With a sub-title we thought we’d never read (“with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra”), this is proof that John Grant has travelled a long way from his former band, The Czars.
Four years ago, he emerged from self- imposed exile with his debut solo album (Queen of Denmark), which was swiftly followed by Pale Green Ghosts.
For those who missed either album (or, heaven forbid, both), this is a sophisticated introduction to one of the most sophisticated (and bracing) songwriters of the past five years.
It is, to all intents and purposes, a greatest hits album, with 16 tracks culled from the pair of solo records – here underscored by the might and occasional pomp (check out the extended dramatic intro to Pale Green Ghosts) of a full-blown orchestra.
Not a dull moment from start to finish.
