It was 1996, in Paris covering the Bercy Supercross races for Motocross Journal and Motocross Action Magazine. Had a free afternoon so I headed down to the Virgin Music Store (remember them?). The store’s main display was devoted to the recently-released Casanova, an album by The Divine Comedy. I purchased a copy because that’s just what you did in those days. I knew most of these impulse purchases would be played once, maybe pick out a tune or two and file the CD on the wall. Not so with Casanova. Or The Divine Comedy. The Northern Ireland band (really just Neil Hannon with an evolving cast of musicians) became my most satisfying musical discovery and have remained in heavy rotation every since.
Neil, I apologize for America’s total lack of interest. They don’t know what they are missing. My advice is to write and record a country-tinged album (I know you could do it). That might get them off their butts.
Click right here to hear “Invisible Thread” from the Divine Comedy’s latest release, Rainy Sunday Afternoon.
