Search - Robyn Hitchcock & Egyptians :: Gotta Let This Hen Out

The Egyptian's Burning Down of the Marquee is a MUST HAVE

Garry Messick | 08/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Perhaps being sparked by the critical success of "I Often Dream of Trains" and "Fegmania!", Robyn accepted an offer to record his new group, The Egyptians, live at the Marquee in London. The results became much more than a standard live album: it was a glorious call to arms, and a bit of a defense against years of defeat. The songs are an interesting mish mash. Four are from the Soft Boys days, and all recreated with the love of days that never were...the glory of a band revered more in memory than when they existed. The rest recreate interesting portions of Robyn's solo career, and almost all better their studio predecessors. Of special notice are "The Cars She Used to Drive" and "America", both rescued from "Groovy Decay" an album which almost single handedly destroyed Robyn's career. These songs, perhaps because of their place of origin, seeth and spit venom. But then,that's the spirit of this album, which kicks harder than anybody had a right to expect. Perhaps it's the sound of a band meeting its audience for the first time and celebrating in joy? Perhaps its the sound of a man rebelling against his past and railing against a music world that has no time for his strange little songs? Actually, it's both. And beyond that, it's invigorating. A must own and a perfect introduction to one of the most unique musicians this century has produced."

Gotta let this other review out

Zen Vulture | Chicago | 11/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have a bias; Robyn Hitchcock is 1 of my 2 favorite songwriters AND one can only get better live recordings of RH w/the Egyptians on the Kershaw Sessions CD. If you're just starting out, try Black Snake Diamond Role, Fegmania, Invisible Hitchcock, Eye, and anything by the Soft Boys (RH's previous group if you didn't already know). Then your next wave should include this CD, but by then you'll be in love and get everything else anyway.



That aside, please ignore the gibberish and 1 star (?!?!) of the other review. Maybe 5 is about 1/2 or 1 star generous, but somebody had to step it up!"