Casanova

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.

This is just not really my thing. I appreciate it for the quality though

C’est un peu drôle, mais ça ne suffit pas. 1 fois c’est suffisant

A bit boring I found

Gotta say this is a constantly interesting album.

Very fun!

If only this had been released a year and a half earlier or 4 years later. Coming at the tail end of Britpop the fatigue was really setting in. There is some good Scott Walker/Vaudeville inspired sounds on hear but for me this album falls short of what Pulp had already done.

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

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

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.

Nostalgic fun

Yeah. Good.

On a whole, I liked it, but there are several places where the songs drag on a bit.

Pretentious British art-pop with an orchestral backing. Not my ting

Un Scott Walker reimaginat pels '90, amb la seva elegància, arranjaments de cambra i veu portentosa. La imatge i concepte supera les cançons, malauradament. Però tot i que no hi ha cap memorable, les sensacions generals són força bones i el disc és un treball molt complet

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

Goofy brit-pop. Tongue-in-cheek "romantic" lyrics. Catchy at times but really nothing special. Standout is "Something for the Weekend"

surprisingly not bad

Bit close to home this one (my sister's giggles open the first track); my least favorite of the three I was involved with by a long way. I encourage people to check out Liberation and (especially) Promenade, which are excellent

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.

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.

A bit...odd? I'm I the only one thinking that the singer sounds like a bargain bin Morrissey? Maybe I'm just losing my mind. It wasn't too bad, not too great either. I have no clue why such a middle of rhe road album is here. A 2.5 being bumped to 3.

Levyn paras biisikin oli aika skeidaa. Muutaman biisin jälkeen alkoi jo odottamaan päättymistä. Ei jatkoon.

Ei kutitellu kyllä mitenkään

This album is crazy. Certainly the description of Britpop and Irish Chamber Pop from the 90s during the CD era when albums were needlessly long, didn't engender it to me from the get go. It's a lot, very busy, very lush pop layers and highly produced. But I had it on for a few repeats and around the third time, I think I started to get the appeal, and I can understand a little bit better why people like this music, which is an excellent outcome from this 1001 Album exercise. This is just not really for me.

Not bad. Not sure what it is about British pop and the sort of lounge-singer vibe. Don't love it.

The Divine Comedy prouve encore une fois qu'il est bien l'une des révélations masculines de ce générateur. Sa clope à la bouche, il mettra sa claque à tous les métalleux générés jusqu'ici avec une aisance redoutable. Cet album m'amène toutefois à dire une vérité que tout le monde pense tout bas mais que je serai probablement le seul à avoir le courage d'énoncer : il est temps d'en finir avec les reprises de la Marseillaise.

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.

crooner stuff, don't like it.

The album is decent. The music is pretty good, but the weird pickup artist stuff at the beginning of some songs is kinda cringe. Favorite song: Woman of the world Worst song: Middle class heroes

Better than expected, pretty solid

divine comedy more like divine comedy of errors. joking, this is better than their others

I didn't make it through the album. I don't even dislike the genre, but it didn't work for me. 1/5

had to ask myself 'am i meant to take this seriously? ' throughout the runtime because the lyrics oozed cheese and greasy douchebaggery. surprisingly enough this wasn't an entirely unpleasant experience, just an odd one. but that's what this project is all about so for the sake of broadening my horizons this gets a 1

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

On paper this seems like something I’d really enjoy. However, this album is over earnest to the point of being creepy. Having said that, there are some really gorgeous moments on this album, but it’s trying to be too much. It doesn’t execute its lyrics well and coupled with some very dated musical motifs comes off as overwrought pseudo intellectual drivel.

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.

Pop elegante y cómodo de escuchar, sin destacar especialmente. Con aires de teatro y muy inglés.

DNF Cool sound but too like incely? in parts

Bit cheesy at times, but isn't automaticly a bad thing for me. I like it.

