In the US on Partisan Records, elsewhere on Bella Union, this was John Grant’s second solo album, recorded in Reykjavik, with backing vocals from Sinéad O’Connor (credited as Mrs. John Grant).

Grant is one of my favorite artists of last 15 years. He was in a band called the Czars in the 90s and first part of the aughts, but starting putting out solo work in 2010 with Queen of Denmark. Excellent, witty, political lyricist and songwriter with a rich deep voice.

Favorites on this LP include “GMF” and “Vietnam.” From the former:

But I am the greatest motherfucker
That you’re ever gonna meet
From the top of my head
Down to the tips of the toes on my feet
So go ahead and love me while it’s still a crime
And don’t forget you could be laughing
Sixty five percent more of the time
You could be laughing
Sixty five percent more of the time

From the latter:

Your silence is a weapon.
It’s like a nuclear bomb.
It’s like the Agent Orange
They used to use in Vietnam.
And it’s accompanied by an apathy
That’s deafening to the ears.
You know it is complete and perfect,
And you wield it without fear.

My copy is the 2xLP white vinyl version via Crossroads Music in Portland OR