Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Divine Comedy singer and songwriter Neil Hannon has always been a frustratingly erratic talent. At his best, he is a ballad writer and singer without peer among his contemporaries, capable of producing songs (such as "The Dogs & The Horses" or "Sunrise") of which Tom Waits might be proud. At his worst, he is an insufferably smug perpetrator of bumptious novelty hits, notably the fatuous sing-along "National Express." Following his career is like witnessing the spirits of Scott Walker and Jonathan King fighting for control of the same mind. Regeneration hopefully marks the point at which Walker finally triumphs; there is, happily, not a single joke, punch line, or zany sound effect to be found. Hannon has taken his inspiration from his previous best effort, A Short Album About Love, but replaced the rueful gloominess of that record with a heartfelt optimism: "Perfect Lovesong" and "Love What You Do" are guilelessly joyful. And even when anger manifests itself on "Dumb It Down" and "The Beauty Regime," there is the righteousness that comes from fighting the good fight. The tunes and arrangements are exquisite throughout. Hannon is back in top form. --Andrew Mueller
Regeneration,Divine Comedy,Nettwerk Records,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop
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