Divination - Defiled

Advantages: Brilliant music
Disadvantages: no real mass appeal

...I owned all the divine comedy albums (excluding the very rare fanfare for the common muse) before purchasing Cassonova but I have to say I saved the best till last. This album is great. It shows Divine Comedies unique style of music off to its best abilities. The Divine comedy, headed by Neil Hannon, mix a wide varity of songs from the very poppy 'National Express' to strong orchestral pieces. This album however contains many very 'strong' 'loud' and upbeat songs with electric guitars backed with strings and percussion. the song 'Charge' is typical of the album with the orchestra backing hannons very very good voice and also a touch of the divine comedies humour with extracts from the sound of music. Its not however an album that will appeal to all who may prefer their more recent more poppy stuff with their new album 'regeneration... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: It's Madness!
Disadvantages: Rip off

...Well this album is such a rip off, it's unbelievable!!! Basically this is Divine Madness with one extra track. It even says on the cd somewhere that this is the same as Divine Madness (back cover I think). The boys are fantastic, the best band to ever walk the earth, but this is commercialism at it's worst, and numbers the fourth or fifth greatest hits album they've had out!! Of the two buy Divine Madness not this one!!! Of even buy the 6 cd set of all of the albums, including pc videos of 20 songs.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful

Advantages: Its the Divine Comedy, Contains some great and very memorable tracks
Disadvantages: The new direction may not be for everyone

...I had been expecting the change in direction, had already heard their first single, and so was prepared for their new direction. when I first heard the album I was a little disappointed, sounding as if it had a lack of self-conviction in the new direction. However after a few listens, the album really took hold, and has been in near permanent residence of my CD player ever since. Their change of direction equalling that made from a Short Album about Love to Fin De Sicele. Overall the album is a little hit and miss, though this is only to be expected, given the Divine Comedies endeavours to develop and grow musically. Containing a fair share of gems, the efforts of any listener will reap its rewards tenfold. The first must-own of 2001... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful