Pitchfork

Pretty much everything about this-- both the Nirvana-esque song, self-deprecating title and all, from Rob Crow's previously reported solo LP Living Well (out January 23 on Temporary Residence), and the accompanying video, directed by Wormwood Films' Matt Hoyt (Goblin Cock, Pinback, the Black Heart Procession)-- harkens back to a time when indie rock was more innocent. The early 90s, say?

While the action is a little difficult to follow, it seems Rob's the kind of guy who walks into parties and causes all conversation to dry up for a few awkward seconds. Here he puts on a cracked-out puppet show (that recalls, in a way, old MTV/Nickelodeon promos), hijacks a surgical procedure (um, is that mic connected to an intestine?), crashes a mob dinner, and tackles Kenny G's grunge-era cousin. It's all quite goofy and harmless, a throwback to a time when humor (and, perhaps, music) wasn't trying to be so damned cool and sophisticated.

Crow takes Living Well for a tour of the U.S. beginning on Valentine's Day, and treats his San Diego-area pals to a special instore acoustic performance on the record's release date, January 23. The event goes down at Lou's Records in Encinitas, California, and Crow will be signing autographs. Folks who preorder Living Well from Lou's website can score a special autographed poster as well.

Crow's migration:

02-14 San Diego, CA - Casbah
02-15 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
02-16 San Francisco, CA - Mezzanine
02-17 Arcata, CA - Humboldt State University
02-18 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
02-19 Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
02-22 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St Entry
02-23 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
02-24 Milwaukee, WI - Mad Planet
02-26 Cleveland Heights, OH - Grog Shop
02-28 Cambridge, MA - T.T. the Bear's Place
03-03 Philadelphia, PA - North Star Bar
03-04 Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel