The Rocket
November 21, 1996
Billy Bragg, Robyn Hitchcock, Moore Theater, Seattle
by Chris Nickson
It was the best of shows, it was the well-above-average of shows. Robyn traversed the ether and Billy kept his feet on the ground. There was talk, laughter -- and even some music -- to pass the night.
But seriously, folks. Hitchcock was magic. He put "The Wind Cries Mary" into an acoustic setting (with harmonica) and raided his own material, past and present, for a glorious set highlighted by a cascading "Glass Hotel" -- which could have been marketed as Essence of Psychedelia. He finished with an encore that included a Blues piece about cheese (blue cheese, perhaps?).
Billy, obviously hoarse, took awhile to get up a head of steam, but a day after the election was a perfect time to have him here. The audience listened, loved it, and was more-than-happy to banter as he slagged off baseball, American football, and politics. He's one of the lads with a politically-correct face that doesn't stop him from having a good time. There was a stroll through the greatest hits, large chunks of the new album, and an electric version of "The Times They are A-'Changin'" that dripped anger.
Bragg does Dylan -- the guard changes.
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