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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
1996
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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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"
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.
Production: 13/20 Songwriting: 17/20 Innovation: 12/20 Bangers: 15/20 Emotional response: 18/20 =75 What a lovely piece of work well done father.
Asqueroso. Cínico. Grandilocuente. Crudo. Poético. Divertido. El soundtrack de un musical honesto y despiadado. No creo escucharlo completo muy seguido en el futuro, pero no cabe duda de la calidad de la obra. Songs: Something for the Weekend, Songs of Love, The Frog Princess, Through A Long & Sleepless Night
De esto se trata este ejercicio. Sin conocimiento del nombre del grupo ni de sus discos nos echamos el clavado en blanco. Al inicio rápidamente pensé "ahh... es britpop... meh... ok suena a Pulp.. aunque Pulp suena mejor." Después llego la 2a canción y sonó más alejado... llegó la tercera y sonó a ningún grupo comparable de britpop... y siguió cantando con un tono extraño, afectado, exagerado casi operático pero con un dejo de sátira. Y pone uno atención a las letras... y te vas dando que es un disco concepto... y que el concepto es que los personajes aquí son unos imbeciles egoistas que solo les importan sus pitos, rebosantes de misoginia y enormes egos: un hombre tiene como objetivo atraer a una mujer sin decirle que está casado en "Something For The Weekend", mientras que en "In & Out of Paris & London”, otro excusa el asalto y el acoso, argumentando que “esto no es un pecado, ni siquiera es original”. Con el paso de cada canción el disco se hacía cada vez un mayor deleite al ver la inventiva para seguir haciendo una parodia al "arte de la conquista." Musicalmente variadísimo me llevó a pensar en cientos de cosas desde ese Pulp a Gilbert & Sullivan, Oingo Boingo, musicales de Broadway. Después de pasar tiempo de calidad con el álbum, las 11 canciones se convirtieron en canciones de amor que no puedo mas que amar, incluso si en realidad no son de amor sino de sexo (o tal vez especialmente por eso). En un mar de britpop a medio de los 90s, en un género que se caracterizaba por ser simple y sin chiste existió este disco, brillante y con carisma, sofisticado sin tratar de sentirse presumido ni condescendiente. Sí existió buen britpop... solo que era irlandés al parecer.
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”
ну и странная же дичь. Как будто тот самый шестидесятнический-семидесятнический барок-поп по типу карпентерс и волер бразерс, но с бритпоп аранжировками и спорадическими моментами помешательства вокалиста. Сначала как-то вообще отторжение вызвало, но потом немного проникся. Вот как раз тот случай, когда стоит сложить 2 и 2 и скорее решить, что это ты чего-то не понимаешь. Through A Long & Sleepless Night как будто вообще из раннего периода Коэна. Напряженная пиздец тема, а потом расслабляет наоборот, каеф. На высокую оценку, конечно, претендовать не может, и вообще не уверен, что захочу переслушивать, но в целом вероятности не исключаю. Ну пусть будет 7/10 где-то
-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
There were songs which deserved 1 and songs which deserved 5. A few songs were balancing between being interesting or just bad.
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.
Ben Folds does a great cover of Songs of Love so this gets an extra star. Pleasant listen, something different
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.
The opening track had some annoying elements (giggling to start, organ bops in the background) but it was still kind of catchy and the lyrics were cheeky/funny. Definitely made me curious about the album and I'd say this observation persisted. The songs were catchy, the lyrics were offbeat but really intricate (cool stuff), starts of tracks had annoying talking bits, and almost every song had some annoying instrument (often from the brass section). It felt like an even more satirical Interpol or Franz Ferdinand. So wacky, but surprisingly infectious. And kudos to creating a theme for the album and sticking to it.
This was… unique. I don’t think I have heard anything like this. The singer first reminded me of Mike Patton, but then he seemed closer to Scott Weiland. It grew on me a lot. Songs like “Charge” and “The Frog Princess “ I really enjoyed. Definitely something I am looking more into.
You know, this is kinda catchy. I can definitely see myself listening to this more than a few times.
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.
