Antony and The Johnsons – “Swanlights” – [Secretly Canadian]

cadilliac margarita   1/14/2011   A Library, CD

Out on Secretly Canadian, this newest release by Antony Hegarty seems to find the androgynes singer/ songwriter more at peace with life and love than in years past. He is as always deeply emotional as a writer and performer, and his soulful wailing is accompanied beautifully by the London Symphony Orchestra on a few tracks, along with a guest apperance by Bjork who co-wrote and performs guest vocals on track #11 (Fletta). This is just beautiful, with orchestrations that are both sparce and lush, most with a definite touch of melancholy. It’s not quite as tortured as his previous releases, as evidenced by the album’s first single, “Thank You For Your Love”.

*As a side note, along with the album, a 144 page book with original artwork by Antony inspired by the album has been released.