With its absurd melange of forest animals and bizarre characters, Robyn Hitchcock's impressive solo debut owes much to rock absurdist Syd Barrett. The driving block chords of "The Man Who Invented Himself" introduce the record with joyful ease, a perfect kickoff to Hitchcock's impressive collection of chipper, brilliantly bizarre psyche pop. If it occasionally brings to mind Hitchcock's old band, the Soft Boys, it's because the personnel includes Soft Boys' bassist Andy Metcalfe and drummer Morris Windsor.