The Frames - Fitzcarraldo (1995)

Because ANOTHER LOVE SONG, The Frames’ first album, has traditionally been difficult to find, FITZCARRALDO has been the go-to document for the long-running Dublin band’s early sound. Actually, it’s not all that different from the punchy, emotional rock sound that would define them for over a decade following. Led by the passionate and fearless Glen Hansard, The Frames always remain listenable while liberally pouring out their every embarrassing emotion; the deft violin, cello, and keys that flesh out the songs help prevent too much confessional melodrama. Hansard is a belter, but his earnest vulnerability on songs like “Giving It All Away” draws an empathetic response anyway. “Revelate,” a statement of purpose as deeply felt as the best of U2’s early singles, would justifiably come to be a live fan favorite.