Casanova

Interesting and odd album. Poppy with weird speaking tracks and then the orchestra playing. The last song sounds like its out of a Disney movie coming to a climax.

Pleasant and unique album. This sounds like the lovechild of Frank Zappa and Randy Newman.

That album was so strange, but honestly was filled with jams. Each song was so unique and didn't really follow a normal structure at all so nothing got old. His dramatic voice paired perfectly with the instruments. I thought at first that it was going to be cheesy and get old, but I was hooked right at song 2 when I became more like Alfie. I really enjoyed all of the different types of instruments used in this album. It almost sounded like a musical of some sort. This was such a pleasant surprise because I had no idea what to expect going into this album. I could really see myself going back and listening to this album again. Very solid 4.

This album is fucking weird two songs in. Not bad weird just show tuney with rock and lounge music involved. The third song is even more so with some scary undertones. Idk if I’ve ever heard anything like this. Literally sounds like parody but I don’t think it actually is. Some solid guitar work in the background. The lead singers voice reminds me of the singer from black midi except not as unhinged sounding. Found myself a bit entranced by some of these songs. I would probably give this album a 3.5 or possibly lower but something about it was so unique and enjoyable to me that I’m bumping up to 4.

No thanks

Chamber music. Showtunes-y. Gets boring after a while.

Could not finish

любопытно

If irritation was the goal that this album succeeded like a hemorrhoid flareup.

Not particularly funny to me and not particularly good music to me. I don’t believe that novelty records have much of a place on this list.

At best it sounded like bad Belle and Sebastian or bad Pulp. I never got used to the singer's voice and was happy when it was over.

Not really a fan of this album. It’s just a little too … something. I can really put my finger on why I didn’t like it, but I didn’t. I never got to the point where I wanted to skip tracks but it was close. Only song I liked was Songs of Love, and I prefer the Ben Folds version of that one anyway.

Kind of fun. Reminded me of nightmare before Xmas.

Well that was unexpected

For a comedy album, the songs are actually not too bad. You can get through a chunk of this thinking that you're just listening to a weirder subsection of pop music. But then you get hit with lyrics about your frog princess turning into a cow. The novelty is interesting, but besides that the music is nothing special. Not sure the concept of it all grants it enough merit to earn a place on the 1001 albums, but I guess there's gotta be something for all music fans?

Not that great.. a little overdramatic, broadway, but also cheap lounge?

Kind of anti-women through quite a few of the songs. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be based upon something or just misogyny. Decent music otherwise

Pleasantly melodramatic

I don't have any evidence to back this up but I blame this dude for influencing Alex Turner to sing the way that he does now.

Listenable, but just ok.

I feel like I 'get' Divine Comedy but I don't enjoy them. National Express was a chirpy pop ditty, but the cheeky, wordy Britishness misses something for me. Maybe it needs a bit of the other side too - some kind of edge under the quaintness. Mark Smith did this 'wry observation' stuff much better. And The Fall's music was far more interesting. Close, but no cigar(ette)

Weak Noël Coward crap.

0 stars

Richard Cheese, Morrissey, and Baz Luhrmann get together to make an album—seriously, what the hell did I just listen to? I like camp. I like baroque pop. This is too much. 2/5

Never been able to get on with Hannon's weird smarmy smug delivery. Though he will always have my respect for My Lovely Horse

Den här plattan behöver de inte skämmas för.

Not my cup of tea. Coffee shop/bar music

This was a wild ride. Not sure what it is but it sounded like a comedy album but wasn't particularly funny.

It's like if Rufus Wainwright and a crooner had a baby, and that baby wanted to be Bowie but fell short of the mark.

Not, Thks

Something for the Weekend: 4/5 Becoming More Like Alfie: 4/5 Middle-Class Heroes: 4/5 In & Out of Paris & London: 3/5 Charge: 4/5 Songs Of Love: 4/5 The Fog Princess: 5/5 A Woman of the World: 4/5 Through a Long & Sleepless Night: 4/5 Theme from Casanova: 5/5 The Dogs & the Horses: 5/5 Avg.: 4.2

Cringey sexist

The divine Joke!

A surprisingly fun and musical album. At points it is whimsical, and doesn't take itself seriously, but at other times it provides some great musicality and weight.

Un album intéressant qui semble presque être écrit comme une comédie musicale. Le genre de chose sur lequel il faudra revenir plus tard...

Oye, me gustó! No lo esperaba, pero debí suponerlo después de ver y Wonka y disfrutar de sus canciones.

Bright and lively. Pleasant and fast moving. Smooth. Not challenging. Can't dance to it.

7.5/10 Highlights: Through a Long and Sleepless Night Frog Princess Charge Something for the Weekend

I liked it. It's like a very British Moby. Fun sounds with some lyrics that might not have aged great haha there is so cute breaking of the 4th wall too. Good show.

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

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.

What did I just listen to?

Interesting similar sounds of other artists, had never heard of them

Almost like a sixties movie soundtrack, quintessentially English.

A very quirky album, has a ton of British razzamatazz throughout. Quite showy/theatrical at times. A good listen, though nothing too catchy

I was not feeling this. Maybe I caught it on the wrong day for me and I need to come back to it, but I tried to listen all the way through and I just couldn’t get there. Different headspace perhaps or just not a style that I was into on that particular day. Sorry Casanova, this story for me was more of a divine tragedy!

