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Apr 17, 2017 Issue #60 - Father John Misty By Aug Stone

Although its creator describes this new record as “an ecstatic work of negativity,” it is always a positive thing when a new Robyn Hitchcock album appears in the universe. Returning to an electric “rock band” set-up, with new home Nashville definitely an influence on the sound, Hitchcock remains a master at being both melodically and lyrically intriguing. Opener “I Want To Tell You About What I Want” demonstrates this in spades, a great pop song that weaves alluringly along the bends of its path whilst at the same time being straightforward in its own way. The two highlights of the album—“Mad Shelley’s Letterbox” and “Raymond and the Wires”—were heard live during last year’s gigs. “Mad Shelley’s Letterbox” is as good a pop song as Hitchcock ever wrote, and “Raymond and the Wires” (a reference to his father) is one of his most personal, reflecting also on his love of old trams and trolleys. “Sayonara Judge” stretches out in that way Hitchcock does so well, warm and lightly ethereal, perhaps more strolling on air than walking on it, as the song itself says. Producer Brendan Benson apparently asked Hitchcock, “Can you make a record like The Soft Boys?” “Detective Mindhorn,” “1970 In Aspic,” and “Time Coast” should satisfy those cravings. (www.robynhitchcock.com)

Author rating: 7/10