SUPER COLLECTION - Top Notch Martini Fun!!!
Cary S. Whitt | Columbus,Ohio USA | 09/30/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have always been drawn to Neil Hannon's James Bond swagger and Fred Astaire style. He writes some really witty and smart lyrics that bounce along to some great melodies. That said, his particular cup of tea is definitely not for everyone, and for me, this fact is a wonderful thing. Having the majority of The Divine Comedy's catalog, I wasn't totally sold on the idea of a collection but then this limited edition came out! First off the packaging is fabulous! It comes in a hardback book form measuring about 7 inches square. It is packed with wonderful photos from all the releases - very nice. But by far the real treat is the 18 track bonus disc full of rarites, covers, demo tracks and awesome live recordings! Neil's version of "Life On Mars" is really grand, and so is the cover of Talk Talk's, "Life's What You Make It". With both discs the collection expands to a whopping 35 songs and for me, is a great representaion of a very clever artist. As for the first "hits" disc itself, just about everything I could see popping up on it - did. (apart from the wonderful "A Woman of the World") I really liked the fact that "I've Been to A Marvelous Party" made it - a often overlooked gem from the Noel Coward tribute disc. Other obvious highlights include "Something For the Weekend", "Gin Soaked Boy", "Songs of Love", "National Express", and the killer "Becoming More Like Alfie".This is just a super collection, whether you go for the domestic, one disc version, or this super cool limited one, you'll be very pleased. Pour the drinks and stoke the fire dear!"
Perfect
Stephen Elliott | Babylon | 04/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is no better band. There is no better album. See them live. What more can I say? Buy this album"