I missed all the Queen of Denmark (debut album) hype and only became aware of John Grant after hearing the album’s namesake track, “Pale Green Ghosts,” on the radio.
I quickly posted a link to the song on FB in my excitement. It sounds like Depeche Mode’s “In Your Room”!!! Which is one of my all time favourite songs EVER.
Months later, two more radio singles released, I have finally got around to listening to the whole of this, his 2nd album. And I can’t stop listening to it. The initial appeal was the lush Depeche Mode textures and sounds, probably aided by album being produced and the programming done In Iceland by a member of electronic act, Gus Gus. Gus Gus have notably mixed and remixed DM in the past as well as covered their song “Monument” for a tribute album. The sounds are great. And in my head I can hear the influence of the stark Icelandic landscapes, probably enhanced by the final track even being called Glacier.
Falling in love with this album has made me read a bit about John Grant to see where he’s come from – the stream of consciousness lyrics do give a lot away anyway (okay, so he’s gay and has gone through nasty breakups, depression, etc.) but reading about him having been recently diagnosed as HIV+ brought other songs more to life (namely, “What Would Ernest Borgnine Do” where he talks about his illness). It’s not all gloom and doom though – there is some genuinely funny stuff on this album. I’m especially amused by GMF (Greatest Mother Fucker), the ultimate narcissistic anthem.
He’s an unusual character. And it’s compelling.
And did I mention Sinead O’Connor sings backing on some songs?!!
There’s this one song, “Why Don’t You Love Me Anymore” which breaks my heart.
It was hearing this song that converted me from liking this album to loving it.
Her backing harmonies, wailing the title, somehow rips through me.
Buy it. On vinyl. And treasure it for the oddly beautiful, exposed and awkward album that it is.
Lazy Music Reviews 