Customer Reviews

Luxor

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This one took me a few listens. The usual pop hooks and tales of trains and vegetables are few and far between. But once you get past the fact that they're not there to be heard, this is a beautiful and worthwhile Hitchcock project. If you like his slower and less structured ballads (think "Autumn is Your Last Chance"), then this could be your CD. "Keep Finding Me" and "Round Song" are among the best songs he's released in years.

Is this a permanent change of direction, marking the end of his frenetic and spontaneous compositions? I tend to doubt it, but, surprisingly perhaps, I wouldn't be too disappointed if it turns out that it is.

Solpadeine, as you know, is a mild pain killer. This CD is my Solpadeine. It soothes me from the ravages of consumerist pop drivel and the inanity of radio-driven pop rock. If you are sick of capital radio and all the two-bit pretty faces who are passed off to us as artists and musicians today--LUXOR could be just the drug for you. Robyn, as usual, has something to say in his most subtle and humorous way, and he knows the value of a beautiful piece of music to heal the bruised psyche of postmodern man. Take one listen to "Wolf House" and you'll see what I mean. Robyn is consistently Robyn--and he will always remain true to himself. Thank God for that. Robyn has depth. Buy this CD--you will be missing out on a real diamond if you don't.

This album is definately the pared-down, sparce, and hauntingly beautiful persona of Robyn Hitchcock...most closely what you get at an acoustic show. While it may be a bit uneven, and you might not LOVE every song, as with every other Robyn and Soft Boys album this one does contain many (call it 5 of the 13 tracks - "The Idea of You," "Maria Lyn," and "Idonia" especially) absolute masterpieces! And, nearly every song has at least a few amazing moments or lyrics that keep the banality of todays music at bay. I am so thankful that there is a Robyn Hitchcock in the world, and that he is continuing to make the wonderful, quirky, and utterly unique music that he does. This album still is a must for fans, and soon-to-be fans, alike!

It seems like once every ten years or so Robyn Hitchcock releases a recording like this one, with sparse instrumentation yet so hauntingly gorgeous. Like the reviewer below it took me a couple of listens for the effect to take hold, but I'm so glad I persevered and kept listening.
Most of the songs are just Robyn and his acoustic guitar but there are a few bits of piano and electric guitar found in some of the songs that stay in the background yet provide the mood and emotion in the songs. From the fifth track, You Remind Me of You, I am hooked. I really enjoyed the Soft Boys reunion CD and Robyn's last few releases but in this one lyrically and melodically I find Robyn at his absolute best. Brilliant.

I have all of robyn's stuff and, not having very much relished this LP in the past, put it on the other day to give it another go. it's much better than i remembered, and harks back to "Eye" and "I often dream of trains"--the more intimate hitch, beautifully recorded in all its spare glory. one, perhaps, not for the uninitiated, but haunting nevertheless. it'll bring right down...in a good way. like the best neil young, dylan, nick drake. have a go.

like the reviewer below, i'm a massive fan of hitchcock--but i never ever hardly ever haul this out: there's the real test of a record. it's dour, sans sparkles or a "vibe." never thought he'd made a bad record till i heard this. hardly any floaty melodies, either. get "Spooked"--it's brilliant and lively.

I own every RH ablum relaesed and several test prints that were never released. Let's just say I have a lot of his work. This, however, is not some of it. Everytime I listen to this, I feel like this is a CD of someone doing a bad Robyn Hitchcock impersonation. The lyrics are trite, which for him, is the worse thought I've ever had, and the melodies are somewhat weak. I am still a ravenous RH fan and will continue to be. This album though, is far below the stratospheric standars he set with Eye, Respect, Storefront and just about everything he's ever done. In fact, this isn't even as nice as Invisible Hitchcock, which was a series of B-Sides and unreleased songs. Buy every album he's ever made and you will not be disappointed, just don't let this be the first.

Believe it or not, this is my first Robyn Hitchcock album I've ever heard in full, and I absolutely love it...

My three favorite tracks are:
- Idea of You
- You Remind Me of You
- Keep Finding Me

His delivery is hauntinly beautiful... As well as the guitar work is gorgeous, simple and profound all at the same time...

Sadly I only have my friend's copy on loan, so I will have to pick up my own copy asap... As well as I'd advise you to the same - Savannah Skye...