Search - Robyn Hitchcock :: Eye

More personal, less obtuse

armenianthunder | los angeles | 12/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Half a decade after the critical success of the largely solo acoustic record "I Often Dream of Trains," Hitchcock once again took a break from his band exploits with the Egyptians to create another collection of acoustic numbers, and I would argue that this is his most personal and haunting collection of songs, and almost as good as anything else in his catalog as it showcases his various lyrical talents and his ability to synthesize his three primary influences, Lennon, Dylan and Barrett. Yes, there is still the occasional shellfish or insect reference, but there is a directness here that he has avoided in much of his other records, and yes, even a number of "relationship songs" which range from the simple, joyous "Beautiful Girl" to the reflective "Linctus House." Songs like "Cynthia Mask," "Executioner" ("I know how Judas felt/but he got paid/I'm doing this for free/just like Live Aid") and the title track are among his finest. Even the lesser tracks reflect his range, from instrumental folk guitarist ("Chinese Water Python"), spoken word poetry ("Furry Green Atom Bowl") and some uninteresting exercises in sheer wackiness ("Certainly Clicquot"). Essentially, this record was a glimpse into what Hitchcock would become after the Egyptians folded (that is, until he picked up a group again recently with the Venus 3): a psychedelic folk troubadour, with his own complete lyrical language and musical universe. A must."