Voltron

I'm not sure how many people around here know or love Robyn Hitchcock but I am certain that it should be more than it is. Claire and I have been fans for 30 years, and had a great time at the 60th birthday party, Viva Hitchcock, organized by Colin Meloy (Decemberists). Many great musicians paid tribute and all performed Hitchcock songs in a wide variety of iterations from solo to combo to barbershop quintet to rock band to mass vocals. Here is a quick rundown of the evening, for those who give a damn: Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) was the fawning yet funny MC for the show, and in fact performed one of Robyn's songs while accompanying himself on the accordian The first group, however, was led by Andy Cabic of Vetiver (second from the right below). He did a couple of nice renditions along with Peter Buck on guitar, Sean Nelson (Harvey Danger) and the "house band" bass player and drummer whom I do not know. Next was a combo of Sean Nelson and his wife on the Kurtzweil. He seems to know every single Robyn Hitchcock song, and he appeared way too much in too many of the groups. Oh well. Then came Rhett Miller (Old 97s, etc.), and he was the only singer of the night who needed a music stand to sing his couple of songs. He wasn't bad and told a couple of good stories, such as going to see Robyn in concert in the 80s and then coincidentally seeing Robyn walking onto his hotel balcony in his underwear. He also claims that he had to pawn his Rickenbacker guitar many years ago and later learned that Peter Buck bought it two days after he pawned it. Here is Rhett with the ubiquitous Sean Nelson: Next up was Young Fresh Fellows with Scott McCaughey, and although they are neither young nor fresh they played the hell out of a couple of great Robyn tunes, including a favorite of ours called Ted, Woody, and Junior Charles Nelson Reilly is apparently the guitarist in YFF We then moved on to Eric D. Johnson (Fruit Bats) and some of the regulars Amanda Palmer was next up and finally Robyn himself joined in to duet with her. She was great and is seriously infatuated with Robyn. She also introduced the Robyn HitchcockBlockers, an impromptu barbershop quintet who sang Uncorrected Personality Traits from the balcony while Robyn looked on from the box to the right Colin Meloy did a solo rendition of a Robyn Hitchcock song in his distinctive vocal styling to the point that it sounded like a Decemberists song. Peter Buck and some others joined in as well Robyn came out again and chatted and played and then linked up with Buck, McCaughey, Bill Reiflin and the ever present Sean Nelson to form the Venus 4 1/2, as he called it (Venus 3). The last bit was an all hands finish first doing an a capella rendition of Furry Green Atom Bowl and then a super (which I recorded and will post on YouTube) and then a super group song to finish with Peter Buck and Colin Meloy (not pictured) playing drums side by side. Much fun was had by all and I wish I had a real camera to take some better shots.

So that proves you liked girls at one point!

I've seen them a couple of times and they are great live. Tonight, I'm going to see Robyn Hitchcock's 60th birthday show with Colin Meloy and Peter Buck and other special guests.

That's not funny, that's Larry's lawyer protecting his rights to all things wood!

RS anything is better than a 325 anything. If you can return and replace, go for it. I think Steve summed a my feelings on Larry the wood nazi. I wouldn't give him a dollar at this point.

^Indeed!

Now playing. Thank you. Against the Sun not yet on Rhapsody.

And soon on SACD: Along with

Beep boop bleeeeeeeeeeee

Well said Chris! I second those emotions.

^Wow, fuck that! It's going to be over 80 in SF, which is sweltering for us.

Take two beers and call me in the morning. Feel better Raffy.

Those earbuds look like they are meant to re-create 8-track player sound. Nope, I'd rather hear old music through new gear, thank you.

Record appreciation

Can you fax some to throw into my tacos?

Lobsters. Lots of them.

Sweet Emotion is still badass and instantly takes me back to 7th grade.

On my way...

sorry Shelly, that sounds awful.

Damn, I just realized I am hungry and want short rib sliders. Manhattans are always approved.

The last 4 sets by Knucks are money, but my fave is the banana gods of Arrakis.

sounds like a good one, Todd! enjoy the movie.

Mmmm, doggie cake. Happy birthday Ryan! Cheers

Montreal is awesome and worth the drive (ride).

wtf Jacob?