Something for the weekend - I really hate the socalled 'tittering females'. The old switcheroo at the end Becoming more like Alfie- honestly, I don't know the reference. Pretty catchy but some questionable lyrics👍 Middle class heroes - loves spoken intros. This is boring and cynical In and out in Paris and London - creepy and rapey. Instrustal sounds like Thomas the tank engine music. Charge- obvious and crass metaphor Songs of love- generic The frog princess- hmm.. Not sure how to heel about this one. Definitely better than some tracks but still quite dramatic for no reason A woman of the world- chorus in chorus makes it sound like a musical. Definitely very theatrical👍 Through a long and sleepless night- this is incredibly overblown The theme from Casanova - and now we have boring Muzak for some reason. And it is six minutes long The horses and the dogs- what in the off off broadway is this? Half of this album is unbearably dramatic, and overplayed, the other half is frankly creepy. Also thought his singing was too tryhard. Didn't come out as fun and tongue in cheek as it was meant imo. 1 /5

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

I think I said this the last time I got a Divine Comedy album to review, but this sounds like it comes from another time. The difference really would be that Casanova mostly falls flat emotionally compared to the old orchestral pop sound The Divine Comedy is trying to emulate. I guess that's probably the point, but it doesn't make for a particularly engaging listen. Musically, the band is certainly interesting and Neil Hannon's performance has a certain aloof, theatrical flair. But it's hard to care about these songs or want to hear them again. The exception would be "Songs of Love," which is a delight. Fave Songs: Songs of Love, A Woman of the World, The Dogs & the Horses, Theme from Casanova, The Frog Princess, Through a Long & Sleepless Night

A bit melancholic in sound with a vibe that still sounds peppy? Also weirdly brooding in some ways. Just generally a bit odd.

Too theatrical for my taste

Fine album. I don't feel like it's a masterpiece, but it give off musical theater vibes (in a good way). Best Songs: Songs of Love, Becoming More Like Alfie Worst Songs: In & Out of Paris & London, Middle-Class Heroes

Se laissait écouter. Un son assez intéressant. L'aspect baroque pop était bien fait.

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

If Type O Negative did a Vegas residency.

Dracula beats

I was pleasantly surprised, very good songs, especially the first half.

It's like a cooler Thom Yorke, but he made shittier music.

Barf

Not really my thing but had a decent ring to it

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..

first listen very cool very 60s

I like this. Quirky, kitsch and unique. I do however prefer “Something 4 the Weekend” by Super Furry Animals. Welsh band, also released in the summer of ‘96, so my first response was disappointment. But still, once I readjusted to what this is actually about, I could get into it. A lot of work went into this, big compositions, poetic but humorous lyrics. Granted though, if not in the mood his tone could be pretty annoying.

Ég hef aldrei dottið inn í Divine Comedy en þessi plata er fín!

Sounded like a bad lounge singer, lyrics seemed to be social commentary. The album is called the divine comedy, if it's a joke, I don't get it. If he's trying to make some sarcastic protest, it's poorly executed.

I appreciate the level of weirdness in the ostensibly pop space, though at album length it’s not really my cup of tea. Again this thing where I found the lyrics too difficult to follow to appreciate much of what sounded like probably pretty clever stuff. It all got a little too operatic and showtune for me in the latter third.

Not mid. I feel like it’s either good or bad but I can’t tell which one.

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

Terrible

It didn't take itself too seriously, and after the first few songs that won me over. I'd love to hear more of this guy's work, seriously a special talent here. 3.5/5

Some great tunes there but some not so much

I’m simply too American for this.

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.

This was amateur at best. 4/10.

Got more into this as it went on!

