If I could list one thing exceptional thing about this otherwise smalltime and insignificant blog, it's that it provides the most comprehensive Poppy Robbie coverage of any blog in existence. Should another blogger attempt to be a greater authority on Poppy Robbie's musical catalog, we will have to fight (and then most likely make peace while sharing a six-pack of root beer). Two years ago, I recounted the legend of a Poppy Robbie release so limited that only one copy was ever made. This collection of acoustic numbers was produced as a 2008 Valentine's Day gift for Robbie's then-girlfriend and now wife. At the time of my review, only one track had been made available for public consumption. Fans demanded more and wisely turned to their constitutional rights of assembly and petition. A letter-writing campaign ensued. Urgent requests were placed via landline telephone. Some hardy individuals camped outside of Robbie's home holding meticulously-crafted signs. And so in this month of May in the year 2022, Robbie has given the people what they want. Valentine EP (2008), in slightly abridged form, is available now from Bandcamp. Finally you can hear "Jamey Jamey (Hey Jamey!)" even if you're not Jamey. The highlight for me is "You Really Got Me (Tangled Up)," which sounds more like Jonathan Richman than anything Jonathan Richman has done in 30 years. On "Sincerely Yours," Robbie channels another Robbie: northern New Jersey's finest wedding singer of the mid-'80s. Two songs from the original release remain for Jamey's ears only. One is a Tom Petty cover which could not be included due to Bandcamp's new policies regarding the unauthorized uploading of copyrighted material (punishments range from literal beatings to being locked inside a Nickelback concert). The other omission is a joke song that lists every Kevin Costner movie appearance through 2007. Is it just me, or does that sound like something the world needs to hear?
Valentine EP (2008), certified to only contain material copyrighted by Poppy Robbie, is available as a name-your-price download from Bandcamp. While we may have to wait for the Kevin Costner song to see the light of day, Robbie has also uploaded a nifty unreleased track from 2012 called "Sophia" to his digital treasure chest. Anyone who has read this far must be a Poppy Robbie super-fan. Congratulations: you have exquisite taste!
-L.R.
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