The Rocket
July 8, 1998
Robyn Hitchcock
Crocodile Cafe, Seattle, 6/26; Two Bells Tavern, Seattle, 6/30
by Stewart A. Williams
Robyn Hitchcock's love of the Seattle area is no secret to those who've had the chance to catch his last two "Popsycle Shoppe Incident" shows at the Crocodile, which featured local luminaries such as Scott McCaughey, Peter Buck and Kurt Bloch, among others. At one point the British expatriate had even shacked up in Olympia for a year to hang out and record a 7-inch on K records. Those who expected yet another Hitch-fest at this particular Crocodile performance were treated to a solo Hitchcock turning impromptu tales and introductions of the fantastic. Strikingly handsome and tall, frequently brushing aside his long locks from his face and casually dressed in his familiar polka-dot shirt, Hitchcock rolled through a brisk set that covered old faves ("One Long Pair Of Eyes", "Victorian Squid"), unreleased music, Soft Boys tunes and one unusual selection originally performed by actor Guy Pearce of L.A. Confidential fame. His performance was an electrifying visit into the imagination of a man whose fascination with the ordinary and paranormal have become expected by those who hunger for his brilliant wordsmithing, lengthy and hilarious introductions, and some of the very finest guitar playing.
Those in the know had a chance to catch Hitchcock play a very intimate set for an enthusiastic crowd of local musicians and fans at the Two Bells a few days later. Though playing many of the same tunes from Friday's show, Hitchcock punctuated his 45-minute set with a beautiful cover of The Psychedelic Furs' "The Ghost In You" and that regional tribute to our very own Microsoft, coffee and heroin image -- "Viva SeaTac". Introducing it with an inspired homage to The Space Needle, claiming it is the actual final resting place of Elvis' invisible corpse (which unbeknownst to the general public rotates in some invisible casket at the very tip), he ended the song to a remarkably resounding and heartfelt round of applause. Though he may be the man who cannot smile, this reverence is ample evidence why this musical treasure delivers so much to his local fans. Do yourself a favor -- go see him next time he comes around.
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