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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Nine albums in, and Neil Hannon’s taste for archly literate pop – and, indeed, for the occasional saucy gag, delivered with eyebrow curled – remains. "You don’t know how much I need you," he croons, on schoolboy’s lament ‘To Die A Virgin, "The ‘Handy Andy’s I’ve been through." Seemingly a reference to The Divine Comedy’s long unavailable debut Fanfare For The Comic Muse, Victory… sees Hannon fronting a band that skimps not on the symphonics, including as it does a thirteen-piece string section, harp, French Horn, and oboe – not to mention a certain Dougie Payne of Travis on bass. A certain jauntiness is in evidence on the galloping ‘Party Fears Two’, originally by Scottish pop act The Associates, but far more dominant here is pathos-laden orchestral suites such as ‘Snowball In Negative’ and the touching ‘A Lady Of A Certain Age’, tale of a faded society girl in the midst of her twilight years: "Your husband’s hollow heart gave out one Christmas day/He left the villa to his mistress in Marseilles". Best track here, though, is ‘Arthur C Clarke’s Mysterious World’, a Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus-type number which invokes the memory of the paranormal-obsessed British sci-fi author with comic results. --Louis Pattison
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CD
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 38 people found the following review helpful
By Mart
Format:Audio CD
I can only concur with the previous reviews. This is arguably Mr Hannon's best album. The lushness of the previous album remains, but the pop sparkle and most of all, the wit, of Cassanova, returns. I would disagree that this is not immediately accessible. If the definition of a single was that it had to be melodically strong, hummable and have a smart lyric, then 7 of the 11 tracks here could be singles. The first 3/4 of the album (minus the piano instrumental "Threesome") are pure pop - the highlights being the hilariously painful "To Die A Virgin", Hannon's prettiest song to date "The Light Of Day" and the Associates' cover which gallops along thrillingly. Only during the closing 3 songs does Neil Hannon indulge in something a little more left-field - providing a very dramatic mini-symphony to close the album in style. The final track, "Snowball In Negative" is a beautiful piece of music and probably the finest song about fag ash ever (the only song about fag ash? Oh, don't nit-pick). Despite his clear influences, Neil Hannon really has calved out his own trademark style - memorable songs peppered with poignancy, panache, wit, dazzling musicianship and a little daring too. He's challenging you to call him a "smart arse". But you'd be wrong. He's a highly talented singer songwriter who, nine albums in, really seems to have reached new heights. Rejoice! On the basis of so many great albums, Neil Hannon clearly will make great music for the rest of his life. Don't even hesitate - Buy it!
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Music
Format:Audio CD
Whilst Hannon has always had a penchant for comic parodies of often ridiculed social groups, as reflected in earlier tracks such as "Woman of the World" and "National Express", what stand out in this album are the heart-rending tracks "Lady of A Certain Age", "The Light of Day" and "The Plough".
True, musically they are perhaps not the best tracks on the album - but the themes simply jump out and grab you.
A soul-searing, tear-jerkingly sublime offering from the Divine Comedy, that will delight fans and newcomers alike - So good that it prompted me to write my first, and probably only, Amazon review!
True, musically they are perhaps not the best tracks on the album - but the themes simply jump out and grab you.
A soul-searing, tear-jerkingly sublime offering from the Divine Comedy, that will delight fans and newcomers alike - So good that it prompted me to write my first, and probably only, Amazon review!
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By D. Thomson
Format:Audio CD
I managed to get an advanced listen to the new album by Mr Hannon and i must say this, for me, is his best work yet. The album is not immedately as accessible as some of his other work but, give this one a few listens and you will be reminded of how talented this artist is and how unique the sound of his music has become.
It is evident that Hannon still knows how to compose a catchy pop tune. 'Diva Lady', the first single from the album is not as strong as some past single efforts but does leave it's mark. Given a listen or two, one will be hard-pushed to forget the catchy riff. Personally though, the pop masterpiece that is 'To Die a Virgin' is simply wonderfull and i hope this follows 'Diva Lady' onto the pop charts.
Possibly my favourite track on the album is 'Lady of a Certain Age' which forms an account of the desperate situation which befalls many an 'upper class' female with nothing but 'a chequebook and family tree' to bargain with in her latter years. The melody and arrangements on this tune are sublime and reflective of the album as a whole. Hannon has become one of the foremost arrangers of the modern music scene and this is highlighted in this album.
I would highly recommend this album to any fan of the band as they will no doubt adore it and also to those who simply wish to listen to something that bit different. This is a great example of an artist demonstrating what they do best. A fabulous aural journey from start to finish
It is evident that Hannon still knows how to compose a catchy pop tune. 'Diva Lady', the first single from the album is not as strong as some past single efforts but does leave it's mark. Given a listen or two, one will be hard-pushed to forget the catchy riff. Personally though, the pop masterpiece that is 'To Die a Virgin' is simply wonderfull and i hope this follows 'Diva Lady' onto the pop charts.
Possibly my favourite track on the album is 'Lady of a Certain Age' which forms an account of the desperate situation which befalls many an 'upper class' female with nothing but 'a chequebook and family tree' to bargain with in her latter years. The melody and arrangements on this tune are sublime and reflective of the album as a whole. Hannon has become one of the foremost arrangers of the modern music scene and this is highlighted in this album.