Hannon's voice was once described as that of a 'sexually frustrated angel' which just about covers it. Torn between the base and the romantic, Hannon can't resist his sex obsession nor his romantic yearning, fancying himself a dandyish, Byronic, romantic poet. Stuffed full of literary allusions, Shakespeare quotes, Barry White and Prince impersonations, inspired by Holly Golightly, Stella Gibbons and Scott Walker, Hannon just goes for it, liberally sprinkling in jokes, both good and bad. An album that should not work but his enthusiasm and charm carries it over the line; his later albums were even better - 'Victory for the Comic Muse' (his 9th!), followed by 'Bang Goes the Knighthood' and 'Foreverland', completing a fine three album career highlight run, although, were I to pick a favourite, early album Promenade would get the five stars. PS As a songwriter, Hannon's sensibility would seem to suit the musical, so it is a surprise this has only just come to pass with the excellent songs on the Wonka movie.

Strange lyrics, tracks are alright

Not my music

Not for me

I've never heard of The Divine Comedy nor the album, and it caught me off guard. This album intrigued me enough to do the research behind the songs and their meaning. That being said, I can't say that I like it. I'm not sure whether it is me not understanding the humor of their lyrics or it not being funny.

For all intensive purposes I felt like I should have liked this but I didn't. I was unimpressed and I'm felt like Middle Class Hero would be a song on an Aladdin movie and this is not in a good way.

the "I really want to be the Berry Manilow of my generation" album that no-one knew they were missing. Why do we need to be so dramatic?

Weird but I like

Cool discovery, would come again

Music for smartarses made by a smartarse, but don't let that put you off. Many of the songs feel like they're being sung with a wry smile and eyebrow arched towards the sky and this can get a bit grating. It leans heavily of Scott Walker before he went weird with all the orchestral swells and backing. If you like baroque rock or chamber pop which feels like it's not taking itself too seriously this could be for you. My only issue is that I get the feeling he's not taking the listener too seriously either.... Best Tracks: Something For The Weekend; Becoming More Like Alfie; Songs of Love

La boucle

Some interesting sounds and influences, clearly, but eventually it ended up just sounding like a random musical theatre soundtrack. Fine if you're into that kind of thing, but not my cup of tea. Happy to be introduced to this artist though - I always enjoy interesting music.

fine. 2 stars. maybe 3.

Meh

3 - I wasn't crazy about this one, sadly. I listened to A Short Album About Love maybe a year ago and liked it, so I figured this would be good too, but I didn't like it nearly as much. I'm not really sure why. I guess this one feels less lush to me? There's just something different. Also, while I don't usually care about the lyrics, some of them felt a bit questionable. That's probably the point, but it kinda made me a little uncomfortable at points. Oh well, it's not a big deal.

Ok

Originell und abwechslungsreich

It's weird. Definitely a different genre and not in my wheelhouse. Another way to look at Brit-Pop for the 90s. First couple hooks are interesting. But that's it. It'd all panache and empty Broadway after that.

This chode is unashamedly goofy and I don’t mind that part one bit. I love that he acts as he truly is. He really rides that fine line between charm and pretentiousness incredibly well. The arrangements are nice and the lyrics are funny, while also being introspective. Vocals are good and I can’t complain about the production either. This is a fun listen and I’d love to give it a perfect score, but it doesn’t quite excite me like a five out of five should and some songs sound a tad too similar. Also, it does just overstay it’s welcome a bit. Just a tad. I still really enjoy it. 4/5

I think if this album had dedicated to being more or less ironic I would have enjoyed it much more. As is its just ironic enough to be noticeable but not enough to avoid that "is this guy serious? What is this? Why would anyone say that?"

This guy is so greasy. Like the human equivalent of a floppy Baconator.

Interesting album. Judging by the cover, I was expecting to hate the album, but a few tracks into the record I started to enjoy it or at least settled into a comfortable mindset. Sort of odd and weird at times, I liked the music, kind of retro with appropriate orchestration and the sound sounded bigger than I was expecting.

Britpop mit Orchestereinflüssen; nicht uninteressant, aber mir zu monoton. 2,5

I think The Divine Comedy is best enjoyed in small does - the OTT theatrics and clever-clever lyrics can get a bit much after a while. There's some good stuff on here though, and the Father Ted theme tune always puts me in a good mood.

No es mi favorito.

Another artist I hadn't heard of. Saw "1996" and assumed it had to be another lame-ass britpop album like so many others on this list. On the contrary, this is pretty entertaining. Vibes of '60s movie soundtracks, maybe a little '70s Bowie or Queen? Very theatrical (at times too much so), but a pleasant surprise.

I am indifferent.

This sounds like a parody album by a less talented Robert Cheese. No thanks.

Kind of got annoying after awhile.

Somewhere, a community theater is missing it's acTOR. Pretentious, self-indulgent nonsense. If this guy could get over himself he could probably write a few decent songs.

Sounds like the theme tunes to some obscure and kinda crappy 70s sitcoms that your uncle had a vhs boxset of.

