Happy New Year

A sombre start to 2008 following the untimely death of Phil O'Donnell. May he rest in peace.


Sartorial Records in London are releasing, Shadow Cat (in honour of Robyn's cat Figgy), a compilation of rare Robyn Hitchcock recordings from the mid-to-late Nineties. One track Statue With A Walkman was the extra track on Robyn's eponymous sampler on Sequel from 1995. Another track, Green Boy, was on A Star For Bram, itself a series of outtakes from Jewels For Sophia. With the exception of his cover of The Wind Cries Mary the remaining tracks are all originals and unreleased. Full details of the track-listing can be had in my Music Latest section. The CD can be had for 18 pounds including p&p direct from Robyn's website but I got my copy for a tenner with free postage direct from Sartorial on ebay.

This continues Robyn's clearing of the vaults and comes hot on the heels of the 5-disc opus, I Wanna Go Backwards (IWGB), and pre-dates another Yep Roc release of material from The Egyptians era.

If you have the patience for transAtlantic shopping I would highly recommend Yep Roc as a slick, smart and modern supplier. All purchases come with the exact same in digitital download format. Look out for special offers and the occasional freebie in your package.

I intend to review IWGB over the coming Celtic-free weekend with Shadow Cat to follow on receipt. If anyone has any questions on Yep Roc or Robyn Hitchcock I will do my best to help.


God rest Phil O'Donnell, 1972-2007.