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| released = {{Start date|2005|2|1}}
| released = {{Start date|2005|2|1}}
| recorded = 2004
| recorded = 2004
| venue =
| studio =
| studio =
⚫
| genre = [[Chamber pop]]<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-albums-of-the-2000s-20110718/bjork-vespertine-20110711 |title=100 Best Albums of the 2000s |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=August 9, 2016 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055217/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-albums-of-the-2000s-20110718/bjork-vespertine-20110711 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Baroque pop]]
* [[art pop]]
* [[soul music|soul]]
⚫
* [[chamber pop]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-albums-of-the-2000s-20110718/bjork-vespertine-20110711 |title=100 Best Albums of the 2000s |website=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=August 9, 2016}}</ref>
}}
| length = 35:27
| length = 35:27
| label = [[Secretly Canadian]]
| label = [[Secretly Canadian]]
Line 27: Line 21:
| type = studio
| type = studio
| single1 = [[Hope There's Someone]]
| single1 = [[Hope There's Someone]]
| single1date = 7 June 2005
| single1date = June 7, 2005
| single2 = [[You Are My Sister]]
| single2 = [[You Are My Sister]]
| single2date = 25 October 2005
| single2date = October 25, 2005
}}
}}
}}
}}


'''''I Am a Bird Now''''' is the second album by [[New York City]] band [[Antony and the Johnsons]]. It won the [[Mercury Prize]] on September 6, 2005. After winning the prize, the album shot up the UK albums chart from #135 to #16 in one week, the biggest jump in the history of the Mercury Music Prize.<ref name=MercuryChart>[https://www.nme.com/news/antony-and-the-johnsons/20976 Antony & The Johnsons album sales soar]. [[NME]]. 13 September 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref> As of September 2011, UK sales stood at 220,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0AiXOITXusTjadHltV3hDN3c0Z1NYckFaeVZVR2dKZ0E |access-date=2012-03-06 |title=Mercury Prize Winners - The Guardian Google spreadsheet }}</ref>
'''''I Am a Bird Now''''' is the second album by American band [[Antony and the Johnsons]], released on February 1, 2005, by [[Secretly Canadian]]. After it won the 2005 [[Mercury Prize]], the album shot up the UK albums chart from #135 to #16 in one week, the biggest jump in the history of the prize.<ref name=MercuryChart>[https://www.nme.com/news/antony-and-the-johnsons/20976 Antony & The Johnsons album sales soar]. [[NME]]. 13 September 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref> As of September 2011, UK sales stood at 220,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0AiXOITXusTjadHltV3hDN3c0Z1NYckFaeVZVR2dKZ0E |access-date=2012-03-06 |title=Mercury Prize Winners – The Guardian Google spreadsheet }}</ref>


The album features guest appearances by [[Rufus Wainwright]] ("What Can I Do?"), [[Devendra Banhart]], [[Joan Wasser]] and by lead singer [[Anohni]]'s childhood heroes [[Boy George]] and [[Lou Reed]].<ref name=discogs>[http://www.discogs.com/Antony-And-The-Johnsons-I-Am-A-Bird-Now/release/398081 Antony And The Johnsons - I Am A Bird Now]. [[Discogs]]. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref> The cover is a photograph by [[Peter Hujar]] of [[Warhol Superstar]] [[Candy Darling]] on her deathbed (aptly titled "Candy Darling on Her Deathbed").<ref name=Credits>[https://www.allmusic.com/album/i-am-a-bird-now-r727389/credits I Am a Bird Now - Credits]. [[Allmusic]]. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref>
The album features guest appearances by [[Rufus Wainwright]], [[Devendra Banhart]], [[Joan Wasser]], and by lead singer [[Anohni]]'s childhood heroes [[Boy George]] and [[Lou Reed]].<ref name=discogs>[http://www.discogs.com/Antony-And-The-Johnsons-I-Am-A-Bird-Now/release/398081 Antony and the Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now]. [[Discogs]]. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref> The cover is a photograph by [[Peter Hujar]] of [[Warhol superstars|Warhol superstar]] [[Candy Darling]] on her deathbed (aptly titled "Candy Darling on Her Deathbed").<ref name=Credits>[https://www.allmusic.com/album/i-am-a-bird-now-r727389/credits I Am a Bird Now - Credits]. [[Allmusic]]. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
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| MC = 88/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/i-am-a-bird-now/antony-and-the-johnsons |title=Reviews for I Am A Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 3, 2011}}</ref>
| MC = 88/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/i-am-a-bird-now/antony-and-the-johnsons |title=Reviews for I Am A Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 3, 2011}}</ref>
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/i-am-a-bird-now-mw0000141341 |title=I Am a Bird Now – Antony and the Johnsons |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Monger |first=James Christopher}}</ref>
| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/i-am-a-bird-now-mw0000141341 |title=I Am a Bird Now – Antony and the Johnsons |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Monger |first=James Christopher}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev2 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev2Score = B+<ref>{{cite journal |title=Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now |journal=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=February 4, 2005 |last=Feliciano |first=Kristina |page=133}}</ref>
| rev2score = B+<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=February 4, 2005 |last=Feliciano |first=Kristina |page=133}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
| rev3 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
| rev3Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/mar/11/popandrock.shopping5 |title=CD: Antony and the Johnsons, I Am a Bird Now |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=March 11, 2005 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Clarke |first=Betty}}</ref>
| rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/mar/11/popandrock.shopping5 |title=CD: Antony and the Johnsons, I Am a Bird Now |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=March 11, 2005 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Clarke |first=Betty}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''
| rev4 = ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''
| rev4Score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-mar-20-ca-rack20-story.html |title=It's a compelling cabaret, old chum |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=March 20, 2005 |access-date=November 1, 2015 |last=Cromelin |first=Richard}}</ref>
| rev4score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-mar-20-ca-rack20-story.html |title=It's a compelling cabaret, old chum |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=March 20, 2005 |access-date=November 1, 2015 |last=Cromelin |first=Richard}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]''
| rev5 = ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]''
| rev5Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite journal |title=Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now |journal=[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]] |issue=137 |date=April 2005 |page=86}}</ref>
| rev5score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite journal |title=Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now |journal=[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]] |issue=137 |date=April 2005 |page=86}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[NME]]''
| rev6 = ''[[NME]]''
| rev6Score = 7/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now |journal=[[NME]] |date=March 12, 2005 |page=58}}</ref>
| rev6score = 7/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now |journal=[[NME]] |date=March 12, 2005 |page=58}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev7 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev7Score = 8.6/10<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/467-i-am-a-bird-now/ |title=Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=February 10, 2005 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Stosuy |first=Brandon}}</ref>
| rev7score = 8.6/10<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/467-i-am-a-bird-now/ |title=Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=February 10, 2005 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Stosuy |first=Brandon}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev8 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev8Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6886681/review/6956016/im_a_bird_now |title=I'm A Bird Now: Antony and the Johnsons |journal=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=February 10, 2005 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Fricke |first=David |author-link=David Fricke |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208164711/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6886681/review/6956016/im_a_bird_now |archive-date=February 8, 2009}}</ref>
| rev8score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6886681/review/6956016/im_a_bird_now |title=I'm A Bird Now: Antony and the Johnsons |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=February 10, 2005 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Fricke |first=David |author-link=David Fricke |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208164711/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6886681/review/6956016/im_a_bird_now |archive-date=February 8, 2009}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev9 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev9Score = A−<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u2f8puPMUSsC&pg=PA92 |title=Breakdown |journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |volume=21 |issue=3 |date=March 2005 |access-date=October 17, 2015 |page=92}}</ref>
| rev9score = A−<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u2f8puPMUSsC&pg=PA92 |title=Breakdown |journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |volume=21 |issue=3 |date=March 2005 |access-date=October 17, 2015 |page=92}}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[The Village Voice]]''
| rev10Score = B−<ref name="Christgau">{{cite news |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv106-06.php |title=Consumer Guide: Extraordinary Machines |work=[[The Village Voice]] |date=January 10, 2006 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Christgau |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau}}</ref>
}}
}}
''I Am a Bird Now'' received very positive reviews. On the review aggregate site [[Metacritic]], the album has a score of 88 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim."<ref name="Metacritic"/>
''I Am a Bird Now'' received very positive reviews. On the review aggregate site [[Metacritic]], the album has a score of 88 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref name="Metacritic"/>


''[[Drowned in Sound]]''{{'}}s Anthony Gibbons gave the album a score of 10/10, writing "It's not an exaggeration. This isn't hype. ''I Am A Bird Now'' is a beautiful, emotive, glorious, and sometimes sinister album that will top many a critic's list come the end-of-year polls, and justifiably so."<ref name="DrownedInSound">{{cite web |url=http://www.drownedinsound.com/releases/4092/reviews/12344- |title=Album Review: Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now |work=[[Drowned in Sound]] |date=May 31, 2005 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Gibbons |first=Anthony |archive-date=June 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614072208/http://www.drownedinsound.com/releases/4092/reviews/12344- |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[Tiny Mix Tapes]]'' also gave the album a perfect score, writing "This music grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go. It feels timeless and gorgeous and bigger than life. It may not be 'soul' in the strict, music appreciation 101 sense, but it could make even the most jaded atheist approach a metaphysical regard... I'd put on my critic's cap and dive into scrutiny, but I am too enraptured by this artist's music."<ref name=TMT>{{cite web |url=http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/antony-johnsons-i-am-bird-now |title=Antony & The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now |work=[[Tiny Mix Tapes]] |date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |author=Willcoma}}</ref> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''{{'}}s Brandon Stosuy praised the vocals, writing "The ultimate draw is [Anohni's] voice, and within the first two seconds of the album, it should be very clear to even the most unaware newbies that [Anohni] has an amazing [[Nina Simone]]/[[Bryan Ferry|Brian Ferry]] [''sic'']/[[Jimmy Scott]] [[vibrato]], a multi-octave siren that would sound painfully lovely no matter what [she] was saying."<ref name="Pitchfork"/>
''[[Drowned in Sound]]''{{'}}s Anthony Gibbons gave the album a score of 10/10, writing "It's not an exaggeration. This isn't hype. ''I Am A Bird Now'' is a beautiful, emotive, glorious, and sometimes sinister album that will top many a critic's list come the end-of-year polls, and justifiably so."<ref name="DrownedInSound">{{cite web |url=http://www.drownedinsound.com/releases/4092/reviews/12344- |title=Album Review: Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now |work=[[Drowned in Sound]] |date=May 31, 2005 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |last=Gibbons |first=Anthony |archive-date=June 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614072208/http://www.drownedinsound.com/releases/4092/reviews/12344- |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[Tiny Mix Tapes]]'' also gave the album a perfect score, writing "This music grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go. It feels timeless and gorgeous and bigger than life. It may not be 'soul' in the strict, music appreciation 101 sense, but it could make even the most jaded atheist approach a metaphysical regard... I'd put on my critic's cap and dive into scrutiny, but I am too enraptured by this artist's music."<ref name=TMT>{{cite web |url=http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/antony-johnsons-i-am-bird-now |title=Antony & The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now |work=[[Tiny Mix Tapes]] |date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=June 12, 2015 |author=Willcoma}}</ref> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''{{'}}s Brandon Stosuy praised the vocals, writing "The ultimate draw is [Anohni's] voice, and within the first two seconds of the album, it should be very clear to even the most unaware newbies that [Anohni] has an amazing [[Nina Simone]]/[[Bryan Ferry|Brian Ferry]] [''sic'']/[[Jimmy Scott]] [[vibrato]], a multi-octave siren that would sound painfully lovely no matter what [she] was saying."<ref name="Pitchfork"/>


