Wey Wey Hep a Hole Ding Dong: Robyn Hitchcock the song by song, album by album thread

I've only met one person named Lance.

 

It was apparently not uncommon when I was born in the States; still it wasn't that common, as I've only met a few in my life and, as there can only be one, I slew them.

 

I know an English Lance and he's a very nice chap; big music fan too.

Not many well know Lances, I can only think of Lance Armstrong, Lance Percival & Lance Gibbs.

 

TLC

This one kind of plods along. I suppose the music is supposed to be evocative of what it feels like when you’re taking these drugs. It’s okay. Defiinitely my least favorite on this album. The trumpet and cello are lovely.

2.75/5

 

Neither have I.

 

Lance makes me think of the Nabokov short story, and Tallulah makes me think of this:

 

I'm now picturing frantic googling by our American cousins...

 

Doubt they've heard of Lance Gibbs either.

 

One of my best mates is named Lance.

Tallulah is an old, southern name that is not common, but I know a couple of them.

 

TLC - 2/5 - I agree this is the weakest thing on the album.

 

TLC -- 2/5. Pretty weak.

 

I got to go against the grain here--not a standout, but I dig the groove. I agree with the Spanner and Message connections...3.3/5

 

"TLC" - this reminds me, as others have mentioned, of "Give Me a Spanner". I guess it's supposed to evoke the feeling of being on tranquilizers? I like the vocals where he sings their names, but other than that it's just ok. Nice cello though. 2/5.

 

My least favourite too, but it's not bad exactly. This was another song for the Brian Epstein film - the three drugs are what the autopsy found in his system, I believe. As an atmospheric piece for a film scene, I can see it working well. On this album, less so. 2.5/5

I've never met any Lances or Tallulahs in the real world either. Come to think of it I've only met one Robyn other than Mr H. She was definitely prettier than him, but I doubt she wrote as many excellent songs, so I guess that makes it even.

 

I really like TLC. The sound of the song clearly intended to present a feel of intoxication. Anyway, not really that much to it lyrically, but the sound just sits right with me. 4/5.

 

I like the song more than most of you. It's weird and kind of cool.

3.5/5

 

Our votes for TLC:

1-1
2-4
3-3
4-2
5-0
Average: 2.455

 

Today's song is "Goodnight Oslo", written by Robyn Hitchcock and produced and recorded by Kurt Bloch; overdubs recorded by Jessica Corcoran and Charlie Francis; mixed by Charlie Francis.

Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3 – Goodnight Oslo Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Robyn Hitchcock: vocals, guitar, keyboards
Peter Buck: guitar
Scott McCaughey: bass, vocals
Bill Rieflin: Drums, vocals
Jenny Adjayan: cello
Morris Windsor, Sean Nelson: vocals

 

This one of his greatest songs. It's a simple and repetitive riff but one which hooks you in and doesn't let go for the full mesmeric six minutes. I doubt too many of us will be describing this one as overlong; if anything I'd be happy if it went on forever. The playing creates a hypnotic, ghostly atmosphere which is perfectly suited to the wintry Scandinavian backdrop while the lyrics are absolutely fascinating, with their mixture of the philosophical and prosaic.

This was an absolute barnstormer live. I remember a gig at the Union Chapel featuring Jenny on cello; it finished the set in stunning style and left everyone spellbound and breathless as they headed for the exits.

Just before the pandemic last year I was lucky enough to travel on a ship along the Norwegian fjords, all the way from Bergen up into the Arctic Circle as far as the Russian border and I can see why RH has such a fondness for the country. The scenery is absolutely stunning, as is this song. The Venus 3's crowning moment.

Goodnight Oslo 5/5.

 

Well now we're talking, aren't we? One of his best tracks, and it has a kind of droning groove I always fall for....

5/5

 

I know what you mean Buzz. It has the same effect on me as Hexen Definitive/Strife Knot.

 

Less similar in many ways, but I think of And This Day...some Fallsters complain it's too long, but once that groove starts why would I want it to end?

 

Goodnight Oslo

The repetitive, hypnotic guitar arpeggios make this song. I also really like the way the song builds in intensity as it progresses. The cello is wonderful. But I wish I could make more of a connection to the lyrics. I struggle to build any kind of cohesive story from them, and since there is so little variation in the drone, I need something more to hang onto for this to be one I would feel compelled to play over and over.

4/5

 

Another great one, 4/5.