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Strict Joy is a joy from start to finish, as few bands manage to mix intimacy and sweeping songcraft with such finesse.
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Producer Peter Katis (who has worked with The National and Interpol) ornaments the duo’s foundation--Hansard’s battered acoustic guitar, Irglova’s piano, co-ed harmonies--with nuanced orchestration and a spacious mix that flatters the singers’ interplay.
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Strict Joy maintains the relatability and sincerity that made the soundtrack to "Once" so compellin
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Heartache swells from these swooning folk-pop tunes, but the presence of both of the relationship's combatants ensures that they never drown in it.
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Alternative PressThe emotional tension between his folksier-Damien Rice brogue and her crystal-clear lilt, especially on 'The Verb,' keeps the listener enamoured, even if the singers no longer are. [Dec 2009, p.117]
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When Hansard and Irglova keep the arrangements simple, it’s easier to hear who they are.
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Occasionally, all that lamenting gets nap-inducing. Luckily, Hansard saves some rage for 'Feeling the Pull,' which suggests the best love songs come from those who don't believe in them anymore.
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On Strict Joy, the duo deliver with their most dynamic set yet, with hot Irish soul segueing into energetic folk rock and dream-pop-touched balladry.
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These songs aren’t breaking any new ground, but they’re well written and enjoyable, and the background makes them sort of fascinating, too.
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The tracks don't sound forced or awkward as they follow well-trod lyrical roads littered with wounded "you"s and "I"s, they sound honest, and an honest love song as always is hard to resist.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 16 out of 20
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Mixed: 0 out of 20
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Negative: 4 out of 20
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SherriM.Oct 28, 2009I think this CD has some gems: Feeling the Pull, High Horses, Paper Cup, Two Tongues, Love that Conquers. Brilliant song writing and singing.
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May 24, 2012
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Oct 23, 2011