Casanova

This is what you'd get if you asked me to write a Pulp parody album.

Exceptionally boring. Eminently skippable. Utterly unremarkable. SAved from a one-star score because I recognized that one song from the "Father Ted" credits ("Songs of Love") and because none of the songs are actually offensively bad.

On one hand, this album was the exact kind of cheesy charm that worms it's way into my heart. On the other hand, I think I just saw it slip something into my drink...

Was this a joke? Did someone lose a bet? Surely there must be a logical explanation for whatever this was.

This album was… not my jam. Sounded like some off brand Bowie wrote some insane score to a musical and arranged the songs out of order.

I've never heard of this band but the album cover is slightly intriguing in its trying-too-hard ladies man look (and name). The opening track, Something for the Weekend, opens strong with a certain nearly but not quite entirely camp attitude. The next song, Becoming More Like Alfie sounds even more like the singer is singing with a wink. Dark and funny. Very British. I dig it. \"I suggested, she protested, I persisted 'til she said 'well okay' and I said 'wahey!'\" Songs of Love is a standout, pretty song. This album has some of the same energy as a recent album I was served up, Meatloaf's \"Bat Out of Hell\". Over dramatic, with good music and clever lyrics.

I've been trying to come up with a word to describe a person who uses a 27 (ish) piece orchestra to back their music but also pronounces the ells in guillotine. It's somewhere between pseudointellectual and kitsch but without the knowing wink. Anyway, this was at times painful to listen to (especially the last song, which sounds like a bad Phantom of the Opera audition), but also showed bits of promise, so I'm giving a middle-of-the-road score. Best track: Songs of Love

This album was a surprise for sure. It's a bit creepy with the women seduction, but the music is actually quite good. There were some genuinely good moments on them, especially for a comedy album

I give this Casanova only one Cyrano de Bergerac

The Divine Comedy is a very recent discovery for me. I actually just heard one of their (his) albums, "Fin De Siecle", right before starting the top 1001 albums list and immediately fell in love with it. This album just as good and a little different. There are hints of early Scott Walker here as well as early pre-disco Bee-Gees and bunch of other influences. Great lyrics that are sometimes tongue-in-cheek. Can't wait to dive further into other albums by them.

I spent the first few tracks trying to figure out where I'd heard this voice before. Finally had to bite the bullet and look it up: Ute Lemper's Punishing Kiss! Yes. Makes perfect sense. I'm guessing the ratings of this album are going to be pretty split --- I spent as much time hating it as loving it. The vocals are annoyingly affected at best, creepy and menacing at worst. But the theatricality of this album got way under my skin. I do think this is an album that I needed to hear before I died. Very unique. Very interesting.

Very much loved this record. Voice like Bid...very much like Monochrome Set.

Used to love divine comedy, ages since I heard them. Wonder if this has my lovely horse on it? 😉 I'd forgotten how bloody good they were. Thoroughly enjoyed that and will listen again.

Loved this. Another Irish act I've been sleeping on, had pretty much written him off as the Father Ted song guy. Big fan of the unique vocal delivery, instrumentation is really well chosen to mix standard rock with more unexpected sounds. Songwriting is cool, love the full commitment to the sleaze throughout. And Songs of Love is just a great song. Have to imagine Matt Bellamy is a fan, some seriously Muse-y parts throughout. All in all I enjoyed the shit out of this and will for sure be doing some repeat listens.

This is definitely very different from all the music I've encountered before, so this website is doing its job. Some of the lyrics are a bit too much, but the overall sound is great.

From the 90s DC albums, I might prefer "Promenade" above "Casanova", as it contains "The Booklovers" and "Tonight We Fly", but this album contains "Theme from Casanova" and "Something for the Weekend". So hard to say..

