Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3

Goodnight Oslo

BY Daniel SylvesterPublished Feb 17, 2009

If you've been lucky enough to check out director Jonathan Demme's latest work, Rachel Getting Married, your attention may have been diverted by the film's charming wedding singer, played by English singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock. For those familiar with the 30-year career of the former Soft Boy, his character's psychedelic croon delivered a good interpretation of the Hitchcock persona. Goodnight Oslo, Robyn's 16th solo LP, shows the musician in good form and company, with his backing band the Venus 3, featuring Peter Buck of R.E.M., Scott McCaughey of Young Fresh Fellows and Bill Rieflin of Ministry. Songs like "16 Years" and "TLC" do much to support his paisley/Dylan guise but the addition of the Venus 3 (also appearing on his last LP, 2006's Ole Tarantula!), along with guest vocals from Colin Meloy of the Decemberists and Sean Nelson of Harvey Danger, keeps these songs from sounding recycled or stale, ranking Goodnight Oslo among Robyn's best.
(Yep Roc)

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