Eye

Robyn Hitchcock (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 13, 2007)
• Original Release Date: November 13, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Yep Roc Records
• ASIN: B000VO8O4E
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #245,290 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More personal, less obtuse, December 12, 2008

By	armenianthunder (los angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eye (MP3 Download)

Half a decade after the critical success of the largely solo acoustic record "I Often Dream of Trains," Hitchcock once again took a break from his band exploits with the Egyptians to create another collection of acoustic numbers, and I would argue that this is his most personal and haunting collection of songs, and almost as good as anything else in his catalog as it showcases his various lyrical talents and his ability to synthesize his three primary influences, Lennon, Dylan and Barrett. Yes, there is still the occasional shellfish or insect reference, but there is a directness here that he has avoided in much of his other records, and yes, even a number of "relationship songs" which range from the simple, joyous "Beautiful Girl" to the reflective "Linctus House." Songs like "Cynthia Mask," "Executioner" ("I know how Judas felt/but he got paid/I'm doing this for free/just like Live Aid") and the title track are among his finest. Even the lesser tracks reflect his range, from instrumental folk guitarist ("Chinese Water Python"), spoken word poetry ("Furry Green Atom Bowl") and some uninteresting exercises in sheer wackiness ("Certainly Clicquot"). Essentially, this record was a glimpse into what Hitchcock would become after the Egyptians folded (that is, until he picked up a group again recently with the Venus 3): a psychedelic folk troubadour, with his own complete lyrical language and musical universe. A must.

5.0 out of 5 stars Robyn Hitchcock - Eye 2008 release, March 31, 2009

By	Joseph Morris "Joe Morris" (Elmwood Park, NJ) - See all my reviews

Most of the songs on this are really strong, in my humble opinion

"Linctus House" appeared on his best of compilation (the Rhino Records one) but really, Cynthia Mask, Chinese Water Python, Clean Steve, Aquarium..

A LOT of these songs wouldn't be out of place on a Robyn Hitchcock best of, and most of the songs on this he still plays live

Robyns been recently playing his I Often Dream of Trains album in its entirety. Lets hope he does this one next

I think this is his best solo, personally

LOT of good stuff added to the most recent Eye reissue - "The beauty of Earl's Court" in particular is wonderful

I think this might be a very good place to start if you're getting into Robyn. Either this or Trains. His first album (Black Snake Diamond Role) is a VERY good collection of songs, but this is more personal

A lot of these songs I've heard SO many times, and I'll probably be listening to them for as long as I live. The first track ("Cynthia Mask") is a good taster track, or maybe "Glass hotel" is another track to sample if you like the sound of a good guitar

I like Robyns playing on this a lot too

Try to get the most recent reissue of this album. Not sure if that has "Sweet Ghost of Light" (great track) but it does have "Earls Court" at the end, which is absolutely wonderful.

Enjoy!

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Average Fare by Hitchcock Standards, August 27, 2008

By	Sherringford Clark (Mayor's Income, Tennessee) - See all my reviews

I think most Robyn Hitchcock fans will admit that "Eye" pales in comparison to "I Often Dream of Trains." There is more filler on "Eye," less great songs, the English whimsy seems more forced this time around.

There are some great songs on "Eye," especially "Queen Elvis," with its hauting vocal delivery and lyrics. Also "Cynthia Mask" and "Flesh Cartoons."

The rest of the songs, although they occasionally feature some beautiful guitar, are merely good or average by Hitchcock's standards. "Executioner" is good, but is just another of his failed relationship songs, and the lyrical conceit is rather artificial. On this album, Robyn has far too many relationship songs, and while "Beautiful Girl" is catchy, it is dumb.

So, all in all, the quality of this album is uneven, with 3 great songs, some good ones, and the rest just mediocre. As with Hitchcock's other lesser albums, I only play the really great songs, never listening to the whole album all the way through.