Hugely popular in their homeland of Ireland, the Frames top the charts and play to 30,000 people in Dublin. The aptly-titled live album is their fifth and the one they're hoping will connect in America. The quintet's sound draws upon such acts as the Clash (with whom they share a love of the anthemic) and the Pixies (with whom they share a quest for more oblique explorations), as well as on native traditions (albeit updated with a big wallop and galloping propulsion). Recorded before an enthusiastic audience, the band is clearly spurred on by the adoration, as well as a sense of community. The songs often feel like they're giving voice to their countrymen, celebrating a shared sense of justice, outrage, home, faith, and hope. One of the secrets to the band's dazzling and incendiary sound is the mix of full throttle guitar and soaring violin. Lead singer Glen Hansard builds heartfelt ruminations into his between song patter, and leads the band down many surprise avenues, with bits of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" and Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" appearing out of their own numbers. --David Greenberger
