« Hot Hot Heat & Louis XIV | Main | Colin Meloy Stuff »

Posted in music on January 29, 2005

Antony & The Johnsons | I am a Bird Now

The new Antony & The Johnsons album, I am a Bird Now, will be officially released Tuesday February 1st.

Insound printed this excellent synopsis...

'There is a myth that great artists operate in seclusion. Hogwash. One need look no further than to the ten songs of Antony and the Johnsons' new album, I Am A Bird Now, to realize this is an utter fallacy. To be sure, with his androgynous features, the singularly named Antony is an original. Have you ever heard a voice like this, imbued with the transcendental emotion of the blues, yet deployed with an unadorned simplicity reminiscent of medieval music practice, and graced with a top note of childlike wonder? Or songs that blur distinctions of gender and identity, yet which still summon up such powerful feelings: longing, love, lust, loss? No. Because Antony is one-of-a-kind. But he is certainly not alone. We are proud to present you with a record filled with one of the most gifted voices heard in a long time. Antony's vocals are almost inhuman, coming together to compile a creature that's as beautiful and enigmatic as the Peter Hujar photo, Candy Darling on Her Deathbed, that graces its cover. The lead-off single to I Am A Bird Now, "Fistful of Love" is perhaps Antony & the Johnsons' finest work to date. It features a scorching horn section and subcultural icon Lou Reed on vocals and searing lead guitar. In the tradition of subversive soul classics The Crystals' "He Hit me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)" and Millie Jackson's "Hurts So Good," Antony sings this ode to getting the shit kicked out of you and learning to love every minute of it. The complex emotional undertow of this track reaches a cathartic roar by the song's finale. Antony shifts from a tremble to a wail - a tempest of emotion. I Am A Bird Now also includes contributions from friends Boy George (duet with Antony on "You Are My Sister"), Devendra Banhart (vocals on "Spiralling"), and Rufus Wainright (lead vocals on "What Can I Do").'

Order now from Insound.

Stylus gives it an A- (nobody's perfect)

Buked & Scorned is a believer.

Watch animated videos for The Lake and Mysteries of Love (neither of which are on the new album)

Last Train To Cool, calls him Lou Reed's favorite transvestite.

Slate (MSN) links to two streaming songs and puts Antony in the "Class of 2005," along with M.I.A., Brazilian Girls, and Annie.

This CD makes me cry.

Previously

Stream Golden Apples of the Sun

The NY Times reviewed the Antony & The Johnsons show at Joe's Pub

Antony & The Johnsons @ Joe's Pub, NYC | Pics

Antony & The Johnsons

Recent Related Entries

• Gavin Friday & friends (U2, Courtney Love, Lady Gaga, Antony, Lou Reed, Rufus Waniwright, and many, many more) played Carnegie Hall (videos & stuff)
• tickets still available for Bono Antony Courtney Love Scarlett Johannsson Lydia Lunch Rufus Wainwright show
• Hope Sandoval, Cribs, Dirty Projectors, Royskopp, Nada Surf, Black Francis, Dinosaur Jr, Neko Case & other tickets
• What's going on Monday?
• Hercules & Love Affair (w/ Mark Pistel, but not Nomi) played Gramercy Theatre & Music Hall of Williamsburg (pics)
• Hercules & Love Affair (Andy Butler+Kim-Ann+?) - 2 NYC shows (tix), Lollapalooza, Electric Zoo (and Firecracker)
• Coachella starts - stream it online, check out the schedule ++ Antony to perform w/ Matthew Herbert
• Marianne Faithfull - new covers album full of special guests, City Winery pics & Letterman (Decemberists) video
• What's going on Monday? (snow!)
• Antony & the Johnsons @ Town Hall (night 1), NYC - pics

Posted on January 29, 2005 1:39 PM

« Hot Hot Heat & Louis XIV | Main | Colin Meloy Stuff »