Antony and the Johnsons – I Am a Bird now

Antony and the Johnsons – I am a bird now : this album will be everywhere on the internet right now, so I guess I’m not breaking down any doors with talking about this – but despite winning the Mercury Prize, this is a really important album, almost unique in the current market. I think this is the second full length recording by this group, and its a haunting, troubled collection of torch songs. There are some great collaborations, Boy George, Rufus Wainwright and Lou Reed appear – and their voices meld well with the sometimes falsetto, sometimes jazzy voice of Antony. The lyrics are hard work – sometimes disturbing (“my lady story is on of annihilation) and sometimes beautiful and gentle (“you are my sister, and i love you, may all your dreams come true”). The whole album is compelling and transfixing – his voice and content are difficult, but everyone should hear this. A brilliant piece.