Robyn Hitchcock & The Venue 3 // Goodbye Oslo

England's acclaimed singer, guitarist and songwriter Robyn Hitchcock has returned to music after an absence of three years with a new album, "Goodnight Oslo". It's on the short side - only ten songs - but not a moment is wasted and it is welcome return. Hitchcock always seems to be the darling of the critics but never seems to transcend into the big time. It's not apparent that this will now happen but it's a good album nevertheless. Long time cohorts Peter Buck (REM), Scott McCaughey and Bill Rieflin add their weight and it is a well crafted record with no "album tracks". The languid opener "What you is" sets a relaxed tone and this is followed by the jangling "Your head here", with echoes of an experimental Ian Dury. Hitchcock seems to have aged well and come to terms with things in his almost dotage. Saturday Groovers is an almost Kinks-esque experiment and you can't help but smile, however twee the chorus! Notable other tracks are Upto our Nex and Intricate Thing, celebrating the complexities of love and happiness. There are sixties influences throughout and it ends on a high, with the wistful title track Goodnight Oslo, celebrating the carnage of youth and the way humans (or Hitchcock) carry on regardless. All songs are co-written or written by Robyn and whilst it may not be anything new, it's a pleasurable listen and it's good to have him back.