Dec, 2020
Updated For The 30th Anniversary Boxset.
"Most of Office Politics and all of Foreverland was written between late 2013 and 2015. In the same ‘bulk dump’, as it were. Two important things were going on: I was in love, and the world was going to pot. I gathered together all the songs to do with the first ‘important thing’ on Foreverland. Now it was time to take on the world. A lot of the material was like nothing I’d ever written before. In the past I would probably have relegated much of it to the ‘bonkers B-sides’ category and made a much more easy going, Divine Comedy-ish record. But I didn’t want to do that. I didn’t want to prettify it. To sanitise it. I wanted it to reflect what was going on out there. I wanted it to be ugly."
Finally, we reach ‘Office Politics’ - a tour de force double LP released in June 2019. Despite songs about infernal machines, minimalist composers moving furniture, the sad fate of Billy Bird and a retired couple getting into historical reenactment, it somehow became the band's highest entry in the UK album charts at No.5. “I do try to make normal records,” Neil said. ”But they always seem to wander off into odd territories..”
Mojo called the album "Wholly bewitching" while Classic Pop described it as "One of the year's most articulate records."
For the 'Venus, Cupid, Folly And Time' 30th Anniversary Boxset, 'Office Politics' has been repackaged with updated artwork and new bonus content. This CD package consists of 2 discs: the original album, with a second CD of extra tracks, demos and alternate versions. The set comes with a booklet of photos with extensive liner notes written by Neil covering the context and content of each album.
The album is also still available in standard CD, LP and digital formats. You can also buy the boxset or the original 2019 edition of 'Office Politics' from our webstore. While you are there, don't forget to check out the array of awesome merch including mugs, t-shirts and tote bags.
We'd love you to share your 'Office Politics' memories and any band memorabilia from this period. Remember to use #TheDivineComedy30 when you post.
Please note that the bonus material for 'Office Politics' is only available with the boxset.