How terrible were they? How much did we want them to get better – if only because Neil Hannon is such a witty little bloke with such a great vocal? The tired soppy orchestral ensemble that was The Divine Comedy has suddenly delivered the re-invented goods and come up with an album that is simple, fresh and entirely palatable. Maybe it was the move from the flagging Setanta label to Parlophone? Maybe it was producer Nigel Godrich? Maybe everybody grew up? Whatever. Regeneration is an album of monster pop songs eloquently performed by our beloved little Irish frontman. He also writes a cracking lyric. Amongst so many other little gems, “Every nose is a vacuum cleaner in the loved-up London arena” stands out as a bonny example of his observation and wit. Well done, Neil and friends.

The Divine Comedy – Regeneration
Parlophone

1. - submitted by Melinda Lawler/XFM, London
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3. Steve Lawler Turns Out The Lights… Again
4. Victory For The Comic Muse
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