The album has appeared on several end of year lists. ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]'' named ''I Am a Bird Now'' the best album of 2005.<ref name=Mojolist>[http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/mojoend.html#2005 Mojo End Of year Lists]. Rocklist.net. Retrieved 3 July 2011</ref> ''Pitchfork'' ranked the album #5 on its list of the top 50 albums of 2005.<ref name=TopAlbums2005>''Pitchfork'' Staff. [https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/6222-top-50-albums-of-2005/5/ Top 50 Albums of 2005]. ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''. 31 December 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref> On the same website, the track "[[Hope There's Someone]]" was ranked #28 on their list of the Top 500 Songs of the 2000s and was selected as 2005's best single.<ref name=PitchforkSingles>''Pitchfork'' Staff. [https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7692-the-top-500-tracks-of-the-2000s-50-21/3/ The Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s: 50-21]. ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''. 20 August 2009. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref><ref name=Pitchfork2005Singles>''Pitchfork'' Staff. [https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/6221-top-50-singles-of-2005/5/ Top 50 Singles of 2005]. ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''. 30 December 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2011</ref> In 2019, the album was ranked 40th on ''[[The Guardian]]'''s 100 Best Albums of the 21st Century list.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/sep/13/100-best-albums-of-the-21st-century |title=The 100 best albums of the 21st century |work=The Guardian |date=13 September 2019 |access-date=18 September 2019 }}</ref>
The album has appeared on several end of year lists. ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]'' named ''I Am a Bird Now'' the best album of 2005.<ref name=Mojolist>[http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/mojoend.html#2005 Mojo End Of year Lists]. Rocklist.net. Retrieved 3 July 2011</ref> ''Pitchfork'' ranked the album #5 on its list of the top 50 albums of 2005.<ref name=TopAlbums2005>''Pitchfork'' Staff. [https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/6222-top-50-albums-of-2005/5/ Top 50 Albums of 2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131135140/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/6222-top-50-albums-of-2005/5 |date=January 31, 2011 }}. ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''. 31 December 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref> On the same website, the track "[[Hope There's Someone]]" was ranked #28 on their list of the Top 500 Songs of the 2000s and was selected as 2005's best single.<ref name=PitchforkSingles>''Pitchfork'' Staff. [https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7692-the-top-500-tracks-of-the-2000s-50-21/3/ The Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s: 50-21] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180724/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7692-the-top-500-tracks-of-the-2000s-50-21/3/ |date=March 3, 2016 }}. ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''. 20 August 2009. Retrieved 3 July 2011.</ref><ref name=Pitchfork2005Singles>''Pitchfork'' Staff. [https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/6221-top-50-singles-of-2005/5/ Top 50 Singles of 2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055959/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/6221-top-50-singles-of-2005/5/ |date=March 4, 2016 }}. ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''. 30 December 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2011</ref> In 2019, the album was ranked 40th on ''[[The Guardian]]'''s 100 Best Albums of the 21st Century list.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/sep/13/100-best-albums-of-the-21st-century |title=The 100 best albums of the 21st century |work=The Guardian |date=13 September 2019 |access-date=18 September 2019 }}</ref>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
{{Track listing
{{tracklist
|headline = ''I Am a Bird Now'' track listing
|title_width= 100
|all_writing= [[Anohni]]
|all_writing= [[Anohni]]
|title1= [[Hope There's Someone]]
|title1= [[Hope There's Someone]]
Line 95: Line 89:
The following people contributed to ''I Am a Bird Now:''<ref name=discogs/><ref name=Credits/>
The following people contributed to ''I Am a Bird Now:''<ref name=discogs/><ref name=Credits/>


===Antony and the Johnsons===
===Anohni and the Johnsons===
*[[Anohni]] – [[organ (music)|organ]], piano, vocals
*[[Anohni]] – organ, piano, vocals
*[[Julia Kent]] – [[cello]]
*[[Julia Kent]] – cello
*[[Tahrah Cohen]] – drums
*[[Tahrah Cohen]] – drums
*Jeff Langston – [[bass (instrument)|bass]]
*Jeff Langston – bass
*Maxim Moston – [[violin]]
*Maxim Moston – violin
*Doug Wieselman – [[saxophone]]
*Doug Wieselman – saxophone


===Additional personnel===
===Additional personnel===
*[[Devendra Banhart]] – [[guitar]] (Track 5), [[singing|vocals]] (Track 8)
*[[Devendra Banhart]] – guitar (track 5), vocals (track 8)
*Steve Bernstein – [[French horn|horn]]
*Steve Bernstein – [[French horn|horn]]
*John Bollinger - [[drum]]s (Track 5)
*John Bollinger – drums (track 5)
*Keith Bonner - [[flute]]
*Keith Bonner – flute
*[[Boy George]] – vocals (Track 5)
*[[Boy George]] – vocals (track 5)
*[[Parker Kindred]] - drums (Track 7)
*[[Parker Kindred]] – drums (track 7)
*Danielle Farina - [[viola]] (Tracks 2,9)
*Danielle Farina – viola (tracks 2, 9)
*Jason Hart – [[piano]] (Track 6)
*Jason Hart – piano (track 6)
*Rainy Orteca - bass (Track 7)
*Rainy Orteca – bass (track 7)
*[[Lou Reed]] – guitar and vocals (Track 7)
*[[Lou Reed]] – guitar and vocals (track 7)
*[[Paul Shapiro (musician)|Paul Shapiro]] – horn
*[[Paul Shapiro (musician)|Paul Shapiro]] – horn
*[[Rufus Wainwright]] – vocals (Track 6)
*[[Rufus Wainwright]] – vocals (track 6)
*[[Joan Wasser]] – viola
*[[Joan Wasser]] – viola
*Julia Yasuda - [[Morse Code]], vocals (Track 9)
*Julia Yasuda – [[Morse code]], vocals (track 9)
*[[Emery Dobyns]] - Engineer and mixer.
*[[Emery Dobyns]] – engineer and mixer


==Charts==
==Charts==
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===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Weekly chart performance for ''I Am a Bird Now''
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2005–2006)
! scope="col"| Chart (2005–2006)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
Line 156: Line 150:
===Year-end charts===
===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Year-end chart performance for ''I Am a Bird Now''
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2006)
! scope="col"| Chart (2006)
! scope="col"| Position
! scope="col"| Position
Line 170: Line 164:
===Singles===
===Singles===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Chart performance for singles from ''I Am a Bird Now''
!rowspan="2"| Year
!rowspan="2"| Year
!rowspan="2"| Song
!rowspan="2"| Song
!colspan="6"| Peak positions
!colspan="6"| Peak positions
|-
|-
!style="width:6em;font-size:90%"| [[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<br/><ref name="ukchart">{{cite web|title = ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS - The Official Charts Company|url = http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/antony%20%26%20the%20johnsons/|publisher = The Official Charts Company|access-date = 3 July 2011|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111224053039/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/antony%20%26%20the%20johnsons/|archive-date = 24 December 2011}}</ref>
!style="width:6em;font-size:75%"| [[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<br/><ref name="ukchart"/>
|-
|-
| 2005
| 2005
Line 183: Line 178:
| "[[You Are My Sister]]"
| "[[You Are My Sister]]"
|align="center"| 39
|align="center"| 39
|-
|}
|}


==Certifications and sales==
==Certifications and sales==
{{certification Table Top}}
{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for ''I Am a Bird Now''}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Norway|artist=Antony and the Johnsons|title=I am a bird now|award=Gold|certyear=2007|relyear=2005|accessdate=17 December 2018}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Norway|artist=Antony and the Johnsons|title=I am a bird now|award=Gold|certyear=2007|relyear=2005|accessdate=17 December 2018}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Sweden|artist=Antony and the Johnsons|title=I am a bird now|award=Gold|certyear=2007|relyear=2005|accessdate=17 December 2018}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Sweden|artist=Antony and the Johnsons|title=I am a bird now|award=Gold|certyear=2007|relyear=2005|accessdate=17 December 2018}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Antony and the Johnsons|title=I am a bird now|award=Gold|certyear=2005|relyear=2005|accessdate=17 December 2018}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Antony and the Johnsons|title=I am a bird now|award=Gold|certyear=2005|relyear=2005|accessdate=17 December 2018|id=3063-387-2}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=I am a bird now|type=album|artist=Antony and the Johnsons|relyear=2000|region=United States|nocert=yes|salesamount=73,000|salesref=<ref name=Billboard>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1301583/antony-and-the-johnsons-returns-with-new-album|title=Antony And The Johnsons Returns With New Album|magazine=Billboard|first=Jen|last=Wilson|date=12 November 2008|access-date=17 December 2018|archive-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218063210/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1301583/antony-and-the-johnsons-returns-with-new-album|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=I am a bird now|type=album|artist=Antony and the Johnsons|relyear=2000|region=United States|nocert=yes|salesamount=73,000|salesref=<ref name=Billboard>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1301583/antony-and-the-johnsons-returns-with-new-album|title=Antony And The Johnsons Returns With New Album|magazine=Billboard|first=Jen|last=Wilson|date=12 November 2008|access-date=17 December 2018|archive-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218063210/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1301583/antony-and-the-johnsons-returns-with-new-album|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Worldwide|nocert=yes|salesamount=350,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://magnetmagazine.com/2005/12/07/antony-and-the-johnsons-let-it-come-down/|title=Antony and the Johnson's: Let it Come Down|publisher=Magnet Magazine|access-date=17 December 2018}}</ref>}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Worldwide|nocert=yes|salesamount=350,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://magnetmagazine.com/2005/12/07/antony-and-the-johnsons-let-it-come-down/|title=Antony and the Johnson's: Let it Come Down|date=December 7, 2005 |publisher=Magnet Magazine|access-date=17 December 2018}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Bottom}}
{{Certification Table Bottom}}


