Grey Tickles, Black Pressure
by John Grant
  • Record Label: Partisan
  • Release Date: Oct 9, 2015
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
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  1. Muddsjr
    Oct 15, 2015
    8
    Further on in the album where the music deepens and complexes, emotions arise with moods relatable to that of the bleak Pale Green Ghosts, that when listening to the album again gathers more appreciation and importantly enjoyment for these early songs.
    Darker moments aside, it's important to know that the important part of this album is the less serious, more giddy and even slightly    Further on in the album where the music deepens and complexes, emotions arise with moods relatable to that of the bleak Pale Green Ghosts, that when listening to the album again gathers more appreciation and importantly enjoyment for these early songs.
    Darker moments aside, it's important to know that the important part of this album is the less serious, more giddy and even slightly celebratory side.
    Where lyrics aren't analysed the songs might seem a little confusing but once you get to grips with the Grant story, you can fully understand the unique and frequently compelling stance of John Grant.    … Expand
  2. vicyamusicgreat
    Oct 9, 2015
    10
    John Grant has commented that this is his best album. I cannot disagree, but it is difficult to simply agree with the statement given that his greatest strengths - soaring romanticism, technical virtuosity - are diffused over quite a number of songs, and that perhaps the album is a smidge intellectual. What be the case, John Grant has triumphed(!) again, this time with amazing vocalJohn Grant has commented that this is his best album. I cannot disagree, but it is difficult to simply agree with the statement given that his greatest strengths - soaring romanticism, technical virtuosity - are diffused over quite a number of songs, and that perhaps the album is a smidge intellectual. What be the case, John Grant has triumphed(!) again, this time with amazing vocal variations, that all seem to work, and more great songs that many times pack either an emotional or intellectual wallop, the latter perhaps best exemplified in his Biblical story sequence from Magma Rises, and his haunting "American" history lesson, Black Blizzard. My favorite moments are when he can mix the two strengths – emotion, erudition -, as in the glorious title track, Global Warming, (love song) Disappointing, and on the wondrous No Tangles, with my favorite line "Stockholm is a city that I adore," which sentiment . . oh I most definitely share.… Expand
  3. JonnyPicklechin
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    Lighter of vibe, more experimental but architecturally more complex - And all the better for it. What would have once been "side A" flirts with a mix of genres and vocal styles. If "Queen of D" was in the key of the 70's, "Ghosts" was '80's, "Tickles" has P-funk, new wave and for the "90's" a move, in parts, toward a Strokes vibe.
    This is a fun record where the lyrics become more playful    Lighter of vibe, more experimental but architecturally more complex - And all the better for it. What would have once been "side A" flirts with a mix of genres and vocal styles. If "Queen of D" was in the key of the 70's, "Ghosts" was '80's, "Tickles" has P-funk, new wave and for the "90's" a move, in parts, toward a Strokes vibe.
    This is a fun record where the lyrics become more playful and observant than the dark, mischievous and mean of the first two albums even though he cannot help himself having a pop on a couple of the songs.
    On Queen I though he was a great singer with an ear for the Carpenters and Glen Campbell. on the second you wondered how he became such a great eclectic tunesmith but on this one he moves himself in to the top ecehelon of singer-songwriter-performer. As a big fan, well I just think he's a genius though if he cared he's probably got room in his next album to call me a tw@t for doing so.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2015
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Dusted Magazine
    Dec 22, 2015
    80
    Grey Tickles and Black Pressure is furiously funny, intelligent and confrontational even as it heads to an upbeat ending.
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  2. Under The Radar
    Nov 12, 2015
    85
    Dark misery has rarely been so entertaining. [Nov-Dec 2015, p.71]
  3. AllMusic
    Nov 9, 2015
    80
    At nearly an hour long, Grey Tickles, Black Pressure is a dense, rewarding listen from an artist who's becoming more complex, and more direct, with each album.
    Read full review
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