I'll be honest I wasn't paying great attention to this album but at all the times I was listening to it I was extremely confused. Im not sure if this is a masterpiece that I have yet the artistic capacity to enjoy but... I fear that that is not the case.

Not sure I’d call this Something for the Weekend. Felt like I went Through a Long & Sleepless Night on this one…

Very odd sound. Reminds me of 50ish talk singing.

Too much pop.

I hated many things about this record. The music was whatever, but the pretentious singing style was grating, and the lyrics were super rapey. Not a single thing I liked about this, and I would never want to listen to it again.

Sucks. No notes. Ok, one note. It sorta sounds like the overdramaticness of Nightmare Before Christmas. 1.49/5

It sounds super pretentious, but almost in a kind of fun way? The theme near the end is a little extra, but I can see why this would click for so many. C

I enjoyed this although it defies classification.

Feels effortlessly cool and has some neat lefty political stuff in there.

I like the brass and his dramatic voice

I get that this is tongue in cheek, but it's not really a great listening experience.

Pretty good.

Not one of the Britpop acts of the 90s that I ever got into. I've heard of the band but never felt the need to seek out their music because it was never really in the conversation among anyone I knew. I'm not a fan of the cheesy, swanky nightclub vibes he puts in his lyrics and singing. He seems like he's trying to play the part of a posh playboy and that just doesn't speak to me at all, which makes sense as to why I never got into him or his music. He definitely feels inspired by Scott Walker but it feels a bit forced to me. I also wasn't a big fan of the sampled and jokey voices that were added to a number of songs. This one was kind of a slog to get through and I can't imagine a scenario where I'd ever voluntarily listen to it again. Not that it's unlistenable or horrible, just not my thing. Standout Tracks: Something for the Weekend

A band I discovered throughout this site. The first album of theirs I listened, A Short Album About Love really caught me by surprise! And this one was at least equally good. But I feel this one was a bit more to the satirical side, which I really liked. Again, instrumentally it's ace, the voice is great and the songs are really well written. 8,5 out of 10

what even genre is this? very 90s vibe, all over the place, not really consistent?

I kinda fucking hate it. It's like bad broadway music, with mediocre cocktail hour singing. I don't really find it interesting - the instruments are either normal and boring, or unusual and bad. It's also like mediocre offbrand tony bennett. If I wasn't upset that I feel like it sucks, it might actually be good. So I feel like maybe I'm being too harsh to it for some reason. Giving it a 3 cuz it seems fine, but I want to give it a 2.

First song was dog shit. When the description claimed they were irish I was excited but it makes sense theyre northern irish. This album is a car waiting to explode. Fortunately it gets a little better but its albums like this that make this project difficult sometimes. I really would love to know how this is a top 1000 influential album. Sadly Im expecting there to be worse but still 1 star

Where I loved the Associates I hated this, while very same sort of atmosphere. Dunno why, 2 stars it is

This album is the person at your school lunch table that everyone has decided is “the funny one” despite the heavy feeling and need for a shower you experience whenever they strike up a conversation.

Something for the weekend and father ted were ok.

I hated it.

This has a lot of random moments that I liked. I should probably re-listen to this.

Hated it. couldn't finish

Not my thing. Somehow reminded me of the vampire opera from Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Divine indeed

The only comedy is that this list has gotten so many people to listen to this album.

Pretty good

I like it better than the other Divine Comedy on the list from the Sinatra imitator backed up by a small classical orchestra in an alt rock style. Where A Short Album About Love is like In the Wee Small Hours, this one is more like Songs for Swingin Lovers. Much happier and energetic with a wacky New Wave-esque personality. It's creative but very messy. A lot of ideas clash with each other and make it a hard listen. Although less consistent than A Short Album About Love, this one a lot more diverse and intriguing, keeping my interest for most of the record, and thus I'm giving it another star, especially for having a few tracks I actually really enjoyed. If the record were more focused, less sensory overload, and cut out the really boring chanson tracks, it would get its 4th star. Favorites: Something for the Weekend, Becoming More Like Alfie

Sounded like the soundtrack to a movie to me. Really not for me.

Listened Before? N I don't know how I feel about this style of pop music. On one hand, it's not really my favorite thing, but on the other hand I'm starting to realize there was a whole bunch of 80s-90s stuff from the UK and Ireland that influenced American music in the early 2000s, which I suppose makes this influential. I just think it's okay. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Something for the Weekend

Someone thinks they are cooler than they are.

what is this...

Decent

Thankfully I heard this after Scott Walker's Scott 2, because this album is heavily influenced by it. It feels like an attempt to create a 90s version of Jackie, and it succeeds somewhat. The highs are not as high, the lows are not as low, and it doesn't pull off the sleazyness nearly as well. However, I appreciate the sheer theatricality of this album, it goes 10 miles over the top and it knows it. Appended: This has become, over the years since I originally reviewed it, one of my favorite albums ever made.

A special place lies in my heart for “The Diving Comedy”. Though this album was good, I’d always recommend “A Secret History…” but maybe that’s because I grew up with it…

I thought I didn't know this band, but I recognized Become More Like Alfie. Starts out as britpop like Pulp etc. and slowly morphs into music for theatre nerds. It's all well-crafted, but I don't like it very much. I'm pretty sure there's over 1001 records more essential than this one.