I was worried at first, as the first few tracks were certainly not grabbing my attention, despite being the singles for the album so I was worried that despite my (controversial) love for A Short Album About Love that this album would not reach even close to the same level of quality. However, after those first tracks, this album just starts rocketing off with quality song after quality song. Hannon's voice starts shining through again, and the strings are just as excellent as always. I've also come to really appreciate the goofy lyrics, as so much Britpop takes itself too seriously, and this feels like this guy was certainly in on the joke. I do wish the album grabbed me quicker and was shorter, but I really like quite a few tracks here, and look forward to getting to know them better. This dude really likes horses, huh? You know what, fuck it, this album is also amazing. I re-listened, and while some of the early tracks are still lacking, all the tracks after are so amazing, like Franz Ferdinand's lead singer singing parody James Bond themes, its the perfect schlocky album but in the best of ways. Plus, it could use the extra help on the average rating, it seems. I suppose I can officially say I'm a fan of the Divine Comedy.

Thoughts before listening: I've never heard of this before. Must be British. Review: Yep...it's British. Over the top, theatrical Brit pop to be more precise. I don't really like it. 2-stars

Please - a decent album, not this banal crap

Liked this. I don't think I ever heard anything by this band but found it interresting, fun and enjoyable music. Added this and other albums to favorites for furure listening. Easy 4.

An oddball record to be sure. Theatrical, excessively so. Bet it would be fun seeing with a full orchestra. Sometimes the lyrics are eh, and I feel like that's the foundation of the song. Can't say I didn't enjoy it though. Favorite tracks: "Through a Long and Sleepless Night", "The Frog Princess", "Becoming More Like Alfie"

Despite it becoming a bit of a novelty at times, I enjoy this! Harmonically exciting, lushly arranged and full of a old school cabaret aesthetic that I really like in a strange sort of way. If he wrote a novel in the same aesthetic, I would probablly rate that 5 stars. (I deeply dislike the cover though)

This album was an absolute surprise in more ways than one. Took me most of the first track to recognize it's wasn't being serious. Kudos to the dry, British humor. The music was actually good, the humor on point and overall enjoyable.

The Divine Comedy is an odd group that I quite enjoy, but I feel like this was a worse attempt than the record that follows it.

Strangely hammy, weirdly rapey, oddly energetic. Really confused by this one. So middle of the road it goes.

I wanted to like this one more since it's got a lot of quirks I enjoy, but it was just a little on the corny side to me. Sounded a bit like Roxy Music in a bizzarro lounge. I wasn't really seeing why this was in the 1001 albums and as of the 2018 edition it isn't anymore. Makes sense. My favorite part was the second half of "Through a Long & Sleepless Night." That's where it really showed potential. Giving it a 3 mainly because there were moments I liked. Maybe this would grow on me, but it's time to move on.

Nothing that stands out after listening. Maybe it takes more that once for it to resonate. Felt like I have heard a similar sounding style but can't think where. Meatloaf?

Dirty old man, the soundtrack.

Meh…b-side of the Austin Powers 2 album. Filler music, forgot I was listening

If feel it’s worth pointing out that the brevity of “A Short Album About Love” was a major factor in my decision to rate that record 3 stars. An hour of this is a little more than I can take.

One of my favourites.

Cheeky and entertaining chamber pop. Tea Father?

Based on the Wikipedia description, I really didn't expect to enjoy this album particularly much. But it ended up hitting all the sweet spots and I listened to it twice in a row. It boasts a lot of variety with very nice vocal performances and instrumentation that seems simple, but is rock solid and reveals depth on closer listening. I also quite enjoyed the lyrics' wit and humor - although there are a couple of lines that are a bit... let's say 'outdated' in terms of communication of consent versus 'playing coy'.

this is amazing. Its this weird sexual ballad fusion

Such a unique refreshing album. Fun in the right moments, serious in the right moments.

This is fantastic. Great music, smart-are delivery. Brilliant songwriting. A fantastic find.

It gives me lounge singer vides and is absolutely delightful. A bit bizarre and absurd at times I thought it was fun all the way through. I thought I was going to give it four stars, but why be stingy. Full marks.