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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://Discogs.com/Antony-And-The-Johnsons-I-Am-A-Bird-Now/release/434979 ''I Am A Bird Now'' {{sub| (1 Feb 2005, Secretly Canadian)]}} at [[Discogs]]
*[http://Discogs.com/Antony-And-The-Johnsons-I-Am-A-Bird-Now/release/434979 ''I Am A Bird Now'' {{sub| (1 Feb 2005, Secretly Canadian)]}} at [[Discogs]]
*[http://Last.FM/music/Antony+and+the+Johnsons/I+Am+A+Bird+Now ''I Am A Bird Now''] statistics and tagging at [[Last.FM]]
*[http://secretlycanadian.com/onesheet.php?cat=SC105 ''I Am A Bird Now'' press release] at [[Secretly Canadian]]
*[http://secretlycanadian.com/onesheet.php?cat=SC105 ''I Am A Bird Now'' press release] at [[Secretly Canadian]]


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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:2005 albums]]
[[Category:2005 albums]]
[[Category:Antony and the Johnsons albums]]
[[Category:Anohni and the Johnsons albums]]
[[Category:Mercury Prize-winning albums]]
[[Category:Chamber pop albums]]
[[Category:Mercury Prize–winning albums]]
[[Category:Secretly Canadian albums]]
[[Category:Secretly Canadian albums]]
[[Category:Transgender-related music]]
[[Category:Transgender-related music]]
[[Category:LGBTQ-related albums]]

Latest revision as of 23:07, 4 November 2024

I Am a Bird Now
Studio album by
Antony and the Johnsons
ReleasedFebruary 1, 2005 (2005-02-01)
Recorded2004
GenreChamber pop[1]
Length35:27
LabelSecretly Canadian
ProducerAnohni
Antony and the Johnsons chronology
The Lake
(2004) 		I Am a Bird Now
(2005) 		Hope There's Someone
(2005)
Singles from I Am a Bird Now
  1. "Hope There's Someone"
    Released: June 7, 2005
  2. "You Are My Sister"
    Released: October 25, 2005

I Am a Bird Now is the second album by American band Antony and the Johnsons, released on February 1, 2005, by Secretly Canadian. After it won the 2005 Mercury Prize, the album shot up the UK albums chart from #135 to #16 in one week, the biggest jump in the history of the prize.[2] As of September 2011, UK sales stood at 220,000 copies.[3]

The album features guest appearances by Rufus Wainwright, Devendra Banhart, Joan Wasser, and by lead singer Anohni's childhood heroes Boy George and Lou Reed.[4] The cover is a photograph by Peter Hujar of Warhol superstar Candy Darling on her deathbed (aptly titled "Candy Darling on Her Deathbed").[5]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic88/100[6]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[7]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[8]
The Guardian[9]
Los Angeles Times[10]
Mojo[11]
NME7/10[12]
Pitchfork8.6/10[13]
Rolling Stone[14]
SpinA−[15]

I Am a Bird Now received very positive reviews. On the review aggregate site Metacritic, the album has a score of 88 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim".[6]

Drowned in Sound's Anthony Gibbons gave the album a score of 10/10, writing "It's not an exaggeration. This isn't hype. I Am A Bird Now is a beautiful, emotive, glorious, and sometimes sinister album that will top many a critic's list come the end-of-year polls, and justifiably so."[16] Tiny Mix Tapes also gave the album a perfect score, writing "This music grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go. It feels timeless and gorgeous and bigger than life. It may not be 'soul' in the strict, music appreciation 101 sense, but it could make even the most jaded atheist approach a metaphysical regard... I'd put on my critic's cap and dive into scrutiny, but I am too enraptured by this artist's music."[17] Pitchfork's Brandon Stosuy praised the vocals, writing "The ultimate draw is [Anohni's] voice, and within the first two seconds of the album, it should be very clear to even the most unaware newbies that [Anohni] has an amazing Nina Simone/Brian Ferry [sic]/Jimmy Scott vibrato, a multi-octave siren that would sound painfully lovely no matter what [she] was saying."[13]

