Spotlight On The Reissues: Liberation

Sept, 2020

Released 9th October, 2020.

“1991. The beginning of the end for the twentieth century. A time of simplicity. A time of relative calm in human affairs. A small, shy young man with bad hair and a strange accent glides silently through the grey Tottenham streets. Look closely. His feet don’t appear to be touching the pavement. He is levitating; floating on a great, unstoppable tide of self-confidence and freedom. The world has suddenly opened up before him. He sees clearly for the first time. ‘I can do anything,’ he whispers to himself. ‘Be anyone’."
Neil Hannon, from Liberation's liner notes.

'Liberation' was The Divine Comedy's first full album. Released in 1993 it didn't sell especially well but received critical acclaim both in the UK and in France.

The NME described it as “an array of seductive yarns.. glorious, gleeful tunesmanship."
Dave Cavanagh, writing in Select said "..one of the bountiful, overflowing joys of the year. Any year." Melody Maker described it as "An album that could make any listener want to stumble up to him and proclaim ‘Neil, you’re a genius’."

The songs 'Your Daddy's Car', 'Europop', and 'Lucy' are still performed live by the band to this day while 'The Pop Singer’s Fear Of The Pollen Count' was released as a single from the 1999 ‘Best Of’.

For the 30th Anniversary reissue, 'Liberation' has been remastered by Frank Arkwright at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, and the iconic images have been lovingly restored by original photographer Kevin Westenberg.

The CD release consists of 2 discs: the original remastered album, with a second CD of B-sides, demos and alternate versions put together by Neil, much of which is from his personal archive and has never been heard before. This 2CD Set 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 'Liberation' and its bonus 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 'Liberation' memories and any band memorabilia from this period. Remember to use #TheDivineComedy30 when you post.

All formats (including digital) available from 9th October, 2020.