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
7/10 cooler than a lot of britpop albums. Felt like a selection of musical theater songs which was interesting, while some of them were really corny it was fun and I especially liked the first 3 tracks.
Belle découverte. Arrangements élégants et complexes. Rappelle un peu Bowie, parfois Zappa voire Mr. Bungle, mais en smoking.
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
Pretty cool album actually. Super lush and dramatic instrumentation makes the songs really interesting and creative. 7/10
I think I said everything I wanted about Neil Hannon on Songs About Love. Still great, has an absolute classic in Something For The Weekend on here, the song that first piqued my interest as a 12 year old!
I typically don't like these kind of movie soundtrack or life soundtrack type of albums, but this is the 2nd time The Divine Comedy has come up on this site and I have really liked both albums. They are incredibly well written. Great music and good poetry.
Yeah this is ok but a bit long-winded, the novelty of whatever genre this is wears off p quickly. Too much "Gen X being all offbeat again!" going on. Seems like the songs are well written, but... meh? 3/5.
An interesting palette of sound and snarky lyrics capturing the woes of the middle class as was pertinent by the Britpop sentimentalities.
Dramatic pop rock with some classic instruments and a story to tell. A fun listen but not captivating
De este sí puedo decir que no había oído nada: ni el nombre del grupo, del líder, ni de la disquera. Aunque el disco no es malo, me llama la atención que se haya colado en esta lista y me hace pensar que pone la vara baja para otras cosas que sí conozco. En fin, me gustó la última parte, muy dramática y teatral, y creo que hoy en día la rola de "Become More Like Alfie" sería prohibida en el radio.
Ni idea de quienes son pero manejan muy bien el Britpop, bonita sorpresa musical. Todo el disco tiene una esencia de películas noventeras de humor negro inglés hasta el final operístico que saca de contexto
I like the swagger and style. Most of it is pretty interesting, and there's a chance i could get more into it with more time. A high 3.
I really didn’t expect much from this but I enjoyed the classically inspired movements in this, just not enough to go back to the whole thing
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Something for the Weekend, Becoming More Like Alfie, In & Out of Paris & London, The Frog Princess Cutting Edge: Middle-Class Heroes, Songs of Love Overall Notes: Very surprised to see multiple albums from these guys, especially since this album was overall similar to their other album in here without the orchestral flourishes. Good songs, but I liked the other album better. They fit in two from these guys but couldn't get one They Might Be Giants album????
its a good joke and there are some belters on here. however half of it confuses me, am i supposed ot be enjoying it ironically? should i be laughing? should i be enjoying it because i like swing and big band music? i don't know how i should appoach it, but it isn't obvious on its own. however mega big points for writing an iconic comedy theme tune.
Странный альбом. Если задуматься - интересный, разнообразный, будто концепцию каку-то завезли. Но всё дело в том, что это именно понимаешь, а не ощущаешь. По эмоциям не отбивается. В начале примерно почувствовав флоу, более просто не хочется возвращаться. Вроде бы и треков немного, но хронометраж воспринимается как Physical Graffiti. Возможно, из-за насыщенности. Но я склняюсь к духоте. К духоте, которую даже объяснить навскидку не способен, ибо цэ ж попс, камон. Я могу представить вселенную, где я закидываю этот альбом на плеер и гоняю между делом, где сурьёзно кайфую с треков и ставлю в пример годного попса как Coldplay. Но эта вселенная отличается от нашей, в этой больше не вспомню. Тем боле на облоге кун с сигой как быдлан, не одобряем.
Okay, so this album not only introduced me to a band I'd never heard of, but a whole new (to me) genre: "chamber pop." (As the name suggests: very generally speaking, rock/pop music orchestrated with 'classical' instruments.) Enjoyed quite a few tracks. Neil Hannon's voice is great, and I like his sense of melody. Some amazing vocal harmonies on some of the tracks, too. Not something I'll listen to regularly, but glad I got to learn about it.
Good stuff, interesting lyrics on top of catchy pop, don't love every track though Fav tracks: Becoming More Like Alfie, Songs of Love, The Frog Princess, Through a Long & Sleepless Night
It's good, sounded a bit like a musical to me, also quite David Bowie-esque. Didn't like the sound of the drum kit or bass guitar, that said the production quality is of high standard.
