Robyn Hitchcock Sometimes Dreams Of Norway, Sometimes Dreams Of Oscar

Fresh off a tour playing his classic I Often Dream Of Trains, original Fegmaniac Robyn Hitchcock says hello on February 17 with Goodnight Oslo (Yep Roc), another outing with the Venus 3: Peter Buck (Tuatara) on guitar, Scott McCaughey (Young Fresh Fellows, Minus 5, R.E.M.) on bass and drummer Bill Rieflin (Ministry, R.E.M.). Goodnight Oslo also features vocals from Colin Meloy (Decemberists) and Sean Nelson (Harvey Danger, Long Winters).

While you can discount talk of the fairly mellow Goodnight Oslo being one of the best records of his storied career, there’s still plenty of Hitchcock’s usual weird, wonderful psych/folk rock, mixed with something akin to optimism from a guy who’s penned the occasional dark tune. “These songs are largely about breaking out of a negative cycle and believing that change can happen,” Hitchcock says. “It’s not a recovery album or a therapy album per se—it’s just a sign to the exit.”

In other Hitchcock news, “Up To Our Nex,” the track he wrote and performs in Jonathan Demme’s excellent Rachel Getting Married, is one of 49 songs eligible for Oscar nominations this year. Other eligible artists include Bruce Springsteen (The Wrestler), Regina Spektor (The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian), Peter Gabriel (WALL•E ), Jon Brion (Synecdoche, New York), M.I.A. (Slumdog Millionaire) and Jack White/Alicia Keys (Quantum Of Solace).

Goodnight Oslo U.K. tour dates after the jump.

Goodnight Oslo U.K. Tour Dates
February 7 — ABC2 — Glasgow
February 8 — Academy 2 — Newcastle
February 10 — Brudenell Social Club — Leeds
February 11 — Glee Club — Birmingham
February 12 — Union Chapel — London
February 13 — The Met — Bury
February 14 — South Hill Park Arts Centre — Bracknell
February 16 — Komedia — Brighton
February 17 — The Junction— Cambridge
February 18 — The Fleece — Bristol
February 19 — The Globe— Cardiff