John Grant "The Queen of Denmark" (2010)
Another interesting character. Grant grew up in a religious household, which was not conducive to his nascent homosexuality, he also struggled
with bullying at school. He left the States to live in Germany,
studying languages and getting work as an interpreter, waiter and even
an air steward. He returned to the US and was soon making music with
the band the Czars.
The band split and Grant struggled with drug and alcohol addictions.
He returned to more mundane jobs but was eventually convinced to return
to the studio to record a solo album, and here we are...
The opening track brought to mind Nick Drake, but with the angular melodic sensibilities of an Elliott Smith or a Chris Cornell.
I really enjoyed the album. It's one of those ones where it doesn't
necessarily have an overall 'sound', but the songs are strong enough that
it's quite enjoyable to move from the melodic Morricone-esque
arrangement of "Marz" to the Scissor Sisters/early Elton John vibe of "Chicken Bones". From the twee and perky McCartney-esque "Silver Platter Club" to the synthy, caustic "Jesus Hates Faggots".
Grant's lyrics are funny, clever and sometimes self-deprecating. Not
too bad for an artist releasing his first solo album at the ripe of age
of 42 (that must be like 87 in muso-years).
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