2021 Contenders: It's That Man Again

The arrival of a new John Grant album is always a cause for excitement around these parts, since he's nabbed my Album of The Year badge on numerous occasions over the past decade.

Despite ever-high expectations, The Boy From Michigan doesn't disappoint, making it a strong contender for this year's crown. You may have read elsewhere that this is his "most autobiographical record to date", which considering some of his past, brutally soul-bearing efforts is quite a statement... but I think what those reviewers are talking about is the fact that John's delving into his past more than usual here, specifically his teenage years. And while his love of 80s electronica mixed with Billy Joel balladeering is still in evidence (complete with those witty, heartfelt, and at times scathing lyrics that set him apart), he also shows off a great love of 70s Beach Boys on this nostalgia-fest too... 

We'll ride the Zipper and the Tilt-A-Whirl

We'll watch the cotton candy twist and swirl

We'll ride the Matterhorn and the double Ferris-Wheel

We love to listen to the screams and the squeals

And it's hard to believe that the things we are seeing are real

There's a heartbreaking twist to this tune, as young John gets taken to The County Fair by the older kids... but then he's too young to go on any of the rides.

Cindy takes my hand as I start to cry

They say I'm too small and they won't let me ride

I looked up at the Zipper as it twisted and writhed

I saw all the lights reflected in their eyes

I will never forget the things I saw that night

I felt so much love and everything was alright

And she said, "C'mon, we're goin' to the county fair

You can ride with us or we can meet you there"