Make no mistake: this album, like the "band" that recorded it, is definitely an acquired taste. So, by means of explanation for those, like myself, who had previously never heard of the band, here's a bit of what I thought I heard when I played this the first time: Burt Bacharach, Francoise Hardy, The Pet Shop Boys, Roxy Music, Dusty Springfield, "I Am The Walrus"-styled Beatles, Tom Jones, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel. This is very wry, very urbane pop, loaded with textures and sounds, rich in orchestration and choral work, framing Neil Hannon's oh-so-fey-yet-oh-so-winning voice gorgeously and effortlessly. It sounds like nothing you've heard yet cribs from the above shamelessly, unapologetically, successfully. Listen to it at the wrong time of day and you'll think it the worst indulgence by someone who's clearly gifted. However, listen to it at the right moment and you'll hear nuance and subtlety buried beneath a rich canvas of guitars, strings, trumpets and harpsichords. From the kick off of "Generation Sex" to the surrealistic lyricism of "Sunrise" (perhaps the only song about Ireland to dispense with the usual trappings of uillean pipes and pennywhistles and opting, instead, for an Eric Carmen "Boats Against The Current" feel) Fin De Siecle is a tribute to all that came before and a singpost of how pop can succeed in the face of rap, thrashcore punk, new country and pseudo-latino disco-pop. A noble album with plenty of style and panache.

Its hard to sit here and write a review of an album that cannot be put into words, yes dear readers (and listeners)...it really is that good. Neil Hannon is probably the most underrated artist of our times...and these twelve tracks on Fin De Siecle do well to argue my point. "Fin..." is many things: a look at love in its most natural settings (Commuter Love), a desperate plea to end violence in Northern Ireland (Sunrise) even the desire to be Swedish (Sweden). However, as the album title suggest, this is basically a humourous and romatic look at this century and the problems we face as we walk into the unknown terrain that is the future. Neil takes us everywhere...sweeping us up and over with stirring orchestrated numbers and a vocal range that would have the three tenors in amazement. Definitely a pop album ahead of its time...for a world (I gather Neil seems to believe) lives behind the times.

"Eric the Gardener" is one of the most beautiful songs ever penned. I adore this album..."Generation Sex" is also a fantastic, wry commentary on modern society. For an intelligent, fun, entirely listenable album of finely-crafted music and swoonable singing, get this album immediately. It's absolutely perfect.

Where are the bonus tracks? My player(s) go from track 1 to track 10 and back to track 1

Is there something that I'm doing wrong? This CD is EXCELLENT, but I have the original.

Are the bonus tracks hidden?

Much as I like this album, I don't think it deserves 5 stars (unlike the fantastic Casanova) It's still great though. 'National Express' is pure pop, 'Thrillseeker' sounds like it came straight from a Bond film and 'Commuter Love' hits straight at the heart of shy, heartstopping, unfulfilled passion. 'Sweden' is dark and witty and 'Sunrise' is a beautifully moving, hopeful song. Nonetheless the tracks don't hold together quite as well as Casanova. Still, Hannon's voice is as fantastic as ever and Divine Comedy fans will not be disappointed.