Antony Hegarty, released the critically acclaimed debut album I Am A Bird Now, which had not only been nominated for, but won the Mercury Music Prize Award and a cheque for £20,000. Hegarty beat off competition from bands such as Bloc Party, Coldplay, The Go team, Hard-Fi, Kaiser Chiefs (the bookies favourites), The Magic Numbers and Maximo Park.
The whole album revolves around the piano, which Hegarty plays so elegantly. His touch and control on the keys are smooth, genteel, and almost ghost like. The resulting sound is so soft and tranquil on the ear, though the most noticeable factor from every song is Hegarty's voice. The tones and dynamics hits so many highs and lows, the shaking and quaking levels makes it one the most unique voices in modern day music. Simon Firth (Chairman of the Mercury Award judging panel) said "He's got such an extraordinary voice - it could be black, white, male or female". Other judges stated that Hegarty "has a voice to pin you to the wall and songs that send shivers down the spine".
Based in New York, Hegarty has been championed by legendary rock artist Lou Reed- among others. His album features contributions from Reed, Rufus Wainright, Boy George and Devendra Banhart.
The opening track from the album is Hope There's Someone. Hegarty main choice of weapon for the album and this song is the piano. He plays it with such control and has possibly the lightest touch for a pianist I've ever heard. In many ways it's almost ghost like, as his fingers gently press every key to perform a hauntingly good song. (Chris Martin beware!- Ed)
(*This was the song that Hegarty performed at the Mercury Awards, and ultimately swung the vote in his favour.)
My Lady's Story again has the slowly slowly approach to it. This time it comes accompanied with sweet harmonies supplied by a backing vocalists that send you into an almost dream like state. A soft blues like tinge surrounds the whole piece like a small child being wrapped up in a warm comfy blanket, protecting itself against the cold.
For Today I Am A Boy has lyrics which opens up an aspect of Hegarty's mind, clearing the way into how he interrupts the role in which he wants to play in the world today. The opening lyrics bare testimony to a possible alternative to the role he may wish to journey into. "Today I grow up to be a beautiful women/To I grew up to be a beautiful girl" Is this the case that he imagines what it would be like if he was to become a woman, living the same life, experiences all he has seen and done, but in a different role? Or does he wish that he would feel happier as someone else. Listen and see for yourself.
The first of the collaborations on the album is here with You Are My Sister. Sung with Boy George, and with Devendra Banhart on guitar, the song revolves around a relationship between a brother and his sister. Further investigations needs to be undertaken as I'm unsure of Hegarty's immediate family tree. Does he have a sister? If he does is it his sister they are singing about? Or does Boy George have a sister and it is her they are singing about? Intriguing. A great song nonetheless.
What Can I Do? is the next collobration, this time with Rufus Wainwright. Wainwright's voice has that motownie, bluesy, jazzy edge to it, which gives the song that extra dimension. The whole essence of the song drifts along like a make shift raft sailing slowly towards the setting sun on the horizon.
Fistfull Of Love is for me the best song on the album. This is another collobration, this time with the almighty Lou Reed! This has all the qualities of an anthem!, which would be the perfect end to any Antony & The Johnsons gig. I would happily play money to see this one song alone. The whole band togetherness on this song is amazing, and you also hear another dimension to Antony's voice, which only adds to the intrigue to the man himself. He has the ability to reach deep within and produce a truly powerful sound, a sound which emanates a truly soulful attribute.
The last collobration is with Devendra Banhart on Spiralling. Banhart's voice is as unique as Hegarty's (that's why MOJO keep goin on about im! - Ed), it is used to good effect to lift the song off the ground like a aero plane elegantly taking off, soaring into the air. The two put together creates something excitingly different. Two distinct ghost like wails echoing through the air, trying to be heard, to be understood, to be recognized.
The album as a whole is a unique piece of work, from a guy who has the most distinctive voice in music today. A true individual who has approach his work in a new and exquisite way. From the dimensions in his voice, to the breezey melodies that accompany every note, every part, every sense. An album which places itself in a new lane of the music superhighway. An album packed full of songs which awakes a sensitive and gentle side of the listener. It's unusual, different, intriguing, unique, sensitive, exquisite and really addictive. Stand up Antony Hegarty and take a bow!!!!