We can only assume that the entire judging panel got dumped yesterday afternoon…
I Am A Bird Now by Antony And The Johnsons – an epic, almost cartoonishly depressed album sung by a giant bloke in a dress – has won the 2005 Mercury Music Prize.
Still, it could have been worse. KT Tunstall could have won it.
I Am A Bird Now beat off competition from bigger bands (Coldplay),
more fashionable bands (Bloc Party), and bands that we had money on
(The Go! Team) to scoop the prize of a trophy and £20,000.
Upon winning the award, lead singer Antony Hegarty said "It’s kind of like a crazy contest between an orange and
a spaceship and a potted plant and a spoon – which one do you like
better?"
Antony
And The Johnsons have been called the "gayest thing ever recorded" by
Attitude magazine, and their album has been met with an incredible wave
of critical acclaim. Hegarty’s voice has taken most of the focus – the
nearest real comparison to it is Nina Simone – as has the astonishing
sadness of the record.
There’s bound to be a lot of controversy about the band’s
nationality – Hegarty was born in Chichester but went to live in America 22 years
ago – in a contest that is said to represent the best British music.
Nick Hodgson from The Kaiser Chiefs had said in the past that "He’s an
American, really. It’s a good album, but it’s daft he’s got in on a
technicality."
The Kaiser Chiefs were favourites to win the contest right from the
initial announcement of the shortlist, so the comment could be seen as sour
grapes from a band who have continually proclaimed their desire to win.
However, the Mercury panel have stated that the focus is on nationality
rather than residence.
Congratulations Antony – try not to let the prize money cheer you up too much though, eh?
Buy I Am A Bird Now at CD Wow for £8.75 inc. free delivery
Antony And The Johnsons tour the country in November. Buy tickets here
Read more:
Former choirboy turned cross-dresser scoops Mercury prize from favourites – The Guardian
[story by Stuart Heritage]