TechTV
June, 2000
The Original Soft Boy Returns to The Bay, Fegmania!
by Blockhead
Wow! I'm back and better than ever. Yes that's right: your tech crusader has returned to the new and improved TechTV! They're changing everything...except me. I'm here to stay, bringing you more stories from beyond the ultra-world, and making your stay here in the world of technology pleasant. It's time for another adventure -- and another chance to get into the mind or some unassuming victim.
Ah, one Mr. Robyn Hitchcock, the man with the lightbulb head. I was on my way to the famous Great American Music Hall in downtown San Francisco, and what happens on the way? I realize that Robyn Hitchcock -- my longtime hero -- would be a perfect adventure, delving into the neverending supply of opinionated-yet-useful conversation sponsored by none other than the technological revolution. Robyn Hitchcock, currently on tour with old friend Grant-Lee Phillips, had a bit of time to give us, letting ol' Blockhead in on the luddite that lies not so far beneath the surface of this aging musician.
Now here's the story: back in the '70s, Robyn Hitchcock gathered some English nomads in an attempt to make a clever form of Rock 'n' Roll geared towards the creative and imaginative. Check out records like Underwater Moonlight and A Can Of Bees.
Hitchcock went solo for a while, and regrouped with Morris Windsor and Andy Metcalfe, forming Robyn Hitchcock And The Egyptians in the early-'80s.
Our discussion started with the Internet and moved forward. Robyn answered to the nature of, "Do I really need the Internet to look up the gravity of a gecko in Rangoon, or railway timetables from 1835? I should say not." But Robyn did inform us that the Internet does provide a proper vehicle to sell his wares.
Taking a ride over to his popular site, The Museum of Robyn Hitchcock, you will see that Robyn seems to enjoy posting pictures and remembrances of his most colorful past. "Yeah, I do like to post things about myself in this site, and people can take a look at them if they like. But I suppose when you get down to it, I'm just a luddite," Robyn claims.
Well, luddite or no luddite, the big red tech traveller enjoyed Robyn's situation (but not persuasion). It's not every day that you meet someone with such an illustrious past -- but no connections with the future. Robyn is an interesting spirit, and doesn't want to dismiss the existence of technology or the influence that it has had on society. He just chooses to tread lightly. More power to you, Mr. Hitchcock, and happy travels! I know that somewhere we'll meet up with one another again. I often dream of trains too.
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