Followers

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Resurrection of Adam Ant

After recent sold out US and UK tours, Adam Ant just released “Adam Ant is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter,” his first album in 17 years

The album includes collaborations from longtime songwriting partner Marco Pirroni and Boz Boorer (Morrissey).
 
Many people know that Adam, a Grammy-nominated artist and one of the most recognized faces of the '80s (known for his hits “Goody Two Shoes,” “Stand and Deliver,” “Strip” and “Wonderful”), lived in LA for several years while pursuing film roles.

But most people never knew that later in life he quietly bought a house and lived in the small town of Dayton, Tenn. With its swampy, southern flavor, “Cool Zombie,” the debut single, speaks to this aspect of his life.
 
"I lived in Tennessee for a couple of years,” Adam explained.  “My daughter, Lily Caitlin, was born there. I decided that I was going to be like a house husband, so I was with her and changing nappies. That's the hardest work I've ever done, the child-rearing thing. But as Lily got older, I started to think about music. I missed it - the creative process and the live side of it."
The video for “Cool Zombie”, produced and directed by Adam Ant and Adam Ross, was filmed at a Victorian music hall in Shoreditch, East London. The concept is the story of Adam’s return to London after living in Tennessee. 
 
Additional tracks include Adam’s resurrected '80s song "Who's a Goofy Bunny, Then?" (in tribute to his late ex-manager Malcolm McLaren) and “Vince Taylor” (The European 1950s-60s pop star who suffered from addiction).
 
The first part of the album’s enigmatic title also pays homage to Adam’s iconic “Kings of the Wild Frontier” persona who wore the trademark white stripe. Although this persona never had a name, Adam now refers to the character as The Blueblack Hussar, a reference to the cavalry hussar units that originated during the 15th century throughout Europe. Many units were known for their characteristic dress that included distinctive hats, elaborate braided jackets and, in some groups, pants with a yellow vertical stripe – three signature items that Adam adopts on stage.
 
The second part of the title, “Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter” is linked to an old naval term that refers to being punished. Or, metaphorically speaking, his feelings about being signed to a major label for so many years. Now, Adam has released this album on his own label, Blueblack Hussar Records.
 
The mysterious cover girl wearing the Nelson hat is Georgie Hobday, the subject of two oil paintings by BP portrait-prize recipient Mary Jane Ansell. Georgie also appears in the video for “Cool Zombie”.
 
“Adam Ant is The Blueblack Hussar in Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter” is available through leading retailers now. A special vinyl version, with a double vinyl sleeve gatefold, will also be released on Feb. 4.
 
Adam and his band, “The Good, The Mad & The Lovely Posse”, are preparing for an upcoming UK tour in the spring
 
adam-ant.com

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