That was a surprinsingly pleasurable album, very nice songs!

I don't really enjoy this album. From the the first song I was kind of off put. I trudged through the album to completion and came away with a few interesting moments. I don't think this record is terrible, I just don't think it's for me. Some of the instrumentals were interesting. His voice had some fun and expansive range. The lyrics are kind of funky and tongue in cheek. I think the track "Through Long & Sleepless Night" is cool. The crescendo and grand ending was fun. Again, nothing really stood out, nothing really made me bob my head, nothing really got my attention. This could easily be in the background or in some Rom Com movie and I wouldn't really think too much of it.

What the heck was that? Was that for real?

Nope

This album is big and weird and aware of itself and I don’t think I’d listen again.

I really liked the melodies, but the singer often reminded me of a drunk uncle making up his own song at karaoke. Throughout this entire album, I went between "This is quite good!" to "Wtf am I listening to". Overall I enjoyed it, and I would listen to a good few of these songs again 👍🏻

Whew 😓😅

Once again, The Divine Comedy is the best re-discovery of doing this list. It's funny, well-written and wonderfully arranged. I am going to tell my grandkids that this was Blur.

The Divine Comedy continues to be one of my favorite discoveries from this list so far. Hadn’t expected another of his albums so that was a pleasant surprise. The songwriting is amazing and his balance of extremely heartfelt and comedy is on point. As “Through a Long & Sleepless Night” suddenly arrives out of nowhere with its epic sound I find myself thoroughly convinced that Neil Hannon is one if the genre’s most underappreciated artists.

It’s the most accessible album of the band I’ve heard so far - some pretty clever wit thrown around - mixing the lecherous with high mindedness. The arrangement are also just the right amount of tasteful. Maybe the only thing that kind of put me off is the lechery - even if it’s comedy - it just kind of grates nowadays - but not enough to demote this album seriously.

Feels a little earlier than '96, but it delivers on its theme. Funny in parts and quite original in many ways. There are some things in here which I hear in more modern songs, it wouldn't surprise me if albums like this become unspoken inspiration for certain types of sound.

Actually enjoyed this in a weird way

oh so it’s like if prince charming from shrek 2 was a pedophile. got it. fuck this album.

38/100

Kinda rapey lyrics tbh and I can't tell if it's satire? I didn't care for the album but the radio that followed was good

The only parts that were remotely interesting were those that were downright cringy.

Didn’t like it. Cheesy, boring, basic instrumentation.

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.

It starts off weirdly creepy and doesnt really get better. Its humour deserrves to stay in the past

Weird songs

Fun album, but not one I'd revisit.

Probably the most unique album I've listened to yet. Very musical

Good, but Something for the Weekend was the highlight. Had to play National Express after.

Strong

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).

Every song was unique and different it was all a little trippy

British music in the 90s was wild. So quirky and out there. Essential tracks: The Frog Princess (Playlist) Song of Love

This one just didn’t click with me at all.

Easy listenable. Maybe 3.5 for the messages too, but I didnt listen closely

Not a fan. Really dont like his French Jacque Brel style voice.. It really bugs me and the stream of songs about sex just irks me.

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.

Neil Hannon does an album in-character as some sort of stereotypical sleaze. I found it quite entertaining in just these two listens, but would maybe go off it with too many more repetitions... 🤔 Quite amusing seeing all the reviews being "WTF" from most of the global listeners, and "Father Ted!" from all the British ones! 😆 Fave track - I mean, "Songs of Love" is a cracker. "Middle-class Heroes" amused me most from the ones I'd never heard before....

Wow, hvem er han her!

Interesting, Milla Jovovich released her album by the same name 2 yrs earlier. Never heard of Casanova. He's got an interesting style. Reminds me of a 90's modern day Frank Sinatra. lol Lyrics are so nineties. There's a hint of sinister darkness to this. I like it. As obscure as this has been I've been enjoying it. The last track The Dogs & The Horses was actually really pretty. I liked the variety and weirdness in this. I'll give it a 4.

Yea it’s fine. Also, Father Ted theme!

Blijft weinig van hangen

first one i couldnt make through

good wave

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

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.

I gave it more than one star because it was at least well done, but...topically this was uninteresting, and I just didn't enjoy him vocally.

A bit over-dramatic for no reason.

