Robyn Hitchcock

More of a collaboration with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings than a solo piece, Spooked features a warm, intimate feel that Hitchcock hasn't reached in at least a decade. The duo's expert playing and singing supply a strong pillar for Hitchcock's witty songs, particularly on the delicate "Television."

This ex-Soft Boy's recent solo work is the kind of stuff that maintains a cult following but
won't do much else, thanks to his meandering Syd Barrett lyrics, croaked melodies and
well-trod folkie-isms. The bright spots on Spooked come from David Rawlings' production
and guest spots: It's about as country- soulful as an old British indie guy can get.