Since taking home that Mercury Prize for 2005′s stunner I Am A Bird Now, Antony’s enjoyed a cultural cachet in the UK that he’s slowly, inevitably, amassing Stateside. Brits love him; or at least, Brits know him. On the Johnsons’ recent stop at the BBC’s The Culture Show you can just hear the deference in the voice of the presenter (yes I know British slang for TV host, don’t worry about it) as she hits a lot of the beats from that read-worthy NY Mag profile: this album is all about the natural world, Antony is in awe of the Cocteau Twins’ Elisabeth Fraser, etc. The Q&A comes between gorgeous, string-trio aided renditions of The Crying Light‘s first singles, “Epilepsy Is Dancing” and “Another World.” Dig it:
Agreed on Cocteau Twins, Antony, let’s hang out. Don’t forget “Epilepsy”‘s video. The Crying Light is out via Rough Trade and in the States via Secretly Canadian.
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The presenter, fact fans, is one Lauren Laverne of Kenikie fame and that’s not deference they just talk funny in Sunderland.
The presenter, FWIW, being Lauren Laverne, ex singer with Kenickie.
His music is incredibly weak.
Epilespy sounds just like the studio version- the guy’s amazing.
fools can hate all they want, this performance is just plain jaw-dropping.
That is one ugly chick.
Incredible performance. Antony just blows me away. And he was so cute talking to her about Cocteau Twins.
I love how large he is, but still portrays this kind of japanese-schoolgirl-innocence.
It’s a shame that when people criticise Antony’s music they so often go on about his appearance. Is that such an important part of the package?
As well as the recent performance we also showed an item about Antony and the Johnsons on tour, back in 2005. UK-only, I’m afraid, but those of you who are familiar with Sunderland will be able to watch it:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cultureshow/videos/2005/05/s2_e5_antony/