This has a number of good songs, especially "Brenda's Iron Sledge," and for Hitchcock comedy, there's "Do Policemen Sing?" But something happened to the horns on the first track -- by I which I mean they're missing. Otherwise, fine.
Saying this isn't one of his better efforts is like saying Hendrix didn't have much to say on his first Lp. Download this and then go DL The Soft Boys' "Underwater Moonlight".
I personally think Robyn petered out after "I Often Dream of Trains", and this is one of his gems, however flawed. Yes the production is a bit rickety but that's part of it's charm and the lysergic undercurrent to this record is worth digging for (beyond the obvious Acid Bird). Bonus points for deciphering Lizard King...
I know Robyn Hitchcock fans have their own particular tastes, but this is one of the all-time great pop rock albums by ANYONE, not just Robyn. Not to mention, I paid like 25 bucks for a copy of the original CD on ebay (most go for 35!), because I wanted it on my ipod and it's been completely unavailable for YEARS! This is a HUGE addition to emusic. For God's sake, download it! (Please note-- everything after "Love" are "bonus tracks" not on the original album. I haven't listened to them yet and so can't vouch for them. I'm generally not a big fan of bonus tracks being added to albums. You could always just not download them, I suppose.
I've had this album for over 20 years, but never considered it one of his better ones. When it popped up here I decided to pull out my old vinyl copy and reassess it. Frankly, I find it still doesn't measure up to his better efforts. Some of the songwriting is okay, much of it is second-tier Hitchcock. But the album's real weakness is the production and arrangements; they're just not very pleasing to the ear. It sounds more like unfinished demos that don't really gel. Overall maybe the weakest Hitchcock album in my collection. The last three bonus tracks are intriguing oddities, though.
This, as well as Eye and I Often Dream of Trains are truly great - they're also streamed free on the Yep Rock site and cost only $12.00 there - cheaper than downloading I believe.
