San Antonio Express-News
August 4, 1999
Robyn Hitchcock, Jewels for Sophia (Warner Bros.)
by Robert Johnson
He has a well-deserved reputation as an eccentric, which tends to obscure the British singer-songwriter's often superb Pop craftsmanship.
Hitchcock, who flirted with mainstream success in the late-'80s before going underground again, turns in a gently rocking set that's more accessible than the titles ("NASA Clapping", "The Cheese Alarm") would suggest. Corrosive fare such as "Viva Sea-Tac", his barbed tribute to the Pacific Northwest ("They've got the best computers and coffee and smack"), is balanced by the sparkling, driving "Sally was A Legend", his first collaboration in 18 years with ex-Soft Boy colleague Kimberley Rew.
A few throwaways, notably the "bonus" tracks, but lots of "jewels". ***¼
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