The Wafflehead
Autumn, 1996 (#2)
Robyn Hitchcock Answers Questions...
by Haydn J. Mullineux
This is indeed an exclusive for The Wafflehead: Robyn Hitchcock questioned in early February, 1996, projects bubbling on the horizon and The Soft Boys fifteen years behind. "Excuse me, please, would you begin?" you ask, quite politely. And I answer with a slight trace of a grin on my face, "Why, of course! You only needed to ask."
Do you think it's important to mention Harrison Ford in a song?
That depends on the song.
Why the sudden decision for a solo tour last year?
I've been touring solo in America since 1989. In 1995 I was finally ready for Britain! Sudden as a snail....
If you went out for a drink with Syd Barrett, what would you talk about?
Peter Jenner, obviously. Seriously, though, the chances of Barrett going out for a drink with anyone are as likely as my appearing on Fantasy Football League.
What is your favourite vegetable?
Potato. Not very exotic, but reliable (like Harrison Ford).
Do you think your songs are becoming less obviously strange as you improve as a songwriter?
I feel a lot more human these days, so maybe my songs are less "alien" than they were. Thank you for saying that I've improved.
What do you think about David Bowie's strange idea of using a computer programme to jumble up a number of sentences, and then using them for song lyrics? Would you ever do this?
Not unless I was brain dead. But I think Bowie has always done this -- it used to be with cut up strips of paper. Now he can afford a computer.
Any plans for a new album?
Yes! Working title is Shadowcat. Should be out by summer. Includes "Man With A Woman's shadow", "Heliotrope", "You And Oblivion", and other household favourites.
Questions devised by Sonia and Haydn. Thanks to Mushy. And hopefully a full-fat review of the album will appear next issue. Lovely.
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