So...I passed on seeing Robyn Hitchcock

[mitchum]

My English friend Tom called and asked if I wanted to go see Robyn Hitchcock play tonight. I made up an excuse about having to prepare for two meetings in the morning.
The real reason I won't be seeing Robyn Hitchcock? He's too...English. Hitchcock has always trafficked in that patented twee, quaint, whimsical nonsense that some English musicians just adore. They can have it.
But, of course, I couldn't tell my friend that

[gmoney]

1. You screwed up, dude...

Robyn is a fantastic musician, and has a catalog filled with great stuff. I've seen him probably 10 times since college, and he never disappoints. And he's great live.

Depending where you are, if you leave now, you might be able to catch part of the set. Or you can watch American Idol on your TiVo.

[driver8]

2. You definitely made the wrong choice...

I've seen Robyn Hitchcock a couple of times and both shows were great!!

[Lex]

3. Wow. I wouldn't tell that story on myself.

nt

[mitchum]

11. Hey, I even passed up the chance to hang out with Hitchcock, Peter...

and the rest of the band :)

[progressoid]

4. Eh, thats one I wouldn't fret over missing.

[amitten]

5. Twee? TWEE?

:rofl:

Where the hell did that word come from...and does it mean how it sounds?!?

[Strawman]

6. I hear what your saying, but I like Robyn Hitchcock

I think his best stuff is where he just sort of comes out and says what he wants to say without being so cheeky. I just bought Moss Elixir and there are some incredible songs on that record. Speed of Things and Filthy Bird in particular. But that's Robyn. He likes to be whimsical and fun too in a kind of self-indulgent way. Some of that stuff works for me, some of it doesn't. I have to be in the mood for it. He could probably write an album of near flawess songs, but that would probably be too much like a dreary job. I remember reading an interview of his years back where he said his goal was to just retire. I liked that answer. I don't think he wants to take himself too seriously all the time.

In any case, I'd love to see him perform. Is he touring now?

[swag]

10. I like "De Chirico Street" from that record.

I disliked the hideous psychedelic trousers Robyn was wearing when I saw him play it.

[mitchum]

15. He's out touring with his band Venus 3 (Peter Buck and 2 auxiliary ...

members of rem)

[silvermachine]

7. I guess....

...you've never heard The Soft Boys. Twee? Methinks not.
With all due respect, one could also say this...

The real reason I won't be seeing Bruce Springsteen? He's too...American. Springsteen has always trafficked in that patented gruff, pseudo working class, gearhead nonsense that some American musicians just adore. They can have it.
But, of course, I couldn't tell my friend that.

Or...

The real reason I won't be seeing Willie Nelson? He's too...American. Nelson has always trafficked in that patented sentimental, maudlin, c&w nonsense that some American musicians just adore. They can have it.
But, of course, I couldn't tell my friend that.

Or...

The real reason I won't be seeing Black Flag? They're too...American. Rollins has always trafficked in that patented hyper-aggressive, hardcore, punk nonsense that some American musicians just adore. They can have it.
But, of course, I couldn't tell my friend that.

Mind you, I'm not even much of a Hitchcock fan, I pretty much lost interest after "I Often Dream Of Trains" but to say that being an English musician likely translates into playing "twee, quaint, whimsical nonsense" is, well, nonsense. Yeah, the Stones, Motorhead, Count Bishops, etc., what a bunch of twee, precious bastards they are. ;)

[mitchum]

8. Read the post again

I said SOME English musicians (Syd Barrett, Incredible String Band, XTC, etc)
There are PLENTY of English musicians I do enjoy.
And I know that there are plenty of American musicians who ape that English twee vibe. Lord, I know that for a fact since I live in Athens GA :)

Edit: Heard the Soft Boys when they came out. It was all right, but meh...

[silvermachine]

12. Ok, I see what you mean...

...it's just that when I got to the part that said "too...English", it kind of seems like you are saying that the essence of being English (or an English person making music) automatically makes one twee.

<<<And I know that there are plenty of American musicians who ape that English twee vibe. Lord, I know that for a fact since I live in Athens GA>>>

Olivia Tremor Control:7

[swag]

9. Twee is the word. Ineffably twee.

Makes your flesh crawl.

[grace0418]

13. Damn, I wish I could go.

I love RH!

[xmas74]

14. Um, what?

I'd never pass on Hitchcock. He was part of the soundtrack of my youth.