Always felt that 2004's *Absent Friends* was the best Divine Comedy album. Its only problem was maybe that it was released quite a few years after Neil Hannon first attracted the spotlights with his snarky, witty-yet-impossibly-gorgeous chamber-pop act. Check out song "Our Mutual Friend" to hear him at the top of his game during this second stage of his career. 1996's *Casanova* is not so bad though, even it partly catered to a britpop sound that was far more standardized than Hannon's endearing usual chamber-pop shtick. Britpop was already a bit dated by 1996, ironically. But it didn't hurt The Divine Comedy's sales to go that way after two albums in the same understated vein, I imagine. Plus this LP features the iconic hit "Something For the Weekend", which can't hurt. I lived in England around 1999, and I remember hearing it all the time on the telly, even three years after its release. Good memories... The lyrics of "Becoming More Like Alfie" have not aged well, though: "Everyone knows no means yes / Just like free glasses come free on the NHS". It's a funny rhyme, I'll grant it to Hannon. And I know this here is mostly literary license in keeping with the album's theme of "Casanovas", including the bullies harrassing girls who think they're that titular character. But taken out of context, some folks might take this tune the wrong way today, understandably. In spite of its questionable chorus, the song yet remains pretty good, like many others on this generally endearing record. Musically speaking, there's the occasional overlong filler, sure. But ones like "Charge", for instance, are still welcome, as they serve the narrative conceit behind this concept album, with a battle scene for the ages in this particular case. I guess Hannon can be forgiven for many of his musical self-indulgences here.They're mostly used for the greater good that the album as a whole is. In the list of keepers, *Father Ted* surely made "Songs Of Love" famous, but that tender, mostly acoustic gem probably didn't need that to be remembered anyway. The same goes "The Frog Princess": being French, that "Marseillaise" interpolation in it cracks me up everytime, and the track is also one the best and catchiest compositions in this LP. And I love closer "The Dogs And The Horses", narrating the acceptance of upcoming death through a dusky, "pathetic" orchestration that's particularly fitting with the contents of the lyrics. What a bold way to end an album. So yep, good stuff. Yet as much as I like this record, I'm not so sure it's a *clear* candidate for a list like this. From 2023's standpoint, The Divine Comedy might be a bit of a niche act--one that could scare regular listeners with its many mannerisms and flourishes (*Absent Friends* would be a better entry point for them, I think). 1001 is a finite number, after all, so I'd rather err on the side of caution for my own list. Giving a 3.5/5 grade to *Casanova* for the purposes of this list -- rounded up to 4 --which translates to a 8.5/10 grade for more general purposes. (5+3.5) Next, please. Number of albums left to review: 453 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 255 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 131(including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 163

Irsk 90’er poprock, lyrikken i fokus, sjove tekster, kedelig musik

Nobody needs to hear that dismal crap.

This was an unremarkable album. Definitely something that can be skipped. It sounds very theatrical and somewhat of a joke. At first I thought it was Thom Yorke on the cover.

I don't know who that album was aimed at. Is it for britpop fans? Smiths fans? Pop fans? Comedy fans? Apart from the Father Ted bit it was painfully aimless.

Another peculiar pick of an album, joining a very long line of other picks on this here website. As is often the case, it smells of "do admire my sophistication for having picked this here album that you would otherwise not willingly choose to listen to".

this seems clever maybe a bit too clever, i bet i would like it more if i didn’t already know the kinks, scott walker, and the monochrome set

Great concept album. I just found the subject matter hard to stomach.

I feel a little conflicted about this album. It's great in parts, with some excellent songwriting. But the Casanova persona conceit is not as funny as Hannon thinks it is, and it hasn't aged particularly well. The song that works best is also the most sincere; Songs Of Love. I also found it all a bit much in one go; a few songs is about my limit for this.

felt a little bit pretentious at times. I like the idea of "chamber pop," but I think it could be done better by someone else. only two really notable songs on this one

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.

Second Divine Comedy album this week and this one seems to have a theme: British Carry-on humour. I desperately want to like it but it's so bland and formulaic. Very well put together and produced but devoid of a spark for me.

vraiment oubliable comme album. J'ai écouté pendant 50 minutes et rien ne me revient, pas une chanson ni aucun arrangement... Mon écoute n'était pas tr`s active mais bon ca ne m'apporte rien de plus dans mon bagage et ca aurait probablement pu être laissé de coté dans cette liste.

4/10

Hmmm. This was very- theatrical. The lyrics were just wack and there’s no denying that, but I kind of liked the vibe. If there were no vocals or just better ones, I think I would actually enjoy this quite a bit, however they were unbearable. I really liked the overall sound of mysterious music though.

Two songs in and I'm noticing the lyrics (almost always a bad sign). And I hate them. In a not-shocking corollary, I'm quickly loathing the lounge-singer/musicals garbage singing on this - almost making me irrationally angry. Mostly because the music is interesting in so many ways - so the only question is: will I get used to these absurd second-rate Bryan Ferry vocals by the end of the album....? ...good god no; by just track 3 I'm already all set. Feels tough to slap down such an obvious musical effort but it doesn't take much introspection for me to admit that I hated this and in the end rather than feeling bad about not giving this a 3, not even midway through the album I was trying to come up with reasons to not give this a 1. And by song 5 was re-evaluating my interest in music altogether. (HOLY HELL OF COURSE this guy assisted on Ute Lemper's "Punishing Kiss" album!) I'm not sure how to even sum this up. Almost like listening to a way way over-the-top soundtrack of a somewhat-funny nightmare. e.g. It's not Velvet Underground-horror but more like "clowns aren't really funny so please direct me to the exit" horror. Memo for future-me: just listen to the song "Charge" and you'll know. Almost a shame it couldn't have been more *restrained* like "Songs of Love" which is actually kind of quaint in a Brian May / Queen way. Not nearly enough to save this in any way for me. 2/10 1 star.

Sleazy perverted crooning, like a cousin of Jarvis Cocker. Unusual. Not particularly good, nor particularly bad. A sleazy 'n' cheesy 3 outta 5.