Masterful

Well this was unexpected! I absolutely loved this album. I had never heard of it or the band before and based on the reviews, I approached the album with some trepidation. I REALLY loved this album. It sounded like something that would happen if David Bowie and Mike Oldfield put on an Andrew Lloyd Webber style musical. LOVED IT and so glad this made the list! Its what the challenge is all about.

I can’t recall ever hearing of this group before, but I LOVE the modern lounge style and vocals. It feels like neo-60s English pop music and I love it! Orchestral, quirky, over-the-top musical shenanigans that I’m here for! It was no surprise to discover that this band was inspired by Scott Walker. I love this!

Really enjoyed this album - definitely needs to be listened to in order - Cheeky, sexual lyrics delivered in a smooth Lounge style, almost Roger Moore James Bond like. Tongue in cheek, but also witty. I had liked the singles that I had heard previously from Devine Comedy, but never delved any deeper into albums and this was a really good listen

dude that was actually really cool shit man, I loved every song and listening to it the second time, you can really appreciate the layers of everything, catchy melodies and whatnot it’s also funny just how clearly influential Scott Walker was for this album at least yeah I really enjoyed the fuck out of that 10/10

Wow. I really enjoy the divine comedy! who knew they'd be a fun poppy band I'd listen to more of.

cool

Charge is very interesting! :) Overall style is wacky - some reminds me a tiny bit of Mr. Bungle, some of Roxy and other bands. The Dogs & the Horses was great. Great overall - great discovery - thanks!

Wow. Los conocía de tiempo pero nunca los había escuchado. Muy grata sorpresa. Grandes baladas en un disco conceptual dedicado a Casanova. Absurdísimo, divertido, romántico. Muy bueno.

Neil Hannon is a genius. Unfortunately most people are too stupid to appreciate his music, which is why he’s not more successful. You actually have to use your brain for this, and your heart will thank you. Love it!

Loved it. Reminds me of flaming lips in some way. A true concept album that knows how to have fun while not taking itself too seriously. Solid pallet of instrumentation. A theatrical singing style that doesn’t get old.

great! will come back to this

Divine indeed

That was a surprinsingly pleasurable album, very nice songs!

Originell und abwechslungsreich

I'm pretty sure I'll say very similar things to the other Divine Comedy album in this list but I can't help but love this. The theatre of it all tickles me big time. The show tune voice, wacky but mysterious story lines. Some unexpected lapses into falsetto. He's definitely in on the joke (as proven by the closing credit track).

Father Ted theme for some reason

Standouts: Something for the Weekend, Becoming More Like Alfie, (Everything!) Singles: -------------------------------------- Something for the Weekend (#14 UK) Becoming More Like Alfie The Frog Princess 4.5/5

Oh hell yes! I absolutely adore The Divine Comedy. I don't even have to listen to it today to know that this is a work of genius. Hannon's voice is sublime. I'd rather die than be deprived of Wonderbras and thunder thighs.

As soon as Something for the Weekend kicked in I knew I was in for a treat. I vaguely knew of this band but have never spent any time with it and really enjoyed this album. Fave tracks, The Frog Princess and A Woman of the World.

love love love this. Constantly amazed when I listen to the DC that they're not super mainstream and listened to all over the world. Just joyous music delivered with a wink and a nod and not to be taken too seriously.

"And I see naked bodies twist and turn on the futon of dreams fulfilled" "I'd rather die than be deprived Of Wonderbras and thunder thighs. This album is perfectly smarmy and just the right amount of creepy. It exemplifies its title perfectly. Neil Hannon's voice is glorious amongst the strings and horns and harpsichord. I love it!

Loved their sound, more time here!

Man I absolutely loved this. I really like what I know of the Divine Comedy prior to this but this was so great to listen to in completion. I cannot make sense of the genre, what is this?! It is a bit comedy brit pop but also layered in OTT orchestral grandeur.. songs you might expect in a musical (but better). I think what ressonates with me is the same reason I love Scott Walker. Frog Princess and the very sad song about out loving dogs and horses were particularly great

njöt i lök

Ridiculously louche.