You think you've heard of all 1,001 of these albums before starting this project? You haven't. Never had an introduction to The Divine Comedy until now. At first, I thought this was a parody of Jim Morrison meets Richard Cheese, as lead singer Neil Hannon songs about sex as often as Morrison. Worthy entry on the list. Have already listened to more Divine Comedy. Hannon is my age, maybe that has something to do with this band's appeal to me.
Started off slow and meh but towards the second half of the album it really got going and turned into something magical. Took a bit too long to get there though imo.
A bit odd and not something I would normally listen to but very catchy. In a way it makes me think of 80s electro-pop stylistically, but without the electro parts. The first couple of songs were decent, but as the album went on I kind of got bored of it. Favorite Songs: Becoming more like Alfie Least Favorite Songs: Middle-Class Heroes
3.5 - Vignettes that survey English life at the turn of the century, the anxieties, romances, jealousies, struggles… Mixed with a dose of tenderness and plenty of irony. These are thoughtfully constructed songs in the vein of “Parklife”, “The Great Escape” and “Common People.” Unlike those albums, this one feels more squarely rooted to its time and place, lacking a more universal appeal.
I liked how this is like a theatre show in an album. Didn't like many of the songs too much though.
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.
Schlaues, nett-aber-nicht-harmloses Britpopgedudel, das mir mit seiner Theatralik minus Perfidie eines Jarvis Cocker aber damals nen Tick am Geschmack vorbeigeigte. Trotzdem: schönes Werk, kann man hier auf jeden Fall reinnehmen.
Strange but strangely delightful. It really brought to mind the inner musical monologue of a modern-day Casanova
The first songs are very enjoyable. The middle of the album is a little bit repetitive, but nothing too much different from any other Britpop. Finally, the end of the album has a feeling of something more experimental, but still pop. It's not too strange/experimental, but it's not pure Britpop anymore. The album deserves perfect 3 stars.
Honestly didn't care too much for this album. Lyrics were all about sex and I didn't enjoy the melodies either. It was just fine.
An interesting album that doesn't hide it's love for classic popular song writing of Rogers and Hart and Gershwin. No denying the lyrics are witty and the production lush and dramatic. An impressive nostalgic document. However it's all just a little too precious to keep me interested. At times I take not of the cleverness and a really lovely melody will wander by once in a while, but just not often enough to make me want to listen again. 3.5 🌟
Not much to say... it's fine but definitely not interested in it. There's a joke here somewhere and it falls flat for me.
Blew my mind that Songs of Love is the Father Ted theme tune. The rest of this is good, and Something for the Weekend is a great opener. Could have been a 4 but for a slightly weak back end.
This is an album made in the 90s that feels like an album made a lot earlier. Not my jam.
Eh, didn’t enjoy this much at all. That sort of schmaltzy lounge singer feel. Some of the music was nice but in general a thumbs down from me.
I had never heard this (or heard OF this). And I’m not a fan. I’m not sure if it’s just a dated sound or what, but the production sort of sounds like this album was made as a joke. Like a mocking of David Bowie. Maybe it was? Some of this is just straight up cringeworthy.
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?
The first few songs were OK, but then the 5th song where they brought out a Barry White impersonator? ugh.
Still wrapping my brain around Casanova. What an eccentric performance. But every once in awhile it reminded me of other concept albums like Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I laughed when he kept going on about dogs and horses having their day or whatnot.
A posher, shitter Pulp. It does contain the Father Ted theme tune though so have that Jarvis.
bleh nothing too great, some pretty...unsatisfactory tracks here, kind of molesty and gross. Some nice orchestration.
My usual bus driver Shaun tells me that his sister once went to a Divine Comedy gig and got so drunk that she climbed onto the stage and whipped her flange out. Neil Hannon started wanking. The crowd looked stunned at first, then all joined in.
