Grey Tickles, Black Pressure Explained

Grey Tickles, Black Pressure
Type:studio
Artist:John Grant
Cover:John Grant - Grey Tickles Black Pressure Cover.png
Released:October 9, 2015
Recorded:2014–2015
Length:57:23
Label:Bella Union
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Grey Tickles, Black Pressure is the third solo album by American musician John Grant. It was released via Bella Union on October 9, 2015.

Production

The album's title stems from the literal translation of two foreign phrases: "grey tickles" is an Icelandic phrase for approaching middle age, while "black pressure" is the Turkish term for a nightmare.[1] Grant stated that he wanted to get "angrier and moodier" on the album, although he enjoyed the process of making it more than his previous two.[2]

The album's trailer features Grant in the midst of a psychotic break, covered in blood and wielding a croquet mallet as a weapon. He described it as a fantasy of "what [he] would like to do every time somebody calls [him] a faggot". The album features three guests: English singer Tracey Thorn features on the track "Disappointing", American singer Amanda Palmer provides backing vocals on "You & Him", and English drummer Budgie plays the drums on every track. The latter would also go on tour as Grant's drummer.

Reception

The album received acclaim. NME named it "one of the albums of the year" and praised both its personal lyrics and pop melodies.[3] On their own lists of the best albums of the year, The Guardian and Rough Trade respectively placed it at No. 38[4] and No. 11.[5] Time named the 11th track on the album, "Disappointing", as the fifth best song of 2015.[6]

Accolades

Accolades for Grey Tickles, Black Pressure! Publication! Accolade! Rank
The GuardianThe Best Albums of 201538
Rough TradeAlbums of the Year 201511

Personnel

Primary musicians

Additional musicians

Charts

Chart (2015)! scope="col"
Peak
position
New Zealand Albums (Recorded Music NZ)[7] 27
US Top Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[8] 20

Notes and References

  1. Web site: John Grant announces third solo album. Bella Union. June 23, 2015.
  2. Web site: Why Is John Grant So Bloody Upset. Out. August 10, 2015.
  3. https://www.nme.com/reviews/john-grant/16276 Grey Tickles, Black Pressure - review
  4. Web site: The Best Albums of 2015 . The Guardian. Guardian News and Media . December 2, 2015 . December 14, 2015.
  5. Web site: Albums of the Year 2015 . roughtrade.com . 2015-11-25 . 2015-12-10 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151205191530/http://www.roughtrade.com/aoty15 . 2015-12-05 .
  6. Web site: Best Songs of 2015. 3 December 2015. Time. January 14, 2016. 14 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160114124818/http://time.com/4132832/top-10-best-songs-2/. dead.
  7. Web site: NZ Top 40 Albums Chart. Recorded Music NZ. March 25, 2016.
  8. John Grant – Chart history (Heatseekers Albums). Billboard. October 23, 2015.