In-Car Entertainment

Album two, and already I'm hitting problems. People keep wanting a lift in my car, and keeping them company rather precludes serious listening. (Besides, we were listening out for the awful top-of-the-hour jingle on Classic FM.) As a result, I'm still listening to the last couple of songs on today's selection as I type.

I've been a fan of The Divine Comedy ever since Simon at school included 'The Frog Princess' on a compilation tape he'd made for a long car journey. It was so deliciously silly: the orchestral arrangement, the subject matter and Neil Hannon's resonant baritone voice. I bought the album (Casanova) and it quickly became a firm favourite. And then I did the natural thing of stocking up on the back catalogue.

Liberation was the band's first proper album (there's an earlier one which has never been reissued, and Neil's keeping it that way). The music is rather sparse in comparison with the later outings; a small string section on some pieces contrasts with the full orchestra found on Casanova. I think it works rather well - it provides a refreshingly clear sound that allows the lyrics room to breathe and be heard.

And what a range of lyrics there are. From the opener dealing with the life and times of Mr Benn, through metaphorical joyriding ("We took your Daddy's car/And wrapped it round a tree/We didn't know what for/We didn't feel like driving any more"), hayfever, and finally a spot of Wordsworth on 'Lucy'. It can be light and deep at the same time, managing to stay just on the right side of cloying.

I've not enjoyed the more recent Divine Comedy stuff quite as much as these earlier albums (although that's mainly owing to Radio 2 overplaying a few key tracks and then the rest of the world making comparisons with Scott Walker). Don't get me wrong; it's still good. It just lacks a certain carefree innocence found here, and for me that's where the charm lies.