Antony and the Johnsons - You Are My Sister (Rough Trade)
UK release date: 21 November 2005
Capping off 2005's most unusual success story, Antony and the Johnsons head out on tour around the UK and release You Are My Sister, from their Mercury-winning second album I Am A Bird Now.
This delicate torch song is a touching duet with Boy George, one of Antony Hegarty's heroes. The old boy sounds a tad hoarse compared to Antony's Nina Simone-like tones, but it's always a pleasure to hear him. These two voices, one extraordinary, the other a national treasure, are accompanied only by piano, bass, stark drums and strings.
The song comes across as something like a declaration of love, of friendship, and a subtle one at that. "May all of your dreams come true," they sing. Heartwarming and seasonal, You Are My Sister should be Number 1 at Christmas. It won't be, of course, but we can but dream.
Poorest Ear backs the single, beginning as another stark gem but then skewing off into Michael Nyman territory. Forest of Love and Paddy's Gone complete the package. If nothing else, it's all proof, were it needed, that the Mercury went to the right band this time.
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