"the swell season" was originally the name of glen hansard (vocals, guitar) and markéta irglová's (vocals, piano) first album released in 2006.  however, they have become commonly known and now refer to themselves as the swell season.  the name comes from humanist josef škvorecký's 1975 novel titled the swell season; glen's favorite novel.

the initial success of the one-time romantically linked couple (they split in 2009) came after starring together in the 2007 irish film once, in which glen played a dublin street performer, to markéta's immigrant street vendor.  the film was shown at sundance in 2007 where it won the world cinema audience award.  incidentally, once was written and directed by john carney, former bass player in glen's old band, the frames.  it's a beautiful film, you should check it out.

they mocked their once roles in the 2009 simpsons episode "in the name of the grandfather."  it's a funny episode, you should check it out.

in february 2008 the once soundtrack went gold; the band ultimately won an academy award for "best original song" and was nominated for "best song written for motion picture" grammy.  after that, the duo's shows began to sell-out and their momentum began to increase at a rapid pace.

a bit of sad trivia: glen sang "amazing grace" at eunice kennedy shriver's 2009 funeral.

their latest lp, strict joy surfaced october 27, 2009.