Do You Know Robyn Hitchcock? Well, Now You Will!
If you don’t know Robyn Hitchcock, then you’re missing out on a brilliant British rocker. Were it not for college radio, I too would have missed out altogether. With a style evocative of John Lennon, he is the artist to listen to if you feel we got robbed on more from the late Beatle. But we’re not talking about Lennon here; we’re talking about Robyn Hitchcock.
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Background
Born in the early 50s, Robyn is a multi talented individual. He plays a variety of instruments including guitar, piano, and the harmonica. Along with this he’s also an artist and most of his albums display his paintings and drawings. And he tops it off with vocals so evocative of the spirit of Lennon, and Syd Barrett who was likely responsible for the initial successes of Pink Floyd.
The only major difference I notice between Robyn and Lennon is that the latter tended to be more political, whereas Hitchcock is more whimsical about life. With a strong element of surreal and that eccentricity in his lyrics, it’s a joy to listen to Hitchcock. And what’s more, he is brilliant in his live performances which sometimes sound better than his recordings.
Music
Robyn Hitchcock has been through various lineups during his career and also led a solo career. And his knack of churning out songs is amazing – reflected in the large number of albums released. Some of these are updated versions of material he’s already recorded. Much of the music he’s recorded is deep even for me. Which is the reason that my favorite period of his career is with “The Egyptians” in the mid to late 80s. In fact, I think l think he lightened up his work when he came over to the US. I’m not sure if that was a compromise on his part. But it was a short phase and he likely went back to his favorite idiosyncratic style which continues today. These days he is apparently settled in, appropriately enough, Nashville and does live performances for the die-hard lovers of his music.
Some of His Work
If you know me well enough, I don’t like to talk too much about the artist I’m spotlighting. I like to play their music and celebrate the artist for what they’re most famous for. There’s better information about Robyn Hitchcock out there which I’d encourage you to follow up to understand this brilliant artist.
For now, I want to play some of my favorite songs by him. And this is by no means an easy task. Robyn’s repertoire is so vast that it all becomes way too difficult to single out any few songs. But, for brevity’s sake, here my favorites. And I’m going concentrate on the lighter songs to give you some idea of the artist he is – in case you haven’t heard him before.
“The man who invented himself” (1981)
Off the album, Black Snake Diamond Röle which is his debut after going solo. Prior to this, he was the founding member of the band “The Soft Boys.” As is usually the case, this was the product of his yearning to write songs for himself rather then for the band. We also get to see Robyn’s art on the Album cover. With this album, Robyn Hitchcock charted out his independent path in the world of music.
Panagiotis Samaras / YouTube.com
“Love” (1981)
Another song off of the first album. The interesting lyrics so reflective of Robyn’s style. A love serenade which seems to also veer off into other thoughts.
martin venator / YouTube.com
“Fifty-Two Stations” (1982)
From his second album Groovy Decay, released in 1982. Only Robyn would sing a song about a breakup with the indifference and touch of nonchalance. Brilliant, typically British stuff.
Comtesse DeSpair / YouTube.com
“Strawberry Mind” (1985)
On this album, Robyn Hitchcock gets together with “The Egyptians” and I personally like his time with them the best. Maybe because of its “lighter” feel? Once again, classic Robyn stuff. From the album entitled “Fegmania!” released in 1985.
Kris Griffiths / YouTube.com
“Vibrating” (1988)
Still with “The Egyptians” who I think give wonderful backup vocals on this number. Listening to this song, tells you why I like his working with them so much. It complements his style of singing and music very well. It should, as some of “The Egyptians” are his former bandmates. From probably his most commercially successful album, “Globe of Frogs.”
marntin venator / YouTube.com
“Balloon Man” (1988)
From the same album, this is one of my most favorite of his songs. I think it’s the quirky lyrics and how well he seems to put it all together. Backed up again by “The Egyptians”
robynhitchcockweb / YouTube.com
“Madonna of the Wasps” (1989)
Another brilliant song that seems to reflect his poetical art of telling a story that seems to mean nothing on face value. But if you were to talk to him, he would be able to point out the various personal meanings in it. For me, it’s just plain hypnotic in its sound and style. From the album “Queen Elvis” he released in 1989.
robynhitchcockweb / YouTube.com
“So You Think You’re In Love” (1991)
From his 1991 album “Perspex Island,” this is one of his more “commercial sounding” songs. He seems to take a step back from the indifferent style of lyrics and vocals that makes him so fascinating. But here too, he gives an interesting perspective from his viewpoint.
robynhitchcockweb / YouTube.com
“Driving Aloud” (1993)
Taken from “Respect,” the last album Robyn Hitchcock did with “The Egyptians.” And what to me was the most interesting part of his career. As usual, some fantastic wordplay that only Robyn is in a position to explain. Like a good piece of art, it likely lends itself to various meanings.
BunnymanVids / YouTube.com
“Century” (1990)
Going back to 1990 and his solo album “Eye.” A Robyn Hitchcock reproduction. I selected this out to close off this sampling to highlight the similarity to John Lennon. This is an example of what Robyn is doing currently – updating and re-releasing his work. Mostly in acoustic and live performance style.
sydpink / YouTube.com
And so this is Robyn Hitchcock and his music. If you had not heard him, I’m sure this sampling of his work should be a good introduction to his brilliance.
The sampling is a little larger than I usually do, but his collection is so extraordinarily large and interesting I ended up throwing in a lot more than I had planned. And he’s still working away on new stuff and plays in relatively smaller venues. And I think it’s definitely “criminal” he’s not as widely known as he deserves to be. He’s definitely on the level of the likes of David Byrne who has a similar style and artistic brilliance.
I’ll be back with another cool artist. Feel free to add your comments at the bottom of the page if you have anything to add.
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