"9 Crimes" - Damien Rice

I have been a Damien Rice fan for 7 years now (fuck that makes me feel old!). Back then I worked at a record store, where an Irish couple introduced me to his first album "O", which is still to this day one of my top 5 favorite albums of all time. If I aspire to sound like any musician it is Damien Rice, because of the music on "O".  "9 Crimes" is not on "O" however.  This track is the opening song from "9", Rice's second and final release.
When this album first came out 4 years ago I was addicted to this song. I'd put it on every chance I could, and listen to it over and over again.  The piano still to this day gives me goose bumps right from the beginning.  The vocals are exemplary pieces of harmonization, and provide a solid argument for my belief that Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan sing the best harmonies in the business. Lisa's voice is chilling, cold and meloncholy, yet as strikingly beautiful as her appearance, while Damien's voice is unpolished, troubled and haunting.  The use of strings and a single bass drum help lead the song into an unforgettable climax, where the chilling melody meets the haunting music for a bone chilling experience that could break the heart of any listener.
Following the release of "9", I was fortunate enough to see Damien live at the Boston Opera House. I took my wife (girlfriend then) because I had introduced her to the amazing talents of this man. Before the tour, it turned out, Lisa had left the band leaving Damien to sing on his own.  Initially I was disappointed but the show ended up being amazing anyway. Lisa's harmony adds such depth to Damien's music, but his talent is so strong that he could survive without her. The shitty thing is that since her departure four years ago there hasn't been any new material from Damien Rice, or another world tour. I hope things will change soon!