I Wanna Go Backwards cover

I Wanna Go Backwards

Robyn Hitchcock · 2007

336 min · 102 tracks · alternative rock

Whimsical storytelling intertwines with eclectic melodies, capturing a playful yet introspective charm.

Why this album works

'I Wanna Go Backwards' is notable for its critical reception, often highlighting Hitchcock's witty lyrics and unique sound palette. The album reflects his influence on alternative rock and showcases his ability to blend surrealism with accessible tunes, contributing to his status as an enduring figure in the genre.
Best for
whimsical storytelling with depth playful introspection throughout tracks dynamic journey with varied pacing
Context
In 2007, Robyn Hitchcock was in the midst of a prolific phase, having released several albums since his debut in the late 1970s. 'I Wanna Go Backwards' marked a return to more personal songwriting after exploring various styles and collaborations. This album followed his 2005 release 'Spooked', showcasing his continued evolution as a solo artist.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 The Man Who Invented Himself Standout 2:59
  • 2 Brenda’s Iron Sledge 2:56
  • 3 Do Policemen Sing? 3:37
  • 4 The Lizard 5:03
  • 5 Meat 3:04
  • 6 Acid Bird Standout 4:42
  • 7 I Watch the Cars 2:26
  • 8 Out of the Picture 3:41
  • 9 City of Shame 3:23
  • 10 Love Standout 4:45
  • 11 All I Wanna Do Is Fall in Love 3:48
  • 12 A Skull, a Suitcase, and a Long Red Bottle of Wine 4:59
  • 13 It Was the Night 3:36
  • 14 I Watch the Cars No. 2 4:26
  • 15 Give Me a Spanner Ralph 2:38
  • 16 It’s a Mystic Trip 2:58
  • 17 Grooving on a Inner Plane 4:12
  • 18 Happy the Golden Prince 6:40

Disc 2

  • 1 Nocturne (Prelude) 1:39
  • 2 Sometimes I Wish I Was a Pretty Girl 1:58
  • 3 Cathedral 3:43
  • 4 Uncorrected Personality Traits 1:45
  • 5 Sounds Great When You’re Dead 3:23
  • 6 Flavour of Night 2:59
  • 7 Ye Sleeping Knights of Jesus 4:01
  • 8 This Could Be the Day 2:46
  • 9 Trams of Old London 3:29
  • 10 Furry Green Atom Bowl 3:16
  • 11 Heart Full of Leaves 2:30
  • 12 Autumn Is Your Last Chance 3:31
  • 13 I Often Dream of Trains 2:23
  • 14 Nocturne (Demise) 2:06
  • 15 Winter Love 2:39
  • 16 The Bones in the Ground 3:08
  • 17 My Favourite Buildings 2:48
  • 18 I Used to Say I Love You 4:32
  • 19 Chant / Aether 5:25
  • 20 Heart Full of Leaves (alternate version) 2:28
  • 21 I Often Dream of Trains (demo) 2:41
  • 22 Not Even a Nurse 2:31
  • 23 Slow Chant / That’s Fantastic Mother Church 2:15
  • 24 Traveller’s Fare 1:48

Disc 3

  • 1 Cynthia Mask 4:38
  • 2 Certainly Cliquot 2:15
  • 3 Queen Elvis 4:23
  • 4 Flesh Cartoons 4:22
  • 5 Chinese Water Python 2:12
  • 6 Executioner 3:45
  • 7 Linctus House 5:15
  • 8 Sweet Ghost of Light 3:09
  • 9 Transparent Lover 3:35
  • 10 Beautiful Girl 2:13
  • 11 Clean Steve 3:52
  • 12 Raining Twilight Coast 4:38
  • 13 Agony of Pleasure 2:25
  • 14 Glass Hotel 3:28
  • 15 Satellite 1:45
  • 16 Aquarium 4:20
  • 17 Queen Elvis II 4:37
  • 18 Century 2:18
  • 19 Shimmering Distant Love 3:20
  • 20 Lovers Turn to Skulls 1:40
  • 21 The Beauty of Earl’s Court 3:59

Disc 4

  • 1 She Reached for a Light 2:38
  • 2 August Hair 3:56
  • 3 Take Your Knife out of My Back 3:03
  • 4 Fiend Before the Shrine 2:03
  • 5 Raymond Chandler Evening 1:56
  • 6 Birdshead 2:52
  • 7 Victorian Squid 2:29
  • 8 You’ve Got 4:06
  • 9 Captain Dry 2:50
  • 10 Raining Twilight Coast 4:36
  • 11 Point It at Gran 2:00
  • 12 Vegetable Friend 2:13
  • 13 Flesh Number 1 2:42
  • 14 Surgery 2:40
  • 15 I Got a Message for You 3:06
  • 16 If I Could Look 1:12
  • 17 Parachutes & Jellyfish 3:05
  • 18 Queen Elvis 4:39
  • 19 Nothing 2:47
  • 20 Stranded in the Future 3:22
  • 21 Melting Arthur 3:13
  • 22 The Abandoned Brain 3:30
  • 23 You’re So Repulsive 3:32
  • 24 Opiatrescence 3:54

Disc 5

  • 1 September Cones 5:22
  • 2 Lovely Golden Villains 3:03
  • 3 Dr Sticky (live) 3:11
  • 4 Toadboy 3:50
  • 5 Trash 2:51
  • 6 Pit of Souls (country version) 5:58
  • 7 Mr Deadly 4:13
  • 8 Let There Be More Darkness 2:56
  • 9 Listening to the Higsons 2:45
  • 10 College of Ice 3:42
  • 11 My Favourite Buildings 3:13
  • 12 Lightplug 1:43
  • 13 Sleeping Knights of Jesus 4:14
  • 14 Insect Mother 1:44
  • 15 I Wanna Go Backwards 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata