It's always problematic when a well-respected band's lead singer releases a solo album. The listener expects something different, but why would it be? Rob Crow's signature style has done him very well in Pinback and with the use of his voice in Clorox commercials, the time for conservatism is nigh. The title, Living Well, denotes a lack of inspiration—a self effacing hint to the listener that these will be songs of past doodling—a veritable unreleased Pinback smorgasbord.
That's what you're getting. These songs are not anything wild or inventive (outside of Crow's norm, anyway), but they are definitely not a disappointment. I would expect as much. Meeting my personal expectations is something Crow has been very good at in the past. In fact, the last five new records I've heard have been of this quality. Without going into it here, I've not been unimpressed with anything as of late. I'm toeing the line of mediocrity and sleeping it off nicely, I'd say. Rob Crow might agree.
Personal rambling to meet word requirements aside, there is little to be said for Living Well, but nothing to be said against. These blasé winter days are a required complaint. Meanwhile, with these songs plugging away in a nondescript background sort of way, it'll be warm again before you know it, friends. You'll be sitting on porches or laying in parks and this CD will be in a dust covered stack (or sitting dormant on yr I-Tunes) reminding you that it would be nice to be listening to new Pinback material soon—or wait. Maybe I'll just listen to these B-sides. |