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The Divine Comedy 1994 |
( pomoc sa orginal web page www.millaj.com
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Milla was signed by SKB Records on the basis of a demo she cut at age 12, she quickly learned how much input certain producers expected from their
artists: none. They presented her with some bubble-gum pop cover tunes designed to be released as singles with a
five-week life span on the international dance charts; she initially complied, then
balked, insisting on using her poetry for lyrics and recording her own material. The impasse was resolved in her
favor; SBK eventually relenquished creative control and those embarrassing early sessions never saw the light of
day.
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? Let's ask Milla . . . "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."
I think the critics would have given The Divine Comedy rave reviews if it hadn't been a supermodel's side
project. It got pretty good reviews regardless...I've collected a handful of them here.
Two different videos were made for Gentleman Who Fell - the first version was directed by Lisa
Bonet, featured Harry Dean Stanton, and was in color. Milla wasn't satisfied with the way it came out and decided to make a new
video (black & white). The b&w one is basically a pastiche of Maya Deren's famous
avant-garde short film Meshes of the Afternoon (1943).
Milla toured for about 6 months in 1994 following the release of The Divine Comedy; here are some reviews from
fans. I've managed to get my hands on bootlegs of 8 shows and 1 radio interview/performance (click
here for info on getting copies). Below are samples of some unreleased songs which likely would've been on her
follow-up album to The Divine Comedy. However, now that she's formed Plastic Has Memory I doubt these songs will ever get
recorded. Three other songs show up at
bmi.com that I've never heard: Blame It On The Moon, Here It Is, & What's Close To
You.
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The Divine Comedy (MP3)
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Unreleased songs (MP3)
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Miscellaneous
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Buy 
