Obliteration Pie
Robyn Hitchcock · 2005
53 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
An eclectic mix of surreal storytelling and melodic charm, blending folk-rock sensibilities with Hitchcock's signature wit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Madonna of the Wasps — The track opens the album with vivid imagery and a haunting melody, setting the stage for Hitchcock's unique blend of whimsy and darkness throughout the record.
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I Fall Into Your Eyes — This song encapsulates Hitchcock's ability to weave intimate emotion into clever lyrics, showcasing both vulnerability and charm that resonates deeply.
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My Wife and My Dead Wife — A standout track that juxtaposes humor and melancholy, it exemplifies Hitchcock's knack for exploring complex relationships through offbeat narratives.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical inventiveness and eclectic arrangements, though it lacks tight cohesion in its flow.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected key shifts.
- Hitchcock's lyrics often employ surreal imagery and storytelling, creating a whimsical yet introspective atmosphere throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with charm
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- quirky narratives for curious minds
- for relaxed afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Obliteration Pie marks Robyn Hitchcock's twelfth studio album, following his 2004 release, Spooked. At this point in his career, Hitchcock was enjoying a resurgence in creativity, drawing upon his extensive catalog while experimenting with new sounds and themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Soft Boys· They Might Be Giants· Squeeze
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Madonna of the Wasps 3:07
- 2 City of Women 4:29
- 3 I Fall Into Your Eyes 3:06
- 4 Arms of Love 3:55
- 5 A Man’s Gotta Know His Limitations, Briggs 5:42
- 6 Madelaine 2:58
- 7 Let the Sun Begin 3:42
- 8 My Dreams Are Scars 4:29
- 9 Frank Sinatra 1:58
- 10 My Wife and My Dead Wife 3:51
- 11 Chinese Bones 3:52
- 12 Funkytown 3:57
- 13 Butterfly 4:45
- 14 Queen Elvis 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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