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The Man Upstairs

Robyn Hitchcock

The Man Upstairs

Album number twenty from the psych folk singer-songwriter and former Soft Boys frontman is a mix of originals and covers

ADM rating[?]

6.9

Label
Yep Roc
UK Release date
25/08/2014
US Release date
26/08/2014
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  1. 8.5 |   The Quietus

    His finest work in years, the opening three songs are stunning, mesmerising even, in their intimate beauty
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  2. 8.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    For an album where half its songs are covers, it’s one of the most personal-sounding albums he’s ever made
    Read Review

  3. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    A mix of original material and cover versions, recorded by Joe Boyd in a stripped down, austere manner that recalls Johnny Cash‘s majestic American Recordings sessions
    Read Review

  4. 8.0 |   Uncut

    A largely acoustic confection of sombre originals and tastefully selected covers. Print edition only
    Read Review

  5. 8.0 |   Mojo

    Covers and more from free-range singer songwriter. Print edition only

  6. 7.5 |   Paste Magazine

    Ultimately, Hitchcock knows how to find and deliver the simple essence of a beautiful song
    Read Review

  7. 6.7 |   Consequence Of Sound

    It’s Hitchcock’s flair as a performer that carries The Man Upstairs from start to finish
    Read Review

  8. 6.3 |   Pitchfork

    The Man Upstairs has warmth and charm galore, but it needs someone, anyone, reaching down to more strongly pull the strings
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  9. 6.0 |   Rolling Stone

    Blends Hitchcock's gruffly expressive voice with acoustic guitars, melancholy cello and gentle harmonies from Norway's Anne Lise Frøkedal, often to gorgeous effect
    Read Review

  10. 6.0 |   Q

    He deftly blends his own compositions with covers. Print edition only

  11. 6.0 |   PopMatters

    Beautifully rendered by Boyd’s production and its players’ contributions, The Man Upstairs is a beguiling diversion for Hitchcock, the forever odd bird
    Read Review

  12. 5.5 |   Under The Radar

    The mood is dourly dreamy, and aside from occasional interjections of delay, reverb, and backing vocals, the focus remains on Hitchcock's voice and acoustic guitar
    Read Review

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Robyn Hitchcock: The Man Upstairs

  • Download full album for just £7.99
  • 1. The Ghost In You £0.99
  • 2. San Francisco Patrol £0.99
  • 3. To Turn You On £0.99
  • 4. Trouble In Your Blood £0.99
  • 5. Somebody To Break Your Heart £0.99
  • 6. Don't Look Down £0.99
  • 7. Ferries £0.99
  • 8. Comme Toujours £0.99
  • 9. The Crystal Ship £0.99
  • 10. Recalling the Truth £0.99
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