Robyn and Emma's house
Details
- Date
- September 30, 2020
- Venue
- Robyn and Emma's house London, England
- Billed As
- Robyn Hitchcock & Emma Swift
- Gig Type
- Online
Set List
- Granny Hobsbawm part 2
- Unsettled Robyn solo
- Cold Irons Bound Bob Dylan Robyn solo
- Filthy Bird
- Madonna Of The Wasps
- Chelsea Hotel #2 Leonard Cohen Emma vocals
- City Of Shame
- Up To Our Nex
- Young People Scream
- Queen Elvis
Reviews
Review by Steve McGowan from Zub Records
Robyn opened the show with part 2 of the Three Directions story, getting surreal, and then really surreal. First song was ‘Unsettled’ from Globe Of Frogs, a driving version with a bit of a strange, quiet single note breakdown. After, Reg mentioned he was taking off his spectacles because “he didn’t want to see anymore.” Next request was something from Dylan’s Time Out Of Mind, released on this date 23 years ago. Robyn did a very good version of ‘Cold Irons Bound,’ in kind of a blues shuffle version, As usual with Dylan, Robyn’s melodic voice and clarity with the lyrics bring the song to life.
Emma Swift appeared, wearing “100% polyester” in tribute to the recently departed Helen Reddy, the famous Australian singer and 70’s feminist icon. The duo launched into ‘Filthy Bird,’ one of my favorite songs from Moss Elixir. They knocked it out of the park on this one. Emma talked about Robyn’s new haircut, no longer looking like Karl Lagerfeld. Going for the ‘raga’ intro, they did ‘Madonna Of The Wasps,’ another very strong Robyn tune only improved with Em’s singing.
They spoke of “energy vampire” Colin Robinson and the TV show What We Do In The Shadows,’ then Emma took a solo singing tour on Leonard Cohen’s ‘Chelsea Hotel #2,’ which was sad, beautiful, and amazing. They talked about Leonard Cohen, and the California fires. Emma asked if they had something “fun” to play, Reg said “no.” He did ‘City Of Shame’ from Black Snake Diamond Role, which was straightforward and wonderful. After they talked about Scott McCaughey and Bill Reiflin, and did ‘Up To Our Nex,’ from Goodnight Oslo, which was surprisingly poppy.
After a lengthy discussion of liquor and quarantine, Robyn played ‘Young People Scream,’ hitting a high note that made Emma laugh out loud. They closed out with ‘Queen Elvis,’ always one on their best, while Em held Ringo the cat. These two are relentlessly fun and always, always make me feel better. Thanks (Don’t Call Me) Reg and Em.
Robyn opened the show with part 2 of the Three Directions story, getting surreal, and then really surreal. First song was ‘Unsettled’ from Globe Of Frogs, a driving version with a bit of a strange, quiet single note breakdown. After, Reg mentioned he was taking off his spectacles because “he didn’t want to see anymore.” Next request was something from Dylan’s Time Out Of Mind, released on this date 23 years ago. Robyn did a very good version of ‘Cold Irons Bound,’ in kind of a blues shuffle version, As usual with Dylan, Robyn’s melodic voice and clarity with the lyrics bring the song to life.
Emma Swift appeared, wearing “100% polyester” in tribute to the recently departed Helen Reddy, the famous Australian singer and 70’s feminist icon. The duo launched into ‘Filthy Bird,’ one of my favorite songs from Moss Elixir. They knocked it out of the park on this one. Emma talked about Robyn’s new haircut, no longer looking like Karl Lagerfeld. Going for the ‘raga’ intro, they did ‘Madonna Of The Wasps,’ another very strong Robyn tune only improved with Em’s singing.
They spoke of “energy vampire” Colin Robinson and the TV show What We Do In The Shadows,’ then Emma took a solo singing tour on Leonard Cohen’s ‘Chelsea Hotel #2,’ which was sad, beautiful, and amazing. They talked about Leonard Cohen, and the California fires. Emma asked if they had something “fun” to play, Reg said “no.” He did ‘City Of Shame’ from Black Snake Diamond Role, which was straightforward and wonderful. After they talked about Scott McCaughey and Bill Reiflin, and did ‘Up To Our Nex,’ from Goodnight Oslo, which was surprisingly poppy.
After a lengthy discussion of liquor and quarantine, Robyn played ‘Young People Scream,’ hitting a high note that made Emma laugh out loud. They closed out with ‘Queen Elvis,’ always one on their best, while Em held Ringo the cat. These two are relentlessly fun and always, always make me feel better. Thanks (Don’t Call Me) Reg and Em.