OK, but not really my bag

3.75

A second Divine Comedy album? Why? It is not good. Unnoteworthy. Better than a one I guess not really a two.

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...

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.

Enjoyed this a lot Not very subtle with its satirical message but the arrangements are genuinely beautiful Favourite tracks: Something For The Weekend, Becoming More Like Alfie, Charge, Songs of Love, Theme From Cassanova, The Dogs & the Horses

I certainly will not be listening to this one again. He's really good at talking over poorly-aged instrumentals, though.

Not the worst thing but I don’t get it. you get one of these songs per album but this a whole album of them. Maybe with a better singer… Not sure why this on here

Uniquely terrible. Each song was worse than the last. Completely unhinged in the worst possible way. In&out is truly one of the worst things I’ve ever heard. I think I would rather listen to kollaps

This has to be a joke

3. Enjoyable enough

What is chamber music anyway?! Never knew that’s what this style is supposed to sound like. It isn’t bad. I wouldn’t call it good. The lyrics are hokey with a little Lawrence Welk thrown in. Won’t remember this. Won’t likely ever look for it again.

Brit-Pop has always liked to imitate the later Beatles, but has also failed to realize what made the Beatles so great. 3/5

"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!

I am not exactly sure what I just listened to. Seemed a bit overly dramatic, and on a different day, I think that I would not have enjoyed it much at all. Today, it still was a bit much for me, but also somewhat amusing.

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.

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!

esunaporon

zaten leuke dingen tussen

Ja ook weer leuk

While all of his contemporaries were making britpop at the time, Neil Hannon was making fancy, prissy chamber pop. It's this sort of complex songwriting combined with Hannon's personality that makes this album seem more sophisticated than it actually is. Behind the strings and perhaps accentuated accent, The Divine Comedy is a rather brutish band. I struggle to really like this album because I can't look past how inauthentic it all is. Everything from the cover to the songs feel like a big act to make the music seem more nuanced than it actually is. It's well-produced, well-performed, but often comes across as a failure of artistic expression. And too much of it, for that matter.

absolute wank. hateful

Much easier to listen to than Duck Stab/Buster & Glen, but also much more forgettable. results in the same rating Nevermind, last minute +1 more star because Through a Long & Sleepless Night is nice

Man, this album was a real struggle to get through. I don't know why this is on this list, but someone was drunk when making the choice! The Divine Comedy is a chamber pop/europop band from Northern Ireland. He sounds like a Dollar Store version of Nick Cave, except Nick has musical talent. I had to listen to this in installments throughout the day, because if was just so shitty. The only good thing that I discovered through this listen was that this guy is responsible for the theme song to Father Ted (Songs of Love), as well as the song My Lovely Horse from the A Song For Europe episode. Songs of Love was really the only listenable track on the whole record. Overall, this album is a hot mess. Absolutely no redeeming qualities. It is only getting a 2 because of the Father Ted connection. What a gobshite. Favourite songs: Songs of Love, Through a Long & Sleepless Night, Becoming More Like Alfie Least favourite songs: Charge, Middle-Class Heroes, The Dogs & The Horses... and the rest of the record. 2/5

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)

Felt way too niche for my liking and way too long of an album.

Did not care for this album. Only got through the first 4 songs. 1/5

This album was okay. When about halfway through, I was certain this was going to be a two star album. The initial concept changed my mind.

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

not this fucking guy AGAIN. there’s a total of like 13 soul and country albums on this list, and somehow, this is the THIRD Divine Comedy i’ve gotten. what is going on

Meh, funny lyrics like Beautiful South

Nothing funny about this.

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

I can't say I ever want to listen to the Divine Comedy myself but having to listen to it certainly made me appreciate it much more. I think they are a band I'd enjoy seeing live

Awful songs. I stopped the album after about four songs. I did discover the origin of "slap and tickle" though!

I did not care for this. I understand Neil Hannon is leaning on his humour but I didn’t find it funny so it just sounded like a shitty musical where the lead is a rapist. 2 stars

Pop sinfónico

Yeah fuck this. I guess you needed to be there, but seriously "Theme from Casanova" is the shit I hate. Self-referential masturbation. Rest of the album is bland. 1.5/5

You guys I think this dude might have listened to David Bowie before

Didn't love it

God I am so tired of Brit-pop. This is just a slog of smarmed up bullshit. The operatic grand The Dogs & the Horses is the smelling cherry on top of this truely terrible album.

Interesting fusion of influences but not anything amazing

This guys voice gives me the creeps

I do admit that I left today's album too late as it's past 1am the next day, which admittedly isn't getting the most of my attention as im trying to stay awake, but i'm still thinking it's a little too much and too samey. Maybe if it caught me on a better day with a drink or two in me I might rate it higher but today isn't that day.

One of my favourites.

Took a while to get onboard, but ended up liking this album a bit. Not amazing, but definitely worth the journey.

Cheeky and entertaining chamber pop. Tea Father?

