Search - Robyn Hitchcock, Venus 3 :: Propellor Time

John Lennon Smiles Down on You, Mr. Hitchcock

wm | ...onward....thru the fog! | 04/06/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
I don't know how many reviews I've read of this Robyn Hitchcock CD or that in which the reviewer makes the argument that "he's not as good as he used to be", or "this isn't anything like (insert name of Robyn Hitchcock CD from the past here).



Like his principal mentor, John Lennon, there isn't really a "better" or "worse" period in his career. Both artists had their ups and downs to be sure, but what shines through all that in each musician's case is the sheer consistency in each artist's respective work.



Mr. Hitchcock is about as prolific as any musician I can think of, and unlike many artists, there is no lack of consistency and strength from record to record.



On "Propellor Time", Lennon's spirit looms larger than it ever has. In addition to the regular lineup of his stellar band, The Venus 3, Johnny Marr, John Paul Jones, and Nick Lowe make their presence known. Peter Buck gives the proceedings his distinct jingly jangly Byrds signature, and Mr. Hitchcock also tips his hat to another big mentor of his, Bob Dylan (especially so with "Born on the wind"), but, as he himself said in an interview not long ago, his compass keeps turning back to John.



As of this writing, the US tour dates are scarce, but am greatly looking forward to hearing and seeing these fine songs on the road in the near future, Mr. H."

Best in recent memory...

Mark E. Ponder | Lincoln, AL | 06/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"His best album in many years; actually tops Ole Tarantula and Spooked, his previous best two this decade. Only flashback: title track sounds like it was lifted from "You and Oblivion" from the 90's, and "John On The Air" is the distant sibling of "Polly On The Shore" from the same album. That's not a bad thing. My friends have been stunned to hear that both "Luckiness" and "Sticky Boy" are live recordings; the tightness of the musicians has to be heard to be believed. It's obvious why Mr. Hitchcock is so admired by his colleagues: his songmanship and sense of melody are impeccable. Peter Buck has played on many Hitchcock albums, starting with "Globe Of Frogs", and deserves a spot beside him on stage. Really, the entirety of The Venus 3 are up to the task of playing with Mr. Hitchcock. His best backing band since the Egyptians, and possibly all the way back to the Soft Boys."

Awake

Jeffrey Phelps | cinci | 05/25/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first started digging Hitchcock around the mid eighties. I know this because i was married

in 1986. Trying to turn my new bride on to some good music was not easy. She was a white wedding ...New music was to be labeled, so I told her robyn hitchcock sounds like the beatles with syd barret in the band. After explaining who the beatles and syd barrett were, no, just kidding... I'm not real smart, so it took me until this cd to say,"this sounds like robyn hitchcock." I hope my xwife reads this........miss u baby..."