Diferente y chulo

There are some things about this album that are neat. I can't say that it sounds like anything else from its time. It's like a Tom Jones album made with 90s sensibilities. I think that it is possible to make a good album in with this approach, and Casanova has a nice voice that works with the musical arrangements On the other hand, I found this album cloying from the very beginning. I kept waiting for it to turn into something that I could get into, but that eventually turned into me waiting for it to finally end. I think that the name of the album and artist are an attempt to be funny, but like with everything about this album, execution is lacking. My only hope at this point is that I can get drunk enough tonight that I forget that this album ever existed, since the odds of anyone in my life ever bringing it up at any point in the future are pretty small 2/5

I listened to the most popular track ("Something for the Weekend") and didn't like it. It has a Smiths vibe without being as instrumentally or lyrically interesting. It sounds a little like The The with lesser vocals but more upbeat and tongue-in-cheek lyrics.

Almost Out Scott Walker's Scott Walker. Droll voice, lyrics and tunes. Classsic 90s album

Casanova tries to pass itself off as normal but it's really not; a very deliberately odd vocal style, some dodgy lyrics, it occasionally makes for an alright listen but I disliked more than I liked. 2/5.

I can't decide whether this is complete pseudo-nonsense or whether I really like it... there are some really creepy lyrics in it, the style is all over the place, and it's all a bit mad, but there's something about it that's really interesting. I don't think I'll ever listen to the whole lot again, but there's a couple of tracks that I'll stick on a playlist somewhere. A fair 3 - could've been a 4 without the aggressive creepiness.

Nice listen. 3.5/5

Never, ever, ever, ever heard of The Divine Comedy or this album. According to Wikipedia, this is Chamber Pop. I also am unfamiliar with that genre. There's a Dexy's Midnight Runners sensibility to this, so maybe that poppy new wave sound is chamber pop? Anyway, this is ok. I think it is a weird choice to put a bunch of child laughter on a track you hope will be a single. It's very distracting. The Alfie song feels like a joke, and it has that Burt Bacharach background instrumentation. There are some clear 80s/90s references and then all this Alfie stuff. What's it all about? :) Middle Class Heroes is another goofy song. I'm shocked this band ever caught on. These guys sound like I would sound if I was pretending to be in a band.

The Divine Comedy is such and unexpectedly good artist 4 Reminds me of the Last Shadow Puppets, but less gay. And coupled with Rufus Wainwright. Except not really 3 Pretty interesting the whole way through Loved it.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Something for the weekend

Honestly this album made me uncomfortable. It has a lot of rapey dialog and I’m not into it.

Not for me

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.

Had some good songs and some not got at all

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

No es mi favorito.

electric album, theatrical almost? Just alright, 5/10

Some of it reminded me of Philadelphia Chickens

"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"

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!

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.

A different style, enjoyable and new for me

Pretty cool album actually. Super lush and dramatic instrumentation makes the songs really interesting and creative. 7/10

Not many albums make me feel as happy as this

Yeah.. maybe yeah. Right? I mean... Not really though, right? I think... Yeah I actually think definitely not.

I think most of this was lost on me. Some enjoyable tracks but I did not feel like I was in on the joke

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.

Decent band in the background.

Ug. The cleverness - if you can call it that - and overt bravado of Neil Hannon turns me off.

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.

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.

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 🌟

Loved their sound, more time here!

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.

Skeptisk till en början men det växte på mig - minus för sunk

njöt i lök

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

Kammarpop är mysigt. Även om det är väldigt lättsmält.

bara allt í lagi

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

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

Very good pop album - lovely story-telling.

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.

5/10. Musical music without a plot line. Meh

Don’t really care for the over-the-top orchestral tone of the album but a couple songs had an admirable vocal performance and the lyrics were pretty solid. 6/10

Not my style at all.

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.

Just Nope

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

Some decently crafted tunes, but on the whole pretty dull.

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.

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.

Not my cup of tea, but pleasant enough

Muy bueno

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.

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.

You know, this is kinda catchy. I can definitely see myself listening to this more than a few times.

I really did not like this.

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 a delightful weird listen

Orchestral pop. Very nice.

The joke almost goes on too long.

