Queen Of Denmark

John Grant may have a common name, but as a musician he demonstrates a rather rarefied sensibility. With "Queen of Denmark," this Coloradan flexes his dramatic muscles, animating gay tales of entanglement containing grand angst and gripping humor.

Apparently, discerning Brits have picked up on the immense fun of an openly homo artist who is thoroughly gay while avoiding stereotypes (this is not sentimental folk or frivolous disco), but he has yet to be given his due stateside.

Some of the songs here are driven by a theatrical melancholy that is truly affecting and original, with fine orchestrations including piano that lift sentiments into another realm. It's appropriate that Grant sings about Jupiter and outer space because, though the lyrics are grounded, in that they bluntly deal with the pleasures and pitfalls of relationships, there is a joyously ethereal quality as well, that makes the sound seem attuned to another planet.

On "Outer Space" he sings, "What is that sound coming out of your mouth... Cause I've never heard anything like that before / It sounds like a language from another galaxy / I wanna thank you cause you opened the door." These lyrics are characteristically demonstrative -- part of one of the more memorable tracks, which is a lovely glowing tribute to a lover.

Grant also shows a penchant for being sardonic; it's not all sweetness here. In the title track, which closes the album and is likely the most hard-hitting lyrically, he begins on a self-deprecatory note with, "I wanted to change the world / But I could not even change my underwear," before addressing the object of his anger, "You tell me that my life is based upon a lie / I casually mention that I pissed in your coffee / I hope you know that all I want from you is sex / To be with someone who looks smashing in athletic wear."

Grant is brilliant at blending playfulness with heartfelt emotion. Usually, an outrageous line is thrown into the mix in a song that has a generally serious tone, but on "Chicken Bones" and "Silver Platter Club" the music and lyrics conspire to create a silly tone. It seems a bit peculiar that the album opens with the wispy "TC and Honeybear," and the soaring melodies are a bit repetitive among a few of the tracks, but this is forgivable considering the glam-tinged, Bowie-reminiscent, load of delight that is packed into this album.

Queen of Denmark
John Grant
$10.76