Released: April 5, 1994
Genre: Folk rock, alternative rock, soft rock, pop rock
Credits and personnel:
Released in April 1994, Milla’s The Divine Comedy remains one of the best kept musical secrets of the 90’s. Acoustic, folky, and hard to categorize, Milla’s music is similar to that of Kate Bush (who she cites as a major influence) and Sarah McLachlan. Her rich voice is coupled with seldom used instruments like the mandolin, dulcimer, and flute to create an oddly unique and airy sound. The final track, In a Glade, is a beautiful traditional Ukrainian folk song that Milla sings in her native tongue.
Chris Brenner heard Bjorn, David, & Johna playing on a street corner in Paris, and “hired” them on the spot. They toured after The Divine Comedy was released although they didn’t play on the album.
Where did the name The Divine Comedy come from?
“When I was first working on the sketch for the album cover my mom introduced me to a young Russian artist named Alexis Steele. I looked at his sketch for the cover and I saw that struggle – all the struggle that I’m singing about. It IS the divine comedy.”
Tours
The Divine Comedy Tour comprised 3 Legs and 50 Shows in total. The tour began with a small concert at the Borderline in London on 2 January 1994.
The 1st leg if followed by twenty-two shows, occurred in North America, at bars and cafes.
The 2nd and 3rd legs followed by fourteen shows both, occurred in North America too.
Performances
“On the Hill” – Luna Park on August 12.1999
“On the Hill” – New York City on August 16, 1999
