Antony and the Johnsons. What's that about?

[gauchecritic]

Why do I love his voice? His phrasing and lyrics are quite avant-guard but he recently won some award or other here in Britland (best newcomer?)

I'm just listening to a couple of his songs (over and over) with lyrics about dying and wanting to be a woman (two seperate songs)

Hope there's someone

Hope there's someone who'll take care of me
when I die will I go
hope there's someone who'll set my heart free
nice to hold when I'm tired

There's a ghost on the horizon
each night when I go to bed
how can I go to sleep at night
how can I rest my head


For today I am a boy

One day I'll grow up and be a beautiful woman
one day I'll grow up and be a beautiful girl
repeat
For today I am a child
for today I am a boy
repeat


I've always loved songs packed with lyrics (The Jam spring to mind) but ever since I started buying records (Lee Marvin - Wanderin' Star) I've always been attracted to unusual singing voices rather than the songs.
Examples:

Marc Bolan, Feargal Sharkey (Undertones), Rod Stewart, Roger Chapman, Minnie Riperton, Paul Robeson.

These days it seems strong unusual vocals are very few and far between and then along comes Antony and the Johnsons and I love 'em.

Why is that? Is my taste so unusual that promoters know they can't be popular or are they simply few and far between? Is it an age thing?

 

[Guest]

im thinking its an age thing.
without being older i believe its harder to appreciate the 'different' voices. I dont know many youngsters who enjoy Sachmo.

 

[Guest]

I dont know many youngsters who enjoy Sachmo.

My 14 year old niece has been a fan for years, but then she is thoroughly eclectic in her musical tastes (she is studying the cello and drums).

I shall tell her about this Antony group as Gaucho once recommended a Brit band I took to immediately (so much that I ended up buying their entire repertoire).

In response, Gauchie, given your last birthday you should always presume it's an age thing.

Perdita