Antony & The Johnsons

“Exotic” doesn’t come close to describing Antony and the Johnson’s 2000 self-titled debut album. Its songs wrap tormented imagery in lush classically-influenced arrangements, fusing spiritual intimations with aching need. The key to it all is singer/songwriter Antony’s spectacular voice, an androgynous multi-octave instrument that’s both unnerving and thrilling, and he applies his velvety groans and tingling cries to lyrics at once confessional and visionary. Some might be put off by the sadomasochistic overtones of numbers like “Cripple and the Starfish” and “Hitler in My Heart” — these tunes take torch singing to the level of self-immolation. But Antony has a way of linking his private obsessions with common human desires. “River of Sorrow” (a moving gospel-tinged aria) and “Deeper Than Love” (set to a gorgeous Gershwin-like melody) draw upon timeless American musical roots in striking ways. The Johnsons — particularly violinist Liz Maranville — bring a stately sort of passion to these tracks. Antony and the Johnsons is a work of beautiful sadness, deeply personal in content yet touching universal chords of emotion.