{"product_id":"absent-friends","title":"Absent Friends","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAbsent Friends\u003c\/i\u003e was first released in 2004. Describing the album, Neil said: \"The songs use stories and characters as a framework to pin my ideas on. It's mostly about the eternal battle between the pull of personal freedom and the comfort of domesticity”. The album was recorded by Guy Massey, mixed by Nigel Godrich and features guest appearances by 6 Music DJ Lauren Laverne and French multi-instrumentalist Yann Tiersen. Stand out tracks from the album include singles \u003ci\u003eCome Home Billy Bird\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eAbsent Friends\u003c\/i\u003e, as well as fan favourites \u003ci\u003eOur Mutual Friend\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eCharmed Life\u003c\/i\u003e. The album has been remastered from the original tapes at the legendary Abbey Road Studios by mastering engineer Frank Arkwright (Blur, The Smiths.) \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe CD release consists of 2 discs: the original remastered album, with a second CD of B-sides, demos and alternate versions lovingly curated by Neil Hannon, much of which has never been heard before. The CD comes with a booklet of photos, credits and extensive liner notes written by Neil covering the context and inspiration behind the album and its songs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe LP release consists of the original remastered album, cut at Abbey Road, packaged with a download code for the album and bonus tracks. The LP is heavyweight black vinyl in a gatefold sleeve accompanied with photos, credits and Neil's liner notes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Divine Comedy Records","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50498766995787,"sku":"1090562","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50498766897483,"sku":"1090561","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/18eb08fb-7f66-4f96-a3c8-774c882b4790_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727756839","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/products\/absent-friends","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}