Marc Almond's 24th album titled "Chaos and a Dancing Star" will be released on January 31, 2020.
The album was made in collaboration with producer, songwriter and pianist Chris Braide, who also worked on The Velvet Trail. An Ivor Novello winner and a Grammy nominee, Braide’s many high profile credits include work with artists such as Sia, Lana Del Rey and Halsey. The duo started writing for the album three years ago, their initial plan for a prog rock album evolving into something leaning more towards pop melodies.
Chaos And A Dancing Star’ provides another twist in the unorthodox artistry that’s become a hallmark of Almond’s career. The title plays on a quote from Nietzsche’s ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’: “One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.”
On putting together the new album, Almond said: “I wanted to write romantic apocalyptic love songs and set the songs in the fatal end of days settings with a touch of mystic paganism yet hopelessness. It reflects the out-of-kilter world in which we find ourselves living today… Maybe it is the end of days for all of us, and perhaps this is something we should acknowledge."
The first music to be shared from the project is ‘Lord of Misrule’, here the iconic 62 year old pop star's fervent voice magically powers a dramatical collision of apocalyptic and festive imagery, with soulful vocal harmonies, flute courtesy of Jethro Tull legend Ian Anderson. Marc setting his eye on the pulse of political and emotional cross roads that we are all currently witnessing.
Almond has long been a summation of everything grandiose, subversive and sexy there’s ever been about popular culture- and in an increasingly beige, identikit world, we still need him, but don't let the Lord Misrule in, continue to refuse, oh fucking too late, looks like this nations already welcomed him with open arms. .
Lord of Misrule
Lord of Misrule Please
come on in and sit you down
to partake of the feast
I count you all the friends I have
the ones I like the least
I'll shelter you from darkness
as it clouds over the earth
for the world is in a turmoil
and life has lost it's worth
Black will be your Christmas
and sad tidings to you all
I'll put my gifts under the tree
wait for the ash to fall
I'll give you guns and bombs
and all my military plans
I'll give you my machines
and a list of my demands
The Lord of Misrule
Lord at the Feast of Fools
not mischievous, but cruel
Lord of Misrule
I'll bring you to your knees before festivities begin
I may be a Lord, but please don't let me in
I'll be the last one laughing at the ending of the world
I'll point my finger at you and say you got what you deserved
take pleasure in your misery
I'll revel in your shame
a little festive schadenfreude
and wicked party games
so take your chances,
dear I'll let you covet every day
betray your friends and break their hearts
come on, and make a play
they'd only do the same to you
so don't regret a thing
bring your deceits to the table
and let the feast begin!
The Lord of Misrule
Lord at the Feast of Fools
not mischievous, but cruel
Lord of Misrule
I'll bring you to your knees before festivities begin
I may be a Lord, but please don't let me in
so face the sun until the shadow falls behind you
cause I'm the lord and I will always find you
so face the sun until the shadow falls behind you
cause I'm the lord and I will always find you