This is my kind of weird. Not what it pretends to be. There’s something eldrich lurking in the lyrics that never reveals itself.

Aldrig hört talas om innan men tyckte detta var kul?? Nån sorts ironisk crooner, uppskattade verkligen det. Väldigt solitt låtskrivarhantverk, gillar verkligen hur han använder så många klyschor utan att det låter klyschigt. Kanonplatta imo

typically british fare. quirky , funny, odd and always reminds me of Father Ted so cant be bad.

Very interesting album. It kind of reminded me of a very older more fabulous version of Cake. The last couple tracks were more reminiscent of broadway and New York showtunes though, so that was a fun surprise. I don't know if I would listen to it again but it was definitely unique.

-Was pleasant to listen to -Some tracks I enjoyed: "A Woman of the World," "Charge," "Middle-Class Heroes," "The Dogs & The Horses," "The Frog Princess," and "Through a Long and Sleepless Night" -I like the classic/orchestralish instrumental

Perhaps a bit too clever for its own good but still made me smile

Half cabaret and half pop. We disagreed on the rating- e adored it, j felt neutral.

Ended up really enjoying this. The first half was alright but the second half was really damn good. Weird sort of stuff but up my alley it was!

Very good pop album - lovely story-telling.

This guy looks and sounds like a douche bag, but this album was not bad. Actually I found it quiets enjoyable, even if kinda cheesy at times Favorite tracks: “Something For The Weekend,” “The Frog Princess,” and “Through A Long and Sleepless Night”

Pretty fun and good music

There were songs which deserved 1 and songs which deserved 5. A few songs were balancing between being interesting or just bad.

HL: “Frog Princess “, “Something for the Weekend”, “Songs of Love”, “The Dogs and the Horses” Wasn’t expecting the actual Father Ted theme song on this list (in a way) Enjoyed it even more than the last Divine Comedy, now my research for the evening is why a man from Derry sounds like an English aristocrat June 28, 2023 (listening while heavy storm clouds cover the city)

Dit zou niet moeten werken maar doet het toch. Coherent album, mooi thema, vet uitgevoerd.

"Casanova" is the fourth studio album by the Irish chamber pop band The Divine Comedy and was their commercial breakthrough. The writing by front man Neil Hannon is described as a more straight-forward pop tone from previous albums, also more Britpop. I'd still say it's more chamber or Baroque pop with influences of Scott Walker. Lyrically the theme is sex. No doubt about that. The band was given their longest studio recording time due to the recent success of Edwyn Collin's "A Girl Like You." Ah, the randomizer is coming full circle this week. Their UK hit "Something for the Weekend" opens things up with girls laughing. A song that rolls along in a happy way. A busy song. Strange since the guy gets blindsided and robbed when a good-looking girl tells him to go the woodshed. Supposedly inspired by Kate Beckinsale. The second song and single "Becoming More Like Alfie" is more lush with strings. I had an initial bossa nova feel. A conflict between refinement and animal lust. We might be in cabaret territory with "Charge." Kind of vaudeville with the piano. He sings in a deep voice and croons like Prince. Sex without love. Central theme intact. "Songs of Love" was the theme to UK TV show "Father Ted." This may the simplest and best song on the album. Piano and acoustic guitar. OK, the third and final single "The Frog Princess" reminds me of Scott Walker with Hannon's voice and the orchestration. Flirting with a French girl who is not very good looking, eventually falls for her but she doesn't for him. The only non-sex theme song "The Dog and the Horses" ends the album. Hannon almost whispering. Majestic and dramatic with horns. It's about death using spring and winter analogies. I have to admit I thought this was OK on the first listen but really opened to it with repeated listens. It does a very good job of incorporating multplie instruments into various nice arrangements. It's a musical style not heard in too much in recent times being more popular in the 60's and kind of surprising this album had the success it did in the 90's. Well, maybe not: "Automatic For the People" had Baroque pop songs. I might need to research this.

