Description

Absent Friends was first released in 2004. Describing the album, Neil said The songs use stories and characters as a framework to pin my ideas on. Its mostly about the eternal battle between the pull of personal freedom and the comfort of domesticity . The album was recorded by Guy Massey, mixed by Nigel Godrich and features guest appearances by 6 Music DJ Lauren Laverne and French multiinstrumentalist Yann Tiersen. The whole album is rich, beautiful and can make you smile and cry on the turn of a chorus stated Phill Jupitus in the Radio Times, while the Guardian described it as an ornate gem and Word magazine said, its Neil Hannons best yet . Stand out tracks from the album include singles Come Home Billy Bird and Absent Friends, as well as fan favourites Our Mutual Friend and Charmed Life.The CD release consists of 2 discs the original remastered album, with a second CD of Bsides, demos and alternate versions lovingly curated by Neil Hannon, much of which has never been heard before. The CD comes with a booklet of photos, credits and extensive liner notes written by Neil covering the context and inspiration behind the album and its songs.The LP release consists of the original remastered album, cut at Abbey Road, packaged with a download code for the album and bonus tracks. The LP is heavyweight black vinyl in a gatefold sleeve accompanied with photos, credits and Neils liner notes.To mark the release, The Divine Comedy play five nights at the Barbican in London in early September and then later the same month, five nights at the Cite de la Musique in Paris. Performing as an elevenpiece ensemble, the band will play two albums from their catalogue in full each night. Absent Friends and Victory For The Comic Muse will be performed on the 5th September in London and the 28th Sept in Paris.TracklistingAbsent FriendsSticks And StonesLeaving TodayCome Home Billy BirdMy Imaginary FriendThe Wreck Of The BeautifulOur Mutual FriendThe Happy GothFreedom RoadLaikas ThemeCharmed LifeBonus Material Download cardAbsolute PowerOur Mutual Friend early ideaThe Bird EvolutionGirl Least LikelyMr RightSticks and Stones demoThe Dark HorseIdahoAll Things alternate versionRose For The LadySmilerAbsent Friends demoAnthem For Bored Youth demoOur Mutual Friend alternate versionAntidepressantWindy PopLaikas Theme The PromiseCharmed Life alternate version The Divine Comedy Remastered is available for home delivery from Vinyl Records London, only £30 +P&P