John Grant - Queen Of Denmark (2010) LP

Recorded and co-produced by Midlake bassist Paul Alexander and guitarist Eric Pulido during their own Courage sessions, Queen has a stately 70’s art-pop reverence that nonetheless is never dry or dusty — or overly saccharine. From early King Crimson artiness to Cat Stevens introspection to Fleetwood Mac melodic bliss, the music promises inspiration not imitation. Lead track “TC and Honeybear” takes a mellow pop/folk swoon and turns it into a minor Moody Blues-ian epic, all dramatic minor chords, a celestial soprano vocal and a lush flute solo from Midlake frontman Tim Smith. “I Wanna Go to Marz” recites a litany of sweet tooth “favorite things” (from hot fudge, butterscotch, lemon freezes, etc.) on top of a tinkling Tubular Bells-styled piano line, Grant’s voice a perfectly rich, bittersweet counterpoint to the alluring and delicate flute and strings backing. Highly recommended.