I would highly recommend this album to any fan of the band as they will no doubt adore it and also to those who simply wish to listen to something that bit different. This is a great example of an artist demonstrating what they do best. A fabulous aural journey from start to finish
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The Divine Comedy is one of those artists that I always enjoyed listening to on the radio but never intrigued me enough to spend my hard-earned cash on an album. However, there was something about the current single, Diva Lady, that finally prompted me to take the plunge and boy, am I pleased I did!
The first two thirds of the album are largely Divine Comedy standard fare; excellently-written pop songs that tell whimsical stories. Stand out tracks from this part of the album are To Die A Virgin, Lady Of A Certain Age and Arthur C Clarke's Mysterious World. The only track that didn't work for me was the cover of The Associates' Party Fears Two. I felt it lacked the urgency of the original and who could equal Billy Mackenzie's incredible vocal performance?
The final third of the album is, to be frank, extraordinary! The Plough, Count Grassi and Snowball in Negative sound like they come from a Jacques Brel-esque operetta. They are sophisicated, complicated and above all, quite beautiful. These three songs stay with you long after the CD has finished revolving.
Overall, there is something for everyone on Victory For The Comic Muse. I shall now be investing in The Divine Comedy's back catalogue!
The first two thirds of the album are largely Divine Comedy standard fare; excellently-written pop songs that tell whimsical stories. Stand out tracks from this part of the album are To Die A Virgin, Lady Of A Certain Age and Arthur C Clarke's Mysterious World. The only track that didn't work for me was the cover of The Associates' Party Fears Two. I felt it lacked the urgency of the original and who could equal Billy Mackenzie's incredible vocal performance?
The final third of the album is, to be frank, extraordinary! The Plough, Count Grassi and Snowball in Negative sound like they come from a Jacques Brel-esque operetta. They are sophisicated, complicated and above all, quite beautiful. These three songs stay with you long after the CD has finished revolving.
Overall, there is something for everyone on Victory For The Comic Muse. I shall now be investing in The Divine Comedy's back catalogue!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Ike
Format:Audio CD
Yet again another truley fantastic album from one of the best song writers in the last decade. The musical arrangements flow very naturally and the songs contain a good healthy balance of musical structure, wit and orchestral content to keep every fan happy for another few years until the next album. If you liked any of the previous 3 - 4 albums then every penny you spend on this album will make it worth the while.
Neil is a true musical maestro and yet again has exceeded his own high expectations and produced what i think will become an all time classic album.
Neil is a true musical maestro and yet again has exceeded his own high expectations and produced what i think will become an all time classic album.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfection!
Its very hard to pick a favourite Divine Comedy album but if push comes to shove i think this is it. Read more
Published 26 days ago by mega munch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow!!!
This is the first time I've ever reviewed something and I'm straight in there with 5*s. I bought Casanova and Fin De Siecle when they came out and absolutely loved Casanova. Read more
Published 3 months ago by karends
4.0 out of 5 stars
Victory for the comic muse
Good work from Neil Hannon. Well worth a listen, even if it sounds a bit too much the same. Very calming...
Published 11 months ago by Mr. Daniel M. Ashdown
3.0 out of 5 stars
One for the hardcore fans
Not that the DC have anyone "hardcore".
I love it but if I was looking to get into the DC I would suggest Casanova or even Bang Goes the Knighthood. Read more
I love it but if I was looking to get into the DC I would suggest Casanova or even Bang Goes the Knighthood. Read more
Published on 14 Dec 2010 by Puffinsnotreal
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful wit!
The Divine Comedy are a classic, witty and wonderful group of musicians whom I have long enjoyed. Nick Hannon has a fine wit. Read more
Published on 10 Oct 2010 by Mrs. Jennifer A. Keane
5.0 out of 5 stars
Genius
It's very safe to say that Neil Hannon has the midas touch with his musical output, but it's sadly also true that nowhere near enough people have heard his work. Read more
Published on 4 Mar 2010 by Mr. M. L. Hawes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Victory for The Divine Comedy... and for Julie McKee?!
This is a great album. We start of with To Die a Virgin, which is humorously described as the worst possible fate. A comical mixture of happy-musical vehicle and morbid theme. Read more
Published on 4 Jun 2008 by Robert Knowles
4.0 out of 5 stars
DIVINE INTERVENTION
Neil Hannon operates in a world of his own. Under the moniker of the Divine Comedy he has racked up a string of hit singles and albums, won the critics over and now has a sizeable... Read more
Published on 11 Mar 2008 by Mr. Christopher J. Welch
4.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Divine
I love The Divine Comedy. I love the fact that they're posh, clever, effete - all the things you're not supposed to be in the grubby world of rock 'n' roll. Read more
Published on 17 Jan 2008 by Kevin Clarke
4.0 out of 5 stars
Up there amongst Neil Hannon's best
The music press have been hailing this album as a `return to form' and 'his best album since Casanova' when, truthfully, Neil Hannon has been releasing consistently fantastic music... Read more
Published on 9 Sep 2007 by A. Sweeney
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