Robyn Hitchcock / Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3
March 22, 2010
Robyn Hitchcock doesn't really make bad albums, but he doesn't always make legitimately great ones; Propellor Time thankfully feels like one of the high-watermarks of his post-millennial body of work, and it's beautiful, essential listening
October, 1974
Magician is an album that deftly mixes originals with more standard fare. What makes this great is that Garner isn't swimming against the current of stodgy classics. To denote the changing times, some of the standards are from close to when the album was recorded. Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "(They Long to Be) Close to You" and "Watch What Happens'' get an effortless and warm treatment. Garner's playing is lively throughout, and he's obviously in good spirits (as his trademark grunts are the best indication).