Oct, 2020
Released 9th October, 2020.
"A Short Album About Love was written, recorded, and released in about the same length of time as it takes me to write one of these liner note thingamajigs. I may be exaggerating a touch, but it was really, really fast. There was a mere six months between the release of Casanova and the recording of A Short Album About Love; just ten months between their releases. I’d read my Penguin Guide To Pop you see. I knew the value of striking while the iron’s hot."
'A Short Album About Love' was conceived as a companion piece to the band's previous album 'Casanova'. It was recorded live at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London in 1996 with a 30-piece orchestra, and was released in time for Valentine’s Day 1997, charting at 13 in the UK.
NME described the show where the album was recorded as "an evening when dreams finally come true; a night of costume changes, classical kisses and - in time honoured tradition of drinking and dressing up - hugely sophisticated fun… One suspects it wouldn't be too hazardous to suggest that Neil Hannon is having by far the finest night of his entire sodding life." Time Out, reviewing the album, said: "Seven of the most heart-stoppingly gorgeous, romantic smoochers you have ever heard, all drenched in strings and emotion."
The single 'Everybody Knows (Except You)' reached 14 in the UK chart.
For the 30th Anniversary reissue, 'A Short Album About Love' has been remastered by Frank Arkwright at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, and the iconic images have been restored by photographer Kevin Westenberg.
The CD release consists of 2 discs: the original remastered 7 track album, with an additional 12 tracks of B-sides, demos and alternate versions lovingly curated by Neil Hannon, including recordings of 'Johnny Mathis' Feet' and 'Make It Easy On Yourself' from the SBE show. The 2nd disc is the DVD - 'A Short Film About A Short Album About Love' – a previously unreleased 50-minute film of the Shepherd’s Bush Empire concert at which 'Short Album..' was recorded. The CD comes with a booklet of photos with extensive liner notes written by Neil covering the context and content of each album.
The LP release is the original remastered album, packaged with a download code for 'A Short Album' and its bonus audio tracks. Pressed at Optimal on heavyweight black vinyl, this edition is housed in a gatefold sleeve accompanied with photos, credits and Neil's liner notes. If you buy the LP from our webstore it comes with a pin badge, and don't forget to check out the array of awesome anniversary merch including mugs, t-shirts and tote bags!
We'd love you to share your 'Short Album..' memories and any band memorabilia from this period. Remember to use #TheDivineComedy30 when you post.
All formats (including digital) out now.
