SOTD #18 // John Grant: 'I Wanna Go To Marz'

26 February 2010, 17:43 | Written by Rich Thane

(Tracks)

Formed in 1994, The Czars were one of the first bands to sign to Bella Union back when the label was launched in 1996. After a six album career with varied critical praise, the bands driving force and chief songwriter John Grant returns in April with his debut solo album The Queen Of Denmark. The cherry on top, and something that is sure to win Grant the fan base he has always deserved is the backing band on the album… None other than the jewel in Bella Union’s crown: Midlake.

Recorded in Denton, Texas in late 2008 through 2009 during studio downtime whilst Midlake were recording The Courage Of Others. The album moves through simple piano settings via an infusion of period-perfect synths that epitomise the lonely mood. Grant’s intelligent, and often witty chamber-pop lyrics fuse with Midlake’s familar 1970′s soft-rock style. The Queen Of Denmark is a fantastic record that harks back to Down With Wilco-era Minus 5 and The Band at the height of their late 60′s Woodstock adventure.

Download the albums first single “I Wanna Go To Marz” below, then head straight over to Amazon to swot up on The Czars rich back catalogue. Essential.

mp3:> John Grant: “I Wanna Go To Marz”