Divine Comedy makes music that could tickle anyone's ear, but it's so sad that not many Americans know about the band. Neil Hannon, the creative force behind DC once said that he knew he was destined to be a pop star-- and the world is a much better place musically that he made it. Their songs are reminiscent of an earlier time where singers were backed by full bands and an orchestra which is why their style has been likened to "orchestral pop".

The first song on the album, "Bath", starts off with a five minute string opening that suddenly breaks into a beautiful song. And this is the first clue that you are about to experience something completely different, something a little anachronistic, something that this side of the 20th century has been waiting for a long time (in terms of music.)

PROMENADE is their 2nd or 3rd ablum, depending on if you count "Fanfare for the Comic Muse" (which is more rock and REM influenced) as their first. Neil Hannon reincarnated the band all by his lonesome with LIBERATION, considered the first "real" Divine Comedy album by many fans. Although it's a great album, my vote is for this one as the band's best.

I've read that this was sort of a concept album about friends reminiscing about the good ol' days. "Summer house" certainly tackles that idea head on with the lyrics telling the story of one man's summer when he was 10 years old. But concepts aside, the songs individually can stand their own ground. From the jovial and boisterious track "A Drinking Song" to a very minimal and reflexive "Ten seconds to Midnight" that has only a piano accompaniment to Neil's velvety voice, every song will leave you with a lasting impression.

Even if you've never heard of this band, or maybe you think you read about them somewhere, don't be afraid and buy this album. It doesn't matter if you're a Britney Spears fan or only listen to techno or you wear your punk rock heart on your sleeve, Divine Comedy transcends all modes of genres and categories of cool. There's really only two types of music: good and bad. And believe you me, this one is goooooood.

'Liberation' is undoubtadly a masterpiece for The Divine Comedy. Front man, Neil Hannon, has been writing since he was a young child and he has a terrifyingly brilliant talent for music. TDC other albums (Promenade, Fin de Siecle, Casanova) are all superb, and 'Liberation' is no exception. There are 13 tracks and, just for a change, theydo not stop and start but run into eachother which makes for a smooth listening experience. Hannon has created a wonderful musical accompniment to Wordsworth's 'Lucy'. The tracks to look out for are 'Bernice Bobs her Hair' - a story of a mean cousin and wonderful revenge, 'I wasBorn Yesterday' - just lovely to listen to, and 'The Pop Singer's fear of the Pollen Count' - a mad title for a mad song: its summer sounds leave you longing for summer time(those who were at the Reading Festival '98 experienced this song in the height of summer and will never forget it.) This music is, above all, different and the sun-glasses wearing Hannon should be very, very proud of this masterpiece. BUY IT AND YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!

This album is the follower to 'Fanfare For The Comic Muse' and it's hard to imagine that such a mediocre album like Fanfare could be followed by the splendid 'Liberation'.

In this album, Neil Hannon invented a new style: classical music (baroque kind) mixed with a sharp pop sensibility and fine lyrics.

Particulary in the song called 'Death Of A Supernaturalist' he uses the instrumentation you are likely to year in Vivaldi's or Bach's works, adding only his intellectual but humorous lyrics.

The first half of the album is particulary good due to songs like 'Death Of A Supernaturalist', 'Bernice Bobs Her Hair' (a great story and a beautiful melody), 'Your Daddy's Car' (light and beautiful) and 'Europop' (a hit single around the world if this was a fair world).

'Timewatching', a version of a theme made popular by Nat King Cole is the only song I dislike in this album. I find it very boring because it doesn't show that spark that is a trademark of The Divine Comedy sound. There are also other less inspired songs: 'Victoria Falls', 'Queen Of The South' and the instrumental track 'Europe By Train', but at least they are not boring.

I must also mention 'The Pop Singers Fear Of The Pollen Count': a very very pop song. Only a talented songwriter like Neil Hannon could write a song about Summer allergies!

'Three Sisters' is also a beautiful song.

Concluding, I recommend this album to everyone who liked any of the other albums from The Divine Comedy, specially 'Casanova' or 'Promenade'. If you don't know anything from The Divine Comedy you might prefer to start by their "best of" - 'A Secret History' - which gives a good overview of their career or instead listening to their most recent album ('Absent Friends') which is also very good.

Neil Hannon's most realised and cohesive album, Promenade is baroque-pop at its finest: The melancholy beauty of The Summerhouse, the life-affirming rush of Tonight We Fly (the best song ever written?), guest appearances from Audrey Hepburn, God and sixty authors, literate lyrics, a string quartet and Neil's wry croon... this album will change your life. BUY IT.

Like that other famous Irish export, Neil Hannon has a velvet touch, to which all who consume are converted. Intelligent. Witty. Thoughful. Sad. It's all here. Every music lover should own this album.