After doing Neoloop's albums of the year for 2010 I've been giving the selection a good airing. The one that I keep coming back to is John Grant's Queen of Denmark. Every track offers something different and grows with every listen. From powerful americana ballads to quirky leftfield pop. Grant's extraordinary vocal range is accompanied with a songwriting talent of highest quality. Witty lyrics are given an exuberant backing by the band Midlake. It's an eclectic array of music and on the first few listens your just in love with the richness of it all. Further investigation reveals the lyrical diversity in the strange and dark subject matter - tortured confessions of lost love and addiction. It's moving and funny at the same time and is a credit to Grant's songwriting prowess. 

He recently launched his career as a solo artist after being persuaded by Midlake by offering him their services, having previously been lead vocalist with alternative rock band The Czars. Releasing Queen of Denmark LP back in April 2010. Highly Recommended.

John Grant's website, buy it on iTunes