John Grant - Pale Green Ghosts

I love John Grant and this is probably my favourite album of 2013. It's, pretty much, perfect. Musically, there's icey 80s electronica combined with darkly humourous, self depreciating, almost self loathing, lyrics which give the album its heart. It's not as instant as his first, solo, album but in some ways, the fact that it takes a little more time and effort to get into, in comparison, makes it, ultimately more rewarding. And its got Sinead O'Connor doing backing vocals!

Sinead O'connor - How About I Be Me And You Be You

It's been a while since I've blogged and hadn't really thought of doing so again until I started listening to this today. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Sinead since her first album The Lion and The Cobra but this is the first album I've owned for a few years.Frankly, it's pretty great.
Over all, the impression is of a album full of positivity and, even, humour e.g. The Wolf Is Getting Married.  But it wouldn't be a Sinead O'Connor album without delving into darker subjects such as the failure of the Catholic church to deal with the abuse scandal Take Off Your Shoes. There's a couple of covers in John Grant's "Queen of Denmark and Tim Buckley's "Song to The Siren." My personal favourite is Old Lady because its so full of joy.