Didn't like this much at all. Drawn-out, over-the-top, and at times very creepy with the soft whispers in your ear. a 2 because there were a few songs I somewhat enjoyed, but this was close to a 1
Interesting album as a whole. Several differing tones. Some good lighter, jazzy rock tracks were highlight
Top 3 1. (6) Songs of Love 2. (11) The Dogs & the Horses 3. (1) Something for the Weekend
I feel harsh giving this a 2 as this would be a 5/10 but I cannot give 3 stars for an album I wished was over half way through. Some surprises here and there, found the theme song from Father Ted, but was mainly bored throughout. Nothing terrible, just meh.
Largely unremarkable. Some fun songs, some horrid songs, nothing that I would go and seek out again.
There's a bit of interesting musical material and I like the instrumentation, but the orchestration is uneven and the overall impression is of Scott Walker-lite. Once that image fixed itself in my mind, it was hard to appreciate the concept or attempt at fourth-wall-breaking.
The Divine Comedy daring to ask the question: "What if Danny Elfman was boring and shitty?"
Indie Theatralik, Opulenz, Pathos. Mag das eigentlich, aber hier ist mir den Sunday Roast zu stark in Marmite eingelegt gewesen. 2.2
Heard snippets before. I had to give up on this - musically and lyrically not half as clever as it thinks it is.
I know this album is from 1996, but given I am listening to it for the first time in 2021 I can’t get past the lyrics. I was actually creeped out by many lines throughout the album (no means yes? Come on). It’s too bad because the background orchestration is cool and the lead vocals were very crooner sounding. This would be a 3 if not for the lyrics.
It wasn't bad but also wasn't good in any way. 2 stars because it wasn't terrible but I couldn't recommend this to anyone.
This is hard to describe, it's like some kind of weird musical theatre written by a sex crazed teenage boy. The lyrics are super cringey. The music is too "cute" with lots of orchestration. It's like one of those architectural styles that is too over the top with ornamentation: Baroque or Rococo maybe? What I'm saying is I could do with fewer fucking cherubs, metaphorically speaking of course. Holy shit, just got to "The Frog Princess" - this could be a Disney song, maybe if it was less obviously sexist. Not for me. I'd much prefer something authentic. Tempted to give it a 1 but at least it wasn't a boring listen so it's got that going for it.
What genre is this? Orchestral pop? Not that that is a bad thing. Some catchy hooks here and there but overall not something I cared for.
Some Scott Walker vibes in here. And I was just getting over Scott Walker. I reserve 1's for only the purest of crap. This isn't a 1 but it certainly no more than a 2.
Even though I was unfamiliar with this album, just looking at the cover I knew two things: 1) this was British, and 2) I wasn't going to like it (not that those 2 things are related). I like some of the arrangements, but not necessarily the way they are recorded/mixed. And the vocals really don't work for me. He seems incapable of pulling off what he's trying to achieve. I'd actually like to hear Mike Patton have a go at some of these songs. I think Mike could get across that tongue in cheek ironic quality they're going for, while evoking a more genuine range of emotions and reverence for the influences. Heck, even Jarvis Cocker could do wonders with this material. I think Jarvis could play the part much more convincingly. This album comes across sounding like they're trying too hard to write Scott Walker a love letter and it's just awkward. But I'll tell you, the thing that really irks me the most is anytime he breaks into a spoken word segment. They each made me cringe, but the affected accent one on "Charge" actually made me shudder.
Ug. The cleverness - if you can call it that - and overt bravado of Neil Hannon turns me off.
I think most of this was lost on me. Some enjoyable tracks but I did not feel like I was in on the joke
Yeah.. maybe yeah. Right? I mean... Not really though, right? I think... Yeah I actually think definitely not.
Honestly this album made me uncomfortable. It has a lot of rapey dialog and I’m not into it.
Oh I was really grooving to this until the second song lyrics about "No really means yes" which is shitty, but within the context of 1996, this type of language really makes sense. And cue the rest of the album being kinda creepy and gross. Ugh.
I give a 1 if I cant get through an album, this one was lucky that I was driving and couldn't go to the next album - but a 1 it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"My slap and tickle made her giggle" haahahahaha this list is like "the 100 albums everyone admits are great and then 900 other pieces of shit like this"