Absent Friends 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. The album has been remastered from the original tapes at the legendary Abbey Road Studios by mastering engineer Frank Arkwright (Blur, The Smiths.) Overseeing the audio throughout the campaign is engineer/mixer/producer Guy Massey, whose work on the Beatles Stereo Remasters won him a Grammy Award. The 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. CD Disc 1 1. Absent Friends 2. Sticks and Stones 3. Leaving Today 4. Come Home Billy Bird 5. My Imaginary Friend 6. The Wreck Of The Beautiful 7. Our Mutual Friend 8. The Happy Goth 9. Freedom Road 10. Laika's Theme 11. Charmed Life Disc 2 1. Absolute Power 2. Our Mutual Friend (early idea) 3. The Bird Evolution 4. Girl Least Likely 5. Mr Right 6. Sticks and Stones (demo) 7. The Dark Horse 8. Idaho 9. All Things (alternate version) 10. Rose For The Lady 11. Smiler 12. Absent Friends (demo) 13. Anthem For Bored Youth (demo) 14. Our Mutual Friend (alternate version) 15. Antidepressant 16. Windy Pop 17. Laika's Theme (The Promise) 18. Charmed Life (alternate version) LP 1. Absent Friends 2. Sticks and Stones 3. Leaving Today 4. Come Home Billy Bird 5. My Imaginary Friend 6. The Wreck Of The Beautiful 7. Our Mutual Friend 8. The Happy Goth 9. Freedom Road 10. Laika's Theme