The album has appeared on several end of year lists. Mojo named I Am a Bird Now the best album of 2005.[18] Pitchfork ranked the album #5 on its list of the top 50 albums of 2005.[19] On the same website, the track "Hope There's Someone" was ranked #28 on their list of the Top 500 Songs of the 2000s and was selected as 2005's best single.[20][21] In 2019, the album was ranked 40th on The Guardian's 100 Best Albums of the 21st Century list.[22]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Anohni

I Am a Bird Now track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Hope There's Someone"4:21
2."My Lady Story"3:33
3."For Today I Am a Boy"2:36
4."Man Is the Baby"4:09
5."You Are My Sister"3:59
6."What Can I Do?"1:40
7."Fistful of Love"5:52
8."Spiralling"4:25
9."Free at Last"1:36
10."Bird Gerhl"3:14

Personnel

[edit]

The following people contributed to I Am a Bird Now:[4][5]

Anohni and the Johnsons

[edit]
  • Anohni – organ, piano, vocals
  • Julia Kent – cello
  • Tahrah Cohen – drums
  • Jeff Langston – bass
  • Maxim Moston – violin
  • Doug Wieselman – saxophone

Additional personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Chart performance for singles from I Am a Bird Now
Year Song Peak positions
UK
[36]
2005 "Hope There's Someone" 44
2005 "You Are My Sister" 39

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales for I Am a Bird Now
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Norway (IFPI Norway)[37] Gold 20,000*
Sweden (GLF)[38] Gold 30,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[39] Gold 100,000^
United States — 73,000[40]
Summaries
Worldwide — 350,000[41]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "100 Best Albums of the 2000s". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  2. ^ Antony & The Johnsons album sales soar. NME. 13 September 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  3. ^ "Mercury Prize Winners – The Guardian Google spreadsheet". Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  4. ^ a b Antony and the Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now. Discogs. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  5. ^ a b I Am a Bird Now - Credits. Allmusic. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  6. ^ a b "Reviews for I Am A Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons". Metacritic. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
  7. ^ Monger, James Christopher. "I Am a Bird Now – Antony and the Johnsons". AllMusic. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
  8. ^ Feliciano, Kristina (February 4, 2005). "Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now". Entertainment Weekly. p. 133.
  9. ^ Clarke, Betty (March 11, 2005). "CD: Antony and the Johnsons, I Am a Bird Now". The Guardian. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
  10. ^ Cromelin, Richard (March 20, 2005). "It's a compelling cabaret, old chum". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  11. ^ "Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now". Mojo (137): 86. April 2005.
  12. ^ "Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now". NME: 58. March 12, 2005.
  13. ^ a b Stosuy, Brandon (February 10, 2005). "Antony and the Johnsons: I Am a Bird Now". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
  14. ^ Fricke, David (February 10, 2005). "I'm A Bird Now: Antony and the Johnsons". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 8, 2009. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
  15. ^ "Breakdown". Spin. 21 (3): 92. March 2005. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  16. ^ Gibbons, Anthony (May 31, 2005). "Album Review: Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on June 14, 2015. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
  17. ^ Willcoma (December 14, 2006). "Antony & The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
  18. ^ Mojo End Of year Lists. Rocklist.net. Retrieved 3 July 2011
  19. ^ Pitchfork Staff. Top 50 Albums of 2005 Archived January 31, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Pitchfork. 31 December 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  20. ^ Pitchfork Staff. The Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s: 50-21 Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Pitchfork. 20 August 2009. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  21. ^ Pitchfork Staff. Top 50 Singles of 2005 Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Pitchfork. 30 December 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2011
  22. ^ "The 100 best albums of the 21st century". The Guardian. September 13, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  23. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  24. ^ "Ultratop.be – Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  25. ^ "Danishcharts.dk – Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  26. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  27. ^ "Lescharts.com – Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  28. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Antony And The Johnsons". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  29. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  30. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  31. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  32. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Antony And The Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  33. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  34. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2006". Ultratop. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  35. ^ "Top de l'année Top Albums 2006" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  36. ^ "ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS - The Official Charts Company". The Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
  37. ^ "IFPI Norsk platebransje Trofeer 1993–2011" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  38. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2007" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  39. ^ "British album certifications – Antony and the Johnsons – I am a bird now". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  40. ^ Wilson, Jen (November 12, 2008). "Antony And The Johnsons Returns With New Album". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  41. ^ "Antony and the Johnson's: Let it Come Down". Magnet Magazine. December 7, 2005. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
[edit]
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