Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3 with Adam Levy (review and slideshow) at The Varsity Theater on 4/19/09

By: David de Young

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Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 with opener Adam Levy. Slideshow by Jenn Barnett, set to “What You Is” by Robyn Hitchcock from Good Night, Olso.

I haven’t missed a local Robyn Hitchcock show in maybe 20 years, and this one was up there with the best of them, a perfect mixture of old and new songs that demonstrated without a doubt this great songwriter (called the “Alternative Dylan” last week by CNN) is still writing classic songs and delivering exquisite, memorable performances treasured by fans worldwide.

I got chills and could not help but sing along to myself during “I Often Dream of Trains.” “Television” also cut straight into me, and “Madonna of The Wasps” was surely another set highlight, though Hitchcock fans each have their own favorites, and I’m sure this show was a different experience for everyone. I heard similar positive responses from both longtime Robyn fans and those who seeing him for the first time.

Hitchcock engaged in his traditional local chit chat that included asking about the Nicollet Mall and The Foshay Tower and giving the requisite shout out to Minneapolis writer Jim Walsh, who was in attendance as always. Hitchcock also gave serious props to Erik Stromstad of the Varsity Theater who was running sound on the Varsity’s new Wi-Fi enabled soundboard that can be controlled (including monitors) via laptop from anywhere in the club. Hitchcock’s lavish praise of Stromstad included a story where he said he’d arrived to find Erik sitting lotus position on the floor meditating upon a blanket of rose petals. The story was so full of details I cannot remember them all, but I hazard to guess it’s the best shout out Erik Stromstad has ever received and likely ever will.

The satisfying 16 song set (reproduced below as best I can figure it – corrections welcome!) included 3 encores and closed with the title track of Hitchock’s latest album Good Night, Olso.

Videos from this show:

• I Got The Hots
• The Authority Box
• The Lizard
• Goodnight Olso

(See also Robert Loerzel's review and photos of the Chicago show on Underground Bee.)
Varsity Theater Set List, Sunday, April 19^th, 2009

1. She Belongs to Me (Bob Dylan)
2. I Often Dream of Trains
3. What You Is
4. Brenda’s Iron Sledge
5. Out of the Picture
6. Saturday Groovers
7. Television
8. TLC
9. Vibrating
10. Only The Stones Remain
11. Hurry For The Sky
12. Madonna of the Wasps
13. Up To Our Nex
14. Beautiful Queen
15. Creeped Out
16. New York Doll

1. The Lizard
   
2. Kingdom of Love
3. Good Night Olso

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Location Info: The Varsity Theater
Artist Info: Robyn Hitchcock

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