I am a latecomer to the beauty of the music of Antony Hegarty. In fact, when I first heard his voice I didn't really like it. But it's really grown on me and I find it especially stirring on the song "Blind" by Hercules & Love Affair. The fierce depth of emotion his vocals bring to this track sets it apart from a lot of other standard dance music. Now I'm not saying that the song can't be appreciated solely for the fabulous musicality of it (check out those trumpets), but it's so much more with him singing.
Hercules & Love Affair--"Blind" mp3 off Hercules & Love Affair (buy--this is still an import in the US) Antony sings about half the songs on this album.
Antony has his own band called Antony and the Johnsons. One of their songs that I absolutely love is "Rapture," off the album Antony and the Johnsons. His voice has such a distinct sound with that powerful vibrato and when he really lets loose, like when he sings "Is this the rapture? Is this the rapture?" it gives me goosebumps.
"Rapture" is such a sad song and so empathetic. When he sings about his friends and his mama and his papa falling, falling down for quite some time, it makes me feel like he could be singing about me.
Antony and the Johnsons--"Rapture" mp3 off Antony and the Johnsons (buy)
p.s. I know Hercules & Love Affair are all over teh internets at the moment, but I must give special thanks to Jez at innersounds for recommending them. You should always trust Jez.