Album Notes

Von Robinson & His Own Universe (VR&HOU) truly has created a universe of its own with a refreshing sense of contagious optimism inherent in the work. Robinson has pegged a sound that has more Beatles, Elvis Costello, & Elliott Smith sensibility than one should dare to shake a stick at, and whooped it into a Elephant 6 Collective modernity.
Von writes big, melodic, driving pop-tastic tunes, infused with intelligent and darkly-humorous lyrics. Influenced by his fellow Hoosier, Kurt Vonnegut. Jr., Von’s songs resonate respect for the softer qualities of individuals and offer resistance to man-made establishments that distort and devalue those qualities. More accessible than your typical protest songwriter, Von uses pop to connect, jostling the populous with pop.
Von began writing music in the 80’s. After design school, he had a successful career as an industrial designer, but 21st century world affairs got him writing, again. His new songs drew the attention of several Brooklyn producers, leading to the Jostle It!#¢ sessions and the formation of His Own Universe, a highly talented group of recent jazz school grads.
Given the political climate and eagerness of the public to discover the subversive next big thing, Jostle It!#¢ is a much-needed breath of optimism for a vast audience.

REVIEWS of Jostle It!#¢

“Von Robinson is best described as a musical force of nature with a mission. "Satellites and Totem Poles" is not just a great melodic slice of genius, but a scathing political commentary as well… Just think, this is his first EP - I am just drooling in anticipation of a full length album. He is a really accessible artist and I hope you buy his album and encourage him to make more great music!” Powerpopaholic

"On their debut EP, Von Robinson & His Own Universe have crafted a political outcry album like no other in that it’s total sugar pop, a la Elvis Costello. The arrangements and vocals are sunny and pleasant and the songs are weighty, but don’t press down on you with urgency. For an album that contains lyrics like “The leaders went to rape the planet” and “If you see love as a non-renewable resource/You’ll understand greed”, it’s amazing how POPPY this record is. It almost fools you, it really does. No doubt, though, that this is socially conscious material. It isn’t all press hype. Von Robinson has something to say… There’s a message here and a brilliant packaging made perfect for singing along to. It’s not propaganda, but it’s also propaganda at its best." Mitch Michaels, 411mania

"It sounds like pop. It reads like poetry. This is such heavy social commentary delivered with a surprisingly subtle hand. This is a smart recording. It is worth understanding the message of the artist." Neo-zine

"These sleek, harmonious pop rockers bridge the gap (very neatly I must say), between 80's New Wave and current pop punk bands like Bowling for Soup, or The Raconteurs." Pop Vulture