener, 'Perfect Opening Line', which genuinely makes me question why they had to re-record it for the album. Back in 1996, the Frames were the best Irish band. While in 1999 this certainty is not reflected in the Hot Press Awards (what do journo's know anyhow?), there's no doubt in my mind that Glen Hansard is on a par with Will Oldham when it comes to lo-fi innovations in country folk rock.

	Lay Me Down	Plateau
	2001
Lay me Down makes its mark as the first single to be taken from For the Birds, the Frames' now gold-status album, and offers us a fine cut of new-country blended folksiness. Representative of For the Birds, it basks in it's melancholy edged wilderness, yet still envelops the listener's soul with its intimate, warm and ultimately uplifting message. With a dance-ability factor of 200%, there isn't a soul left still when the Frames launch into this much-loved live staple. Two equally beguiling tracks keep Lay me Down company, with Rise out-shadowing Tomorrow's too Long slightly with its eerie isolated charm. It's one of those magical Frames moments that sounds like Glen is singing in the same room as you- his voice tenderly dominating the beautifully subtle guitar. A classic Frames moment that's worthy of a tag superior to b-side and it could have easily been at home on For The Birds. Possibly the best moment though is a non-musical entity; a video from last year's groundbreaking and heartbreakingly great Brittness. If ever anyone doubted that this is a band who love their fans, and who are deeply loved in return, this beautifully shot performance of Plateau will make up your mind. Now everyone can witness/witnness one of the best live bands in the world. See you down the front….

	Headlong	Plateau
	2002
This release is centred around one of the highlights from The Frames' album For The Birds. While on the album version it is very much characterised by a long tense holding-back and subsequent release, these elements are missing on the EP version which shows a much more subtle and quietly crafted slice of folk rock. Initially, the frenetic energy of the original version seems to be missing, but after a few listens it develops a life all of its own and takes flight after about 3 minutes when Glen's voice delicately soars. Backed by Frames favourite God Bless Mom, the version here is poles apart from its Dance the Devil counterpart, instead paying more homage to the truly outstanding I am the Magic Hand leading track, while the live version is added into the mix. A kind of hybrid of all three prevails to create something really special. The band's take on Palace's New Partner previously received an outing on a split 7" with Calexico, and bass player Joe Doyle takes a turn on lead vocals for the second verse. Closing track Listen Girl, a cover of the Mic Christopher song, almost shines brightest however with Glen's beautifully moving vocals lending voice to a wealth of emotions. Backed up by Maureen Christopher, Alice Jago and Ann Scott, you can almost hear Mic's spirit singing along in the background.