Tim recently let me borrow a copy of the newly released Hercules & Love Affair album. Without knowing much about it at that point, I instantly recognized the voice of one of the singers and was taken back to a special place.

A little research told me more about this band, but also more about this unforgettable, incredibly emotive voice with a wavering tremelo and soulfulness that reaches right down to your heart and once there is tender with it, compassionate, empathetic with your yearning and desires. And this is the voice of Antony Hegarty.

So the Hercules & Love Affair album, after two listens, is good. It’s interesting and I look forward to seeing how it ages. I’ve read it described as new disco which is accurate enough. Antony sings on about half the songs.

But what it really brought to mind was Antony’s stunning performance of “If it be your will” in the documentary/performance film about Leonard Cohen called I’m Your Man. This performance was the clear standout best of the film for me. Brought tears to my eyes. It was so unexpected. I had no idea who this sexually ambiguous person in a Robert Smith getup was at all, but boy could he belt it out. Just bowled me over and washed me clean. Enjoy!