Belle découverte. Arrangements élégants et complexes. Rappelle un peu Bowie, parfois Zappa voire Mr. Bungle, mais en smoking.

Completely unknown to me before, but really cool

Very cool songs, I like.

Very fun!

Strange, but clever album. I didn't hear anything ground breaking, but it was edgy, flowed good, and didn't have any bad songs.

Always heard their songs and thought, bit kitch maybe. But really enjoyed this, the father Ted theme made me feel all nostalgic and brought back memories of laughing with the fam.

This album has a lot to like. It's also got a lot to dislike. It's just got a lot in general. The theme is... pretty cringey, and a bit obnoxious and overblown at times. But, I *think* it's mostly satirical, which seems to be supported by the nuanced lyrics in a lot of the songs. That said, the weird spoken intros/interludes are very much not my jam. And the singer has a very melodramatic singing style which can get annoying as well, although it's usually not that bad. There are some garden-variety tracks on there, ones that just kind of exist and are pleasant to listen to but don't really go anywhere special. But most of the tracks have at least some kind of hook to make them interesting. In the first half of the album, Something For The Weekend and Charge stood out to me, the former for its build-up and plot twist, the latter for its interesting use of harmony and rhythm. I was all ready to give this album a 3, but then I was completely blindsided by Through A Long & Sleepless Night. That song isn't singlehandedly what raised it to a 4, but it is a massive tonal shift that conveys a sense of agitation and discomfort incredibly well (most of the beginning part is in 7!) and has a very satisfying build and resolution. The two closing tracks were also very solid and helped to frame the album as a cohesive unit instead of just a collection of songs about a guy being a sleaze. And that caused me to reinterpret some of the earlier songs, and I went back and listened to parts of them, and I'm pretty happy giving this a 4.

Despite the fact I'm not always a fan of britpop, this is a nicely written album. A lot of great tracks and hooks

Stand-outs: "The Frog Princess," "Middle-Class Heroes," "Theme from Casanova," "The Dogs & the Horses"

Este disco es muy interesante. Las letras son inesperadas, algunas chuscas, otras sombrías, e incluso una canción que describe el concepto del disco mismo. Musicalmente, llama la atención que algunas canciones parecen tipo Rammstein, o Interpol. Las canciones transmiten una vibra muy diversa y no aburre. Escuché este disco tres veces, y probablemente lo escuche de nuevo después.

Really enjoyable pop album. Feels erudite and clever and I’m sure it is, but overall it sounds well crafted, fun and pleasing to the ear. Saw Neil and the band in Cambridge about five years ago and they are very enjoyable.

I usually don't like this music genre, but this one was a nice surprise

You know what? This was a lot of fun. Reminded me of a lot of Joe Hawley's solo work (Hawaii: Part II). Also reminded me of Taco (Puttin' on the Ritz). Just a fun, goofy album.

Ngl, the sound and the production are quite stellar. But I don't think a man who takes himself THAT seriously would seduce a woman. It's pretty good as a listen, but the pompous-ness is kinda distracting.

while this isn't typically my bag of tea, this album rips. You really can't deny the grooves, expert instrumentation, or the clear and classy vocals. this may not enter the rotation, but i may revisit every now and then. favorite track: song of love.

Great album, if a little samey throughout. All songs have a slightly arch quality, which works better in some than others. Songs of love and frog princess are my favourites, but all tracks are very good

Me ha encantado. Es una mezcla entre Bowie y Morrissey.

Muy bueno

The Divine Comedy est absolument intenable. Son déchaînement total n'a d'égal que sa furie. Les invectives de la receptionniste, tentant tant bien que mal de le calmer n'y feront rien, The Divine Comedy est tout simplement hors de contrôle.

Si

Britpop con algunas canciones orquestadas. Me ha gustado. Un 4.

Another one for the "weird but in a good way" category. Sampling the french national anthem? Sure, why not.