Antony and the Johnsons

Antony and the Johnsons | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 1, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 1, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B00004XOLZ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,386,257 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

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

Editorial Reviews

THE WIRE Issue 197 July 2000

Antony & The Johnsons self-titled debut is such an inspired combination—hallucinogenic Blakean vision married to gospel bombast and soaring strings—that leaves you wondering why no one thought of it before.

Product Description

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

Antony and the Johnsons is the self-titled debut release from the virtuosic English-born singer on David Tibet's DURTRO label through World Serpent Distribution in London.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Debut of An Amazing Artist, September 17, 2005

By 

Juan Mobili (Valley Cottage, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antony and the Johnsons (Audio CD)

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.

32 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars give this beautiful music a chance, October 19, 2004

By 

Bret E. Parks (Walnut Cove, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antony and the Johnsons (Audio CD)

I had the pleasure of meeting Antony in Italy and seeing him (along with the lovely Julia Kent on cello) perform live in an opening slot for COIL. I was happy to see that the magic was well-captured on cd. His voice is haunting and beautiful and some of these songs will just cut you right open. If you need proof, just listen to "starfish" and "hitler". He has another ep with an enchanting track about being in love with a dead boy; I suggest seeking that one out as well.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Magnificent, September 13, 2005

By 

R. Ross "rarlondon" (Phila, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antony and the Johnsons (Audio CD)

Absolutely incredible CD! Antony has the most beautiful, haunting voice that I've heard in a decade. He's been compared to many artists, but is truly in a class of his own. For the people who claim that there are no longer any truly unique talents, Antony and the Johnsons have arrived. It's impossible to put this music in any catagory, but, if you like moody, soulful vocals and lyrics that are equally hopeful and depressing, this is the one for you.