Daily Bruin
February 22, 1999
Robyn Hitchcock's Storefront Hitchcock
by Andrea Dingman
Oasis on Prozac.
There's no better way to describe the blend of Robyn Hitchcock's edgy vocals and happy-go-lucky, campfire tunes. Storefront Hitchcock is the soundtrack to the Jonathon Demme live performance feature film by the same name.
Amidst the predominately acoustic, Folk-y songs are intercalary spoken musings on everything from love to religion to the molecules that make up human beings. While many of the songs seem to be trite and even silly, there are often deeper-rooted meanings to be discovered, such as his fear of commitment in the cute "I Something You".
Unfortunately, some of the songs tend to be repetitive as they drone on for as long as six minutes, especially the songs with only acoustic guitar and vocal, but the few tracks with other instruments add needed spice.
The Jimi Hendrix classic, "The Wind Cries Mary", is the highlight of the album, with understated vocals and Hitchcock's own quirky twist, nearly whispering at the most intense moments and an added harmonica solo.
Storefront Hitchcock is definitely worth a listen, and then another one to really figure out what he's getting at. There are many hidden treats that should provide for amusing listening.
Rating: 8
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