Track Listing

1. Twilight
2. Cripple and the starfish
3. Hitler in my heart
4. Atrocities
5. River of sorrow
6. Rapture
7. Deeper than love
8. Divine
9. Blue angel

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4071 in Music
• Released on: 2005-08-15
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

CD Description
'Antony And The Johnsons' is the eponymous debut album fromthe unconventional New York-based combo. With their unique appearance and a sound steeped in bluesy, torchlit noir, theband have created an album that is as endearing as it is avant-garde. Includes the tracks 'Twilight' and 'Hitler In My Heart'.

From the Label
Antony and the Johnsons
Antony and the Johnsons is the self-titled debut release from the English-born singer on David Tibet's DURTRO label and distributed internationally by World Serpent.

In 1997, Antony assembled the Johnsons orchestra to record and perform material that he had originally developed in late-night cabarets at the Pyramid Club in New York City. He presented a series of concerts with the Johnsons in 1999, mainly at Knitting Factory. Antony is now an artist-in-residence at Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, where he is performing twice a month throughout the spring. Additionally, Antony recently sang his song "Rapture" in Steve Buscemi's upcoming film Animal Factory and was featured in TimeOut NY as one of "20 People to Watch in 2000."

As a performer, Antony has been compared to everyone from Brian Ferry and Nina Simone to Klaus Nomi and Lotte Lenya. His songs are alarmingly beautiful, sorrowful, gospel-inspired, and transformative. The instrumentation features piano, strings, drums, bass, flute, sax, clarinet and harp.

"Blessed with an absolutely hypnotic singing voice…" TIMEOUT New York

"ALBUM OF THE MONTH...Antony's debut album has an emotional density that's close to claustrophobic...Jaws will drop...holy, awesome, angelic. I'm in rapture." GAY TIMES LONDON May 2000

"Marvelously decadent… massively melancholy…" NEW YORK PRESS

"Antony sings the darkest shade of the blues" PAPER MAGAZINE

"Part Evel Kneivel and part Maria Callas, Antony plays out with a kind of death-defying bravery the gestures of opening himself to the world...Easily one of the best shows I've seen in years." THE BRAIN

"Every emotion in the planet is in that gorgeous voice." Diamanda Galas

Customer Reviews

The Debut of An Amazing Artist
If you read the reviews of any of Antony's albums and EPs, here or the UK site, you may find that being rendered speechless after listening to his music is mentioned frequently. I consider this not only accurate but also likely to happen to anyone who may listen to this, his debut, album or its follow-up, the Mercury Prize winner "I Am A Bird Now."
It has been a long time since a singer or songwriter -Antony is both- has moved me so deeply with the dramatic range of his voice, the enveloping depth of his melodies or the courage of his words.
Just consider "Cripple And The Starfish" and "Hitler In My Heart," the second and third cuts, that -particularly if listened together- will absolutely floor you with the tender courage of their lyrics and the glorious beauty of Antony's voice.
For those who may not know his work, I may not be able to offer the kind of references that can serve them well. In term of genre, you can't call it Pop or Alternative, for instance, and expect to have a reliable idea of what you'll hear. If I have to put a style label to this music I'd have to coin a new one, "Alterative," because that's exactly what it might do to you: alter you.
Finally, since I haven't mentioned them yet, a word about The Johnsons. Their sound -almost a chamber ensemble, with the addition of drums and bass- is particularly suited for this music and exquisitely performed. "Divine," a beautiful tribute to the star of many John Waters films, "Twilight" and "The Atrocities" are another three great examples of the band's gift for accompanying Antony.
Although, to my taste, I Am A Bird Now of some songs in the recent EPs (I've reviewed them too, in their pages- may be even more mature statements, this album must be given your full attention. This is a solid five-star album and the first powerful document of an amazing new voice.

Simply Stunning
More & more people are now becoming aware of Antony & the Johnsons. Their second album, 'I Am A Bird Now' has been nominated for the Mercury prize & I'm sure their popularity will grow. As a result people will want to find out more about them & look for any previous albums they may have released. Well, this is the previous album & I'm going to tell you about it!

Antonys voice is haunting, emotional, beautiful & totally unique. His lyrics & the music are the same. It doesn't matter what you're in to, whether it's rock, dance, rap, whatever, this record will grab your attention & hold it for the full 35minute (exact) duration. It's an experience you won't get too often with much of todays new music.

'Cripple and the Starfish' is the most stunning song I've ever heard & 'Hitler in My Heart' is dark & moody yet dripping with brilliance. Each of the other 7 songs are all in the same vain.

Ok, so you've figured out there's just 9 songs on this album & initially I too thought that that ain't many songs but believe me it isn't an issue. I promise you you won't be disappointed with what's on offer.

If you've heard 'I Am A Bird Now' & liked it then you'll love this 100 times greater & if you have absolutely no idea who Antony & the Johnsons are then buy this album & be enlightened. This is one of my favourite records ever & I can't recommend it highly enough!

-PS. I'm an 18 year old boy into everything from System Of A Down to DJ Shadow so even if this isn't normally your sort of thing you WILL be pleasantly surprised.

Shocking and beautiful
I enjoyed being both shocked and amazed by this album. I couldn't believe what happened next, through every track.

I waited half and hour and had to hear it again to believe my ears.

This is a wonderful album which will reward repeated listening.

Antony is one of the worlds true musical artists. If you enjoyed I Am A Bird Now (and I'm assuming most people heard this Mercury Award winning album first) this album will take you deeper into Antony's world.

Prepare to be amazed.