Disco de The Divine Comedy: “Regeneration”

Like lots of good musicians with slightly eccentric styles, Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy has made the grave misstep of trying to make a more conventional album. On this outing, Hannon has trimmed away all the flourishes, winks, and lush orchestration that made the Divine Comedy such a pleasure, replacing it with Radiohead-haze tinged with Pulp-y trip hop. That said, this is a very good album, for what it is. If you like things like 'OK Computer', you might like this.

That said, pick up any of the other Divine Comedy albums if you want to see what the cult of fans is so taken with.

I have to say that I initially HATED Regeneration. I thought it was whiny, too much like Radiohead, and boring. But something happened after the third listen...I fell deeply in love with this album. Perhaps it was what was happening to me personally; perhaps I just wasn't listening to it well-enough the first couple of times. But this album is absolutely sparking underneath, like a tarnished piece of silver. The lyrics are brilliant, the music hypnotic, and Hannon's singing superb. I love the fact that Divine Comedy CAN play anything from these serious tunes to the novelty-esque stuff of yore. Bravo to Mister Hannon for this slow musical seduction of the aural sense.

"Resurrection" definitely belongs among the best Divine Comedy albums. The production is clearly better than on the previous Setanta releases Setanta; not least thanks to producer Nigel Godrich who has created a much more modern "Britpop" sound.

Unfortunately the album was more an artistic success than a commercial one. Great catchy songs like "Perfect Love Song" and "Love What You Do" appear strong enough to follow up on previous singles successes as "National Express" and "Generation Sex. "

In any event, there are plenty of fine songs in the best Hannon style. Besides the aforementioned the bluesy "Bad Amassador" stands out. Also the quiet melodic "Mastermind" is a clear favorite.

Some numbers almost have Radiohead-feel about them - best of those is "Dumb er Down"

Certain Divine Comedy fans were surprised and a little disappointed when 'Regeneration' was released, believing this to be a sign of a more downbeat departure in the tone of their music. These fans needn't have worried, Neil Hannon's talent and wit hadn't gone anywhere.

Although certainly more subdued in a musical sense, 'Regeneration' still displays many of the characteristics that make the band's music great. Neil Hannon's lyrics are still everything they've always been, but in songs like 'Dumb It Down' and 'Eye of the Needle' they take on a more beleaguered and world weary style that will seem unfamiliar.

This newer, more dour style however, does not permeate the entire album. 'Perfect Lovesong' is a chirpier more light hearted ditty that has typified the bands more recent offerings.

Even though the album is a little more downbeat than usual, that is not to say that it is an unpleasant album. Divine Comedy fans will probably still enjoy this offering, I certainly did, it will probably just take an extra few listens.

I'd like to tell to divine's followers that this album take some time to be appreciated. Used to glorious movements of Casanova, Fin du Siecle and others works by Hannon, this could be less funny and distant, but it's true. The production is perfect, sound sounds. I can say that if this album weren't in the Divine Comedy discography the Divine Comedy could not be considered a real music band, but just a very very talented bunch of people. Talent is not always enough, talent with a such beautiful album is - really - enough.