 "Photo: Courtesy Yep Roc Records")
“Goodnight Oslo” is the most recent album from singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock and The Venus 3. Hitchcock has been on the music scene since 1976 and his music tends to reflect that time period. However, instead of feeling nostalgic, he manages to make it fresh and modern, as well.
This CD could be described in two words as “mellow” and “psychedelic.”
The songs “I’m Falling” and “16 Years” are perfect examples of this; both are melodic and slow. “16 Years” features some nice guitar and harmonica work, the latter most likely influenced by Bob Dylan.
However, the CD seems to awaken from its mellow stupor on several tracks. “Hurry for the Sun” is poppy, upbeat and catchy; as is “Saturday Groovers,” which also features wonderful use of a horn section and calls to mind ‘90s Brit-pop, in the way of Oasis.
The structure of “Up to Our Necks” makes it a standout song on the album. Its busy arrangement features a lot of instruments, including drums, horns and guitars. The song even briefly transforms near the middle, unlike the other songs, which maintain a certain stasis.
“Intricate Thing” is also an upbeat song that uses catchy, rhythmic percussion and an interesting guitar arrangement.
“TLC” is mellow in its own way. It sounds nostalgic, slow and sleepily romantic. The vocal arrangement is very soothing, and violins and horns are used to a fantastic effect.
The title-track — also the album’s final song — is a return to the former mellowness of before; it is as if the album is saying goodnight and puts itself to a peaceful rest. And, even though it is the longest song on the album, its simple arrangement and vocal work help to not make it feel as such.
The weakest songs on the CD are the first two: “What You Is” and “Your Head Here.” They have a ‘90s alternative-radio feel that does not mesh with the rest of the album’s ‘60s folk-pop vibe.
The first time listening, they are decent enough and might grow on the listener, but the repetition and drawing out of choruses becomes a bit annoying after a while.
These songs feel inorganic to the CD; they are more like the forgettable music that slips in and out of one’s subconscious while browsing items in a mall or reading over notes in a Starbucks. They are misleading as to what the CD really is and ultimately, and unfortunately, cheapen its effect.
Another weakness the album has is in its song lyrics. They are sometimes overly simplistic, repetitive and try too hard to rhyme at times.
Overall, “Goodnight Oslo” does not suffer too much from its setbacks. There is enough material to satisfy fans of alternative chill-out music.
Grade: B+
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