Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 opened up their set at the Varsity Sunday night with a nod to one time Dinkytown resident Bob Dylan, playing a cover of Dylan’s “She Belongs to Me.”
The Venus 3, Hitchcock’s latest backing band, includes Peter Buck of R.E.M. on guitar, Scott McCaughey of the Young Fresh Fellows on bass and Bill Rieflin on drums.
I haven’t missed a Twin Cities Robyn Hitchcock show in maybe 20 years, and this one was up there with the best, a perfect mixture of old and new songs that demonstrated without a doubt that 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 “I Often Dream of Trains.” “Television” also cut straight into me, and “Madonna of the Wasps” was 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 Hitchcock fans and those 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 in the 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:
(See also Robert Loerzel’s review and photos of the Chicago show on Underground Bee.)
Varsity Theater Set List, Sunday, April 19th, 2009
- She Belongs to Me (Bob Dylan)
- I Often Dream of Trains
- What You Is
- Brenda’s Iron Sledge
- Out of the Picture
- Saturday Groovers
- Television
- TLC
- Vibrating
- Only The Stones Remain
- Hurry For The Sky
- Madonna of the Wasps
- Up To Our Nex
- Beautiful Queen
- Creeped Out
- New York Doll
(I Got The Hots was also in here somewhere)
Encore:
- The Lizard
- Kingdom of Love
- Good Night Olso