Swell Season: "Into the Mystic"

Singer-songwriters Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová stepped into the spotlight after starring together in the 2006 indie musical Once, for which they took home an Oscar for "Falling Slowly." Together they make up the band The Swell Season. Hansard has also fronted Irish rock band The Frames for more than 20 years.

I didn't know any of that when I found this video, which is a cover of Van Morrison's 1970 classic "Into the Mystic." (A cover of this song is also on the Once soundtrack.) It's the harmonies that sold me, as well as the willingness to bend the long notes in the chorus. In less capable hands that could have been disastrous, but listening to Hansard and Irglová I just want to throw up my feet, sip a glass of wine and sink into the music.

Fun fact: If you get surgery in Britain, your doctor may serenade your anesthetized self with this song, along with Vivaldi and The Police -- at least according to the BBC. Enjoy.

"Into the Mystic," performed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.
Original by Van Morrison, off the album "Moondance" (1970).