Strange but strangely delightful. It really brought to mind the inner musical monologue of a modern-day Casanova

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.

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.

Brief respite from Faust, but lyrics were much rapier than I like in my music.

Heard snippets before. I had to give up on this - musically and lyrically not half as clever as it thinks it is.

Indie Theatralik, Opulenz, Pathos. Mag das eigentlich, aber hier ist mir den Sunday Roast zu stark in Marmite eingelegt gewesen. 2.2

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.

The Divine Comedy daring to ask the question: "What if Danny Elfman was boring and shitty?"

Garbage. Hot British-pop trash.

No es el que más me gusta.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

I liked how this is like a theatre show in an album. Didn't like many of the songs too much though.

Largely unremarkable. Some fun songs, some horrid songs, nothing that I would go and seek out again.

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.

One nice, rest is noise

First Listen. Had a good vibe to the album. I'd like to hear more.

Ben Folds does a great cover of Songs of Love so this gets an extra star. Pleasant listen, something different

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.

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.

Very unique, different style

no

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like it. You get happy :)

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.

Hearing tracks on the radio from The Divine Comedy is enough for me 3*

Was alright. Not really my cup of tea. Nice to hear the Father Ted theme-tune though.

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

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.

Don't understand this at all.

There a few memorable tracks

Top 3 1. (6) Songs of Love 2. (11) The Dogs & the Horses 3. (1) Something for the Weekend

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

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.

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

Pretty enjoyable 3.5

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.

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

there can be a thing as too british

Very cool songs, I like.

Completely unknown to me before, but really cool

splendid dynamics but the soundscape of love songs doesn't grab me

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

Started good but went downhill

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.

Lame, tries so hard but fails. Some of the singles were alright but like 😳

this is amazing. Its this weird sexual ballad fusion

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

-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

Liked the idea, didn't like the execution

alright

Meh, not terrible as background noise. Didn’t want to pay attention to the lyrics.

Did not resonate with me at all… At least the recording and production were good.

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.

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.

Interesting album as a whole. Several differing tones. Some good lighter, jazzy rock tracks were highlight

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

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.

Uninteresting music with weak vocals.

Please - a decent album, not this banal crap

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

Da riascoltare bene.

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.

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

interesantan koncept

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

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????

3/5 interesting sounds, but nothing much

Nice enough. Bit samey.

sure

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.

bleh nothing too great, some pretty...unsatisfactory tracks here, kind of molesty and gross. Some nice orchestration.

Like swinging a pig's dick in the wind on a Wednesday afternoon in April.

A posher, shitter Pulp. It does contain the Father Ted theme tune though so have that Jarvis.

Si

I give this Casanova only one Cyrano de Bergerac

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.

It’s a big no

Just can't take to this. He gets on my tits. Nailed on to be a 'national treasure'

The first few songs were OK, but then the 5th song where they brought out a Barry White impersonator? ugh.

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?

Not really a fan.

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”

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

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

Art pop? Pop fusion? It's fine, not my thing.

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.

pretty good. reminds me of david bowie and not just cuz he's british

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.

Not for me. I'm sure there is an audience for this, but nothing "hooked" me

Not a fan. Too baroque and not poppy. 4/10

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.

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

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.

Felt like the soundtrack to a niche musical

weird

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.

Ok I guess

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.

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

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.

This is an album made in the 90s that feels like an album made a lot earlier. Not my jam.

weird rock opera

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.

1.8

ass

not my thing

Father Ted theme for some reason

Dramatic pop rock with some classic instruments and a story to tell. A fun listen but not captivating

Vissa låtar var roliga och ganska bra men överlag inget som tilltalar mig.

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

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.

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

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"

1996. Key Songs: Songs of Love, Through a Long and Sleepless Night

An interesting palette of sound and snarky lyrics capturing the woes of the middle class as was pertinent by the Britpop sentimentalities.

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.

Never knew they did the father Ted intro

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