Spotlight On The Reissues: Promenade

Oct, 2020

Released 9th October, 2020.

"I can never make another Promenade. That set of circumstances will never reoccur... No job. No university. No social life to speak of. No audience waiting for a particular sort of record. Living rent-free in the middle of nowhere. Nothing to do but watch French films, read Penguin classics, and write music. Something like this was bound to happen."
Neil Hannon, from Promenade's liner notes.

'Promenade', originally released in 1994, loosely recounts a day in the life of a pair of friends / siblings / lovers.

The Melody Maker said "’Promenade’ is music hall, cool French films, late nights in a bygone city, sea-shanties swelled by alcohol.. ‘Promenade’ walks the path of indulgence with bravado and a mischievous grin. A stolen masterpiece." Reviewing for Select, Stuart Maconie said "’Promenade’ is a masterpiece. If you do one brave and imaginative thing this month, be on the side of the angels and buy this record."

Stand out tracks include ‘Don't Look Down’, ‘The Summerhouse’ and ‘Tonight We Fly’, the song with which, to this day, the band close every live set.

For the 30th Anniversary reissue, 'Promenade' 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 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 'Promenade' 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 'Promenade' memories and any band memorabilia from this period. Remember to use #TheDivineComedy30 when you post.

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