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Hot New Talent Alert: Antony & The Johnsons
Antony: Genderbender
Rufus Wainwright's upcoming new album will feature a duet with singer Antony on "Old Whore's Diet." The androgynous Antony is fronting Antony & The Johnson, a New York quartet that is rapidly gaining a steady amount of buzz among music aficionados and which has been dubbed an "utterly queer musical sensation."
Antony is greatly inspired by 1960's NYC and the artists from that period have embraced him. One of his collaborators and champions is Lou Reed who recently said in a press statement, "When I first heard "Cripple and the Starfish"‚ I knew I was in the presence of an angel. His amazing band contributes to one extraordinary experience of musical wit, depth and most of all beauteous heart. Antony is heir to the sublime Jimmy Scott."
Antony & The Johnsons forthcoming album "I Am A Bird Now" is due in February 2005 on Secretly Canadian Records. I listened to an advance of the record and was blown away by the delicate vocals and tender delivery of Antony that invoke memories of Al Green and Tracey Chapman.
The singer gets help from friends Boy George and Wainwright who sings lead vocals on the track "What Can I Do."
Combining melancholic songwriting intelligence with inimitable vocals, Antony is an arresting talent who is poised to be one of the most noteworthy acts of 2005.
Check out Antony & The Johnsons' web site that features MP3's from previous recordings.
November 10, 2004 in Music News | Permalink
Comments
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Just purchased Antony & the Johnsons' first full length cd mere weeks ago and was utterly blown away. Inspired, as well. Unlike anything being done out there currently. Caberet, vaudeville, Velvet Underground...everything that's good and lovely.
Challenging and rewarding art!
c.
Posted by: Craig at Nov 10, 2004 8:26:01 PM
Thanks for pointing us towards an artist outside of the mainstream.
Posted by: N at Nov 11, 2004 11:51:22 AM
I love Antony & The Johnson's; but I don't think are really "new" on the scene.
I first discovered their music 3 years ago when I bought the CD single "I Fell in Love With a Dead Boy" at Other Music in NY. (I have to admit, mostly because of the oddly creative cover artwork) But I ended up LOVING the song, bought more of their work, and have seen them perform live.
Be sure to check out the "Dead Boy" song!!
Posted by: Craig in LA at Nov 19, 2004 4:47:00 AM
Antony is not new in the scene, that's for sure. He's not on the regular stream in what music is concerned but his talent has been there for a few years already.But has they say, it's better later then never...
Posted by: miss sardine at Apr 30, 2005 9:51:38 AM