I know we aren't supposed to just an album by its cover, but I wonder if the divine comedy is that they got Elijah Wood to pose with a little cigarette in his mouth. A true Casanova. All that to say I wouldn't listen to this album based on the cover. Upon listening, I should have trusted my instincts. If I wasn't so dedicated, I'd have stopped after the first song. I only listened to about 30 seconds before skipping. Anyone who has the balls to start an album with some casual non consensual kissing does not deserve to be on this list, but then to actually get into the song and it be terrible is a whole other level of dumb. As I said, due to my principles, I did listen to the second song as well, but as soon as he started singing in that played out voice, I had to stop. So that's the long and short of it. This does not belong here. PS: just like other UK pop bands (this one from Ireland which is honestly shocking), the wiki entry says on their best day they charted at #13. How does that warrant being on this list??????

Fancy-pants prick. Our second from this dry fart of a man (band? don't care), and it's as goofy and pretentious as the previous. Each track that plays, I'm dreading his vocals. If he were doing a bit, it would be an excellent, funny bit making fun of this kind of person. But I'm afraid he just is that kind of person. I thought I enjoyed "Middle-Class Heroes" (oh, the irony), but then it got so boring that I skipped it. Truthfully, I skipped through almost every track of this slog. This guy blows. Favorite track: A Woman of the World. Album art: Fancy-pants prick. 1/5

This was painful and difficult. I have to be honest to say I only made it 2/3 of the way through this album.

Unpretentious silly shit and very much over-the-top. I've said it once, but I'll say it again... "If this guy and Ute Lemper got together and had a baby the world would explode."

On the cover of The Divine Comedy’s “Casanova,” Neil Hannon looks like Thom Yorke having some kind of hipster crisis. Start listening though, and you won’t mistake Hannon’s cringy chamber pop bombastics for Radiohead.

I almost gave this a one but I found exactly one song to be inoffensively not terrible.

Neil Hannon’s voice did not annoy me as much as last time.

... this wasn't it.

Not to my liking

Zapravo mi je jako dosadno. Tad su imali kultni status ali ova pompa u aranžmanima i sve , dosadno...

Horrible

This reminds me of Brian LaFontaine, the singer on the Name that Tune segment from Conan Obrien!

Ugh. Not this guy again. Two entries for this is group is overkill. I hate the deliberately goofy and artless way this album sounds.

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'.

meh

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

Quirky. If intended as a parody, really hit the mark. If serious, doesn't hold up on today's woke world

Ok, the weird seduction stuff is uncomfortable. It makes it feel like an album a rapist would listen to. If they were going for sexy, they failed. The album would be better without that. I actually kind of like the song Charge. This is definitely a unique album. This sounds like an off brand Bowie, like if you ordered David Bowie from Wish.com and got this instead.

Dit maakt me verdrietig!

Best sfeervol. Beetje croonerig, maar dat was het dan ook wel.

Sorry hoor, maar dit kan ik echt niet serieus nemen. Wat een theatraal gedweep.

Best theatraal, best vervelend. Hoewel ik in eerste instantie enthousiast was.

Before I get into this I just want to acknowledge my mistake (like I knew I would have to) after listening to 'Electric Ladyland' by Hendrix again. I want to bump my score up to 4/5. I regret my initial score. As for this I didn't like it and I will not be amending my score of 2.

This is the second Divine Comedy album we've covered, which is strange considering I hadn't heard of them before this. I really don't know what I think about them. On one hand, some of their stuff seems musically interesting. But a lot of their songs seem kinda cringe. I guess it's trying to be funny or clever? But trying a little too hard, maybe? Something about the albums I've heard just don't sit right with me, despite checking a lot of my boxes. It's certainly original. But at the end of the day, I'm just not interested. When I was younger, I was a big Barenaked Ladies fan -- I feel as though I would have appreciated this more in those days.

Vocals are very reminiscent of David Bowie, overall sound is quite pleasant - not rock, but not pop either.

Oh good God not this again. Similarly to last time, while there is certainly stuff going on in this album, I was BORED out of my mind. However, this is slightly better than the other one (A Short Album About Love) because there were times I found the songs pleasant and relaxing.

Super weird overall and not in a good way. 1 listenable song on the whole album (Songs of Love), which oddly enough, is quite good. 1 - bad 2 - average 3 - good 4 - great 5 - outstanding

Vitsihän tämä on, mutta camoon silti

Saattaa alkuun yllättää (melkein) positiivisesti, mutta asettuessaan omalle melodiselle uralleen osoittaa sointu soinnulta, intonaatio intonaatiolta ja läppä läpältä yhä varmemmin oman hirveytensä.

Ridiculously louche.

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

Too over the top and theatrical for me.

I'm not usually much of a fan of the britpop stuff, but this was a fun album that caught me off guard. Good stuff!

No thank you. 1/5

Thanks, I hate it!

Lounge music for sociopaths.

He / They wrote the theme music for 'Father Ted' don't you know?! She said, There's something in the woodshed Just nod if you can hear me Is there anyone at home? It's all a bit silly really, and if you scratch the surface, a little bit sinister. 2 / 5 stars.

Very chill and witty. I can hear some "future" Arctic Monkeys there.

Meh. I don’t get it. Below average pop music.

I've never heard of The Divine Comedy, and all of the music on Casanova was new to me. The music verges into territory of music that I might listen to. The Divine Comedy sounds like Brit Pop (something I'll listen to) funneled through Frank Sinatra style crooning (something I don't listen to). Most of the time listening to the album I was trying to figure out if "putting up" with the music until it's over is good enough to NOT give the album a dis-like (2 stars). I don't think I liked it.

