The wikipedia entry on The Divine Comedy says they are a chamber pop band fronted by Neil Hannon, the only constant member since their inception in 1989.I like the description - captures the fact that over the years they have released catchy tunes with more than a hint of orchestral arrangements about them. Ten albums worth of chamber pop in fact - but it wasnt until the fourth LP Casanova was released in 1996 that they began to enjoy some commercial success, a run that was to last about eight years before they were deemed to be no longer in fashion and so returned to cult status.
They're a lot that I've dipped in and out of over the years. I've just checked and found that I have just the three albums as well as a greatest hit compilation - I genuinely thought I had at least two more albums....I must have loaned then out and not got them back. Nowadays though, the back catalogue is available at competitive prices in stores or on-line, so I'll sort that out.
Anyway, enough of the inane ramblings. Today's offering features a single from 1997, one that was released on three separate CDs offering three different tracks that when put together to offer something approaching a live mini-LP recorded with a full orchestra at a London gig. Sadly, all I can give you is one-third of the collection:-
mp3 : The Divine Comedy - Everybody Knows (Except You)
mp3 : The Divine Comedy - Make It Easy On Yourself (live)
mp3 : The Divine Comedy - A Drinking Song (live)
mp3 : The Divine Comedy - Something For The Weekend (live)
Yup....one is a cover of the #1 hit by The Walker Brothers.....and a damn fine splendid job Mr Hannon does with it as well.
The single reached #14 in the charts and is the second best performing chart effort after this :-
That's the first time I've looked at this promo. Wasn't what I was expecting.....
6 comments:
shame about the typo. should have said "chamber pot"
Ah...unkind Ctel...he's a fine songwriter. A Lady of a Certain Age is pop genius. Saw them play a superb gig at the Royal Festival Hall in mid 90s with full orchestra around the Casanova era. They pulled off a superb cover of Mr BLue Sky. Brilliant stuff hearing that one in the flesh. Any other ELO fans out there? partic of the Eldorado-era stuff?
Och yes, a touch unfair Ctel - I'd agree with Stevie. Songs like 'Leaving today' and 'At the indie disco' are wonderful. He is a fine lyricist and singer. So, a thumbs up and high-five to NH, from me.
i don't get them sorry...as bad as the beautiful south imho
Noooooooo! Now Nick Cave...grand resident of the institute of the over-rated. Especially here in Oz.
When I was 14, someone sent me a mix which consisted of Random Song, Divine Comedy song, Random Song, Divine Comedy song, so on and so forth. And yet I've never paid much attention. This post, coupled with performances like the one linked below, have helped get me back on track with being in love. Thank you.
This makes me want to marry Neil Hannon. Incredible.
http://www.fromthebasement.tv/artists/neil-hannon/performances/lady-of-a-certain-age
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