1996, ирландский барокко-поп (орк-поп). Легкий, гармонично вплетена классическая музыка. Лидер Нил Хэннон. Третий студийный альбом (четвертый по чесноку, если считать первый провальный в стиле джэнгл-поп). Треки: позитивный Something for the weekend, мюзикальный Charge, надрывный Through a Long & Sleepless Night.

Bättre än väntat!

Hated it

Sixth form common room memories from this

Yeah ... no.

Some good songs, some crazy songs, some nice songs. It's hard to hate this but I don't love it either.

ass. quit recommending me this shit

This album might be the most mediocre below average album I’ve ever heard. The singers voice us pretty lame. The song lyrics are boring and uneventful. The instrumentals are okay but lacking. Overall this album is an hour of music that just doesn’t hit. None of it us objectively bad it’s just boring. 4.6/10

At some points I thought this was a joke... is it?

Songs of love was decent, everything else was not my favorite.

Want to go 1.5 can’t decide if it’s leaning 1 or 2. Ugh the big hit wasn’t bad

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!

I am simply not British enough to deal with the Churchill quotes, Royal anthem references, or Blitz imagery. And furthermore, I cannot stomach Scott Walker so when I heard that he was a major influence on the creation of this album, well that’s what one star ratings are for, I guess. Barf.

I try to not immediately reach for "I did not in fact need to listen to this one before I died" when I don't like one, because at 1089 entries on the list, obviously there's going to be some duds in there. But geez this one was skippable. A late-90s attempt to update crooner shit to modern sensibilities, no thank you

Good in parts

Not my thing.

A solid three, two big singles and a high consistency of wit, arched eyebrow and glittery melodies all the way. and yes, Songs of Love is indeed the Father Ted theme.

"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.

Already knew "Something for the weekend" but could never really get into the Divine Comedy. Was fun to hear the Father Ted theme though.

Scott Walker is bad enough, but I draw the line at wannabe Scott Walker.

MOR indie-pop-singer-songwriter

Pretty fun and good music

I vaguely remember that we'd already received an album from this guy, and I'm sure I would have mentioned Scott Walker in my review, so I won’t do it again. I find most of the songs pleasant and listenable, with nice arrangements, tongue in cheek lyrics and the added bonus an occasional trombone or whistle solo. I like "Becoming More Like Alfie” and "The Frog Princess". The hit single doesn't really grab me. I'm impressed that someone would bring together (and pay) a twenty-piece orchestra for a 1996 album release. Between a 3 and 4 for me.

Campy, creepy and crappy Casanova music. Way too dramatic and not even a wink to the listener, this dude takes himself far too seriously.

This is good and some really great tracks but it’s not overly interesting all throughout so I guess 3/5.

A few great tracks but seems very dated now. Songs About Love is far superior

What the hell

1 out 100

Hm. Is this ska? Pop? His voice is kind of David Bowie-like? But deeper? I think I'm just super confused on what this lol. But also, I just could not. This wasn't pleasing at all and I have 3,000,000 albums to review and I can't waste time listening to something I don't enjoy. 2 stars only. I reserve one star reviews for albums offensive to my ears.

somehow the divine comedy's casanova comes across as pretentious, like they're trying too hard. i'm not sure if this is because i'm an american and band is british. but even though the music isn't bad, i'm left with such a sour taste in my mouth and i find it hard to enjoy much of the music. in the spirit of saying something positive: i liked the usage of several melodies from classical songs interspersed throughout. and the backing orchestra can be quite beautiful! it's pleasant enough, but overall, eh.

Getting through this was not impossible, but it was definitely a chore. Everything about it felt overblown and self-indulgent. It was all over the place, and not really in a good way. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, but I did not dig this at all. I am surprised how annoying I found this album to be.

Bland Britpop drivel that can't even decide what it wants to be – veers from cheesy 80s balladry to orchestral themes and back without any clear sense of direction (or guiding talent).

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

Nice

Drippy lame music

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.

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.

this dude is trying too hard to seem suave and cool. but he's a fucking dork. "something for the weekend" tries the trick where it repeats the chorus 100x to try to make it catchy. sick of it! this really drags i don't like how it sounds at all. i hate the way he sings. he's TRYING to be a crooner but he comes across as completely obnoxious and full of himself. "charge" is like an experiment put together to try to create the most irritating combination of sounds possible folks, the real "comedy" here is that someone thinks this is good music! "I'd rather die than be deprived of wonderbras and thunder thighs" is hands down, the worst lyric i have ever heard oh my god THIS FUCKING SUCkS

okay so i am pretty sure this was like, satire? but im not sure what exactly it was satirizing or why. and it wasn't very funny or maybe i just didn't GET it musically it was fine but not great. it felt like it kept almost doing something that i would like, and then stopping and doing something else there were little bits here and there that felt like they could have been a super precursor to black midi but minus most of the stuff that make them cool i didn't ever really dislike this except the lyrics being maybe questionable sometimes but it was mostly mediocre

1.

Never heard it before. Probably won't again.